VK News Today https://validator.w3.org/feed/docs/rss2.html MQ-4C Triton: What we know about the mystery of US Navy’s $200m ‘missing’ drone Myanmar’s President Min Aung Hlaing Promises Democracy and Peace in Inaugural Address | World News Assam HSLC result 2026: How to apply for re-checking of answer scripts Prabhas’ ‘Spirit’ shoot halted by sudden fire; What happened on the set? Jared Goff’s Detroit Lions linked to blockbuster $94 million trade move that could elevate Aidan Hutchinson into superstar tier | NFL News China Taiwan Relations: Xi Jinping Hosts Taiwan Opposition Leader Cheng Li-wun in Beijing Amid Rising Tensions | World News Tamil Nadu CM M K Stalin takes Chennai Metro during poll campaign, interacts with commuters NEW DELHI: Tamil Nadu chief minister M K Stalin on Friday made a surprise appearance on the Chennai Metro, travelling from Chennai Central to DMS station as part of his election campaign ahead of the Assembly polls.During the journey, the DMK chief interacted with passengers, spoke to daily commuters and sought support for his party, turning a routine metro ride into a public outreach exercise.‘A journey filled with people’s affection’Sharing a video of the ride on X, Stalin described the experience as “a journey filled with people’s affection,” while recalling his role in shaping the metro project during his tenure as deputy CM.He said he had travelled to Japan to secure funding support from JICA for the project and highlighted how the first phase—connecting key routes like Wimco Nagar to the airport and Central to St Thomas Mount—has already seen millions of journeys.Stalin added that the second phase of expansion is progressing rapidly and promised that once completed, Chennai would become one of the cities with the longest metro connectivity in India. “Let our dream of developing Chennai succeed,” he said.In an earlier post, he noted that he interacted with morning commuters and appealed for votes for the DMK-led alliance before heading to other campaign locations.Campaign heats up ahead of April 23 pollingStalin, who is contesting from the Kolathur constituency, has intensified grassroots outreach in recent days. Earlier this week, he conducted a morning walk in Sirkazhi, where he interacted with residents, shared tea at a local shop and sought support.Meanwhile, deputy chief minister Udhayanidhi Stalin campaigned in Chennai’s Triplicane constituency.The Tamil Nadu Assembly elections will be held in a single phase on April 23, with counting scheduled for May 4. The main contest is between the DMK-led alliance and the NDA bloc led by AIADMK and BJP, while actor-turned-politician Vijay’s entry is expected to add a third dimension to the race.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’Love Jihad Or Law Violation?’ Viral Kumbh Girl Monalisa Bhosle Case Raises Serious Legal QuestionsIndia–US Trade Deal Enters Final Phase; Delegation Set for Washington VisitAnother Embarrassment For Pak; Israel Blasts Asif Over ‘Annihilation’ Remark Ahead Of Iran-US TalksIndia To Post Defence Attaché In Mauritius; Oil, Gas Pact Nears Finalisation: EAM Jaishankar‘Glimmer Of Hope’: Mauritius PM Hails India’s Support Amid Iran Crisis, Eyes Key Oil And Gas DealElection Season Kicks Off With Record Voter Turnout In Assam, Puducherry As Kerala Clocks 77% VotingIndia Withdraws Bid To Host COP33 In 2028 — Here’s Why The Government ReconsideredIndia Ramps Up Gulf Outreach: Hardeep Puri Heads To Qatar, Jaishankar to UAE After US-Iran TruceAre You A ‘Worker’ Or Just An Employee? India’s Labour Codes ExplainedDelhi’s Gas Shift: IGL Asks Residents to Move from LPG to PNG Amid Supply Push123Photostories5 rare Ferrari cars collectors dream of owning7 elegant living room styles that enhance high-end property appeal6 rose-like flowers perfect for balcony gardens and small spaces10 home names inspired by time, moments, and life phasesHow to make Chef Kunal Kapur-Style Instant Bun Dosa for breakfastPlastic vs. stainless steel casserole: Which is healthier and safer for storing rotisKhatron Ke Khiladi 15 probable contestants list: Farrhana Bhat, Gaurav Khanna to Manisha Rani likely to join Rohit Shetty’s showHeavyweights line up to vote as Puducherry holds assembly pollsHeavyweights line up to vote as Puducherry holds assembly polls5 elegant bridal picks for a simple court wedding beyond the lehenga123Hot PicksIran war ceasefirePAN Card application 2026Purple cap winnerOrange cap winnerIPL Points TablePublic holidays April 2026Bank Holidays AprilTop TrendingCandace OwensCardi BTiger WoodsMrBeastUS stock marketPAN Card application 2026Bhojshala disputeLaker Injury UpdatesSchool Holidays in AprilChar Dham Yatra 2026 Apr 10, 2026, 11:21 IST Controlled movement, alternate routes, crypto tolls: Strait of Hormuz under new order — what has changed Aseeb Omr Sheet Download: SEBA Assam 10th Result 2026: Steps to obtain scanned copy of answer scripts and OMR sheets ‘Punisher: One Last Kill’ trailer: Jon Bernthal goes on murderous rampage as Frank Castle KTM 390 Duke, Adventure X big price hike: Here’s why & by how much Elon Musk says can’t trust WhatsApp’s end-to-end encryption, Meta-owned platform hits back: ‘Your messages …’ Saudia announces resumption of flights to Dubai, Abu Dhabi from April 11 | World News President Murmu Appoints Harivansh Narayan Singh to Rajya Sabha Following Retirement of Ranjan Gogoi | India News IPL match today, RR vs RCB: Predicted playing XI, head-to-head, pitch report, Guwahati weather update | Cricket News Assam HSLC Class 10 result 2026: Boys outperform girls as pass percentage stands at 65.62% Salman Khan’s security springs into action as fan puts arm around him; actor gestures team to calm down – WATCH 26 Kenyans held with 29kg gold worth Rs 38cr at Mumbai airport Pakistan vs Israel: Khwaja Asif deletes ‘curse on humanity’ post after sharp response ahead of US-Iran peace talks IPL 2026: A no-run, a run-out — Delhi Capitals run out of ideas | Cricket News Asian stocks today: Markets rallied as Iran-US ceasefire talks eased tensions; Kospi jumps 1.9%, Nikkei rises 1.5% HSLC 10th Result 2026: Assam HSLC result 2026 declared; pass percentage rises to 65.62% ‘The Pitt’ star Noah Wyle receives Walk of Fame star – Says he was on ‘cloud 9’ while accepting the honor | Love quote of the day by Colleen Hoover: “Maybe love isn’t something that comes full circle. It just…” Google DeepMind CEO Demis Hassabis: Google combined all the company’s resources to catch up with… NOC denied, LSG’s Rs 2 Cr star out of IPL 2026; South African player in radar Quality & business ethics key to long-term success, says entrepreneur Bharat Gite ‘Mahavatar’: Is Shraddha Kapoor set to star opposite Vicky Kaushal in Amar Kaushik’s mythological drama? – Report Oil prices today: Crude climbs amid attack on Saudi facilities; US-Iran ceasefire on edge Lt Col Shrikant Purohit (File photo) NEW DELHI: Lieutenant Colonel Prasad Shrikant Purohit, who was acquitted last year in the Malegaon blast case, has been cleared for promotion to the rank of brigadier, sources said on Friday. In July 2025, an NIA court acquitted Purohit and six others, including former BJP MP Pragya Singh Thakur, in the case.Purohit had moved the Armed Forces Tribunal (AFT) following his acquittal, claiming that his career progression had been “adversely affected” by the prolonged trial. He argued that delays in the judicial process denied him a fair opportunity for promotion within the Army hierarchy.Also Read: Who is Lt Col. Prasad Purohit? The army officer who faced terror charges and walked free after court’s acquittalLast month, the Armed Forces Tribunal (AFT) stayed his retirement, which was due on March 31, while hearing his plea seeking promotion and related service benefits. The tribunal directed the Ministry of Defence to keep his retirement on hold until a decision is taken on his statutory complaint.At the time of his arrest in November 2008, Purohit was serving as a lieutenant colonel in military intelligence — marking the first instance of a serving Army officer being implicated in a terrorism-related case in the country.He spent nearly nine years in custody before being granted bail by the Supreme Court in September 2017.Malegaon blastThe blast occurred on September 29, 2008, when an explosive device strapped to a motorcycle detonated near a mosque in the Bhikku Chowk area of Malegaon in Maharashtra, killing six people and injuring 95 others.Originally, 11 people were accused in the case; however, the court ultimately framed charges against seven.The case was handed over to the National Investigation Agency (NIA) in 2011 from the Maharashtra Anti-Terrorism Squad (ATS). Investigators examined hundreds of witnesses over nearly 17 years before all the accused were acquitted of charges under the Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act, the Arms Act, and other provisions.Those acquitted alongside Purohit and Thakur were Major (retd) Ramesh Upadhyay, Sudhakar Chaturvedi, Ajay Rahirkar, Sudhankar Dhar Dwivedi (Shankaracharya), and Sameer Kulkarni.(With ANI inputs)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 MediaVideosAnother Embarrassment For Pak; Israel Blasts Asif Over ‘Annihilation’ Remark Ahead Of Iran-US TalksIndia To Post Defence Attaché In Mauritius; Oil, Gas Pact Nears Finalisation: EAM Jaishankar‘Glimmer Of Hope’: Mauritius PM Hails India’s Support Amid Iran Crisis, Eyes Key Oil And Gas DealElection Season Kicks Off With Record Voter Turnout In Assam, Puducherry As Kerala Clocks 77% VotingIndia Withdraws Bid To Host COP33 In 2028 — Here’s Why The Government ReconsideredIndia Ramps Up Gulf Outreach: Hardeep Puri Heads To Qatar, Jaishankar to UAE After US-Iran TruceAre You A ‘Worker’ Or Just An Employee? India’s Labour Codes ExplainedDelhi’s Gas Shift: IGL Asks Residents to Move from LPG to PNG Amid Supply PushIndia Tells Seafarers To Remain Indoors As Iran War Puts Strait of Hormuz On EdgeOperation Sindoor Signals India’s Shift To Multi-Domain, Data-Driven Warfare : General Dwivedi123Photostories7 elegant living room styles that enhance high-end property appeal6 rose-like flowers perfect for balcony gardens and small spaces10 home names inspired by time, moments, and life phasesHow to make Chef Kunal Kapur-Style Instant Bun Dosa for breakfastPlastic vs. stainless steel casserole: Which is healthier and safer for storing rotisKhatron Ke Khiladi 15 probable contestants list: Farrhana Bhat, Gaurav Khanna to Manisha Rani likely to join Rohit Shetty’s showAre Smriti Mandhana-Palaash Muchhal getting back together? 5 celebrity couples who reunited post break-up- From Virat Kohli-Anushka Sharma to Prince William-Kate MiddletonHeavyweights line up to vote as Puducherry holds assembly pollsHeavyweights line up to vote as Puducherry holds assembly polls5 elegant bridal picks for a simple court wedding beyond the lehenga123Hot PicksIran war ceasefirePAN Card application 2026Purple cap winnerOrange cap winnerIPL Points TablePublic holidays April 2026Bank Holidays AprilTop TrendingCandace OwensCardi BTiger WoodsMrBeastUS stock marketPAN Card application 2026Bhojshala disputeLaker Injury UpdatesSchool Holidays in AprilChar Dham Yatra 2026 JEE Main 2026 Session 2 answer key expected soon at jeemain.nta.nic.in; check details here Quote of the day by Taylor Swift: ‘No matter what happens in life, be good to people…’ ‘Venting session’: What happened at Donald Trump’s closed-door meeting with Nato chief Mark Rutte 1,500-year-old monastery found beneath Egypt’s Nile Delta reveals incredible history of early Christian life | World News Apr 10, 2026, 09:51 IST Babar Azam surpasses Virat Kohli to script history, silences critics to become fastest to… Chatrabhuj Narsee school hosts vibrant Easter and spring carnival with PTA 2025–26 ‘Dacoit’ Twitter reviews: Adivi Sesh and Mrunal Thakur film receives divided opinions; Nani calls it a true blockbuster This lake in Meghalaya is also known as the “Water of Tears”; know why Almost two years after Google CEO Sundar Pichai sent company-wide Code Red, Microsoft CEO Satya Nadella deploys emergency overhaul to … File photo NEW DELHI: In a key political development ahead of the West Bengal Assembly elections, the All India Majlis-e-Ittehadul Muslimeen (AIMIM), led by Asaduddin Owaisi, has withdrawn its alliance with a party headed by Humayun Kabir, citing concerns over remarks attributed to him.In a strongly worded statement on early Friday, AIMIM said it “cannot associate with any statements where the integrity of Muslims is brought into question,” confirming that the alliance has been ended with immediate effect. The party added that Kabir’s “revelations have shown how vulnerable Bengal’s Muslims are.”AIMIM to go solo in BengalReiterating its strategy, AIMIM announced that it will contest the upcoming elections independently, without entering into alliances. “AIMIM’s policy in contesting elections in any state is so that the marginalised communities have an independent political voice,” the party said in a post on X.The party also flagged the socio-economic condition of Muslims in the state, stating they remain “one of the poorest, neglected and oppressed communities” despite decades of governance by parties claiming a secular framework.Kabir controversy adds to tensionsThe split comes amid controversy surrounding Kabir, who was earlier expelled from the All India Trinamool Congress and later formed the Aam Janata Unnayan Party.Earlier, a video allegedly featuring a man resembling Kabir suggested plans to influence Muslim voters and discussed financial dealings linked to post-poll support. TMC shared the video on social media and wrote, “Here is the EXPLOSIVE sting operation video that fully EXPOSES @BJP4India ’s dirty conspiracy against Bengal. In the video, Humayun Kabir openly admits that BJP PAID him Rs 1,000 crore to mislead the minority community, and claims that senior BJP leaders like Himanta Biswa Sarma, Mohan Yadav, and even the PMO were involved in this CONSPIRACY.”However, Kabir denied the allegations, claiming the video was AI-generated and part of a conspiracy to defame him.Political context and implicationsKabir had formed his own outfit to contest the elections after a controversy over a proposal related to the Babri Masji.As per news agency ANI, political observers believe AIMIM’s decision could impact electoral dynamics in constituencies with significant minority populations, potentially leading to a multi-cornered contest. Critics argue it may split votes, while the party maintains it strengthens representation for underrepresented groups.The 294-member West Bengal Assembly will go to polls in two phases on April 23 and April 29, with counting scheduled for May 4.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 MediaVideosAnother Embarrassment For Pak; Israel Blasts Asif Over ‘Annihilation’ Remark Ahead Of Iran-US TalksIndia To Post Defence Attaché In Mauritius; Oil, Gas Pact Nears Finalisation: EAM Jaishankar‘Glimmer Of Hope’: Mauritius PM Hails India’s Support Amid Iran Crisis, Eyes Key Oil And Gas DealElection Season Kicks Off With Record Voter Turnout In Assam, Puducherry As Kerala Clocks 77% VotingIndia Withdraws Bid To Host COP33 In 2028 — Here’s Why The Government ReconsideredIndia Ramps Up Gulf Outreach: Hardeep Puri Heads To Qatar, Jaishankar to UAE After US-Iran TruceAre You A ‘Worker’ Or Just An Employee? India’s Labour Codes ExplainedDelhi’s Gas Shift: IGL Asks Residents to Move from LPG to PNG Amid Supply PushIndia Tells Seafarers To Remain Indoors As Iran War Puts Strait of Hormuz On EdgeOperation Sindoor Signals India’s Shift To Multi-Domain, Data-Driven Warfare : General Dwivedi123Photostories6 rose-like flowers perfect for balcony gardens and small spaces10 home names inspired by time, moments, and life phasesHow to make Chef Kunal Kapur-Style Instant Bun Dosa for breakfastPlastic vs. stainless steel casserole: Which is healthier and safer for storing rotisKhatron Ke Khiladi 15 probable contestants list: Farrhana Bhat, Gaurav Khanna to Manisha Rani likely to join Rohit Shetty’s showAre Smriti Mandhana-Palaash Muchhal getting back together? 5 celebrity couples who reunited post break-up- From Virat Kohli-Anushka Sharma to Prince William-Kate MiddletonHeavyweights line up to vote as Puducherry holds assembly pollsHeavyweights line up to vote as Puducherry holds assembly polls5 elegant bridal picks for a simple court wedding beyond the lehengaNavi Mumbai’s luxury real estate boom: Developers shaping the premium market123Hot PicksIran war ceasefirePAN Card application 2026Purple cap winnerOrange cap winnerIPL Points TablePublic holidays April 2026Bank Holidays AprilTop TrendingCandace OwensCardi BTiger WoodsMrBeastUS stock marketPAN Card application 2026Bhojshala disputeLaker Injury UpdatesSchool Holidays in AprilChar Dham Yatra 2026 Apr 10, 2026, 09:33 IST Cummins celebrates two decades of ‘Nurturing Brilliance’ by awarding scholarships to 520 meritorious students Hip-hop pioneer Afrika Bambaataa passes away at 67 Stock market today (April 10, 2026): Nifty50 opens above 23,900; BSE Sensex up over 400 points BENGALURU: After back-to-back launch failures of PSLV and a quiet few months, the Indian Space Research Organisation (Isro) may have tasted success in a critical test conducted as part of preparations for Gaganyaan.While the space agency is yet to make an official statement about the second Integrated Air Drop Test (IADT-02), union minister Jitendra Singh, made the announcement through a congratulatory message. “Congratulations Isro for the successful accomplishment of Second Integrated Air Drop Test (IADT-02) for Gaganyaan, India’s first human Space flight scheduled next year. The second Integrated Air Drop Test (IADT-02) was successfully conducted at Satish Dhawan Space Station Sriharikota. This marks an important milestone towards the readiness for the Gaganyaan mission,” Singh posted on Friday.The IADT-02, a follow-up test of the IADT-01 conducted nearly eight months ago on Aug 24, 2025, was expected to be conducted much earlier. But as with most aspects relating to the Gaganyaan mission, Isro has faced delays.Isro chairman V Narayanan had refrained from giving a concrete reply on IADT, or Gaganyaan on April 8. He had only said that the space agency was working on it.While the exact parametres of the test have not been made public by Isro at the time of writing this and calls were unanswered, the IADT-02 was expected to involve a simulated crew module with a mass of around 5 tonne, maintaining the external configuration similar to flight, and dropped from an altitude to validate the parachute system.In the actual mission, these parachutes will eventually bring back astronauts safely under the Gaganyaan mission. As per Isro’s initial plans, seven IADTs had to be conducted. However, multiple sources have confirmed to TOI that the number may change and the space agency could conduct fewer tests.During IADT-01, the simulated crew module was dropped from an altitude of 3.1km using an Indian Air Force (IAF) Chinook helicopter. The test was a joint effort of Isro, IAF, DRDO, Indian Navy and Indian Coast Guard.In line with the plan, the drop took place over the Bay of Bengal and lasted about an hour from take-off to recovery, though the final parachute deployment sequence was completed in just 2-3 minutes.While Singh, in his post has announced that the Gaganyaan mission would happen next year, the timeline is not expected to be met by Isro, which has been struggling with delays. There are several key technologies that need to be validated before India can send humans to space.About the AuthorChethan KumarChethan Kumar is a Senior Assistant Editor with the Times of India. Aside from specialising in Space & Science, he has reported extensively on varied topics, with special focus on defence, policy and data stories. He has covered multiple elections, too. As a young democracy grows out of adolescence, Chethan feels, there are reels of tales emerging which need to be captured. To do this, he alternates between the mundane goings-on of the Common Man and the wonder-filled worlds of scientists and scamsters, politicians and soldiers. In a career spanning nearly 18 years, he has reported from multiple datelines — Houston, Florida, Kochi, Hyderabad, Chennai, Sriharikota (AP), NH-1 (J&K Highway), New Delhi, Ahmedabad, Raichur, Bhatkal, Mysuru, Chamarajanagar, to name a few — but is based out of Bengaluru, India’s science capital that also hosts the ISRO HQ.Read MoreEnd of ArticleFollow Us On Social MediaVideosIndia To Post Defence Attaché In Mauritius; Oil, Gas Pact Nears Finalisation: EAM Jaishankar‘Glimmer Of Hope’: Mauritius PM Hails India’s Support Amid Iran Crisis, Eyes Key Oil And Gas DealElection Season Kicks Off With Record Voter Turnout In Assam, Puducherry As Kerala Clocks 77% VotingIndia Withdraws Bid To Host COP33 In 2028 — Here’s Why The Government ReconsideredIndia Ramps Up Gulf Outreach: Hardeep Puri Heads To Qatar, Jaishankar to UAE After US-Iran TruceAre You A ‘Worker’ Or Just An Employee? India’s Labour Codes ExplainedDelhi’s Gas Shift: IGL Asks Residents to Move from LPG to PNG Amid Supply PushIndia Tells Seafarers To Remain Indoors As Iran War Puts Strait of Hormuz On EdgeOperation Sindoor Signals India’s Shift To Multi-Domain, Data-Driven Warfare : General DwivediWorld Bank Raises India’s FY27 Growth Forecast to 6.6%, Flags Global Risks From West Asia Conflict123Photostories6 rose-like flowers perfect for balcony gardens and small spaces10 home names inspired by time, moments, and life phasesHow to make Chef Kunal Kapur-Style Instant Bun Dosa for breakfastPlastic vs. stainless steel casserole: Which is healthier and safer for storing rotisKhatron Ke Khiladi 15 probable contestants list: Farrhana Bhat, Gaurav Khanna to Manisha Rani likely to join Rohit Shetty’s showAre Smriti Mandhana-Palaash Muchhal getting back together? 5 celebrity couples who reunited post break-up- From Virat Kohli-Anushka Sharma to Prince William-Kate MiddletonHeavyweights line up to vote as Puducherry holds assembly pollsHeavyweights line up to vote as Puducherry holds assembly polls5 elegant bridal picks for a simple court wedding beyond the lehengaNavi Mumbai’s luxury real estate boom: Developers shaping the premium market123Hot PicksIran war ceasefirePAN Card application 2026Purple cap winnerOrange cap winnerIPL Points TablePublic holidays April 2026Bank Holidays AprilTop TrendingCandace OwensCardi BTiger WoodsMrBeastUS stock marketPAN Card application 2026Bhojshala disputeLaker Injury UpdatesSchool Holidays in AprilChar Dham Yatra 2026 The Yuvi touch: Punjab Kings’ Prabhsimran latest to benefit from Yuvraj’s mentoring Assam HSLC Result 2026: How to check ASSEB Class 10 scores on TOI portal BTS star Kim Taehyung stars as perfect romantic hero in short film; fans demand casting in K-Drama series – WATCH