VK News Today https://validator.w3.org/feed/docs/rss2.html Congo River releases 40,000 cubic metres of freshwater into the Atlantic every second. Scientists trace where it goes 17,625 tablets in 64 hours: China’s Agibot completes world’s first livestream of humanoid robots inspecting production line with 99% accuracy Hyderabad man quits Amazon to become an taxi driver and the reason is truly a brave one ‘Have they house arrested her?’ TMC cries ‘super emergency’ over Mamata security America’s snake capital: This US state has the most venomous snakes in the country (and it’s not Texas) Representative image NEW DELHI: For the second time in the past 11 months, country’s automobile majors have come to back govt’s mandatory 20% blending of ethanol in petrol (E20) — amid some genuine concerns and some misinformation surrounding the adverse impact of E20 on vehicles that were manufactured before April 2023. TOI looks at why the controversy is on.Mileage/Consumers complaintsFor most vehicle owners, mileage still remains the key factor while buying a vehicle. There have been numerous complaints that the mileage of vehicles has dropped since the full roll out of E20 — an issue not just flagged on social media, rather a common talking point in workplaces, and at social gatherings. Govt and automobile companies have maintained that there is 3-4% reduction in mileage due to E20 fuel in vehicles that are non-compliant. They refer to findings of a study conducted by Automotive Research Association of India (ARAI), Indian Oil Corporation and SIAM in 2021. It said fuel consumption of vehicles with E20 increases 2-6% compared to E10, and the percentage varies from vehicle to vehicle.However, vehicle owners don’t buy this, as the real mileage loss is more. They need to buy more E20 and that too without any reduction in price to compensate for mileage loss. Automobile companies and govt have maintained that mileage depends on factors, including tyre pressure, driving pattern, gear selection, and vehicle maintenance.Impact on vehicle engine and materialsGovt and vehicle manufacturers have referred to ARAI report of 2021 to refute claims of impact of E20 fuel on vehicles. The report said there was “no significant discoloration or pitting or any other type of corrosion” in any metallic components tested. The full report, which TOI has seen, concluded that “fuel system material coupons made of a certain elastomer (rubber) like NBR-PVC blend performed inferior with E20 compared to E10”. It added that as per SIAM, “rubber parts for fuel system components used in vehicles, such as hoses, gaskets/ seals and O-rings are showing deterioration and may need replacement for using E20”.India’s E20 programmeIndia achieved 20% ethanol blending in April 2025, ahead of the earlier target of 2030, meaning normal petrol at every pump has 20% ethanol. People involved in govt’s ethanol blending programme say had the target not been pushed, almost all E0 (100% petrol) vehicles manufactured prior to 2012 and a large share of E10 (10% ethanol) compliant vehicles manufactured from 2013 onwards would have completed 15 years.However, the significance and benefit of E20 caught attention after the US-Israel attack on Iran disrupted global fuel supply and pushed crude prices. Govt has said ethanol blending programme has reduced oil imports by 4.5 lakh barrels per year and saved foreign exchange.Why controversy at peak nowWhile some parts of the country started getting E20 early, availability across the nation was achieved only in April 2025. So, the number of complaints about drop in mileage and other negative impacts have increased. The impacts are more in case of vehicles manufactured before 2012.Bureau of Indian Standards (BIS) notifying fuel standards for E22, E25, E27 and E30 has further raised the speculation of govt increasing mandatory blending. Officials are tight-lipped about where and when this decision was taken. However, govt has maintained any further increase in ethanol blending will be done after proper research and due consultation with stakeholders. Higher blending would even impact E20 vehicles.Can govt give option of 100% petrol & E20 at pumps for consumers to optAfter going for mandatory 20% ethanol blending there is hardly any possibility of going back. However, experts say govt should go for higher blends of ethanol as an optional fuel at stations so that vehicles that are compatible can go for them, something similar to the practice in Brazil. Get the latest India news and live updates. Download the TOI App.End of ArticleFollow Us On Social MediaVideos’Super Emergency’: TMC Claims Police Barricaded Mamata Banerjee’s House Before Baruipur VisitBadrinath-Kedarnath Temple Committee Forms 4-Member Panel To Probe Donation Irregularity ClaimsMumbai Monsoon Horror: 63-Year-Old Dies After Tree Falls On ShopCentre Denies Reports That Bhutan Rejected India’s E20 Petrol ProposalPoJK Protesters Seek Help From India’s Jammu, Kashmir & Ladakh Regions Amid Pakistan’s CrackdownPrashant Kishor To Finally Contest Bankipur Bypoll, Jan Suraaj Names Founder As CandidateWhy Did China Reacted Sharply To Japan PM Sanae Takaichi’s India Visit?Govt Cracks Down on Meta Over Alleged Child Sexual Abuse-Linked Instagram Ads, Seeks Reply in 7 DaysMamata Reassumes TMC Leadership As Dilip Ghosh Claims Party Is Crumbling Amid ResignationsWhy Adani’s $1.4 Billion Vizhinjam Port Stake Sale To MSC Has Triggered A Political Row123PhotostoriesIs it normal forgetfulness or Alzheimer’s disease? 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Election Commission set to decide high-stakes battle NEW DELHI: The battle for control of the Trinamool Congress (TMC) is set to enter a decisive phase on Monday, with the rival camps led by West Bengal former CM Mamata Banerjee and Ritabrata Banerjee expected to submit documents before the Election Commission (EC) to stake claim over the party’s name, election symbol, organisational structure and assets.The confrontation marks one of the biggest political crises in the party’s 28-year history and is expected to determine which faction will be recognised as the ‘real’ Trinamool Congress.The Election Commission has directed both camps to submit organisational records, supporting documents and evidence of control over the party by 5.30 pm on July 6, after hearing preliminary submissions from both sides last week.Battle over symbol, headquarters and organisational controlAt the centre of the dispute is the TMC’s iconic grass-and-flowers election symbol, along with the party’s organisational assets, finances and headquarters, all of which have become subjects of competing claims following an escalating rebellion after the party’s defeat in the West Bengal assembly elections.The Mamata Banerjee-led faction is expected to rely on the party’s founding legacy, organisational continuity and existing structure. The rival faction led by Ritabrata Banerjee is expected to argue that it enjoys majority support among elected representatives and therefore represents the legitimate leadership.The crisis, which began as a legislative revolt, has now evolved into a full-fledged organisational battle.Last month, the rebel camp convened a special session, elected senior MLA Arup Roy as its chairperson and announced a parallel national leadership structure, claiming that the existing leadership had lost the confidence of the majority of elected representatives.The dissident faction first demonstrated its strength when 58 of the TMC’s 80 MLAs backed Ritabrata Banerjee’s claim to the post of Leader of the Opposition instead of the candidate supported by Mamata Banerjee. The faction now claims it has the support of around 65 MLAs.The rebellion has also spread to Parliament. 20 Lok Sabha MPs, led by Kakoli Ghosh Dastidar, aligned themselves with the Nationalist Citizens Party of India (NCPI), weakening Mamata’s position in Parliament and strengthening the dissidents’ claim of political legitimacy.Trinamool Bhavan takeover escalates disputeThe organisational battle intensified further on Friday when the Ritabrata-led faction took control of Trinamool Bhavan, the party’s operational headquarters in Kolkata.The rebel leaders changed the locks, installed fresh posters and declared that the office would now function as their organisational headquarters.The takeover came a day after the faction met Chief Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar and the two Election Commissioners in New Delhi to press its claim over the party’s leadership, symbol, organisational structure and assets.”We have gathered all documentary evidence and will place it before the commission. We are confident the decision will be based on facts, numbers and organisational legitimacy,” a senior leader of the Ritabrata camp said.The Mamata Banerjee camp has strongly objected to the rebels’ claims, arguing that leaders expelled from the party cannot represent it before the Election Commission.Senior leaders from the Kalighat camp are expected to present their counter-claims before the poll panel on Monday.A senior leader from the Mamata Banerjee faction said the party’s organisational structure remained intact despite the rebellion.”The TMC was built by Mamata Banerjee and continues to be led by her. A temporary numerical shift among some elected representatives cannot erase the party’s organisational continuity or its connection with workers and supporters across Bengal,” the leader said.The dissident camp, however, maintained that the dispute would ultimately be decided by the ‘test of majority’.”We have compiled all documentary evidence and are ready to place it before the commission. The facts and numbers speak for themselves. We have nothing to fear from a transparent process,” another senior leader of the rebel faction said.Mamata Banerjee confident of retaining party symbolSpeaking during a Facebook Live interaction on Saturday, Mamata Banerjee dismissed concerns over the party symbol and expressed confidence that the faction would retain it.”I don’t care about the party symbol, although I know they won’t be able to snatch it away. They will not succeed since I will dangle the symbol from my neck and reach out to the people. Many have betrayed the party and walked away. They won only because I signed on their nomination papers. At the BJP’s behest, they have betrayed the party,” she said.In an apparent reference to Chief Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar, she added, “But even if they use ‘Vanish Kumar’ to snatch away the party symbol, they will not be able to silence my voice. Individuals may leave, but an institution does not cease to exist.”Background: How the crisis beganThe dispute intensified after the Ritabrata Banerjee-led faction approached the Election Commission seeking recognition as the legitimate Trinamool Congress and staking claim over the party’s name and election symbol.The crisis has deepened steadily since the TMC’s defeat in the 2026 West Bengal assembly elections.On Friday, the Mamata Banerjee-led faction accused the rival camp of illegally taking over Trinamool Bhavan and lodged a police complaint alleging criminal trespass.TMC MP Kalyan Banerjee described the dissidents as ‘criminal trespassers’ and warned that the party would pursue legal action. “They are criminal trespassers. They started the game and we will finish it. We will go to court,” he said.Senior leaders, including Kunal Ghosh and Madan Mitra, accused the police and central forces of allowing the rebel faction to occupy the office and alleged that the dissidents were acting at the BJP’s behest.Meanwhile, the Ritabrata Banerjee faction maintained that it had completed all formalities with the owners of the premises and declared that Trinamool Bhavan would function as its organisational headquarters.With both camps now claiming control over the party’s organisation, assets and symbol, Monday’s submissions before the Election Commission are expected to mark the beginning of a crucial legal and political battle that could determine who carries forward the legacy of the Trinamool Congress.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 MediaVideosMumbai Monsoon Horror: 63-Year-Old Dies After Tree Falls On ShopCentre Denies Reports That Bhutan Rejected India’s E20 Petrol ProposalPoJK Protesters Seek Help From India’s Jammu, Kashmir & Ladakh Regions Amid Pakistan’s CrackdownPrashant Kishor To Finally Contest Bankipur Bypoll, Jan Suraaj Names Founder As CandidateWhy Did China Reacted Sharply To Japan PM Sanae Takaichi’s India Visit?Govt Cracks Down on Meta Over Alleged Child Sexual Abuse-Linked Instagram Ads, Seeks Reply in 7 DaysMamata Reassumes TMC Leadership As Dilip Ghosh Claims Party Is Crumbling Amid ResignationsWhy Adani’s $1.4 Billion Vizhinjam Port Stake Sale To MSC Has Triggered A Political RowWhy the NDA Still Faces an Uphill Battle to Pass the Women’s Reservation Bill Despite Higher Numbers8 Officials Suspended After Books Allegedly Glorifying Separatists : J&K School Book Row123PhotostoriesSonam Kapoor’s Punit Balana look had more drama than Anshula Kapoor’s mehendi playlist, and we loved every bit of itTop 5 most active dog breeds5 grasslands in India where the monsoon feels magical5 things to expect at India’s widest waterfall during the monsoonHigh cholesterol often has no symptoms, says AHA: These 10 guidelines could help protect your heartPersonality test: Only the first thing you notice in this illusion reveals your true hidden strengthAamir Khan weds Gauri Spratt: Before saying ‘I Do,’ Aamir Khan dropped these 5 surprisingly honest quotes on loveFrom Krushna Abhishek’s California house to Vicky Jain’s Rs 50 crore home: Celebrities who own several luxurious properties5 best hair oils for frizzy locks during monsoon that actually tame humidityPersonality test: The first detail that you spot in this optical illusion reveals a surprising truth about you123Hot PicksNHL Trade RumorHarrison ButkerTaylor and Travis Wedding PhotosIndia Passport Ranking SlipsBSUSC applicationsMumbai rainDelhi MurderBrittany MahomesTrumpTop TrendingNHL TradeDelhi rainBrittany MahomesFIFA World Cup 2026Mamata BanerjeeBengaluru Capgemini DaycareKetan AgarwalFrance FIFA World CupNFL Trade RumorVozinha As Aamir Khan marries Gauri Spratt, here’s all you need to know about her journey as an entrepreneur with an estimated net worth of Rs 40 crore Mangroves quietly remove $8.7 billion worth of nitrogen pollution every year, study finds USA@250: One nation, under construction Spain has an island where people speak entirely through whistles, full sentences travel across kilometres of mountain valleys, and every child still learns the language in school 15 India-bound ships carrying urea, DAP and sulphur cross Hormuz: Govt Why Siberia’s lakes sometimes explode, leaving behind giant craters in the frozen Arctic When hate crashed US birthday party Quote of the day by Winston Churchill: “I am prepared to meet my Maker. Whether my Maker is prepared for the great ordeal of meeting me is another matter.” | World News ‘Political vendetta’: Congress vows to block Bill seeking automatic removal of PM, CMs after 30 days in jail | India News Jul 05, 2026, 20:33 IST History for Ellyse Perry! Australia star equals all-time Women’s T20 World Cup record | Cricket News Greek proverb of the day: “A society grows great when old men plant trees whose shade they know they shall…” – a powerful lesson on sacrifice, legacy and building for those who come after | An 11-foot king cobra was rescued after a tense encounter, showing how trained rescuers handle one of the world’s most dangerous snakes without harming it Pakistan air force captain gunned down in broad daylight while rescuing woman Indian missions in UAE launch online appointment system for passport, visa services amid transition Ram Temple in Ayodhya NEW DELHI: Communist Party of India (Marxist) MP John Brittas has urged the Centre to reconsider its decision to keep the Shri Ram Janambhoomi Teerth Kshetra Trust, which manages the Ram Temple complex in Ayodhya, outside the ambit of the Right to Information (RTI) Act.In a letter to Union home minister Amit Shah dated July 4, Brittas argued that bringing the trust under the RTI Act would “serve the interest of transparency and public accountability.” Watch ‘Unfortunate, We Are All Hurt’: RSS Issues First Statement On Ayodhya Ram Temple ‘Donation Theft’The Shri Ram Janmbhoomi Teerth Kshetra Trust is at the centre of a controversy over the alleged embezzlement of donations offered by devotees at the Ram Temple.Brittas noted that after the Supreme Court’s November 2019 Ayodhya verdict, that paved the way for the Ram Temple’s construction, the Centre framed the scheme governing the Trust, constituted it through a gazette notification, and vested it with the acquired land. He also highlighted that 12 of its 15 members were initially nominated by the government.Referring to the Central Information Commission’s (CIC) June 6, 2025, order holding that the Trust is not a “public authority” under the RTI Act, he argued that the decision relied largely on the Union home ministry’s stand and urged the ministry to review its position.The Rajya Sabha member contended that the Centre’s argument that the Trust was not “established or constituted” by a government notification simply because the notification was issued in compliance with the Supreme Court’s directions deserved reconsideration. He pointed out that Section 2(h)(d) of the RTI Act makes no distinction between a notification issued independently by the government and one issued pursuant to a judicial direction.He also highlighted the Trust’s governing framework, which includes serving IAS officers representing the Centre and the Uttar Pradesh government, reflecting the government’s continuing institutional association with its administration.”While these representatives may not enjoy voting rights, their statutory inclusion in the governing framework reflects the public character of the institution and the Government’s continuing institutional association with its administration,” Brittas wrote.He argued that the governmental presence cannot be ignored in determining whether the Trust should be subject to the RTI Act.”The public character of the Trust also arises from the nature of the functions entrusted to it. It administers one of the country’s most revered religious institutions, manages land acquired under a Parliamentary enactment and vested through government notification, and receives contributions from millions of devotees across India and abroad,” he said.The CPM leader argued that the “extraordinary confidence” reposed in the Trust by the public carries an equally compelling expectation of transparency.Drawing a parallel with the Shri Mata Vaishno Devi Shrine Board, Brittas maintained that institutional autonomy and public accountability are not mutually exclusive, noting that religious bodies established under statutory or governmental frameworks continue to enjoy autonomy in religious matters while operating within transparent administrative and financial systems.(With PTI inputs)Get the latest India news and live updates. Download the TOI App.About the AuthorTOI News DeskThe TOI News Desk comprises a dedicated and tireless team of journalists who operate around the clock to deliver the most current and comprehensive news and updates to the readers of The Times of India worldwide. With an unwavering commitment to excellence in journalism, our team is at the forefront of gathering, verifying, and presenting breaking news, in-depth analysis, and insightful reports on a wide range of topics. The TOI News Desk is your trusted source for staying informed and connected to the ever-evolving global landscape, ensuring that our readers are equipped with the latest developments that matter most.”Read MoreEnd of ArticleFollow Us On Social MediaVideosGovt Cracks Down on Meta Over Alleged Child Sexual Abuse-Linked Instagram Ads, Seeks Reply in 7 DaysMamata Reassumes TMC Leadership As Dilip Ghosh Claims Party Is Crumbling Amid ResignationsWhy Adani’s $1.4 Billion Vizhinjam Port Stake Sale To MSC Has Triggered A Political RowWhy the NDA Still Faces an Uphill Battle to Pass the Women’s Reservation Bill Despite Higher Numbers8 Officials Suspended After Books Allegedly Glorifying Separatists : J&K School Book RowArmy, J&K Police And CRPF Surround Two LeT Terrorists In Shopian As Gunfight ContinuesLove Across The LoC: PoK Youth Sent Back Home After Court Accepts He Crossed Border To Meet BelovedMamata Calls TMC Rebels ‘Traitors’, Dares Rivals To ‘Kill Me’ As Party Split DeepensKedarnath-Badrinath Donation Row: Cong Questions BJP, Temple Committee Launches ProbeJ&K School Book Controversy: BJP, Civil Society Demand Probe Over Book Glorifying Separatists123Photostories5 best hair oils for frizzy locks during monsoon that actually tame humidityPersonality test: The first detail that you spot in this optical illusion reveals a surprising truth about youCharlie Chaplin and more: 7 Old Hollywood icons married to Partners 30 years younger7 Surprising facts about ring-necked parrots you probably didn’t knowBride-to-be Anshula Kapoor’s stunning blue Patola lehenga for mehendi celebrations is a look rooted in Indian craftsmanshipWhy old Indian sweets lasted longer without preservativesWhy does Mawlynnong stop tourists on Sundays? 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