VK News Today https://validator.w3.org/feed/docs/rss2.html Anthropic cofounder Jack Clark: Degrees that seemed mismatch to the age of AI are now actually fairly worthwhile Minab Tragedy: ‘Minab’s lost lives will haunt me forever’: Majid Majidi Congress leader Pawan Khera NEW DELHI: In a setback to Congress leader Pawan Khera, the Supreme Court on Wednesday stayed the Telangana high court’s order granting him one-week transit anticipatory bail in connection with allegations against Assam chief minister Himanta Biswa Sarma’s wife, Riniki Bhuyan Sarma.The top court, however, said that the Congress leader can seek anticipatory bail from jurisdictional court which means from a court in Assam where FIR was registered.The top court’s intervention came after the Assam government challenged the high court’s April 10 order, arguing that Khera had approached the wrong forum for relief.Appearing for the Assam Police, Solicitor General Tushar Mehta questioned the maintainability of the plea before the Telangana high court, flagging what he called a “patent lack of territorial jurisdiction”. He submitted that the FIR was registered in Assam and Khera had not explained why he could not seek anticipatory bail there.Mehta also pointed out that Khera had sought anticipatory bail in Telangana without clearly establishing his presence in the state, adding that “merely having some property” cannot confer jurisdiction.He told the bench that it was a “complete abuse of process” and a case of “forum choosing”.During the hearing, Justice Dinesh Maheshwari noted that Khera had cited his wife’s residence in Hyderabad as a ground. However, the Solicitor General countered that even Khera’s Aadhaar records reflected a Delhi address, and that occasional travel or property ownership cannot justify jurisdiction, LiveLaw reported.The Telangana high court had earlier granted Khera limited transit anticipatory bail for one week. The court observed that his apprehension of arrest appeared “reasonable and supported by material on record”, while imposing conditions including cooperation with the investigation and restraint from public statements that could prejudice the probe.The Assam government challenged this order, contending that Khera had not demonstrated any compelling reason to bypass courts in Assam, where the case was registered.The FIR, filed at the Guwahati Crime Branch Police Station, stems from Khera’s April 5 allegations that Riniki Bhuyan Sarma possessed multiple foreign passports and undeclared overseas assets, claims that were rejected by the Sarma family as “false and fabricated”.The case has been registered under provisions of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita, including sections related to making false statements in connection with elections and cheating.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’No Veto, No Real Reform’: India Calls UNSC Structure Outdated, Demands Permanent Seat’Stay Tuned’: US Envoy Sergio Gor Teases Big Moves With Cryptic Post After Modi-Trump Conversation’National Security Is Collective Duty’: Ajit Doval Highlights Key People Power Amid ‘New Awakening”Great Contributors’: How JD Vance Balances Praise For Indian Roots With Criticism Of H1B Visa FraudChhattisgarh: 10 Killed, 23 Injured As Boiler Explodes At Vedanta Power PlantSamrat Chaudhary Becomes Bihar CM: A Political Journey Marked by Setbacks and ReinventionIran Expresses Confidence In India’s BRICS Presidency Amid West Asia ConflictPM Modi, Donald Trump Hold 40-Min Phone Call, Discuss Strait Of Hormuz, West Asia SituationPak Enters Noida? 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LSG share big update on Rs 11 crore speedster | Cricket News MP Board Class 12th result 2026 declared with 76.01% pass percentage: Direct link to download scorecards here ‘Supergirl’ CinemaCon reveal: Jason Momoa teases Lobo meets Aquaman as extended footage sparks buzz Why the viral aesthetic bedazzling trend is turning Gen Z into DIY maximalists Pohela Boishakh 2026: Date, celebration and significance of Bengali New Year VinFast VF MPV 7 Launch Live Updates: Range, Features, Prices & More ‘Preparation for Punjab polls has begun’: Arvind Kejriwal reacts to ED action against AAP MP Ashok Mittal who replaced Raghav Chadha | India News Trump Targets Pope Leo: ‘America is back’: Trump targets Pope Leo again, draws line on Iran nuclear issue ‘Transformative step’: Former President Pratibha Patil writes to PM Modi expressing support for women’s reservation bill | India News Minimum wage hike may send many out of EPFO net MPBSE Class 12th result 2026: Download your Class 12th scorecards from TOI portal by entering your credentials Director Maneesh Sharma revisits ‘Fan’ on 10 year anniversary: ‘What Shah Rukh brought to Aryan is truly one of a kind’ Sri Guru Bhairavaikya Mandira: Interesting facts about the temple PM Narendra Modi inaugurated at Adichunchanagiri Mutt, Karnataka 2026 Mini Convertible JCW bookings open: 0-100 in 6.9 seconds! As TCS headcount falls by 23,000-plus, HR head ‘clarifies’: Entire decline cannot be attributed to last year’s restructuring and we are on track to … Saudi Arabia announces tough penalties for Hajj 1447 permit violations: Fines up to SAR 100,000 and 10-year entry ban KOLKATA: Midnight raids and arrests won’t be able to scare or halt Trinamool, CM Mamata Banerjee thundered on Tuesday, her words coming barely a few hours after ED arrested I-PAC co-founder Vinesh Chandel in New Delhi late on Monday.”If one is arrested, another will take his place. We will continue to fight. It is not so easy to control West Bengal. They are threatening to put people behind bars. I want to see how powerful they are,” the CM said at a rally in West Midnapore’s Pingla, coining the slogan “Delhi theke elo Mota Bhai, shonge ED aar CBI” (Big brother has come from Delhi along with ED and CBI).After polls were announced in Bengal on March 16, ED summoned TMC candidates Debashis Kumar and ministers Sujit Bose and Rathin Ghosh, while NIA summoned 43 TMC workers in Nandigram in a 2024 case.ED and CBI were conducting searches and raids “at midnight”, as “orders are being given to arrest Trinamool workers”, Mamata fumed. “But this will not be an easy task,” she said, adding “if you arrest one, lakhs will come out”. With elections only eight days away, “instructions” have been given to arrest booth agents so that no one can sit at polling stations, the CM alleged.In a hard-hitting post after Chandel’s arrest, TMC national general secretary Abhishek Banerjee wrote on X on Monday night: “The arrest of Vinesh Chandel, co-founder of I-PAC, barely 10 days before the Bengal elections is not just alarming. It shakes the very idea of a level-playing field. At a time when WB should be moving toward free and fair elections, this kind of action sends a chilling message: if you work with the opposition, you could be next. That’s not democracy, that’s intimidation!”He continued: “…even harder to ignore is the double standard. Those facing serious corruption allegations seem to find protection the moment they switch sides, while others are swiftly targeted at politically convenient moments. People are not blind to this anymore.” “This is bigger than one arrest. It is about whether our institutions remain independent and whether every citizen, no matter their political belief, can participate without fear. Because once fear replaces freedom, democracy becomes just a word,” Abhishek wrote.Speaking to reporters, TMC Rajya Sabha MP and party’s national spokesperson Derek O’Brien said the ED action was nothing short of “electoral sabotage”, with less than 9 days to go before the first phase of polls. “ED has now renamed themselves as ‘Extremely Desperate’ by their actions, but despite all these, their political masters, BJP, will end up losing in the Bengal assembly polls,” he said.Mamata, who also addressed rallies at Tamluk in East Midnapore and Domjur in Howrah, urged women to “stand firm” against security forces if attempts are made to prevent people from voting, while asserting that she was not asking anyone to indulge in violence.Questioning why such a large number of central forces were brought to Bengal, she said: “They have brought in officers who are close to BJP and replaced the ICs… If your sole aim was to keep peace, you could have used West Bengal Police. People don’t see central forces during any natural calamity or riots.”Mamata asked people to lodge complaints against any police officer if they were “tortured”. “The job of the central forces is to maintain peace. But what if they prevent people from voting? I will request women to keep brooms in their hands and stand firm against those wearing boots and carrying arms.”End of ArticleFollow Us On Social MediaVideos’Stay Tuned’: US Envoy Sergio Gor Teases Big Moves With Cryptic Post After Modi-Trump Conversation’National Security Is Collective Duty’: Ajit Doval Highlights Key People Power Amid ‘New Awakening”Great Contributors’: How JD Vance Balances Praise For Indian Roots With Criticism Of H1B Visa FraudChhattisgarh: 10 Killed, 23 Injured As Boiler Explodes At Vedanta Power PlantSamrat Chaudhary Becomes Bihar CM: A Political Journey Marked by Setbacks and ReinventionIran Expresses Confidence In India’s BRICS Presidency Amid West Asia ConflictPM Modi, Donald Trump Hold 40-Min Phone Call, Discuss Strait Of Hormuz, West Asia SituationPak Enters Noida? Stunning Twist To Wage War As Workers Riot In NCR; Yogi Minister Drops BombshellFuel Price Freeze Amid Hormuz Crisis Is Costing Oil Companies Thousands of Crores DailyChina Defends Renaming Places In Arunachal After India Slams Beijing’s ‘Mischievous Attempt’123PhotostoriesOTT releases this week (April 13 – April 19): ‘Toaster’, ‘Matka King’, ‘Assi’ to ‘Euphoria’ Season 3Inside Neeraj Chopra’s ₹30 crore Haryana home: A perfect blend of luxury and simplicityBeautiful Sanskrit baby girl names that blend tradition with modern charm10 watermelon recipes you can make in just 5 minutes for a summer partyWhat you do after eating matters more than you think: Simple habits that can control blood sugar and digestion7 durable woods that are ideal for garden furniture8 baby boy names inspired by Milky Way galaxyWhy this new rice variety is called ‘Designer Rice’ and how it will impact your protein intake10 free things to do in Noida that are actually worth your timeHow to make Chef Sanjeev Kapoor-style Langarwali Dal123Hot PicksIran warDisney layoffsPurple cap winnerOrange cap winnerIPL Points TablePublic holidays April 2026Bank Holidays AprilTop TrendingDianna Russini Marriage ControversyTaylor Swift Blake Lively FalloutKelce Kayla Nicole TimelineDelhi Dehradun CorridorJk Cow Transport AssaultZoji La TunnelTrump-Modi CallIPL Points TableUS VP pick 2020Lonna Drewes How a ‘long chat’ with MS Dhoni helped Noor Ahmad dismantle KKR, CSK coach reveals Pakistan gets $3 billion from Saudi Arabia as ‘support’ to shore up forex reserves as UAE debt looms MP Board result 2026 released: Official MPBSE website crashes; direct link to check Class 10, 12 scores on TOI portal ‘The Lord of the Rings: The Hunt for Gollum’: Jamie Dornan and Leo Woodall join Ian McKellen, Kate Winslet and Elijah Wood as cast announced at CinemaCon Bihar’s first BJP CM: Samrat Choudhary takes oath Jammu: In a case of alleged terror conspiracy, the NIA court in Jammu has declined bail to former J&K Police deputy SP Devinder Singh, who was apprehended in 2020 along with three others, including alleged Hizbul Mujahideen (HM) terrorists.According to the prosecution, Singh was held on Jan 11, 2020, along with three others on the Srinagar-Jammu National Highway. The Hyundai i20 vehicle they were travelling in was intercepted and a large cache of arms and ammunition was allegedly recovered during the operation.Singh claims he has been framed, citing his record of having participated “in around 200 anti-militancy operations over the years and suffering serious bullet injuries in 1998 during one such operation in Budgam, which left him disabled”.He also pleaded that despite his long incarceration since January 11, 2020, only a few witnesses have been examined so far and there has been no direct recovery from his possession.The NIA, however, opposed the bail plea, arguing his regular and interim bail pleas had already been rejected by the trial court as well as by the high court and that there was no change in circumstances.Singh has been booked under the stringent UAPA.On May 20, 2021, a few months after his arrest, the J&K govt had dismissed him from service with immediate effect.End of ArticleFollow Us On Social MediaVideos’National Security Is Collective Duty’: Ajit Doval Highlights Key People Power Amid ‘New Awakening”Great Contributors’: How JD Vance Balances Praise For Indian Roots With Criticism Of H1B Visa FraudChhattisgarh: 10 Killed, 23 Injured As Boiler Explodes At Vedanta Power PlantSamrat Chaudhary Becomes Bihar CM: A Political Journey Marked by Setbacks and ReinventionIran Expresses Confidence In India’s BRICS Presidency Amid West Asia ConflictPM Modi, Donald Trump Hold 40-Min Phone Call, Discuss Strait Of Hormuz, West Asia SituationPak Enters Noida? Stunning Twist To Wage War As Workers Riot In NCR; Yogi Minister Drops BombshellFuel Price Freeze Amid Hormuz Crisis Is Costing Oil Companies Thousands of Crores DailyChina Defends Renaming Places In Arunachal After India Slams Beijing’s ‘Mischievous Attempt’Bihar DY CM Puzzle for JDU, Nishant Kumar Reluctance Complicates NDA Math123PhotostoriesInside Neeraj Chopra’s ₹30 crore Haryana home: A perfect blend of luxury and simplicityBeautiful Sanskrit baby girl names that blend tradition with modern charm10 watermelon recipes you can make in just 5 minutes for a summer partyWhat you do after eating matters more than you think: Simple habits that can control blood sugar and digestion7 durable woods that are ideal for garden furniture8 baby boy names inspired by Milky Way galaxyWhy this new rice variety is called ‘Designer Rice’ and how it will impact your protein intake10 free things to do in Noida that are actually worth your timeHow to make Chef Sanjeev Kapoor-style Langarwali Dal6 essential real estate investment strategies for first-time buyers123Hot PicksIran warDisney layoffsPurple cap winnerOrange cap winnerIPL Points TablePublic holidays April 2026Bank Holidays AprilTop TrendingDianna Russini Marriage ControversyTaylor Swift Blake Lively FalloutKelce Kayla Nicole TimelineDelhi Dehradun CorridorJk Cow Transport AssaultZoji La TunnelTrump-Modi CallIPL Points TableUS VP pick 2020Lonna Drewes India better placed to tackle West Asia war impact: Agencies AP Inter 1st and 2nd year results 2026 released at bie.ap.gov.in with a pass percentage of 77% in 1st year and 81% in 2nd year: Direct link to download scorecards here Quote of the day by Jackie Chan: ‘Your life is decided by your character and the decisions you make in the moment.’ Delhi fire: 3, including toddler, dead as massive blaze tears through Rohini shanties New Delhi : I-PAC promoter director Vinesh Chandel, arrested here late on Monday, was sent to 10 days of ED custody after being produced around midnight before additional sessions judge at the Patiala House courts, Shefali Barnala Tandon, at her residence. The judge gave her order at 3.30 am.Meanwhile, ED has issued summons to Barbie Jain, wife of I-PAC founder director Pratik Jain, and Pulkit Jain, brother of Pratik, asking them to appear for questioning at the agency’s HQ on Wednesday. The judge noted prima facie evidence of Chandel’s involvement in unaccounted cash transactions and hawala dealings.It was observed that I-PAC promoter director Vinesh Chandel had “instructed deletion of emails and sensitive data, including deletion of financial records” immediately after ED searches on April 2, 2026, adding that “by doing so, the arrestee has deliberately attempted to destroy material evidence and obstruct the course of investigation”.The court recorded that Chandel “knowingly assisted and has been actively involved in the process and activity connected with proceeds of crime, including its concealment, possession, acquisition, use and projection as untainted property”, making him liable under Section 3 of PMLA.Granting ED Chandel’s custody till April 23, it directed CCTV-monitored interrogation and his medical examination every 48 hours.According to agency sources, ED’s money trail in the ongoing investigation in the West Bengal coal scam has tracked hawala transactions allegedly involving I-PAC. Though Chandel’s arrest came on a separate FIR registered by the economic offences wing of the Delhi Police this year, the probe into the coal scam began in Kolkata in 2020.ED had earlier estimated the proceeds of crime from the coal scam at over Rs 1,300 crore. Rujira Banerjee, wife of TMC MP Abhishek Banerjee, is one of the suspects in the case and has been summoned for questioning by ED multiple times. Abhishek, too, has been questioned by ED in the case.“Vinesh, being a founding director and key decision-maker, exercised control over financial and operational affairs of the company and was actively involved in the process of generation of proceeds of crime,” ED has said.The agency accused I-PAC of “splitting receipts between banking channels and unaccounted cash components, which included funds received from political parties”. Among documents seized from I-PAC offices, ED had recovered a note with references to “50% cheque”, which allegedly indicated cash receipts from parties.“These funds were further utilised for election-related expenditure and other purposes, including influencing public perception,” ED said in its remand note, adding that it has found evidence of I-PAC receiving Rs 13.5 crore as “unsecured loans” from Ramasethu Infrastructure, with which it had no substantial business linkages, during 2019-2021.End of ArticleFollow Us On Social MediaVideosSamrat Chaudhary Becomes Bihar CM: A Political Journey Marked by Setbacks and ReinventionIran Expresses Confidence In India’s BRICS Presidency Amid West Asia ConflictPM Modi, Donald Trump Hold 40-Min Phone Call, Discuss Strait Of Hormuz, West Asia SituationPak Enters Noida? Stunning Twist To Wage War As Workers Riot In NCR; Yogi Minister Drops BombshellFuel Price Freeze Amid Hormuz Crisis Is Costing Oil Companies Thousands of Crores DailyChina Defends Renaming Places In Arunachal After India Slams Beijing’s ‘Mischievous Attempt’Bihar DY CM Puzzle for JDU, Nishant Kumar Reluctance Complicates NDA MathNitish Kumar Resigns After 20 Years as Bihar CM; BJP Names Samrat Choudhary as SuccessorWomen’s Reservation Bill Explained: How 850-Seat Lok Sabha Plan Promises To Change Indian PoliticsExplained: Supreme Court Backs Right to Vote but Denies Relief to Bengal’s Deleted Voters123Photostories10 watermelon recipes you can make in just 5 minutes for a summer partyWhat you do after eating matters more than you think: Simple habits that can control blood sugar and digestion7 durable woods that are ideal for garden furniture8 baby boy names inspired by Milky Way galaxyWhy this new rice variety is called ‘Designer Rice’ and how it will impact your protein intake10 free things to do in Noida that are actually worth your timeHow to make Chef Sanjeev Kapoor-style Langarwali Dal6 essential real estate investment strategies for first-time buyers9 unique food etiquette rules from around the worldTop 5 IT hubs in India driving real estate demand123Hot PicksIran warDisney layoffsPurple cap winnerOrange cap winnerIPL Points TablePublic holidays April 2026Bank Holidays AprilTop TrendingDianna Russini Marriage ControversyTaylor Swift Blake Lively FalloutKelce Kayla Nicole TimelineDelhi Dehradun CorridorJk Cow Transport AssaultZoji La TunnelTrump-Modi CallIPL Points TableUS VP pick 2020Lonna Drewes Updated: Apr 15, 2026, 10:23 IST Top stocks to buy today: Stock recommendations for April 15, 2026 – check list MPBSE Class 10th Inter Result Direct Link Sandra Bullock and Nicole Kidman tease ‘Practical Magic 2’: ‘We come to this place for magic!’ Sakshi Dhoni: CSK vs KKR: Stunning Sakshi Dhoni steals the spotlight in dreamy pink while CSK seals the win ED raids AAP MP Ashok Mittal’s home after he replaces Raghav Chadha as deputy leader in Rajya Sabha NEW DELHI: Tamilaga Vettri Kazhagam president Vijay’s rally was abruptly cancelled in Tiruppur district after at least 15 supporters collapsed due to severe heat and overcrowding.According to news agency PTI, a scheduled 6-kilometre roadshow was cancelled on Tuesday on police advice after 13 women and two men fainted.The crowd began assembling at the venue from 10 am in anticipation of the campaign. Vijay, who was expected to address the public at 4pm, arrived at approximately 4:45pm. Local volunteer teams and police personnel rushed the affected individuals to nearby primary health centres. Most are reported to be in stable condition.Upon receiving reports of medical emergencies and worsening crowd conditions, Vijay called off the address to avoid a repeat of the 2025 Karur stampede.After a campaign event at the Perumanallur Four Road junction, Vijay was scheduled to proceed to Pooluvapatti for a roadshow. Despite police permission, an overwhelming surge of supporters along the Perumanallur–Tiruppur stretch caused severe congestion, bringing movement to a halt.Acting on police advice, the roadshow was cancelled, and Vijay later departed for Coimbatore via the Salem–Cochin National Highway.The development comes in the backdrop of the recent Karur stampede that claimed 41 lives. Following a Supreme Court directive stressing the need for an independent probe, the case was transferred from a state Special Investigation Team (SIT) to the CBI.The agency is continuing its probe, focusing on crowd management, the timeline of the leader’s arrival, and coordination between organisers and local authorities.Meanwhile, Tamil Nadu will vote in a single phase on April 23, with counting scheduled for May 4.The main contest is expected between the DMK-led Secular Progressive Alliance — comprising the Indian National Congress, DMDK and VCK — and the AIADMK-led National Democratic Alliance, which includes the BJP and PMK.Actor-turned-politician Vijay is also set to make his electoral debut with TVK, potentially turning the contest into a three-cornered fight.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’National Security Is Collective Duty’: Ajit Doval Highlights Key People Power Amid ‘New Awakening”Great Contributors’: How JD Vance Balances Praise For Indian Roots With Criticism Of H1B Visa FraudChhattisgarh: 10 Killed, 23 Injured As Boiler Explodes At Vedanta Power PlantSamrat Chaudhary Becomes Bihar CM: A Political Journey Marked by Setbacks and ReinventionIran Expresses Confidence In India’s BRICS Presidency Amid West Asia ConflictPM Modi, Donald Trump Hold 40-Min Phone Call, Discuss Strait Of Hormuz, West Asia SituationPak Enters Noida? Stunning Twist To Wage War As Workers Riot In NCR; Yogi Minister Drops BombshellFuel Price Freeze Amid Hormuz Crisis Is Costing Oil Companies Thousands of Crores DailyChina Defends Renaming Places In Arunachal After India Slams Beijing’s ‘Mischievous Attempt’Bihar DY CM Puzzle for JDU, Nishant Kumar Reluctance Complicates NDA Math123PhotostoriesBeautiful Sanskrit baby girl names that blend tradition with modern charm10 watermelon recipes you can make in just 5 minutes for a summer partyWhat you do after eating matters more than you think: Simple habits that can control blood sugar and digestion7 durable woods that are ideal for garden furniture8 baby boy names inspired by Milky Way galaxyWhy this new rice variety is called ‘Designer Rice’ and how it will impact your protein intake10 free things to do in Noida that are actually worth your timeHow to make Chef Sanjeev Kapoor-style Langarwali Dal6 essential real estate investment strategies for first-time buyers9 unique food etiquette rules from around the world123Hot PicksIran warDisney layoffsPurple cap winnerOrange cap winnerIPL Points TablePublic holidays April 2026Bank Holidays AprilTop TrendingDianna Russini Marriage ControversyTaylor Swift Blake Lively FalloutKelce Kayla Nicole TimelineDelhi Dehradun CorridorJk Cow Transport AssaultZoji La TunnelTrump-Modi CallIPL Points TableUS VP pick 2020Lonna Drewes Wisden condemns India over ‘Orwellian’ governance and politicisation of cricket Drone-based land mapping boosts rural credit flows MPBSE Class 12th Result Direct Link Dhanush to pair up with ‘Dhurandhar’s Sara Arjun in ‘D56’; 22-year age gap creates discussion in Kollywood | Tamil Movie News A perfect blend of luxury and simplicity No ships got through in first 24 hours: How US is enforcing a sweeping blockade on Iranian ports New Delhi: State-run Russian nuclear corporation Rosatom, through its subsidiary JSC Engineering and Technology Center ‘ETC GET’, has announced a pilot training programme for nuclear industry specialists in India. The programme has been developed in strategic partnership with IIT-Bombay and Bengaluru-based engineering solution company ProSIM.The first trial training session will be held from April 15-17 at IIT-Bombay. The programme will focus on training using simulators and digital twin technologies for nuclear power plants, supporting practical learning and operational understanding. The initiative is aimed at addressing the growing demand for skilled professionals in India’s nuclear energy sector, a statement from Rosatom said.While ETC GET brings experience in simulator and digital twin technologies for nuclear power plants and ProSIM contributes capabilities in physics-based modelling and safety analysis, IIT-Bombay brings academic expertise across nuclear science and engineering disciplines, it said.As India’s nuclear energy roadmap envisages significant expansion in installed capacity by 2047, it will require thousands of trained nuclear specialists annually. Current training capacity, however, delivers only a limited number of qualified professionals each year, highlighting a critical gap in workforce availability. “This pilot training reflects Rosatom’s commitment to supporting the development of India’s nuclear workforce. Alongside advanced technologies, building the capability to operate nuclear infrastructure safely and efficiently will be essential for the sector’s long-term growth,” ETC GET representative said.Rosatom continues to develop cooperation with India across the nuclear value chain, supporting long-term partnerships in energy and technology, including the ongoing Kudankulam nuclear plant’s units 3 and 4 project and future small modular reactor collaborations.ENDSEnd of ArticleFollow Us On Social MediaVideos’Great Contributors’: How JD Vance Balances Praise For Indian Roots With Criticism Of H1B Visa FraudChhattisgarh: 10 Killed, 23 Injured As Boiler Explodes At Vedanta Power PlantSamrat Chaudhary Becomes Bihar CM: A Political Journey Marked by Setbacks and ReinventionIran Expresses Confidence In India’s BRICS Presidency Amid West Asia ConflictPM Modi, Donald Trump Hold 40-Min Phone Call, Discuss Strait Of Hormuz, West Asia SituationPak Enters Noida? Stunning Twist To Wage War As Workers Riot In NCR; Yogi Minister Drops BombshellFuel Price Freeze Amid Hormuz Crisis Is Costing Oil Companies Thousands of Crores DailyChina Defends Renaming Places In Arunachal After India Slams Beijing’s ‘Mischievous Attempt’Bihar DY CM Puzzle for JDU, Nishant Kumar Reluctance Complicates NDA MathNitish Kumar Resigns After 20 Years as Bihar CM; BJP Names Samrat Choudhary as Successor123PhotostoriesSanskrit baby names for girls10 watermelon recipes you can make in just 5 minutes for a summer partyWhat you do after eating matters more than you think: Simple habits that can control blood sugar and digestion7 durable woods that are ideal for garden furniture8 baby boy names inspired by Milky Way galaxyWhy this new rice variety is called ‘Designer Rice’ and how it will impact your protein intake10 free things to do in Noida that are actually worth your timeHow to make Chef Sanjeev Kapoor-style Langarwali Dal6 essential real estate investment strategies for first-time buyers9 unique food etiquette rules from around the world123Hot PicksIran warDisney layoffsPurple cap winnerOrange cap winnerIPL Points TablePublic holidays April 2026Bank Holidays AprilTop TrendingDianna Russini Marriage ControversyTaylor Swift Blake Lively FalloutKelce Kayla Nicole TimelineDelhi Dehradun CorridorJk Cow Transport AssaultZoji La TunnelTrump-Modi CallIPL Points TableUS VP pick 2020Lonna Drewes Oil prices today: Crude steadies after slump as US, Iran eye fresh peace talks CBSE Class 10 scorecards likely within days, UMANG indicates after DigiLocker notice: Check steps to download scorecards from app Joe Baena calls his father, Arnold Schwarzenegger, his ‘best training partner’ as he launches his bodybuilding career No ships got through in first 24 hours: How US is enforcing a sweeping blockade on Iranian ports Last month, when Kamal Haasan drove into Anna Arivalayam, the DMK headquarters in Chennai, to accept the Rajya Sabha nomination from CM M K Stalin, it marked the end of the road for the Makkal Needhi Maiam (MNM) founder’s promise to provide an alternative to the two Dravidian parties in Tamil Nadu.Haasan launched MNM in Feb 2018, seeking to distil the anger against the establishment. MNM’s first political promo ahead of 2019 Lok Sabha elections showed the actor breaking a TV set that’s beaming a speech, ostensibly by Stalin. Cut to 2026 and, having accepted a Rajya Sabha nomination, Haasan “magnanimously” surrendered the three assembly seats DMK had offered to MNM as an alliance offering.Why did Haasan, who redefined success in movies, fail to live up to his promise as a politician? The mistakes, probably, started early. MNM, true to its name (‘Maiam’ means centre), sought to be a centrist force, representing diverse sections of society. That positioning itself was seen as lacking credibility, since Haasan was known for his leftist views much before his political entry. Being at the centre of the political discourse also smacked of political ambivalence.In the poll arena, MNM met with successive electoral setbacks. In 2019 Lok Sabha polls, it contested 37 seats and drew a blank, with a vote share of 3.7%. In 2021 assembly elections, it fielded candidates in 154 seats, won nothing, and saw its vote share dip to 2.5%. In neighbouring Puducherry, it got just 1.8% votes. Ahead of the 2024 general elections, MNM joined the DMK-led alliance.Following the demise of influential leaders such as Jayalalithaa and M Karunanidhi, many saw a new political space in Tamil Nadu, which film personalities like Haasan and Rajinikanth could potentially fill. While Haasan took the plunge, Rajinikanth shelved his political plans in late 2020, citing health concerns.Haasan’s core team comprised people from diverse professional backgrounds — IAS officer Santhosh Babu, retired IPS officer A G Maurya, businessman R Mahendran, entrepreneur C K Kumaravel, social worker Kameela Nasser, actordirector Sripriya, and writer Suka. Though notable in their respective fields, they were all political novices, and Haasan failed to attract veterans from other parties.Anusha Ravi, a lawyer who was MNM propaganda secretary, says she joined the party attracted by Haasan’s call for change. “But, soon, he lost his conviction and I felt demotivated. Haasan is passionate about cinema, but not politics,” says Ravi, who joined BJP in 2024.Some political analysts feel Haasan lacked a coherent political strategy. “MNM has had a weak organisational structure and limited engagement with people,” says political commentator Aazhi Senthilnathan. “Haasan’s appeal remains largely confined to urban voters. Several key members exited the party after the 2019 debacle, some joining other parties like DMK.”Political analyst Priyan Srinivasan says Haasan was unsure of how to deal with setbacks. “Electoral defeat is normal; one must have a plan to take the party forward,” he says. “Look at Naam Tamilar Katchi. It faced several defeats, but its leader Seeman is least frustrated and keeps the party relevant.”Viduthalai Chiruthaigal Katchi (VCK) general secretary D Ravikumar says Haasan’s electoral loss to Vanathi Srinivasan by a narrow margin in Coimbatore in 2019 was a turning point. “Had he won, his political career would have been different. Sustaining a political party requires patience, grassroots work, and long-term commitment,” says Ravikumar, who terms Haasan’s migration to DMK fold “pragmatic and regressive”.In cinema, Haasan, called ‘Sakalakala Vallavan (master of all arts)’ is known for displaying intellectual depth and creative assertiveness. However, many of his works struggled to resonate with rural audiences, as his ideas were sometimes ahead of their time. Mentored by legendary director K Balachander, Haasan rose to become one of South India’s most celebrated actors.Yet, the transition from cinema to politics brings a different set of challenges, where individual brilliance must give way to collective leadership and organisational strength.Haasan is not the first big star to fail in politics. Legendary actor Sivaji Ganesan tried his luck with DMK and Congress, before founding Thamizhaga Munnetra Munnani in 1988. After failing to make a mark in the 1989 elections, it merged with Janata Dal. For Tamil Nadu’s latest film-to-politics crossover star TVK leader Vijay, Haasan’s journey holds several lessons.CROSSOVER STARSM G Ramachandran | The actor joined DMK in 1953 after leaving Congress. He was appointed party treasurer in 1969. In 1972, after differences within saw him expelled from DMK, MGR floated his party, ADMK. He would serve as a two-term CM, remaining in the saddle for 10 years.J Jayalalithaa | She joined ADMK in 1982 and quickly rose through the ranks to become its propaganda secretary by 1983. Known as ‘Puratchi Thalaivi’, or ‘revolutionary leader’, she was a five-time CM and was an ADMK colossus who has been the longest-serving general secretary of the party.Sivaji Ganesan | Founded Thamizhaga Munnetra Munnani party in 1988 after leaving Congress. But the party failed to win seats in 1989 polls, leading him to briefly join Janata Dal before retiring from politics.Vijayakanth | Founded DMDK in 2005 and served as a two-time MLA from the party. DMDK emerged as the second-largest party in the 2011 assembly elections and Vijayakanth went on to become leader of the opposition in the Tamil Nadu assembly from 2011 to 2016.R Sarath Kumar | The actor founded All India Samathuva Makkal Katchi (AISMK) in 2007. After leading the party for over 16 years, he merged it with BJP in 2024, citing the need for stronger collective action and ideological alignment with PM Modi.About the AuthorNeeraja RameshNeeraja Ramesh is a Chennai-based journalist with The Times of India. As senior news editor, she heads the Tamil Nadu nation desk and oversees city and front pages of TN editions. With 25 years of experience in journalism, she has in-depth knowledge in cinema, trends, art and culture.Read MoreEnd of ArticleFollow Us On Social MediaVideos’Great Contributors’: How JD Vance Balances Praise For Indian Roots With Criticism Of H1B Visa FraudChhattisgarh: 10 Killed, 23 Injured As Boiler Explodes At Vedanta Power PlantSamrat Chaudhary Becomes Bihar CM: A Political Journey Marked by Setbacks and ReinventionIran Expresses Confidence In India’s BRICS Presidency Amid West Asia ConflictPM Modi, Donald Trump Hold 40-Min Phone Call, Discuss Strait Of Hormuz, West Asia SituationPak Enters Noida? 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