VK News Today https://validator.w3.org/feed/docs/rss2.html Abhishek Sharma scripts history in 1st T20I against England, becomes fastest batter to… | Cricket News Why New Orleans is America’s best destination for multigenerational family travel; a 5-day itinerary packed with culture, nature and fun Capgemini Bengaluru daycare horror: Toddlers put in washing machine, sprayed with toilet jet; 5 nannies booked Representative image NEW DELHI: The UGC-NET paper meant to test sociology candidates has itself come under scrutiny, with aspirants alleging that the June 30 exam was riddled with spelling errors, garbled names of key thinkers, awkward Hindi translations and questions that appeared disconnected from the prescribed syllabus.Candidates alleged that names and terms central to sociology were mangled in the question paper: “Ritzer” appeared as “Putzer”, “social” as “oval”, “Parsons” as “Parsow”, “Ghurye” as “Ghunye”, “A R Desai” as “A K Desai” and “Nussbaum” as “Nusbaut”. They claimed the errors were not isolated typos but part of a larger problem of poor paper-setting and inadequate quality checks in a national eligibility examination conducted by NTA.Several candidates who appeared for the sociology paper alleged that the questions had spelling mistakes, grammatical errors, weak Hindi translations and confusing phrasing, making parts of the paper difficult to comprehend.Candidate Antara Chakrabarty took to X to allege that the paper had “crossed all limits of academic deceit and accountability”. She claimed the paper asked questions that appeared AI-generated and included “random thinkers and books” not associated with the syllabus.“Not even getting started on the irregularity of the paper asking AI-generated questions, random thinkers and books not even remotely associated with the syllabus provided. This is where the last nail in the coffin comes. 50% of the paper had terrible spelling errors and grammatically disastrous sentence formation,” she wrote.Listing the alleged errors, she added: “Thinkers like ‘Ritzer’ was replaced as ‘Putzer’, ‘social’ was given as ‘oval’, ‘Parsons’ as ‘Parsow’, ‘Ghurye’ as ‘Ghunye’, A R Desai as ‘A K Desai’, ‘Nussbaum’ as ‘Nusbaut’ and many more. The Hindi translation of the questions was framed as if translated by a 5-year-old. Students could not even understand the questions, let alone attempt them.”“Half the time went in literally making sense of what nonsense was scribbled in the name of a paper like NET, which is literally supposed to make you eligible for Asst Prof/PhD admissions. Is this some joke? Call the profs who framed this paper to sit and attempt,” she wrote.Another X user alleged that the paper was “filled with spelling errors, arbitrary questions, and the omission of many foundational sociological thinkers in favour of content that appeared outside the prescribed syllabus”. The user also questioned a question asking candidates to arrange former education ministers in chronological order, arguing that it did not meaningfully assess critical thinking in sociology.The complaints come even as the UGC-NET English paper has drawn criticism after 67 of 150 questions were found to be identical to questions asked in the 2024 exam, with the sequence of answer options also reportedly unchanged.NTA did not respond to TOI’s queries on the matter till the filing of this report.Get the latest India news and live updates. Download the TOI App.About the AuthorManash Pratim GohainManash Pratim Gohain is a seasoned journalist with over two decades at The Times of India, where he has built a rich body of work spanning education policy, politics, and governance. Renowned for his incisive coverage of the National Education Policy (NEP) 2020, accreditation reforms, and skilling initiatives, he has also reported on student politics, urban policy, and social movements. His political reportage—both reflective and news-driven—adds depth to his writing, bridging policy with public impact. Through his 2,500 articles and related outlets, he has emerged as a trusted voice in national discourse, particularly in linking education reform to broader societal change.Read MoreEnd of ArticleFollow Us On Social MediaVideosHealth Concerns Mount As Sonam Wangchuk’s Blood Sugar Falls, Weight Drops As Fast ContinuesDMK Seeks FIR Against CM Vijay, Alleges Plot To Induce MLAs And Alter Assembly NumbersCongress Claims BJP in West Bengal “Will Be Equally Aggressive”; MP Sparks Debate On GovernanceIran Invites BJP Chief Nitin Nabin, Congress Prez Kharge, Pawan Khera To Khamenei’s Funeral: ReportModi Cabinet Reshuffle Buzz: Will NDA Allies And Rebel MPs Find A Place In The Union Cabinet?Three Arrested, Senthil Balaji Under Scanner In Alleged TVK Government Toppling BidCongress Moves Privilege Motion Against Rajnath Singh Over Op Sindoor Claims; Seeks Transparency’Neglecting For 2.5 Years’ Kailash Vijayvargiya’s Letter To CM Mohan Yadav Triggers Political StormWATCH: Eggs, Vegetables Hurled At Mahua Moitra; TMC MP Accuses ‘BJP Goons’, Says Police Stood ByAs Takaichi Arrives In Delhi, Why India Refuses To Take Sides In The Japan-China Standoff123PhotostoriesPsychology says children need their parents the most during these 5 vulnerable moments of the day and how parents should respond during these momentsVande Bharat on a budget: 5 routes you can travel for under INR 1,5005 secrets to build an aura everyone feels attracted toPersonality test: Solo trip or holiday with your partner? 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The actor once said, ‘My mom was screaming with joy’ Ukraine takes the war to Moscow: Why Kyiv unleashed its biggest attacks after G7 summit India, EU advance cooperation on sustainable ship recycling; 3 Indian yards ready for EU recognition NEW DELHI: India and the European Union have reaffirmed their commitment to strengthening cooperation in sustainable ship recycling, with both sides expressing confidence over the progress made in facilitating the inclusion of Indian ship recycling facilities under the European Union Ship Recycling Regulation (EUSRR).During discussions between union minister for ports, shipping and waterways, Sarbananda Sonowal, and European commissioner for environment, water resilience and a competitive circular economy, Jessika Roswall, the two sides reviewed the ongoing audit and compliance process for Indian ship recycling yards seeking recognition under the EU regulatory framework.The union minister said more than 30 Indian ship recycling yards have applied for EU recognition, with six yards currently undergoing the compliance and approval process.Three ship recycling facilities have successfully completed all required compliance procedures and are now eligible to apply for inclusion under the EU Ship Recycling Regulation framework.”Under the dynamic leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi, India has emerged as the world’s leading ship-recycling nation and is steadily strengthening its position as a global hub for safe, environmentally sustainable and responsible ship recycling,” Sonowal said.According to the latest UN Conference on Trade & Development (UNCTAD) estimates, India’s share in worldwide ship recycling increased from 30.1 per cent in 2024 to 35.4 per cent in 2025. The country recycled 2.99 million gross tonnes (GT) of ships during 2025, registering nearly 60 per cent growth over 1.86 million GT recycled in 2024.Sonowal said the government of India is facilitating the listing of Indian ship recycling yards through a transparent process of audits, inspections and regulatory compliance.He noted that Indian facilities have made significant investments in upgrading infrastructure and operational practices to meet international standards, reflecting the country’s commitment to sustainable maritime development and responsible recycling.Sonowal said Indian ship recycling facilities are supported by robust environmental infrastructure and worker welfare measures, including effluent treatment plants, scientific waste management systems, multi-speciality healthcare facilities supported by the Red Cross Society and dedicated housing for workers.Sonowal also reiterated that the government conducts periodic as well as unannounced inspections to ensure the highest standards of environmental compliance, worker safety and operational transparency are consistently maintained.Highlighting India’s long-term vision, Sonowal said the country aims to recycle nearly 16,000 ships over the next decade and has announced a financial commitment of $8 billion to support the growth of the shipbuilding and ship recycling sectors.Sonowal said expanding the number of internationally recognised Indian recycling facilities would contribute significantly to the global circular economy by promoting environmentally sound recycling practices while creating employment and strengthening maritime sustainability.Commissioner Roswall welcomed the progress achieved so far and proposed establishing a Joint Working Group (JWG) comprising representatives from the ministry of environment and other relevant ministries and organisations to facilitate effective coordination and support the next phase of the process.The commissioner emphasised the importance of unannounced inspections in maintaining high standards of compliance, transparency and accountability, while noting that the matter would be discussed with EU member states during the autumn session before any final decision is taken.Roswall also expressed willingness to visit Indian ship recycling facilities after the consultation and assessment process is completed.She reaffirmed that the European Union’s approach remains consistent with the outcomes of the India-EU Free Trade Agreement discussions and the provisions of the Hong Kong International Convention for the Safe and Environmentally Sound Recycling of Ships.The discussions underscore the growing strategic partnership between India and the European Union in advancing sustainable maritime practices.Recognition of compliant Indian ship recycling facilities under the EU framework is expected to strengthen global recycling capacity, promote higher environmental and safety standards, and support responsible end-of-life management of ships while reinforcing resilient and sustainable global maritime supply chains.Get the latest India news and live updates. Download the TOI App.End of ArticleFollow Us On Social MediaVideosDMK Seeks FIR Against CM Vijay, Alleges Plot To Induce MLAs And Alter Assembly NumbersCongress Claims BJP in West Bengal “Will Be Equally Aggressive”; MP Sparks Debate On GovernanceIran Invites BJP Chief Nitin Nabin, Congress Prez Kharge, Pawan Khera To Khamenei’s Funeral: ReportModi Cabinet Reshuffle Buzz: Will NDA Allies And Rebel MPs Find A Place In The Union Cabinet?Three Arrested, Senthil Balaji Under Scanner In Alleged TVK Government Toppling BidCongress Moves Privilege Motion Against Rajnath Singh Over Op Sindoor Claims; Seeks Transparency’Neglecting For 2.5 Years’ Kailash Vijayvargiya’s Letter To CM Mohan Yadav Triggers Political StormWATCH: Eggs, Vegetables Hurled At Mahua Moitra; TMC MP Accuses ‘BJP Goons’, Says Police Stood ByAs Takaichi Arrives In Delhi, Why India Refuses To Take Sides In The Japan-China StandoffCalcutta Stock Exchange To Be Revived: Bengal’s Push To Reposition Kolkata As Key Financial Centre123PhotostoriesPsychology says children need their parents the most during these 5 vulnerable moments of the day and how parents should respond during these momentsVande Bharat on a budget: 5 routes you can travel for under INR 1,5005 secrets to build an aura everyone feels attracted toPersonality test: Solo trip or holiday with your partner? 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Producer and actor Prithviraj Sukumaran answers From terror to tokens: Some of Trump’s $ 1.4b crypto jackpot comes via Pak pipeline Teachers in England to receive 3.5% pay hike from September; unions threaten strike over funding concerns India condemns reported demolition of 125-year-old gurdwara in Pakistan NEW DELHI: The ministry of external affairs on Wednesday strongly condemned the reported demolition of the historic 125-year-old Gurdwara Sri Guru Singh Sabha Sahib in Pakistan’s Farooqabad, describing it as a “targeted act of vandalism” and calling on Islamabad to bring those responsible to justice.”We have seen the deeply distressing reports regarding the demolition of the historic 125-year-old sacred Gurdwara Sri Guru Singh Sabha Sahib in Farooqabad, Pakistan,” MEA spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal said, responding to media queries.”We strongly condemn this highly deplorable and targeted act of vandalism against a revered Sikh shrine. Its destruction, along with reports of no meaningful action being taken by local authorities or the Evacuee Trust Property Board (ETPB), is a matter of grave concern,” he added.The MEA said the incident was not an isolated one and reflected a continuing pattern of attacks on religious minorities and their places of worship in Pakistan.”This is unfortunately not an isolated incident, as we have also seen similar reports earlier. The systemic targeting of religious minorities and their places of worship in Pakistan continues unabated,” the ministry said in a statment.”We call upon the Government of Pakistan to expeditiously investigate this matter and bring the perpetrators of this despicable act to justice. The demolished portions of the Gurdwara Sahib should be restored and reconstructed at the earliest,” it added.The MEA further urged Islamabad to “discharge its obligations to ensure the safety, security, and well-being of its minority communities and their places of worship, and put a decisive end to the prevailing environment of sectarian violence and religious intolerance in Pakistan”.The statement came after reports emerged that portions of the historic Gurdwara Singh Sabha, located near Gurdwara Sacha Sauda in Farooqabad, were allegedly demolished by unidentified persons during the intervening night of June 24 and 25.Earlier in the day, a delegation of the Delhi Sikh Gurdwara Management Committee (DSGMC) met officials of the ministry of external affairs and sought the government’s intervention in the matter.The delegation submitted a memorandum requesting the government to ensure that no further damage is caused to Gurdwara Sri Guru Singh Sabha Sahib and sought the restoration of the demolished portions of the shrine.The committee also urged the government to take effective measures to prevent the recurrence of such incidents involving places of worship and heritage sites belonging to minority communities in Pakistan.On Monday, Bhupinder Singh, a Sikh representative from Nankana Sahib in Pakistan, claimed in a video message shared on social media that the 125-year-old Gurdwara Singh Sabha was demolished during the intervening night of the eighth and ninth days of Muharram.Gurdwara Singh Sabha holds historical significance as one of the key centres from where the Singh Sabha Movement gained momentum. The movement, which began in Amritsar in 1873 and was formally established in Lahore in 1879, played a pivotal role in the revival of Sikh religious and cultural identity. Prominent Sikh scholars and leaders, including Baba Khem Singh Bedi, Sardar Thakur Singh Sandhawalia, Giani Gian Singh, Prof Gurmukh Singh, Giani Ditt Singh and Prof Kahn Singh Nabha, made significant contributions to the movement, Bhupinder said.Expressing anguish over the incident, Bhupinder alleged that this was not an isolated case and claimed that Gurdwara Chobacha Sahib in Dharampura, associated with the Sixth Sikh Guru, had also been demolished earlier without any meaningful action by the Evacuee Trust Property Board.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 MediaVideosCongress Claims BJP in West Bengal “Will Be Equally Aggressive”; MP Sparks Debate On GovernanceIran Invites BJP Chief Nitin Nabin, Congress Prez Kharge, Pawan Khera To Khamenei’s Funeral: ReportModi Cabinet Reshuffle Buzz: Will NDA Allies And Rebel MPs Find A Place In The Union Cabinet?Three Arrested, Senthil Balaji Under Scanner In Alleged TVK Government Toppling BidCongress Moves Privilege Motion Against Rajnath Singh Over Op Sindoor Claims; Seeks Transparency’Neglecting For 2.5 Years’ Kailash Vijayvargiya’s Letter To CM Mohan Yadav Triggers Political StormWATCH: Eggs, Vegetables Hurled At Mahua Moitra; TMC MP Accuses ‘BJP Goons’, Says Police Stood ByAs Takaichi Arrives In Delhi, Why India Refuses To Take Sides In The Japan-China StandoffCalcutta Stock Exchange To Be Revived: Bengal’s Push To Reposition Kolkata As Key Financial CentreAkhilesh Yadav’s Trusted Aide Kamal Akhtar Loses Key SP Post As UP’s Moradabad Turf War Spirals123PhotostoriesPsychology says children need their parents the most during these 5 vulnerable moments of the day and how parents should respond during these momentsVande Bharat on a budget: 5 routes you can travel for under INR 1,5005 secrets to build an aura everyone feels attracted toPersonality test: Solo trip or holiday with your partner? What your travel style tells you about yourself5 shocking facts about octopuses that seem too strange to be realBengaluru daycare horror: 8 red flags every parent should know before choosing a daycare10 beautiful baby girl names inspired by the beauty of nature and their heartwarming meaningsFoaming face wash vs gel cleanser: Which one is better for your skin type?6 desi Indian foods that are better eaten at night than in the morningPsychology says parents who stay calm during tantrums help children learn emotional regulation123Hot PicksLPG gas priceCBSE best marks ruleNEET PG RegistrationRam Temple donation theftMumbai RainsIndia vs England t20Marcus SmartNayara petrol priceHow to Watch FIFA World Cup TodayTop TrendingNayara energy petrol priceLPG priceKetan Agarwal Murder CaseFIFA World Cup 2026Monaco BlastBengaluru TechieAnukalp MishraSergei IvanovIndigo Check-in Bag FaresAyodhya Ram Temple Donation Theft ‘Kaun bola?’ : Alia Bhatt gives a witty comeback to being paid for her appearance on Samay Raina’s India’s Got Latent 2 Psychology says children need their parents the most during these 5 vulnerable moments of the day and how parents should respond during these moments US stocks today: Wall Street under pressure as Nvidia, AMD and Micron lead AI stock sell-off Microsoft layoffs: Up to 5,500 jobs at risk as AI push sparks fresh H1-B debate Foreign secretary Vikram Misri (File photo) NEW DELHI: The government on Wednesday extended foreign secretary Vikram Misri’s tenure by one year, a move that will keep him in the post until July 14, 2027.The Appointments Committee of the Cabinet approved Misri’s in accordance with the provisions of Fundamental Rule 56(d), PTI reported.The rule provides for extensions in service beyond the retirement age of 60 years for officials including the defence secretary, foreign secretary, home secretary, director of the Intelligence Bureau, secretary of the Research and Analysis Wing, etc.Career diplomat Misri, a 1989-batch Indian Foreign Service officer, was serving as the deputy National Security Adviser (Dy NSA) before his appointment as foreign secretary in June 2024.He has the rare distinction of serving as private secretary to three prime ministers — Inder Kumar Gujral, Manmohan Singh, and the incumbent, Narendra Modi.Before being appointed as deputy NSA, Misri served as India’s ambassador to China from 2019 to 2021.He is believed to have played a key role in talks between India and China after tensions escalated significantly following the Galwan Valley clashes in June 2020.He has also served as India’s ambassador to Spain (2014-2016) and Myanmar (2016-2018), besides having served in several Indian missions, including in Pakistan, the US, Germany, Belgium, and Sri Lanka.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 MediaVideosModi Cabinet Reshuffle Buzz: Will NDA Allies And Rebel MPs Find A Place In The Union Cabinet?Three Arrested, Senthil Balaji Under Scanner In Alleged TVK Government Toppling BidCongress Moves Privilege Motion Against Rajnath Singh Over Op Sindoor Claims; Seeks Transparency’Neglecting For 2.5 Years’ Kailash Vijayvargiya’s Letter To CM Mohan Yadav Triggers Political StormWATCH: Eggs, Vegetables Hurled At Mahua Moitra; TMC MP Accuses ‘BJP Goons’, Says Police Stood ByAs Takaichi Arrives In Delhi, Why India Refuses To Take Sides In The Japan-China StandoffCalcutta Stock Exchange To Be Revived: Bengal’s Push To Reposition Kolkata As Key Financial CentreAkhilesh Yadav’s Trusted Aide Kamal Akhtar Loses Key SP Post As UP’s Moradabad Turf War SpiralsOne Year After Operation Sindoor, 117 Indian And Pakistani Leaders Urge Peace And DialogueRam Temple Donation Theft: Police Reveal Alleged Inside Operation Behind Crores Heist123Photostories5 secrets to build an aura everyone feels attracted toPersonality test: Solo trip or holiday with your partner? What your travel style tells you about yourself5 shocking facts about octopuses that seem too strange to be realBengaluru daycare horror: 8 red flags every parent should know before choosing a daycare10 beautiful baby girl names inspired by the beauty of nature and their heartwarming meaningsFoaming face wash vs gel cleanser: Which one is better for your skin type?6 desi Indian foods that are better eaten at night than in the morningPsychology says parents who stay calm during tantrums help children learn emotional regulationPsychology says people-pleasing is a trauma response, and you don’t even know itFrom Naan to Khulcha: 12 popular Indian breads, their calories and what they taste best with123Hot PicksLPG gas priceCBSE best marks ruleNEET PG RegistrationRam Temple donation theftMumbai RainsNew visa ruleMarcus SmartNayara petrol priceHow to Watch FIFA World Cup TodayTop TrendingNayara energy petrol priceLPG priceKetan Agarwal Murder CaseFIFA World Cup 2026Monaco BlastBengaluru TechieAnukalp MishraSergei IvanovIndigo Check-in Bag FaresAyodhya Ram Temple Donation Theft Employees’ Provident Funds Scheme 2026 notified: Top things to know about contributions, withdrawals & Aadhaar details ‘Kala Hiran’ makers respond to Salman Khan’s petition, say the film hasn’t been sent to CBFC for certification, hearing adjourned till Monday Aakanksha Chamola Cheating: The truth about infidelity: Is cheating a mistake or a conscious choice? | China to open the world’s first robot-run hotel in 2027: No receptionists, no housekeepers, no room service staff | World News Assam floods worsen, nearly 50,000 affected across four districts | India News Vijaya Mehta Death: PM Narendra Modi pays tribute to Vijaya Mehta as she passes away at 91, calls her ‘a pioneer of modern Marathi theatre’ | Hindi Movie News Once told, ‘You’ll never get employed’: Alex Hormozi recalls how an Indian janitor with a ‘thick accent’ built billion-dollar businesses Govt directs Meta not to roll out WhatsApp username feature, seeks explanation in 3 days English proverb of the day: ‘The pot calling the kettle black’ — how an old kitchen saying became a lesson in recognising our own flaws Japan PM Sanae Takaichi arrives in Delhi for official India visit NEW DELHI: Japanese prime minister Sanae Takaichi arrived in New Delhi on Wednesday on a three-day official visit to India and was received at the airport by union minister Jitendra Singh.Takaichi is scheduled to hold formal talks with Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Thursday before attending the Japan-India Joint Economic Forum, which will be attended by more than 100 Japanese business leaders, including several CEOs.Economic security is expected to be a key focus of the visit, the first bilateral meeting between the two prime ministers since Takaichi took office last year. The discussions are likely to centre on strengthening supply chains in sectors such as semiconductors and critical minerals.The two leaders are also expected to discuss regional and global issues, including the conflicts in Ukraine and West Asia, as well as developments in the Indo-Pacific, where Japan views India as an “indispensable partner” in advancing its Free and Open Indo-Pacific framework based on the rule of law.Takaichi’s visit follows PM Modi’s trip to Tokyo in August 2025 for the 15th India-Japan Annual Summit, where the two countries reaffirmed their commitment to expanding cooperation across strategic, economic, technological and security sectors.India and Japan share a long-standing Special Strategic and Global Partnership, with cooperation spanning trade and investment, defence and security, infrastructure, high-speed rail, digital technologies, clean energy and people-to-people exchanges.Earlier this month, PM Modi met his Japanese counterpart on the sidelines of the 52nd G7 Summit in France, where the two leaders discussed ways to strengthen economic cooperation, with a focus on trade and investment.Get the latest India news and live updates. Download the TOI App.About the AuthorTOI News DeskThe TOI News Desk comprises a dedicated and tireless team of journalists who operate around the clock to deliver the most current and comprehensive news and updates to the readers of The Times of India worldwide. With an unwavering commitment to excellence in journalism, our team is at the forefront of gathering, verifying, and presenting breaking news, in-depth analysis, and insightful reports on a wide range of topics. The TOI News Desk is your trusted source for staying informed and connected to the ever-evolving global landscape, ensuring that our readers are equipped with the latest developments that matter most.”Read MoreEnd of ArticleFollow Us On Social MediaVideos’Neglecting For 2.5 Years’ Kailash Vijayvargiya’s Letter To CM Mohan Yadav Triggers Political StormWATCH: Eggs, Vegetables Hurled At Mahua Moitra; TMC MP Accuses ‘BJP Goons’, Says Police Stood ByAs Takaichi Arrives In Delhi, Why India Refuses To Take Sides In The Japan-China StandoffCalcutta Stock Exchange To Be Revived: Bengal’s Push To Reposition Kolkata As Key Financial CentreAkhilesh Yadav’s Trusted Aide Kamal Akhtar Loses Key SP Post As UP’s Moradabad Turf War SpiralsOne Year After Operation Sindoor, 117 Indian And Pakistani Leaders Urge Peace And DialogueRam Temple Donation Theft: Police Reveal Alleged Inside Operation Behind Crores HeistJuly 1 Rule Changes Explained: Costlier Passports, Free Aadhaar Updates, EPFO And ITR DeadlinesWhy Thousands Are Visiting Lohagad Fort’s Alleged Murder Spot | ‘Siya Point’ |Dark Tourism ExplainedUS Supreme Court Rejects Trump’s Birthright Order, Big Relief For Indians In US123Photostories5 secrets to build an aura everyone feels attracted toPersonality test: Solo trip or holiday with your partner? What your travel style tells you about yourself5 shocking facts about octopuses that seem too strange to be realBengaluru daycare horror: 8 red flags every parent should know before choosing a daycare10 beautiful baby girl names inspired by the beauty of nature and their heartwarming meaningsFoaming face wash vs gel cleanser: Which one is better for your skin type?6 desi Indian foods that are better eaten at night than in the morningPsychology says parents who stay calm during tantrums help children learn emotional regulationPsychology says people-pleasing is a trauma response, and you don’t even know itFrom Naan to Khulcha: 12 popular Indian breads, their calories and what they taste best with123Hot PicksLPG gas priceCBSE best marks ruleNEET PG RegistrationRam Temple donation theftMumbai RainsNew visa ruleMarcus SmartNayara petrol priceHow to Watch FIFA World Cup TodayTop TrendingNayara energy petrol priceLPG priceKetan Agarwal Murder CaseFIFA World Cup 2026Monaco BlastBengaluru TechieAnukalp MishraSergei IvanovIndigo Check-in Bag FaresAyodhya Ram Temple Donation Theft Australian music industry writes a letter to stand against unauthorised use of creativity by AI data centres | 8 red flags every parent should know before choosing a daycare China’s electromagnetic rocket launch technology could change the way we go to space WhatsApp usernames instead of phone numbers: As fraud concerns raised, government warns of strict action ‘Not military maps, but maple trees’: New book details how Trump signed off on Iran war, then ordered landscaping Raj Thackeray (File photo) NEW DELHI: Accusing the BJP of “engineering” political defections across the country, Maharashtra Navnirman Sena (MNS) chief Raj Thackeray on Wednesday warned the saffron party that it would eventually face the “consequences” of the “precedents” it was setting.The MNS chief’s remarks came at a time when Shiv Sena (UBT), led by his cousin Uddhav Thackeray, has seen several leaders defect to Maharashtra deputy chief minister Eknath Shinde-led Shiv Sena, a BJP ally.In West Bengal as well, the BJP has been accused of orchestrating a split within the Trinamool Congress (TMC), which it defeated in the April assembly elections to form its first government in the state.“The question is not about those buying them (defectors), but about those who are willing to sell themselves. If people are ready to sell themselves, there will always be buyers. No one has an eternal claim to power. The question is what precedent you are setting for the future. If political parties do not realise this, I worry about the future of the coming generations,” Raj Thackeray said during a media interaction in Pune.“There are no limits left anymore. What will you (the BJP) do when you are no longer in power? The same methods will be used against you,” he added.Raj Thackeray further claimed that throughout history, attempts by “rulers to eliminate political opponents” had eventually led to opposition emerging from within their own ranks.“Forget about eliminating opponents outside the party. The opponents created within your own party will trouble you,” he cautioned.Last week, six Lok Sabha MPs joined the Shiv Sena from Shiv Sena (UBT). The Shiv Sena itself suffered a split in 2022, when Eknath Shinde rebelled against Uddhav Thackeray and brought down his government. The BJP was accused of orchestrating that split as well, after Uddhav Thackeray, in 2020, ended his alliance with the saffron party amid a dispute over the chief minister’s post.The Election Commission recognises Shinde’s faction as the official Shiv Sena.Meanwhile, in West Bengal, the TMC has split into factions led by Mamata Banerjee, who founded the party in 1998 after leaving the Congress, and Ritabrata Banerjee. Twenty of the Trinamool’s 28 Lok Sabha MPs have merged with the little-known Nationalist Citizens Party of India (NCPI) and announced support for the BJP-led National Democratic Alliance (NDA) at the Centre.(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 MediaVideosCongress Moves Privilege Motion Against Rajnath Singh Over Op Sindoor Claims; Seeks Transparency’Neglecting For 2.5 Years’ Kailash Vijayvargiya’s Letter To CM Mohan Yadav Triggers Political StormWATCH: Eggs, Vegetables Hurled At Mahua Moitra; TMC MP Accuses ‘BJP Goons’, Says Police Stood ByAs Takaichi Arrives In Delhi, Why India Refuses To Take Sides In The Japan-China StandoffCalcutta Stock Exchange To Be Revived: Bengal’s Push To Reposition Kolkata As Key Financial CentreAkhilesh Yadav’s Trusted Aide Kamal Akhtar Loses Key SP Post As UP’s Moradabad Turf War SpiralsOne Year After Operation Sindoor, 117 Indian And Pakistani Leaders Urge Peace And DialogueRam Temple Donation Theft: Police Reveal Alleged Inside Operation Behind Crores HeistJuly 1 Rule Changes Explained: Costlier Passports, Free Aadhaar Updates, EPFO And ITR DeadlinesWhy Thousands Are Visiting Lohagad Fort’s Alleged Murder Spot | ‘Siya Point’ |Dark Tourism Explained123Photostories5 secrets to build an aura everyone feels attracted toPersonality test: Solo trip or holiday with your partner? 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Here’s what to know following LeBron James’ exit Starmer’s £298 billion defence investment plan faces funding gap, leaves Burnham with £5 billion challenge The faction, led by expelled MLA Ritabrata Banerjee, had sought an audience with the Commission earlier. NEW DELHI: The power struggle within the Trinamool Congress is set to reach the Election Commission of India on Thursday, with the party’s “rebel but majority” faction set to appear before the poll panel’s full bench to stake its claim over the party’s election symbol and funds.The faction, led by expelled MLA Ritabrata Banerjee, had sought an audience with the Commission earlier. According to Ritabrata, the ECI has now scheduled a hearing in New Delhi where the rebel legislators will present their case. A delegation of 10 MLAs from the camp is leaving for the national capital on Wednesday evening for the meeting. Watch Battle For ‘Real TMC’ Intensifies As TMC Shuffles Leadership Amid Rebel Challenge | WatchThe dispute escalated after the rebel camp announced its own National Working Committee on June 22. The newly constituted body has 30 members and is supported by a 10-member sub-committee. In a significant move, the group removed Mamata Banerjee as the party’s national chairperson and appointed senior MLA Arup Roy in her place.The rival camp has since submitted resolutions and other legal documents to the Election Commission in support of its claim, arguing that it now represents the majority within the Trinamool Congress legislative party.The numbers claimed by the two camps form the crux of the battle. The Trinamool Congress has 80 MLAs in the West Bengal Assembly. The rebel faction claims the backing of 60 legislators, while the remaining 20 continue with the “original and minority” faction led by Mamata Banerjee and her nephew Abhishek Banerjee.The fight is centred on who has the legal right to use the Trinamool Congress name and election symbol. Under the Election Symbols (Reservation and Allotment) Order, 1968, a recognised regional party must secure at least six per cent of the valid votes polled and have a minimum of two MLAs to retain its symbol.PollVote & Share your viewWhich faction do you think represents the true majority in the Trinamool Congress?Rebel faction (60 MLAs)Original faction (20 MLAs)3k+ users shared opinion today 5k+ users already voted today 3k+ users shared opinion today Share OpinionRelying on this provision, the rebel camp argues that it comfortably meets the Commission’s requirements. It says that even if each of its 60 MLAs is assumed to have secured an average of 80,000 votes, the faction’s combined vote strength would be around 48 lakh. With nearly 6.30 crore votes cast in the previous Assembly election, the six per cent benchmark works out to about 37.80 lakh votes, placing the rebel faction well above the threshold.The group has also claimed that the “original but minority” faction, with only 20 MLAs, cannot reach the required vote strength. On that basis, it maintains that its claim over the party’s symbol and other organisational assets is stronger under the Election Commission’s rules.The Commission is expected to hear the submissions of the rebel legislators before deciding the next course of action in the dispute, which has become one of the biggest organisational challenges faced by the TMC in recent years.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 MediaVideosWATCH: Eggs, Vegetables Hurled At Mahua Moitra; TMC MP Accuses ‘BJP Goons’, Says Police Stood ByAs Takaichi Arrives In Delhi, Why India Refuses To Take Sides In The Japan-China StandoffCalcutta Stock Exchange To Be Revived: Bengal’s Push To Reposition Kolkata As Key Financial CentreAkhilesh Yadav’s Trusted Aide Kamal Akhtar Loses Key SP Post As UP’s Moradabad Turf War SpiralsOne Year After Operation Sindoor, 117 Indian And Pakistani Leaders Urge Peace And DialogueRam Temple Donation Theft: Police Reveal Alleged Inside Operation Behind Crores HeistJuly 1 Rule Changes Explained: Costlier Passports, Free Aadhaar Updates, EPFO And ITR DeadlinesWhy Thousands Are Visiting Lohagad Fort’s Alleged Murder Spot | ‘Siya Point’ |Dark Tourism ExplainedUS Supreme Court Rejects Trump’s Birthright Order, Big Relief For Indians In USBilawal Bhutto Accuses India Of ‘Weaponising’ Water Amid Indus Waters Treaty Row123PhotostoriesBengaluru daycare horror: 8 red flags every parent should know before choosing a daycare10 beautiful baby girl names inspired by the beauty of nature and their heartwarming meaningsFoaming face wash vs gel cleanser: Which one is better for your skin type?6 desi Indian foods that are better eaten at night than in the morningPsychology says parents who stay calm during tantrums help children learn emotional regulationPsychology says people-pleasing is a trauma response, and you don’t even know itFrom Naan to Khulcha: 12 popular Indian breads, their calories and what they taste best with8 Most beautiful train journeys in South India you should take at least onceAlia Bhatt and Sharvari Wagh rewrite promotional style rules with sharp denim cuts and a striking diamond ring6 lakes in India with clear, mirror-like water that deserves a visit123Hot PicksLPG gas priceCBSE best marks ruleNEET PG RegistrationRam Temple donation theftMumbai RainsNew visa ruleMarcus SmartNayara petrol priceHow to Watch FIFA World Cup TodayTop TrendingNayara energy petrol priceLPG priceKetan Agarwal Murder CaseFIFA World Cup 2026Monaco BlastBengaluru TechieAnukalp MishraSergei IvanovIndigo Check-in Bag FaresAyodhya Ram Temple Donation Theft England vs DR Congo Live Score, FIFA World Cup 2026 Round of 32: Harry Kane’s England begin knockout campaign against history-chasing DR Congo India vs England Live Score, 1st T20I: Shreyas Iyer’s India face stern test against Harry Brook’s England India, Japan to sign LNG security pact during PM Modi-Takaichi bilateral