April 13, 2026

. US CENTCOM said it will begin a blockade targeting Iranian ports on Monday after talks collapsed.UP government set up a probe panel after protests erupted in Noida, attributing the violence to “vested interests.”Iran warned a Hormuz blockade could trigger a sharp, disproportionate surge in global fuel prices.Arvind Kejriwal seeked a judge’s recusal in the excise case, citing fears of bias and unfair hearing.Legendary singer Asha Bhosle was cremated with state honours, marking the end of an iconic musical era.Here are top five news of the day:US Centcom said Hormuz blockade will begin Monday and will only apply to Iranian portsThe US military announced it would initiate a blockade of all Iranian ports on Monday after negotiations between the two sides in Pakistan broke down, despite warnings from Iran that such a move would be considered an act of piracy. Follow live updatesNoida protest: UP govt sets up probe panel to tackle Noida unrest, cites ‘vested interests’Following unrest in Noida, the Uttar Pradesh government has constituted a probe panel to investigate the causes behind the protests and recommend corrective measures. It cited the role of “vested interests” in fuelling tensions, even as the administration moved to restore normalcy and prevent further escalation. Follow live updatesIran flags possible fuel crisis as Hormuz blockade risks loom—decoding its ‘math warning’Iran’s Parliament Speaker Mohammad Bagher Ghalibaf warned that fuel prices could surge if tensions lead to a Strait of Hormuz blockade, saying current prices may soon seem cheap. Accompanying his statement was a symbolic equation implying that even a minor disruption in the Strait could trigger a disproportionately large surge in oil prices. Read full storyKejriwal seeks judge’s recusal in Excise case, lists 10 groundsArvind Kejriwal appeared in the Delhi High Court representing himself, seeking the recusal of Justice Swarana Kanta Sharma in the excise policy case. He presented ten grounds, arguing there is a “serious and reasonable apprehension” that he may not receive a fair hearing. Read full storyAsha Bhosle laid to rest with full state honours at Shivaji Park crematoriumLegendary singer Asha Bhosle was laid to rest with full state honours at the Shivaji Park crematorium. The final rites, performed as per Vedic traditions, marked the end of an era spanning over eight decades in Indian music. The ceremony turned emotional as a police contingent accorded a three-round gun salute, followed by the sounding of the “Last Post.” Bhosle, who died at the age of 92 at Breach Candy Hospital, was bid a solemn farewell in the presence of family members and several political dignitaries. Follow live updatesAbout 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 MediaVideosTrust Deficit Grows In Ladakh As Activist Sonam Wangchuk Flags Delay In Talks With CentrePatna Posters Push Nishant Kumar As Next Chief Minister Of BiharDelhi To Dehradun In 2.5 Hours? PM To Flag Off India’s New Expressway That Opens New Era Of SpeedWomen’s Quota Bill Back In Focus As PM Modi Urges Parties To Unite For Historic Parliament Move’India Guides World Through Crises’: RSS Chief Mohan Bhagwat’s Big Message Amid US-Iran DeadlockNoida Worker Protest Over Pay Turns Violent As Dispute Escalates Into Chaos, Police Use Tear GasDelimitation Row Heats Up As Sonia Gandhi Slams Modi Govt Over Timing, Process Of Women’s Quota BillIran Lauds India’s Stand After US Talks, Says Strait Of Hormuz Belongs To All NationsUS-Iran Deal HITS DEAD END, Trump SHIFTS TO Pakistan Praise, Replays India-Pak War ClaimMEA Slams China’s ‘Mischievous Attempts’, Rejects Fictitious Names to Arunachal Pradesh Locations123PhotostoriesEnjoyed ‘The Boys’? Here are more must-watch superhero dramas to binge next5 ‘jokes’ that may damage your marriage5 types of soul contracts and how to recognize yoursLearn these powerful life lessons from Guru Gobind Singh based on your numberFrom net worth of approximately Rs 215 crore to a luxurious house in Mumbai: Samay Raina’s lavish lifestyleChilling space facts that will stay in your mind long after readingAbhishek Sharma’s crores worth Chandigarh house is a sanctuary of family comfort, his rising cricket career and a beautiful puja roomHow parents can manage kids’ junk food cravings9 food destinations that should be on every foodie’s bucket list6 stunning buildings designed by women architects that are marvels of creativity123Hot PicksIran war ceasefirePAN Card application 2026Purple cap winnerOrange cap winnerIPL Points TablePublic holidays April 2026Bank Holidays AprilTop TrendingTS Dost ScheduleIPL Schedule this weekUK Doctors NewsMorgan StanleyTim DavidJasprit BumrahIPL Points TableRohit SharmaSara TendulkarHardik Pandya

Vamsikrishna03 mins mins
. US CENTCOM said it will begin a blockade targeting Iranian ports on Monday after talks collapsed.UP government set up a probe panel after protests erupted in Noida, attributing the violence to “vested interests.”Iran warned a Hormuz blockade could trigger a sharp, disproportionate surge in global fuel prices.Arvind Kejriwal seeked a judge’s recusal in the excise case, citing fears of bias and unfair hearing.Legendary singer Asha Bhosle was cremated with state honours, marking the end of an iconic musical era.Here are top five news of the day:US Centcom said Hormuz blockade will begin Monday and will only apply to Iranian portsThe US military announced it would initiate a blockade of all Iranian ports on Monday after negotiations between the two sides in Pakistan broke down, despite warnings from Iran that such a move would be considered an act of piracy. Follow live updatesNoida protest: UP govt sets up probe panel to tackle Noida unrest, cites ‘vested interests’Following unrest in Noida, the Uttar Pradesh government has constituted a probe panel to investigate the causes behind the protests and recommend corrective measures. It cited the role of “vested interests” in fuelling tensions, even as the administration moved to restore normalcy and prevent further escalation. Follow live updatesIran flags possible fuel crisis as Hormuz blockade risks loom—decoding its ‘math warning’Iran’s Parliament Speaker Mohammad Bagher Ghalibaf warned that fuel prices could surge if tensions lead to a Strait of Hormuz blockade, saying current prices may soon seem cheap. Accompanying his statement was a symbolic equation implying that even a minor disruption in the Strait could trigger a disproportionately large surge in oil prices. Read full storyKejriwal seeks judge’s recusal in Excise case, lists 10 groundsArvind Kejriwal appeared in the Delhi High Court representing himself, seeking the recusal of Justice Swarana Kanta Sharma in the excise policy case. He presented ten grounds, arguing there is a “serious and reasonable apprehension” that he may not receive a fair hearing. Read full storyAsha Bhosle laid to rest with full state honours at Shivaji Park crematoriumLegendary singer Asha Bhosle was laid to rest with full state honours at the Shivaji Park crematorium. The final rites, performed as per Vedic traditions, marked the end of an era spanning over eight decades in Indian music. The ceremony turned emotional as a police contingent accorded a three-round gun salute, followed by the sounding of the “Last Post.” Bhosle, who died at the age of 92 at Breach Candy Hospital, was bid a solemn farewell in the presence of family members and several political dignitaries. Follow live updatesAbout 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 MediaVideosTrust Deficit Grows In Ladakh As Activist Sonam Wangchuk Flags Delay In Talks With CentrePatna Posters Push Nishant Kumar As Next Chief Minister Of BiharDelhi To Dehradun In 2.5 Hours? PM To Flag Off India’s New Expressway That Opens New Era Of SpeedWomen’s Quota Bill Back In Focus As PM Modi Urges Parties To Unite For Historic Parliament Move’India Guides World Through Crises’: RSS Chief Mohan Bhagwat’s Big Message Amid US-Iran DeadlockNoida Worker Protest Over Pay Turns Violent As Dispute Escalates Into Chaos, Police Use Tear GasDelimitation Row Heats Up As Sonia Gandhi Slams Modi Govt Over Timing, Process Of Women’s Quota BillIran Lauds India’s Stand After US Talks, Says Strait Of Hormuz Belongs To All NationsUS-Iran Deal HITS DEAD END, Trump SHIFTS TO Pakistan Praise, Replays India-Pak War ClaimMEA Slams China’s ‘Mischievous Attempts’, Rejects Fictitious Names to Arunachal Pradesh Locations123PhotostoriesEnjoyed ‘The Boys’? Here are more must-watch superhero dramas to binge next5 ‘jokes’ that may damage your marriage5 types of soul contracts and how to recognize yoursLearn these powerful life lessons from Guru Gobind Singh based on your numberFrom net worth of approximately Rs 215 crore to a luxurious house in Mumbai: Samay Raina’s lavish lifestyleChilling space facts that will stay in your mind long after readingAbhishek Sharma’s crores worth Chandigarh house is a sanctuary of family comfort, his rising cricket career and a beautiful puja roomHow parents can manage kids’ junk food cravings9 food destinations that should be on every foodie’s bucket list6 stunning buildings designed by women architects that are marvels of creativity123Hot PicksIran war ceasefirePAN Card application 2026Purple cap winnerOrange cap winnerIPL Points TablePublic holidays April 2026Bank Holidays AprilTop TrendingTS Dost ScheduleIPL Schedule this weekUK Doctors NewsMorgan StanleyTim DavidJasprit BumrahIPL Points TableRohit SharmaSara TendulkarHardik Pandya


Evening news wrap: US warships move to blockade Hormuz; Noida sees violent protests over wage demands & more

  • US CENTCOM said it will begin a blockade targeting Iranian ports on Monday after talks collapsed.
  • UP government set up a probe panel after protests erupted in Noida, attributing the violence to “vested interests.”
  • Iran warned a Hormuz blockade could trigger a sharp, disproportionate surge in global fuel prices.
  • Arvind Kejriwal seeked a judge’s recusal in the excise case, citing fears of bias and unfair hearing.
  • Legendary singer Asha Bhosle was cremated with state honours, marking the end of an iconic musical era.

Here are top five news of the day:

US Centcom said Hormuz blockade will begin Monday and will only apply to Iranian ports

The US military announced it would initiate a blockade of all Iranian ports on Monday after negotiations between the two sides in Pakistan broke down, despite warnings from Iran that such a move would be considered an act of piracy. Follow live updates

Noida protest: UP govt sets up probe panel to tackle Noida unrest, cites ‘vested interests’

Following unrest in Noida, the Uttar Pradesh government has constituted a probe panel to investigate the causes behind the protests and recommend corrective measures. It cited the role of “vested interests” in fuelling tensions, even as the administration moved to restore normalcy and prevent further escalation. Follow live updates

Iran flags possible fuel crisis as Hormuz blockade risks loom—decoding its ‘math warning’

Iran’s Parliament Speaker Mohammad Bagher Ghalibaf warned that fuel prices could surge if tensions lead to a Strait of Hormuz blockade, saying current prices may soon seem cheap. Accompanying his statement was a symbolic equation implying that even a minor disruption in the Strait could trigger a disproportionately large surge in oil prices. Read full story

Kejriwal seeks judge’s recusal in Excise case, lists 10 grounds

Arvind Kejriwal appeared in the Delhi High Court representing himself, seeking the recusal of Justice Swarana Kanta Sharma in the excise policy case. He presented ten grounds, arguing there is a “serious and reasonable apprehension” that he may not receive a fair hearing. Read full story

Asha Bhosle laid to rest with full state honours at Shivaji Park crematorium

Legendary singer Asha Bhosle was laid to rest with full state honours at the Shivaji Park crematorium. The final rites, performed as per Vedic traditions, marked the end of an era spanning over eight decades in Indian music. The ceremony turned emotional as a police contingent accorded a three-round gun salute, followed by the sounding of the “Last Post.” Bhosle, who died at the age of 92 at Breach Candy Hospital, was bid a solemn farewell in the presence of family members and several political dignitaries. Follow live updates



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AI image The sun over Amritsar today, April 13, carried a familiar, sharp intensity. To visitors, the city is alive with Baisakhi celebrations. You can smell the ripening grain, hear the dhol beats, and feel the spiritual energy of the Golden Temple.But just a few hundred meters away, behind a narrow, unassuming alleyway, the air grows still. Here, within the red-brick walls of Jallianwala Bagh, the clock has been frozen for 107 years.It is not just a garden; it is a crime scene that remains the most profound scar on the conscience of the British Empire.On this day in 1919, the “promise” of British justice was revealed to be a hollow shell, replaced by ten minutes of calculated, cold-blooded slaughter that changed the course of India’s freedom struggle. A city under the iron heelTo understand the tragedy, one must understand the situation of British-ruled Punjab in early 1919. The First World War had ended, and Indian soldiers, who had fought valiantly for the Crown, returned home expecting the reward of self-governance. However, instead of rewarding this loyalty with self-rule, the British implemented reforms through the Government of India Act 1919. These reforms fell far short of expectations, introducing “dyarchy” in the provinces while retaining key ministerial powers—such as military, finance, and law—under British control.To make matters worse, they were met with the Anarchical and Revolutionary Crimes Act of 1919, infamously known as the Rowlatt Act.This “Black Act” granted the colonial government emergency powers to intern anyone suspected of “sedition” without trial for up to two years. It was a legislative gag order. It sparked widespread anger. Protests broke out in several cities, including Amritsar.The tension reached a breaking point on April 10, 1919. Two beloved local leaders, Dr Saifuddin Kitchlew and Dr Satyapal, were summarily arrested and deported to Dharamshala. Violence followed, and the British administration responded with force. Punjab was effectively placed under martial law. Into this tense atmosphere walked Reginald Dyer, the man who would soon become synonymous with the massacre.The time was perfect for Dyer. He was called in to restore order, but his diary and subsequent testimonies revealed he was looking for something far more sinister, a chance to punish an entire race for the defiance of a few.April 13, 1919: The harvest of bloodThe morning of Baisakhi was deceptive. While Dyer patrolled the city, reading out a proclamation that banned all public gatherings, the message never reached the thousands of pilgrims arriving from rural Punjab. They were in the city to celebrate the harvest and visit the Golden Temple. By mid-afternoon, a crowd began to swell in Jallianwala Bagh—a seven-acre plot of uneven land surrounded by the backs of houses.According to the Hunter Commission Report, by 5 pm, nearly 15,000-20,000 people had gathered. Some were there to hear speeches protesting the Rowlatt Act, but many were families, women, children and the elderly, resting in the shade after a long journey.Eyewitness accounts suggest the crowd included men, women, and children. There were no weapons, no signs of organised rebellion, just people assembled in an open space.Few could have imagined that within minutes, the ground beneath their feet would turn into a killing field.At 5:15 pm, General Dyer entered the Bagh. He didn’t come with a megaphone to ask the crowd to disperse. He didn’t come with water cannons or lathis. He came with 50 soldiers armed with .303 Lee-Enfield rifles.He took a position on a raised mound near the main entrance. Because the entrance was so narrow, he had to leave his two armoured cars with mounted machine guns outside. In his later testimony, Dyer admitted a chilling truth, “If I could have got the armored cars in, I would have used them.”Without a word of warning, the firing began.What followed that evening remains one of the darkest chapters in India’s colonial history — a massacre that shook the conscience of a nation and exposed the brutal face of British rule.Ten minutes of eternityFor ten minutes, the only sounds in Amritsar were the mechanical crack-crack-crack of rifles and the primal screams of the trapped. They fired not in the air, not to disperse.Dyer ordered his men to fire specifically where the crowd was thickest. As people scrambled toward the five narrow exits, they found most of them locked or blocked by soldiers.The geography of the Bagh ensured it was a death trap. To the north, south, and west were high walls. To the east, the soldiers. People tried to scale the walls, only to be picked off like targets in a shooting gallery.In one corner of the Bagh stood a deep, open well. In a desperate, frantic bid to escape the leaden rain, hundreds of people, mothers holding their infants, young boys, and the aged, leapt into its depths. They chose the mercy of drowning over the brutality of the bullet. Today, that well is glassed over, but 107 years ago, it was filled to the brim with the bodies of the dead and the dying.The firing stopped only when the ammunition ran out. As per official records, exactly 1,650 rounds had been expended. General Dyer then gave his final order of the day: to leave. There would be no medical aid. No ambulances. No water for the parched throats of the wounded. He enforced a curfew, meaning anyone who stepped out to look for their loved ones would be shot on sight. That night, the Bagh was a graveyard of moans under a silent moon.It was not just a massacre. It was a moment of collective trauma.The ‘moral stature’ of a monsterWhat makes Jallianwala Bagh uniquely horrifying isn’t just the body count, but the “cold logic” Dyer used to justify it. The incident drew criticism even in Britain. While some defended Dyer, others were appalled. The Hunter Commission was set up to investigate the events.Though it condemned Dyer’s actions as excessive, the consequences were limited. He was relieved of duty but not formally punished. During the Hunter Commission hearings, Dyer was asked if he had taken any steps to disperse the crowd before firing.”No, at the time it did not occur to me. I had made up my mind… if they were going to give me an opportunity of using my guns, I was going to take it.”He famously stated that his intention was not just to clear the park, but to “strike terror throughout the Punjab” and to reduce the “moral stature” of the rebels. When asked why he didn’t tend to the wounded, his response was a chilling reflection of the colonial psyche, “It was not my job.” On April 19, 1919, Dyer implemented the notorious “crawling order,” which mandated that Indians crawl on their hands and knees to pass through the street where a British missionary had been attacked.In his view, the Indians were children who needed a bloody lesson in “discipline.”His words shocked many but for Indians, they confirmed what they had already witnessed.In Britain, sections of society even hailed him as a hero. The House of Lords in London later supported him, and a fund started by the Morning Post raised £26,000 for him—the “Saviour of the Punjab.” This endorsement of mass murder was the final nail in the coffin of Indian loyalty to the Crown.The official lie vs the human truthThe fallout of the massacre saw a desperate attempt at a colonial cover-up. The official British report, the Disorders Inquiry Committee (Hunter Commission), stated that 379 people had died.However, the Indian National Congress, which conducted its own independent inquiry led by Madan Mohan Malaviya and Motilal Nehru, estimated the death toll to be over 1,000, with more than 1,500 wounded. The names of many victims were never recorded because they were pilgrims whose families back in the villages simply never saw them return.The aftermath: The sleeping giant awakesJallianwala Bagh was the catalyst that turned a petitioning freedom movement into a revolutionary one.News of the massacre spread slowly due to censorship, but when it did, it ignited outrage across the country.One of the strongest responses came from Rabindranath Tagore. The first Asian Nobel Laureate renounced his Knighthood in a scathing letter to the Viceroy, Lord Chelmsford. He wrote, “The time has come when badges of honor make our shame glaring in the incongruous context of humiliation.” The massacre also deeply affected Mahatma Gandhi, who intensified his campaign against British rule. The man who had once recruited soldiers for the British in WWI became their most formidable foe. He launched the Non-Cooperation Movement in 1920, declaring that cooperation with a “Satanic” government was a sin.“This satanic government cannot be mended, it must be ended”, he wrote in his magazine, Young India.It marked a turning point in India’s freedom struggle, pushing many towards a more resolute demand for independence.Moderates who had once believed in gradual reform began to lose faith in British intentions.A 20-year-old young man who witnessed the carnage, Udham Singh, took a handful of the blood-soaked earth and swore revenge. He waited 21 years. In 1940, at Caxton Hall in London, he assassinated Michael O’Dwyer, the Lieutenant-Governor of Punjab who had sanctioned Dyer’s actions.A scar that never healedFor the people of Punjab, Jallianwala Bagh became a symbol of pain and resistance. The site itself, once an ordinary garden, transformed into sacred ground.Bullet marks on the walls, the narrow entrance, and the Martyrs’ Well still stand as silent witnesses.Over time, the massacre came to represent the brutality of colonial rule in its rawest form. It exposed how power could be used without accountability and how innocent lives could be extinguished without warning. Memory and justiceMore than a century later, the question of justice still lingers.There has never been a formal, unequivocal apology from the British government. Expressions of regret have been made, but for many, they fall short of acknowledging the scale of the atrocity.In 2013, British PM David Cameron called it a “deeply shameful event,” and in 2019, Theresa May expressed “deep regret.”On the centenary of the massacre, the tragedy once again came into global focus. Leaders, historians, and descendants of victims called for a fuller recognition of what happened.But even in 2026, a full, unconditional apology remains absent from the British parliament.For India, however, Jallianwala Bagh is not just about apology. It is about remembrance.The human storiesThe exact number of deaths may never be known. What is known is the scale of human suffering. Bodies lay piled over one another. The wounded were left without medical help for hours due to curfew restrictions. Families searched for loved ones through the night.Beyond numbers and politics lie the personal stories, many lost to time. A father who never returned home. A child separated from their family in the chaos.Villagers who came for a festival and never made it back.These are the stories that give Jallianwala Bagh its enduring emotional weight.History records the event. Memory carries the pain.A nation remembersToday, visitors who walk into Jallianwala Bagh do so in silence. The space feels different, heavier. The past lingers in the air.People pause by the well. They run their hands over bullet-scarred walls. They read the names etched in stone.It is not just a memorial. It is a reminder.A reminder that freedom was not given. It was fought for, often at an unimaginable cost.The legacyJallianwala Bagh became a turning point that reshaped India’s freedom movement. It united people across regions and communities in shared grief and anger.It forced the world to confront the realities of colonial rule.And it left behind a legacy that continues to define India’s understanding of justice, resistance, and dignity. Why it still mattersOn April 13, 1919, the people gathered at Jallianwala Bagh had no idea they were stepping into history.They came for a meeting, for a festival, for a moment of togetherness.What they encountered instead was violence that would echo through generations.More than a century later, the screams still reverberate from the walls.As India marks 107 years since that day, the story of Jallianwala Bagh remains deeply relevant.It is a reminder of the cost of unchecked power, the fragility of civil liberties and the strength of collective memory.It also underscores how a single event can alter the course of history. The massacre did not silence India — it strengthened its resolve.Not just in the walls of Jallianwala Bagh, but in the memory of a nation that refuses to forget.End of ArticleFollow Us On Social MediaVideos’We Have Common Fate’: Iran Envoy Thanks ‘Friend’ India, Responds On Hormuz Toll RowSupreme Court Refuses To Quash CBI Case Against Lalu Yadav In Land-For-Jobs Scam, Trial To ContinueNoida Protests Explained: Pay Gap Rising Costs And Labour Issues Behind The ViolenceTrust Deficit Grows In Ladakh As Activist Sonam Wangchuk Flags Delay In Talks With CentrePatna Posters Push Nishant Kumar As Next Chief Minister Of BiharDelhi To Dehradun In 2.5 Hours? 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Here are more must-watch superhero dramas to binge next5 ‘jokes’ that may damage your marriage5 types of soul contracts and how to recognize yoursLearn these powerful life lessons from Guru Gobind Singh based on your numberFrom net worth of approximately Rs 215 crore to a luxurious house in Mumbai: Samay Raina’s lavish lifestyleChilling space facts that will stay in your mind long after readingAbhishek Sharma’s crores worth Chandigarh house is a sanctuary of family comfort, his rising cricket career and a beautiful puja room123Hot PicksIran war ceasefirePAN Card application 2026Purple cap winnerOrange cap winnerIPL Points TablePublic holidays April 2026Bank Holidays AprilTop TrendingTS Dost ScheduleIPL Schedule this weekUK Doctors NewsMorgan StanleyTim DavidJasprit BumrahIPL Points TableRohit SharmaSara TendulkarHardik Pandya

AI image The sun over Amritsar today, April 13, carried a familiar, sharp intensity. To visitors, the city is alive with Baisakhi celebrations. You can smell the ripening grain, hear the dhol beats, and feel the spiritual energy of the Golden Temple.But just a few hundred meters away, behind a narrow, unassuming alleyway, the air grows still. Here, within the red-brick walls of Jallianwala Bagh, the clock has been frozen for 107 years.It is not just a garden; it is a crime scene that remains the most profound scar on the conscience of the British Empire.On this day in 1919, the “promise” of British justice was revealed to be a hollow shell, replaced by ten minutes of calculated, cold-blooded slaughter that changed the course of India’s freedom struggle. A city under the iron heelTo understand the tragedy, one must understand the situation of British-ruled Punjab in early 1919. The First World War had ended, and Indian soldiers, who had fought valiantly for the Crown, returned home expecting the reward of self-governance. However, instead of rewarding this loyalty with self-rule, the British implemented reforms through the Government of India Act 1919. These reforms fell far short of expectations, introducing “dyarchy” in the provinces while retaining key ministerial powers—such as military, finance, and law—under British control.To make matters worse, they were met with the Anarchical and Revolutionary Crimes Act of 1919, infamously known as the Rowlatt Act.This “Black Act” granted the colonial government emergency powers to intern anyone suspected of “sedition” without trial for up to two years. It was a legislative gag order. It sparked widespread anger. Protests broke out in several cities, including Amritsar.The tension reached a breaking point on April 10, 1919. Two beloved local leaders, Dr Saifuddin Kitchlew and Dr Satyapal, were summarily arrested and deported to Dharamshala. Violence followed, and the British administration responded with force. Punjab was effectively placed under martial law. Into this tense atmosphere walked Reginald Dyer, the man who would soon become synonymous with the massacre.The time was perfect for Dyer. He was called in to restore order, but his diary and subsequent testimonies revealed he was looking for something far more sinister, a chance to punish an entire race for the defiance of a few.April 13, 1919: The harvest of bloodThe morning of Baisakhi was deceptive. While Dyer patrolled the city, reading out a proclamation that banned all public gatherings, the message never reached the thousands of pilgrims arriving from rural Punjab. They were in the city to celebrate the harvest and visit the Golden Temple. By mid-afternoon, a crowd began to swell in Jallianwala Bagh—a seven-acre plot of uneven land surrounded by the backs of houses.According to the Hunter Commission Report, by 5 pm, nearly 15,000-20,000 people had gathered. Some were there to hear speeches protesting the Rowlatt Act, but many were families, women, children and the elderly, resting in the shade after a long journey.Eyewitness accounts suggest the crowd included men, women, and children. There were no weapons, no signs of organised rebellion, just people assembled in an open space.Few could have imagined that within minutes, the ground beneath their feet would turn into a killing field.At 5:15 pm, General Dyer entered the Bagh. He didn’t come with a megaphone to ask the crowd to disperse. He didn’t come with water cannons or lathis. He came with 50 soldiers armed with .303 Lee-Enfield rifles.He took a position on a raised mound near the main entrance. Because the entrance was so narrow, he had to leave his two armoured cars with mounted machine guns outside. In his later testimony, Dyer admitted a chilling truth, “If I could have got the armored cars in, I would have used them.”Without a word of warning, the firing began.What followed that evening remains one of the darkest chapters in India’s colonial history — a massacre that shook the conscience of a nation and exposed the brutal face of British rule.Ten minutes of eternityFor ten minutes, the only sounds in Amritsar were the mechanical crack-crack-crack of rifles and the primal screams of the trapped. They fired not in the air, not to disperse.Dyer ordered his men to fire specifically where the crowd was thickest. As people scrambled toward the five narrow exits, they found most of them locked or blocked by soldiers.The geography of the Bagh ensured it was a death trap. To the north, south, and west were high walls. To the east, the soldiers. People tried to scale the walls, only to be picked off like targets in a shooting gallery.In one corner of the Bagh stood a deep, open well. In a desperate, frantic bid to escape the leaden rain, hundreds of people, mothers holding their infants, young boys, and the aged, leapt into its depths. They chose the mercy of drowning over the brutality of the bullet. Today, that well is glassed over, but 107 years ago, it was filled to the brim with the bodies of the dead and the dying.The firing stopped only when the ammunition ran out. As per official records, exactly 1,650 rounds had been expended. General Dyer then gave his final order of the day: to leave. There would be no medical aid. No ambulances. No water for the parched throats of the wounded. He enforced a curfew, meaning anyone who stepped out to look for their loved ones would be shot on sight. That night, the Bagh was a graveyard of moans under a silent moon.It was not just a massacre. It was a moment of collective trauma.The ‘moral stature’ of a monsterWhat makes Jallianwala Bagh uniquely horrifying isn’t just the body count, but the “cold logic” Dyer used to justify it. The incident drew criticism even in Britain. While some defended Dyer, others were appalled. The Hunter Commission was set up to investigate the events.Though it condemned Dyer’s actions as excessive, the consequences were limited. He was relieved of duty but not formally punished. During the Hunter Commission hearings, Dyer was asked if he had taken any steps to disperse the crowd before firing.”No, at the time it did not occur to me. I had made up my mind… if they were going to give me an opportunity of using my guns, I was going to take it.”He famously stated that his intention was not just to clear the park, but to “strike terror throughout the Punjab” and to reduce the “moral stature” of the rebels. When asked why he didn’t tend to the wounded, his response was a chilling reflection of the colonial psyche, “It was not my job.” On April 19, 1919, Dyer implemented the notorious “crawling order,” which mandated that Indians crawl on their hands and knees to pass through the street where a British missionary had been attacked.In his view, the Indians were children who needed a bloody lesson in “discipline.”His words shocked many but for Indians, they confirmed what they had already witnessed.In Britain, sections of society even hailed him as a hero. The House of Lords in London later supported him, and a fund started by the Morning Post raised £26,000 for him—the “Saviour of the Punjab.” This endorsement of mass murder was the final nail in the coffin of Indian loyalty to the Crown.The official lie vs the human truthThe fallout of the massacre saw a desperate attempt at a colonial cover-up. The official British report, the Disorders Inquiry Committee (Hunter Commission), stated that 379 people had died.However, the Indian National Congress, which conducted its own independent inquiry led by Madan Mohan Malaviya and Motilal Nehru, estimated the death toll to be over 1,000, with more than 1,500 wounded. The names of many victims were never recorded because they were pilgrims whose families back in the villages simply never saw them return.The aftermath: The sleeping giant awakesJallianwala Bagh was the catalyst that turned a petitioning freedom movement into a revolutionary one.News of the massacre spread slowly due to censorship, but when it did, it ignited outrage across the country.One of the strongest responses came from Rabindranath Tagore. The first Asian Nobel Laureate renounced his Knighthood in a scathing letter to the Viceroy, Lord Chelmsford. He wrote, “The time has come when badges of honor make our shame glaring in the incongruous context of humiliation.” The massacre also deeply affected Mahatma Gandhi, who intensified his campaign against British rule. The man who had once recruited soldiers for the British in WWI became their most formidable foe. He launched the Non-Cooperation Movement in 1920, declaring that cooperation with a “Satanic” government was a sin.“This satanic government cannot be mended, it must be ended”, he wrote in his magazine, Young India.It marked a turning point in India’s freedom struggle, pushing many towards a more resolute demand for independence.Moderates who had once believed in gradual reform began to lose faith in British intentions.A 20-year-old young man who witnessed the carnage, Udham Singh, took a handful of the blood-soaked earth and swore revenge. He waited 21 years. In 1940, at Caxton Hall in London, he assassinated Michael O’Dwyer, the Lieutenant-Governor of Punjab who had sanctioned Dyer’s actions.A scar that never healedFor the people of Punjab, Jallianwala Bagh became a symbol of pain and resistance. The site itself, once an ordinary garden, transformed into sacred ground.Bullet marks on the walls, the narrow entrance, and the Martyrs’ Well still stand as silent witnesses.Over time, the massacre came to represent the brutality of colonial rule in its rawest form. It exposed how power could be used without accountability and how innocent lives could be extinguished without warning. Memory and justiceMore than a century later, the question of justice still lingers.There has never been a formal, unequivocal apology from the British government. Expressions of regret have been made, but for many, they fall short of acknowledging the scale of the atrocity.In 2013, British PM David Cameron called it a “deeply shameful event,” and in 2019, Theresa May expressed “deep regret.”On the centenary of the massacre, the tragedy once again came into global focus. Leaders, historians, and descendants of victims called for a fuller recognition of what happened.But even in 2026, a full, unconditional apology remains absent from the British parliament.For India, however, Jallianwala Bagh is not just about apology. It is about remembrance.The human storiesThe exact number of deaths may never be known. What is known is the scale of human suffering. Bodies lay piled over one another. The wounded were left without medical help for hours due to curfew restrictions. Families searched for loved ones through the night.Beyond numbers and politics lie the personal stories, many lost to time. A father who never returned home. A child separated from their family in the chaos.Villagers who came for a festival and never made it back.These are the stories that give Jallianwala Bagh its enduring emotional weight.History records the event. Memory carries the pain.A nation remembersToday, visitors who walk into Jallianwala Bagh do so in silence. The space feels different, heavier. The past lingers in the air.People pause by the well. They run their hands over bullet-scarred walls. They read the names etched in stone.It is not just a memorial. It is a reminder.A reminder that freedom was not given. It was fought for, often at an unimaginable cost.The legacyJallianwala Bagh became a turning point that reshaped India’s freedom movement. It united people across regions and communities in shared grief and anger.It forced the world to confront the realities of colonial rule.And it left behind a legacy that continues to define India’s understanding of justice, resistance, and dignity. Why it still mattersOn April 13, 1919, the people gathered at Jallianwala Bagh had no idea they were stepping into history.They came for a meeting, for a festival, for a moment of togetherness.What they encountered instead was violence that would echo through generations.More than a century later, the screams still reverberate from the walls.As India marks 107 years since that day, the story of Jallianwala Bagh remains deeply relevant.It is a reminder of the cost of unchecked power, the fragility of civil liberties and the strength of collective memory.It also underscores how a single event can alter the course of history. The massacre did not silence India — it strengthened its resolve.Not just in the walls of Jallianwala Bagh, but in the memory of a nation that refuses to forget.End of ArticleFollow Us On Social MediaVideos’We Have Common Fate’: Iran Envoy Thanks ‘Friend’ India, Responds On Hormuz Toll RowSupreme Court Refuses To Quash CBI Case Against Lalu Yadav In Land-For-Jobs Scam, Trial To ContinueNoida Protests Explained: Pay Gap Rising Costs And Labour Issues Behind The ViolenceTrust Deficit Grows In Ladakh As Activist Sonam Wangchuk Flags Delay In Talks With CentrePatna Posters Push Nishant Kumar As Next Chief Minister Of BiharDelhi To Dehradun In 2.5 Hours? PM To Flag Off India’s New Expressway That Opens New Era Of SpeedWomen’s Quota Bill Back In Focus As PM Modi Urges Parties To Unite For Historic Parliament Move’India Guides World Through Crises’: RSS Chief Mohan Bhagwat’s Big Message Amid US-Iran DeadlockNoida Worker Protest Over Pay Turns Violent As Dispute Escalates Into Chaos, Police Use Tear GasDelimitation Row Heats Up As Sonia Gandhi Slams Modi Govt Over Timing, Process Of Women’s Quota Bill123PhotostoriesBaisakhi 2026: Traditional Baisakhi dishes and their cultural importance in the harvest festival10 things that ruin first impressions— And how to fix themThis small trick can tell you whether you are consuming watermelon or a toxic fruitEnjoyed ‘The Boys’? Here are more must-watch superhero dramas to binge next5 ‘jokes’ that may damage your marriage5 types of soul contracts and how to recognize yoursLearn these powerful life lessons from Guru Gobind Singh based on your numberFrom net worth of approximately Rs 215 crore to a luxurious house in Mumbai: Samay Raina’s lavish lifestyleChilling space facts that will stay in your mind long after readingAbhishek Sharma’s crores worth Chandigarh house is a sanctuary of family comfort, his rising cricket career and a beautiful puja room123Hot PicksIran war ceasefirePAN Card application 2026Purple cap winnerOrange cap winnerIPL Points TablePublic holidays April 2026Bank Holidays AprilTop TrendingTS Dost ScheduleIPL Schedule this weekUK Doctors NewsMorgan StanleyTim DavidJasprit BumrahIPL Points TableRohit SharmaSara TendulkarHardik Pandya

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Amit Shah (File photo) NEW DELHI: Union Home Minister Amit Shah on Monday accused Mamata Banerjee and Congress of feeding “biryani” to Pakistani terrorists instead of taking action against them. Addressing a rally in West Bengal’s Paschim Bardhaman, he said, “The Manmohan Singh government, supported by Mamata Banerjee’s party, never took firm action against Pakistan-sponsored terrorism and instead treated them with biryani,” he said, adding, “PM Narendra Modi ordered Operation Sindoor after the Pahalgam attack, striking Pakistan where it hurt the most.” Watch Bengal Elections 2026: Make or Break Moment for Abhishek Banerjee? Speaking at rallies in Birbhum and Paschim Bardhaman, Shah said the people of West Bengal would respond to violence with their votes and claimed the BJP would act against what he called syndicates and corruption if voted to power.He said the BJP would form the next government in the state as people had decided to “bid Ta Ta Bye Bye” to the TMC.”Let the people bid adieu to the Mamata government. The BJP will then take up the task of hanging the syndicate and cut-money promoters upside down to make them straight,” Shah said. Alleging that BJP workers had faced violence, Shah warned, “I advise TMC goons to stay in their homes on April 23, else we will pick them up one by one on May 4 and throw them in jail.” He also accused the TMC government of failing to stop illegal immigration, saying, “Mamata Banerjee is not giving land for border fencing, but blaming the BSF for infiltration in Bengal,” he said, adding that infiltrators would be “picked one by one” and removed from the country.Shah said a “double-engine” government would ensure better governance and added that the next chief minister would be “the son of the soil.”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 MediaVideosTrust Deficit Grows In Ladakh As Activist Sonam Wangchuk Flags Delay In Talks With CentrePatna Posters Push Nishant Kumar As Next Chief Minister Of BiharDelhi To Dehradun In 2.5 Hours? PM To Flag Off India’s New Expressway That Opens New Era Of SpeedWomen’s Quota Bill Back In Focus As PM Modi Urges Parties To Unite For Historic Parliament Move’India Guides World Through Crises’: RSS Chief Mohan Bhagwat’s Big Message Amid US-Iran DeadlockNoida Worker Protest Over Pay Turns Violent As Dispute Escalates Into Chaos, Police Use Tear GasDelimitation Row Heats Up As Sonia Gandhi Slams Modi Govt Over Timing, Process Of Women’s Quota BillIran Lauds India’s Stand After US Talks, Says Strait Of Hormuz Belongs To All NationsUS-Iran Deal HITS DEAD END, Trump SHIFTS TO Pakistan Praise, Replays India-Pak War ClaimMEA Slams China’s ‘Mischievous Attempts’, Rejects Fictitious Names to Arunachal Pradesh Locations123PhotostoriesThis small trick can tell you whether you are consuming watermelon or a toxic fruitEnjoyed ‘The Boys’? Here are more must-watch superhero dramas to binge next5 types of soul contracts and how to recognize yoursLearn these powerful life lessons from Guru Gobind Singh based on your numberFrom net worth of approximately Rs 215 crore to a luxurious house in Mumbai: Samay Raina’s lavish lifestyleChilling space facts that will stay in your mind long after readingAbhishek Sharma’s crores worth Chandigarh house is a sanctuary of family comfort, his rising cricket career and a beautiful puja roomHow parents can manage kids’ junk food cravings9 food destinations that should be on every foodie’s bucket list6 stunning buildings designed by women architects that are marvels of creativity123Hot PicksIran war ceasefirePAN Card application 2026Purple cap winnerOrange cap winnerIPL Points TablePublic holidays April 2026Bank Holidays AprilTop TrendingTS Dost ScheduleIPL Schedule this weekUK Doctors NewsMorgan StanleyTim DavidJasprit BumrahIPL Points TableRohit SharmaSara TendulkarHardik Pandya

Amit Shah (File photo) NEW DELHI: Union Home Minister Amit Shah on Monday accused Mamata Banerjee and Congress of feeding “biryani” to Pakistani terrorists instead of taking action against them. Addressing a rally in West Bengal’s Paschim Bardhaman, he said, “The Manmohan Singh government, supported by Mamata Banerjee’s party, never took firm action against Pakistan-sponsored terrorism and instead treated them with biryani,” he said, adding, “PM Narendra Modi ordered Operation Sindoor after the Pahalgam attack, striking Pakistan where it hurt the most.” Watch Bengal Elections 2026: Make or Break Moment for Abhishek Banerjee? Speaking at rallies in Birbhum and Paschim Bardhaman, Shah said the people of West Bengal would respond to violence with their votes and claimed the BJP would act against what he called syndicates and corruption if voted to power.He said the BJP would form the next government in the state as people had decided to “bid Ta Ta Bye Bye” to the TMC.”Let the people bid adieu to the Mamata government. The BJP will then take up the task of hanging the syndicate and cut-money promoters upside down to make them straight,” Shah said. Alleging that BJP workers had faced violence, Shah warned, “I advise TMC goons to stay in their homes on April 23, else we will pick them up one by one on May 4 and throw them in jail.” He also accused the TMC government of failing to stop illegal immigration, saying, “Mamata Banerjee is not giving land for border fencing, but blaming the BSF for infiltration in Bengal,” he said, adding that infiltrators would be “picked one by one” and removed from the country.Shah said a “double-engine” government would ensure better governance and added that the next chief minister would be “the son of the soil.”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 MediaVideosTrust Deficit Grows In Ladakh As Activist Sonam Wangchuk Flags Delay In Talks With CentrePatna Posters Push Nishant Kumar As Next Chief Minister Of BiharDelhi To Dehradun In 2.5 Hours? PM To Flag Off India’s New Expressway That Opens New Era Of SpeedWomen’s Quota Bill Back In Focus As PM Modi Urges Parties To Unite For Historic Parliament Move’India Guides World Through Crises’: RSS Chief Mohan Bhagwat’s Big Message Amid US-Iran DeadlockNoida Worker Protest Over Pay Turns Violent As Dispute Escalates Into Chaos, Police Use Tear GasDelimitation Row Heats Up As Sonia Gandhi Slams Modi Govt Over Timing, Process Of Women’s Quota BillIran Lauds India’s Stand After US Talks, Says Strait Of Hormuz Belongs To All NationsUS-Iran Deal HITS DEAD END, Trump SHIFTS TO Pakistan Praise, Replays India-Pak War ClaimMEA Slams China’s ‘Mischievous Attempts’, Rejects Fictitious Names to Arunachal Pradesh Locations123PhotostoriesThis small trick can tell you whether you are consuming watermelon or a toxic fruitEnjoyed ‘The Boys’? Here are more must-watch superhero dramas to binge next5 types of soul contracts and how to recognize yoursLearn these powerful life lessons from Guru Gobind Singh based on your numberFrom net worth of approximately Rs 215 crore to a luxurious house in Mumbai: Samay Raina’s lavish lifestyleChilling space facts that will stay in your mind long after readingAbhishek Sharma’s crores worth Chandigarh house is a sanctuary of family comfort, his rising cricket career and a beautiful puja roomHow parents can manage kids’ junk food cravings9 food destinations that should be on every foodie’s bucket list6 stunning buildings designed by women architects that are marvels of creativity123Hot PicksIran war ceasefirePAN Card application 2026Purple cap winnerOrange cap winnerIPL Points TablePublic holidays April 2026Bank Holidays AprilTop TrendingTS Dost ScheduleIPL Schedule this weekUK Doctors NewsMorgan StanleyTim DavidJasprit BumrahIPL Points TableRohit SharmaSara TendulkarHardik Pandya

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File photo Senior Congress leader Sachin Pilot on Monday accused the BJP government in Rajasthan of weakening grassroots democracy by delaying local body and panchayat elections, alleging that the move was driven by “fear of defeat”.Citing a broader concern over delays in local elections in several states, Pilot told reporters in Tonk that the situation in Rajasthan reflected a “systematic attempt” to avoid democratic accountability at the grassroots level.”Across cities and villages, administrators are in place but they are unable to effectively handle people’s day-to-day issues. There is a widespread demand that elections be held at the earliest,” he said.The former deputy chief minister said that since the BJP came to power in the state, elections to student unions, municipal bodies and panchayat institutions have not been conducted.”Our party has been consistently demanding that elections be held at the earliest. Even after court directions and the April 15 deadline, elections have not been conducted. It is unclear what the Election Commission and the government are doing,” Pilot said.Alleging political motives behind the delay, he said, “It is widely believed that the BJP government does not want to hold elections because the results will not be in their favour. Out of this fear, they are repeatedly postponing polls on one pretext or another.”Pilot also targeted the Centre over the Mahatma Gandhi National Rural Employment Guarantee Act (MGNREGA), claiming that it had been “effectively shut down” in Rajasthan and weakened across the country.”In the villages I visited, MGNREGA work has almost come to a halt. We had warned earlier that renaming schemes was a cover to dilute them. When Congress was in power, lakhs of people benefited, but today the scheme is nearly defunct,” he said.He further alleged that the government was not allocating adequate funds for rural development and was focusing more on “management through advertisements” than actual governance.Questioning the state government’s employment claims, Pilot said, “In the first budget, there was a promise of four lakh jobs. Now two-and-a-half years have passed,” how many people have actually been employed?”He asserted that the Congress would continue to mount pressure on the government to conduct elections and address governance issues, saying the current approach was not in the interest of the people.End of ArticleFollow Us On Social MediaVideosTrust Deficit Grows In Ladakh As Activist Sonam Wangchuk Flags Delay In Talks With CentrePatna Posters Push Nishant Kumar As Next Chief Minister Of BiharDelhi To Dehradun In 2.5 Hours? PM To Flag Off India’s New Expressway That Opens New Era Of SpeedWomen’s Quota Bill Back In Focus As PM Modi Urges Parties To Unite For Historic Parliament Move’India Guides World Through Crises’: RSS Chief Mohan Bhagwat’s Big Message Amid US-Iran DeadlockNoida Worker Protest Over Pay Turns Violent As Dispute Escalates Into Chaos, Police Use Tear GasDelimitation Row Heats Up As Sonia Gandhi Slams Modi Govt Over Timing, Process Of Women’s Quota BillIran Lauds India’s Stand After US Talks, Says Strait Of Hormuz Belongs To All NationsUS-Iran Deal HITS DEAD END, Trump SHIFTS TO Pakistan Praise, Replays India-Pak War ClaimMEA Slams China’s ‘Mischievous Attempts’, Rejects Fictitious Names to Arunachal Pradesh Locations123Photostories5 types of soul contracts and how to recognize yoursLearn these powerful life lessons from Guru Gobind Singh based on your numberFrom net worth of approximately Rs 215 crore to a luxurious house in Mumbai: Samay Raina’s lavish lifestyleChilling space facts that will stay in your mind long after readingAbhishek Sharma’s crores worth Chandigarh house is a sanctuary of family comfort, his rising cricket career and a beautiful puja roomHow parents can manage kids’ junk food cravings9 food destinations that should be on every foodie’s bucket list6 stunning buildings designed by women architects that are marvels of creativityWhy did Lata Mangeshkar and Asha Bhosle always swear by white sarees – Faith, fashion, or strategy?Bengaluru–Mumbai Vande Bharat sleeper service coming soon; what we know123Hot PicksIran war ceasefirePAN Card application 2026Purple cap winnerOrange cap winnerIPL Points TablePublic holidays April 2026Bank Holidays AprilTop TrendingTS Dost ScheduleIPL Schedule this weekUK Doctors NewsMorgan StanleyTim DavidJasprit BumrahIPL Points TableRohit SharmaSara TendulkarHardik Pandya

File photo Senior Congress leader Sachin Pilot on Monday accused the BJP government in Rajasthan of weakening grassroots democracy by delaying local body and panchayat elections, alleging that the move was driven by “fear of defeat”.Citing a broader concern over delays in local elections in several states, Pilot told reporters in Tonk that the situation in Rajasthan reflected a “systematic attempt” to avoid democratic accountability at the grassroots level.”Across cities and villages, administrators are in place but they are unable to effectively handle people’s day-to-day issues. There is a widespread demand that elections be held at the earliest,” he said.The former deputy chief minister said that since the BJP came to power in the state, elections to student unions, municipal bodies and panchayat institutions have not been conducted.”Our party has been consistently demanding that elections be held at the earliest. Even after court directions and the April 15 deadline, elections have not been conducted. It is unclear what the Election Commission and the government are doing,” Pilot said.Alleging political motives behind the delay, he said, “It is widely believed that the BJP government does not want to hold elections because the results will not be in their favour. Out of this fear, they are repeatedly postponing polls on one pretext or another.”Pilot also targeted the Centre over the Mahatma Gandhi National Rural Employment Guarantee Act (MGNREGA), claiming that it had been “effectively shut down” in Rajasthan and weakened across the country.”In the villages I visited, MGNREGA work has almost come to a halt. We had warned earlier that renaming schemes was a cover to dilute them. When Congress was in power, lakhs of people benefited, but today the scheme is nearly defunct,” he said.He further alleged that the government was not allocating adequate funds for rural development and was focusing more on “management through advertisements” than actual governance.Questioning the state government’s employment claims, Pilot said, “In the first budget, there was a promise of four lakh jobs. Now two-and-a-half years have passed,” how many people have actually been employed?”He asserted that the Congress would continue to mount pressure on the government to conduct elections and address governance issues, saying the current approach was not in the interest of the people.End of ArticleFollow Us On Social MediaVideosTrust Deficit Grows In Ladakh As Activist Sonam Wangchuk Flags Delay In Talks With CentrePatna Posters Push Nishant Kumar As Next Chief Minister Of BiharDelhi To Dehradun In 2.5 Hours? PM To Flag Off India’s New Expressway That Opens New Era Of SpeedWomen’s Quota Bill Back In Focus As PM Modi Urges Parties To Unite For Historic Parliament Move’India Guides World Through Crises’: RSS Chief Mohan Bhagwat’s Big Message Amid US-Iran DeadlockNoida Worker Protest Over Pay Turns Violent As Dispute Escalates Into Chaos, Police Use Tear GasDelimitation Row Heats Up As Sonia Gandhi Slams Modi Govt Over Timing, Process Of Women’s Quota BillIran Lauds India’s Stand After US Talks, Says Strait Of Hormuz Belongs To All NationsUS-Iran Deal HITS DEAD END, Trump SHIFTS TO Pakistan Praise, Replays India-Pak War ClaimMEA Slams China’s ‘Mischievous Attempts’, Rejects Fictitious Names to Arunachal Pradesh Locations123Photostories5 types of soul contracts and how to recognize yoursLearn these powerful life lessons from Guru Gobind Singh based on your numberFrom net worth of approximately Rs 215 crore to a luxurious house in Mumbai: Samay Raina’s lavish lifestyleChilling space facts that will stay in your mind long after readingAbhishek Sharma’s crores worth Chandigarh house is a sanctuary of family comfort, his rising cricket career and a beautiful puja roomHow parents can manage kids’ junk food cravings9 food destinations that should be on every foodie’s bucket list6 stunning buildings designed by women architects that are marvels of creativityWhy did Lata Mangeshkar and Asha Bhosle always swear by white sarees – Faith, fashion, or strategy?Bengaluru–Mumbai Vande Bharat sleeper service coming soon; what we know123Hot PicksIran war ceasefirePAN Card application 2026Purple cap winnerOrange cap winnerIPL Points TablePublic holidays April 2026Bank Holidays AprilTop TrendingTS Dost ScheduleIPL Schedule this weekUK Doctors NewsMorgan StanleyTim DavidJasprit BumrahIPL Points TableRohit SharmaSara TendulkarHardik Pandya

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. NEW DELHI: The Times Internet Half Marathon has steadily emerged as one of the capital’s prominent fitness events, bringing together thousands of participants from across the country. More than just a race, it serves as a platform promoting health, endurance, and community spirit. With over 17,000 runners taking to the streets of Delhi this year, the marathon reflected a growing awareness around fitness and well-being in urban India..The capability of an individual is often defined by their willpower. A compelling example of this can be seen in the journey of Ajeet Kumar Singh, Deputy Inspector General (DIG), Border Security Force. At 58, and a kidney transplant survivor, he not only attended the Times Internet Half Marathon as the Chief Guest but also participated in the 10-kilometre run, demonstrating resilience and determination. He flagged off the marathon before joining participants at the start line. His decision to run, despite a major medical history that might deter many, reflects a life guided by discipline and mental strength qualities developed over decades of service in the BSF.The marathon, held on the roads of Delhi, saw over 17,000 participants come together in a celebration of health and endurance. Runners from diverse backgrounds took part, each carrying personal motivations ranging from fitness goals to individual milestones.Among them, Singh’s presence stood out not for spectacle, but for its quiet message. Despite having reasons that might have held him back, he chose to participate, underlining the importance of resilience in everyday life.Health experts frequently emphasise that physical well-being is closely linked to mental and emotional health. However, in increasingly fast-paced lifestyles, it is often overlooked.Events such as the Times Internet Half Marathon aim to address this by encouraging individuals to prioritise fitness and well-being. Singh’s participation served as a powerful reminder of this message. His story reflects a broader truth that inspiration is most effective when demonstrated through action. In a gathering of thousands, one individual’s resolve had the ability to resonate far beyond the finish line.As the marathon concluded, it left behind more than just numbers and finish times. It reinforced a larger message that resilience is a choice, and that the limits we often accept are rarely the ones that truly define us.End of ArticleFollow Us On Social MediaVideosTrust Deficit Grows In Ladakh As Activist Sonam Wangchuk Flags Delay In Talks With CentrePatna Posters Push Nishant Kumar As Next Chief Minister Of BiharDelhi To Dehradun In 2.5 Hours? PM To Flag Off India’s New Expressway That Opens New Era Of SpeedWomen’s Quota Bill Back In Focus As PM Modi Urges Parties To Unite For Historic Parliament Move’India Guides World Through Crises’: RSS Chief Mohan Bhagwat’s Big Message Amid US-Iran DeadlockNoida Worker Protest Over Pay Turns Violent As Dispute Escalates Into Chaos, Police Use Tear GasDelimitation Row Heats Up As Sonia Gandhi Slams Modi Govt Over Timing, Process Of Women’s Quota BillIran Lauds India’s Stand After US Talks, Says Strait Of Hormuz Belongs To All NationsUS-Iran Deal HITS DEAD END, Trump SHIFTS TO Pakistan Praise, Replays India-Pak War ClaimMEA Slams China’s ‘Mischievous Attempts’, Rejects Fictitious Names to Arunachal Pradesh Locations123Photostories5 types of soul contracts and how to recognize yoursLearn these powerful life lessons from Guru Gobind Singh based on your numberFrom net worth of approximately Rs 215 crore to a luxurious house in Mumbai: Samay Raina’s lavish lifestyleChilling space facts that will stay in your mind long after readingAbhishek Sharma’s crores worth Chandigarh house is a sanctuary of family comfort, his rising cricket career and a beautiful puja roomHow parents can manage kids’ junk food cravings9 food destinations that should be on every foodie’s bucket list6 stunning buildings designed by women architects that are marvels of creativityWhy did Lata Mangeshkar and Asha Bhosle always swear by white sarees – Faith, fashion, or strategy?Bengaluru–Mumbai Vande Bharat sleeper service coming soon; what we know123Hot PicksIran war ceasefirePAN Card application 2026Purple cap winnerOrange cap winnerIPL Points TablePublic holidays April 2026Bank Holidays AprilTop TrendingTS Dost ScheduleIPL Schedule this weekUK Doctors NewsMorgan StanleyTim DavidJasprit BumrahIPL Points TableRohit SharmaSara TendulkarHardik Pandya

. NEW DELHI: The Times Internet Half Marathon has steadily emerged as one of the capital’s prominent fitness events, bringing together thousands of participants from across the country. More than just a race, it serves as a platform promoting health, endurance, and community spirit. With over 17,000 runners taking to the streets of Delhi this year, the marathon reflected a growing awareness around fitness and well-being in urban India..The capability of an individual is often defined by their willpower. A compelling example of this can be seen in the journey of Ajeet Kumar Singh, Deputy Inspector General (DIG), Border Security Force. At 58, and a kidney transplant survivor, he not only attended the Times Internet Half Marathon as the Chief Guest but also participated in the 10-kilometre run, demonstrating resilience and determination. He flagged off the marathon before joining participants at the start line. His decision to run, despite a major medical history that might deter many, reflects a life guided by discipline and mental strength qualities developed over decades of service in the BSF.The marathon, held on the roads of Delhi, saw over 17,000 participants come together in a celebration of health and endurance. Runners from diverse backgrounds took part, each carrying personal motivations ranging from fitness goals to individual milestones.Among them, Singh’s presence stood out not for spectacle, but for its quiet message. Despite having reasons that might have held him back, he chose to participate, underlining the importance of resilience in everyday life.Health experts frequently emphasise that physical well-being is closely linked to mental and emotional health. However, in increasingly fast-paced lifestyles, it is often overlooked.Events such as the Times Internet Half Marathon aim to address this by encouraging individuals to prioritise fitness and well-being. Singh’s participation served as a powerful reminder of this message. His story reflects a broader truth that inspiration is most effective when demonstrated through action. In a gathering of thousands, one individual’s resolve had the ability to resonate far beyond the finish line.As the marathon concluded, it left behind more than just numbers and finish times. It reinforced a larger message that resilience is a choice, and that the limits we often accept are rarely the ones that truly define us.End of ArticleFollow Us On Social MediaVideosTrust Deficit Grows In Ladakh As Activist Sonam Wangchuk Flags Delay In Talks With CentrePatna Posters Push Nishant Kumar As Next Chief Minister Of BiharDelhi To Dehradun In 2.5 Hours? PM To Flag Off India’s New Expressway That Opens New Era Of SpeedWomen’s Quota Bill Back In Focus As PM Modi Urges Parties To Unite For Historic Parliament Move’India Guides World Through Crises’: RSS Chief Mohan Bhagwat’s Big Message Amid US-Iran DeadlockNoida Worker Protest Over Pay Turns Violent As Dispute Escalates Into Chaos, Police Use Tear GasDelimitation Row Heats Up As Sonia Gandhi Slams Modi Govt Over Timing, Process Of Women’s Quota BillIran Lauds India’s Stand After US Talks, Says Strait Of Hormuz Belongs To All NationsUS-Iran Deal HITS DEAD END, Trump SHIFTS TO Pakistan Praise, Replays India-Pak War ClaimMEA Slams China’s ‘Mischievous Attempts’, Rejects Fictitious Names to Arunachal Pradesh Locations123Photostories5 types of soul contracts and how to recognize yoursLearn these powerful life lessons from Guru Gobind Singh based on your numberFrom net worth of approximately Rs 215 crore to a luxurious house in Mumbai: Samay Raina’s lavish lifestyleChilling space facts that will stay in your mind long after readingAbhishek Sharma’s crores worth Chandigarh house is a sanctuary of family comfort, his rising cricket career and a beautiful puja roomHow parents can manage kids’ junk food cravings9 food destinations that should be on every foodie’s bucket list6 stunning buildings designed by women architects that are marvels of creativityWhy did Lata Mangeshkar and Asha Bhosle always swear by white sarees – Faith, fashion, or strategy?Bengaluru–Mumbai Vande Bharat sleeper service coming soon; what we know123Hot PicksIran war ceasefirePAN Card application 2026Purple cap winnerOrange cap winnerIPL Points TablePublic holidays April 2026Bank Holidays AprilTop TrendingTS Dost ScheduleIPL Schedule this weekUK Doctors NewsMorgan StanleyTim DavidJasprit BumrahIPL Points TableRohit SharmaSara TendulkarHardik Pandya

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