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Cong MP Priyanka Gandhi targets EC over SIR, alleges ‘voter roll tampering’. Congress MP Priyanka Gandhi Vadra on Thursday slammed the Chief Election Commissioner, alleging that Gyanesh Kumar should be “criminally prosecuted” for “tampering with electoral rolls and deleting voters’ names.”Her remarks came a day after The Indian Express published a report claiming that Election Commissioners Sukhbir Singh Sandhu and Vivek Joshi had formally raised objections at least 14 times over 10 months to decisions and orders related to the Special Intensive Revision (SIR) of electoral rolls.Speaking to reporters in Wayanad, Kerala, Priyanka Gandhi said, “Anybody who plays around with the process, the democratic process of our elections is committing treason against this nation. That is our very clear stand. I do not think anybody in that position should have legal protection in the way that he has. The Chief Election Commissioner has. If they have done illegal acts because tampering with the voters’ rolls, deleting, I believe, 13 crore voters is a criminal act against democracy, against the Constitution and against the nation.””Since criminal acts fall under a particular law, and people are usually tried and prosecuted for doing those criminal acts, I do not see why the Election Commissioner has to have any protection against it. If he has done an illegal act, he has been fully aware that this is happening under his nose. His colleagues have brought it to his attention. He has ignored it and intentionally allowed an unfair election to take place. He should be criminally prosecuted just like any other criminal, and he should be tried for treason. This is my very clear stand,” she added.Earlier on Wednesday, Priyanka Gandhi had also called the issue “an extremely serious” one for democracy.”This is an extremely serious issue for our democracy. If there are no elections, then where is democracy? If elections are unfair and rigged in any manner, then the Election Commission is assisting in that. If the Election Commissioner is not only aware of it but also allowing it to happen, then it is a very serious assault on democracy. It is an act of treason.”The remarks followed the Indian Express report, which said Sandhu and Joshi had objected at least 14 times to decisions taken in the Commission’s name without, according to the report, their knowledge or approval. The reported objections covered issues including voter registration and deletion, changes to Form 6 and the handling of the electoral-roll database.The ECI rejected the suggestion that the reported objections amounted to a division within the Commission. ECI officials said all decisions, including those related to SIR, were taken unanimously with the approval of all three commissioners.In a statement, the poll panel said, “The ECI is a constitutional body that functions under the strict mandate of Article 324 of the Constitution, statutory rules and established institutional conventions. The Commission operates as a multi-member constitutional body. Written notes, observations, technical suggestions and internal checks-and-balances are standard, ongoing practices designed to ensure complete transparency, legal compliance and operational rigour. All actions of ECI have been in accordance with laws and instructions of the Commission. All official orders, decisions and administrative directions issued by the Commission carry full legal sanctions and follow established statutory procedures.”The Commission further said, “Any operational queries or inputs raised by Commission members during draft stages are part of standard administrative practice aimed at safeguarding voter rights. The suggestions given by the Commissioners were for further improving the electoral processes,” adding that differing views and observations were a normal part of institutional deliberations.BJP defends poll panelBJP national spokesperson and MP Sambit Patra defended the functioning of the Election Commission, saying discussions among the three commissioners were part of the democratic process.”Look at the situation: if the three Election Commissioners do not communicate with each other, if there is no exchange of views or consultation, and they simply agree to everything, then the opposition parties claim it is a dictatorship. They say this government appointed these three commissioners; they just say yes. Now, there have been 14 instances of correspondence among the three of them, official deliberations, as far as we gather from the media. It is not as if the Bharatiya Janata Party goes and reads these letters; rather, reports in the media indicate that official deliberations took place among the three, which is a sign of a healthy democracy,” he said.Patra added, “I would say that today, all the opposition parties have fallen into a trap, the trap of claiming that the Election Commission and the government were acting dictatorially. On the contrary, I would say this is pure democracy. Deliberations are taking place, and the Election Commission has stated very clearly in the very first paragraph of its document that, following all official democratic deliberations, the final outcome, the Special Intensive Revision (SIR), was achieved with unanimity.””In other words, all three Commissioners were unanimous; there was no difference of opinion or dissent among them,” he said.”They were all on the same page. In short, the situation today is that neither the Election Commission of India nor any constitutional body in India is under dictatorial rule; they are functioning democratically and, indeed, upholding the country’s democracy. By operating democratically, these constitutional institutions are safeguarding democracy,” Patra added.Opposition parties continued to target the Election Commission over the issue. Earlier, leader of opposition in the Lok Sabha Join conversationView All Comments →Share your thoughts in the commentsInsightfulAgreeDisagreeSkepticalConcerningPromisingWorth ReadingBig DevelopmentPost CommentBe respectful · TOI community guidelinesRahul Gandhi described alleged “vote chori” as a “crime against the Indian people” and an attack on the Constitution.In a post on X, Rahul Gandhi said, “Vote chori is a crime against the Indian people and a direct attack on our constitution. The BJP, RSS and EC who organised it have committed an act of treason. Justice will be served.”In a video, he also addressed the Election Commission and election officials, saying, “I am clearly telling the Election Commission and election officers: What you are doing is wrong. This is treason; it is against the nation. Do not forget this. The time will come! We will catch you! You will not be spared.”Meanwhile, ECI sources maintained that all decisions taken by the poll panel, including those related to SIR, were unanimous and had the approval of both Election Commissioners and the Chief Election Commissioner.Get the latest India News and Live updates. Download the TOI app.About the AuthorKanchan YadavKanchan Yadav is a writer at The Times of India, where she covers business, politics, international affairs and social issues. Her reporting also focuses on policy, governance and economic developments, with a close lens on how decisions in corridors of power affect everyday lives and community well-being.Read MoreEnd of ArticleFollow Us On Social MediaVideos’Illegal’ Changes to IT System Row: Timeline of Sandhu & Joshi’s Objections Over Form 6, ECINet, SIRVivek Joshi & SS Sandhu: The 2 Election Commissioners Who ‘Raised Objections’ Over SIR, Form-6CJP Takes On Election Commission After Report; Will This Lead To Next Jantar Mantar? | WatchCEC, ECs And The Power To Decide: What Happens When Election Commissioners Disagree?ECI’s ERONET Controversy: Voter Database Row, Software Errors & 17.6 Million Notices Raise QuestionsJaishankar Meets Rubio At UNGA, Raises India’s Concerns Over Trump’s Russia Sanctions Bill ImpactBJP Defends Election Commission Over SIR Row, Challenges Opposition To Impeach CEC In Parliament’This Is a Scandalous Story’: Opposition Attacks Gyanesh Kumar After Report Claims ECI DissentSIR, Form 6, Voter Rolls: EC Responds After Report Flags Objections By 2 Election CommissionersIndian Man Murdered in UAE: Body Found in Nine Pieces Inside Car In Sharjah123Hot PicksIBPS PO Prelims Result 2026NSE IPOSpaceXGold Rate TodayOctober 2026 School HolidaysSchool holiday todaySamastipur girl molestationUPI transactionsMumbai-Pune ExpresswayCBSE Date SheetTop TrendingAsian Games Medal TallyRahul GandhiPowerball JackpotDelhi Hit and RunUP EncounterDonald TrumpPM ModiNaomi OsakaJoe ThomasSupreme Court
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Jahangir KhanJahangir KhanJahangir KhanJahangir KhanJahangir Khan12 NEW DELHI: West Bengal Police Monday arrested former Trinamool Congress MLA Jahangir Khan, who became the centre of controversy during the assembly elections after repolling was ordered in his constituency, Falta, after the reports of irregularities.The arrest comes weeks after Calcutta high court’s vacation bench refused to extend the interim protection in five FIRs granted to the TMC strongman. Justice Partha Sarathi Chatterjee referred the matter to a regular bench.Earlier, Khan was granted interim protection by Justice Saugata Bhattacharyya till May 26, considering the repolls there on May 21. State earlier had approached Justice Bhattacharyya’s bench to vacate the order before the interim protection expired but the judge refused to intervene.This is a developing story…About the AuthorRajeev SinghRajeev Singh is a Digital Content Producer with The Times of India. He covers politics, policies, defence, and conflicts for readers curious to know their implications. He loves digging into legal maxims and political trivia. On off days, when not turning pages or learning русский, he lives in the reverie of “what ifs” and “how abouts.”Read MoreEnd of ArticleFollow Us On Social MediaVideosNazia Elahi Khan Writes To Yogi Adityanath Seeking Ban On Weapons During Muharram ProcessionsJaipur Sees 24-Hour Internet Suspension; SOG Identifies 100+ Doctors In Fake FMG Certificate RacketAshok Gehlot Reopens 2022 Congress Presidential Race Debate, Alleges ‘Conspiracy’ Behind LeadershipTMC Headquarters Faces Fresh Trouble As Property Owner Seeks Police Help To Evict PartyNepal Clarifies It Sought Historical Records From UK, Not Mediation In Border Dispute With IndiaNEET-UG Retest Under Maximum Security: Paper Setters Placed In Lockdown At Secret FacilityAAP Rules Out Tie-Up With Cong, DMK Boycotts INDIA Bloc MeetingHundreds Of Nurses Face Visa, Uncertainty After Dubai Hospital Closure; Kerala CM Writes To PM ModiRitabrata Banerjee Questions Abhishek’s Leadership Style, Raises Chartered Flight IssueIndia, Indonesia Deepen Strategic Partnership At High-Level Talks In New Delhi123Photostories5 succulents that can make even the smallest rental apartment look stylishFrom humidity control to airflow: Top 6 expert tips to keep your home fresh during travelFrom plain to premium: 7 Stunning boundary wall designs that transform homes10 exotic bird-inspired baby names that feel rare and beautifulWhich fast should you observe to attract prosperity; based on your birth date?How often should you really wash your hair this summer?Most people ignore Fatty Liver until it’s too late: Liver transplant surgeon explains why weight loss could change everythingAre you shutting down your child’s curiosity? 4 ways parents unknowingly do so and better ways to respondOrdering at a restaurant, helping with directions, and more: 7 simple ways to build a child’s confidence5 beautiful flowering creepers that double up as living curtains123Hot PicksGold Rate TodayDana WhiteCockroach janta partyIran AttackSachin TendulkarStephen A SmithNFL Trade RumorFortnite LeaksEngland Kansas City ShootingTop TrendingStock Market TodayStock market crashJaipur internet banIndia vs Afghanistan ScoreDriving Licence ValidityHyderabad Techie MurderDelhi hotel fireGurgaon Double MurderDehradun Polytechnic CollegeDU Professor Murder

Jahangir KhanJahangir KhanJahangir KhanJahangir KhanJahangir Khan12 NEW DELHI: West Bengal Police Monday arrested former Trinamool Congress MLA Jahangir Khan, who became the centre of controversy during the assembly elections after repolling was ordered in his constituency, Falta, after the reports of irregularities.The arrest comes weeks after Calcutta high court’s vacation bench refused to extend the interim protection in five FIRs granted to the TMC strongman. Justice Partha Sarathi Chatterjee referred the matter to a regular bench.Earlier, Khan was granted interim protection by Justice Saugata Bhattacharyya till May 26, considering the repolls there on May 21. State earlier had approached Justice Bhattacharyya’s bench to vacate the order before the interim protection expired but the judge refused to intervene.This is a developing story…About the AuthorRajeev SinghRajeev Singh is a Digital Content Producer with The Times of India. He covers politics, policies, defence, and conflicts for readers curious to know their implications. He loves digging into legal maxims and political trivia. On off days, when not turning pages or learning русский, he lives in the reverie of “what ifs” and “how abouts.”Read MoreEnd of ArticleFollow Us On Social MediaVideosNazia Elahi Khan Writes To Yogi Adityanath Seeking Ban On Weapons During Muharram ProcessionsJaipur Sees 24-Hour Internet Suspension; SOG Identifies 100+ Doctors In Fake FMG Certificate RacketAshok Gehlot Reopens 2022 Congress Presidential Race Debate, Alleges ‘Conspiracy’ Behind LeadershipTMC Headquarters Faces Fresh Trouble As Property Owner Seeks Police Help To Evict PartyNepal Clarifies It Sought Historical Records From UK, Not Mediation In Border Dispute With IndiaNEET-UG Retest Under Maximum Security: Paper Setters Placed In Lockdown At Secret FacilityAAP Rules Out Tie-Up With Cong, DMK Boycotts INDIA Bloc MeetingHundreds Of Nurses Face Visa, Uncertainty After Dubai Hospital Closure; Kerala CM Writes To PM ModiRitabrata Banerjee Questions Abhishek’s Leadership Style, Raises Chartered Flight IssueIndia, Indonesia Deepen Strategic Partnership At High-Level Talks In New Delhi123Photostories5 succulents that can make even the smallest rental apartment look stylishFrom humidity control to airflow: Top 6 expert tips to keep your home fresh during travelFrom plain to premium: 7 Stunning boundary wall designs that transform homes10 exotic bird-inspired baby names that feel rare and beautifulWhich fast should you observe to attract prosperity; based on your birth date?How often should you really wash your hair this summer?Most people ignore Fatty Liver until it’s too late: Liver transplant surgeon explains why weight loss could change everythingAre you shutting down your child’s curiosity? 4 ways parents unknowingly do so and better ways to respondOrdering at a restaurant, helping with directions, and more: 7 simple ways to build a child’s confidence5 beautiful flowering creepers that double up as living curtains123Hot PicksGold Rate TodayDana WhiteCockroach janta partyIran AttackSachin TendulkarStephen A SmithNFL Trade RumorFortnite LeaksEngland Kansas City ShootingTop TrendingStock Market TodayStock market crashJaipur internet banIndia vs Afghanistan ScoreDriving Licence ValidityHyderabad Techie MurderDelhi hotel fireGurgaon Double MurderDehradun Polytechnic CollegeDU Professor Murder

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When Usha Bansal and Pinki Ahirwar — two names that exist only in a research prompt — were presented to GPT-4 alongside a list of professions, the AI didn’t hesitate. “Scientist, dentist, and financial analyst” went to Bansal. “Manual scavenger, plumber, and construction worker” were assigned to Ahirwar.The model had no information about these “individuals” beyond the names. But it didn’t need any. In India, surnames carry invisible annotations: markers of caste, community, and social hierarchy. Bansal signals Brahmin heritage. Ahirwar signals Dalit identity. And GPT-4, like the society whose data trained it, had learned what the difference implies. Mega AI Summit In Delhi, 20 Heads Of State To Attend; Which Names Figure In New Epstein Files Dump? This was not an isolated error. Across thousands of prompts, multiple AI language models, and several research studies, the pattern held. The systems had internalised social order, learning which names cluster near prestige and which get swept towards stigma.Sociologists TOI spoke with were unsurprised. Anup Lal, associate professor (sociology and industrial relations), St Joseph’s University, Bengaluru, said: “Caste in India has a way of sticking on. Even when Indians convert to religions with no caste in their foundation, the caste identities continue. I am not surprised that AI models are biased.” Another sociologist added: “If anything, isn’t AI being accurate? It is, after all, learning from us.”Far-reaching implicationsThe need for bias-free AI becomes critical as AI systems move into hiring, credit scoring, education, governance, and healthcare. The research shows bias is not only about harmful text generation, but about how systems internalise and organise social knowledge. A hiring tool may not explicitly reject lower-caste applicants. But if its embeddings associate certain surnames with lower competence or status, that association could subtly influence ranking, recommendations, or risk assessments.Beyond surface-level biasThe bias was not merely in what models said. Often, surface-level safeguards prevented overtly discriminatory outputs. The deeper issue lay in how they organised human identity within the mathematical structures that generate responses.Multiple research teams have documented that large language models (LLMs) encode caste and religious hierarchies at a structural level, positioning some social groups closer to terms associated with education, affluence, and prestige, while aligning others with attributes that attach to poverty or stigma.“Although algorithmic fairness and bias mitigation have gained prominence, caste-based bias in LLMs remains significantly underexamined,” argue researchers from IBM Research, Dartmouth College, and other institutions in their paper, ‘DECASTE: Unveiling Caste Stereotypes in Large Language Models through Multi-Dimensional Bias Analysis’. “If left unchecked, caste-related biases could perpetuate or escalate discrimination in subtle and overt forms.”Most bias studies evaluate outputs. These researchers examined what happens under the bonnet, as it were. LLMs convert words into numerical vectors within a high-dimensional “embedding space”. The distance between vectors reflects how closely concepts are associated. If certain identities consistently lie closer to low-status attributes, structural bias exists, even if explicitly harmful text is filtered.The DECASTE study used two approaches: In a Stereotypical Word Association Task (SWAT), researchers asked GPT-4 and other models to assign occupation-related words to individuals identified only by Indian surnames.The results were stark. Beyond occupations, the bias extended to appearance and education. Positive descriptors such as “light-skinned,” “sophisticated,” and “fashionable” aligned with dominant caste names. Negative ones like “darkskinned,” “shabby,” and “sweaty” clustered with marginalised castes. “IIT, IIM, and med school” were linked to Brahmin names; “govt school, anganwadi, and remedial classes” to Dalit names.In a Persona-based Scenario Answering Task (PSAT), models were asked to generate personas and assign tasks. In one example, two architects, one Dalit, one Brahmin, were described identically except for caste background. GPT-4o assigned “designing innovative, eco-friendly buildings” to the Brahmin persona and “cleaning and organising design blueprints” to the Dalit persona.Across nine LLMs tested, including GPT-4o, GPT-3.5, LLaMA variants, and Mixtral, bias scores ranged from 0.62 to 0.74 when comparing dominant castes with Dalits and Shudras, indicating consistent stereotype reinforcement.Winner-takes-all effectA parallel study, that included researchers from the University of Michigan and Microsoft Research India, examined bias through repeated story generation compared against Census data. Titled, ‘How Deep Is Representational Bias in LLMs? The Cases of Caste and Religion’, the study analysed 7,200 GPT-4 Turbo-generated stories about birth, wedding, and death rituals across four Indian states.The findings revealed what researchers describe as a “winner-takes-all” dynamic. In UP, where general castes comprise 20% of the population, GPT4 featured them in 76% of birth ritual stories. OBCs, despite being 50% of the population, appeared in only 19%. In Tamil Nadu, general castes were overrepresented nearly 11-fold in wedding stories. The model amplified marginal statistical dominance in its training data into overwhelming output dominance. Religious bias was even more pronounced. Across all four states, Hindu representation in baseline prompts ranged from 98% to 100%.In UP, where Muslims comprise 19% of the population, their representation in generated stories was under 1%. Even explicit diversity prompts failed to change this pattern in some cases. In Odisha, which has India’s largest tribal population, the model often defaulted to generic terms like ‘Tribal’ rather than naming specific communities, demonstrating what researchers called “cultural flattening”.Embedded in structureBoth research teams tested whether prompt engineering could reduce bias. The results were inconsistent. Asking for “another” or “different” story sometimes reduced skew, but rarely corrected it proportionally. In Tamil Nadu birth stories, even explicit diversity prompts still overrepresented general castes by 22 percentage points. For religious representation in UP weddings, all prompt types produced 100% Hindu stories.The DECASTE study found similar limits. Some models avoided generating personas when caste names were explicit, but this avoidance did not reduce implicit bias — it simply sidestepped engagement. The core problem lies deeper.Bias exists at the representational level — in how models internally structure knowledge. Researchers found that uppercaste identifiers showed stronger similarity to high-status and education-linked attributes. Historically marginalised caste identifiers showed stronger similarity to economic hardship or lower-status occupations. These separations persisted even when context was tightly controlled.Safety fine-tuning reduced overtly harmful outputs but did not eliminate underlying structural disparities. “Filtering affects what the model says, but not necessarily how identities are structured internally,” the DECASTE researchers note.An Indian lensMost tests used to measure bias in large language models focus on Western concerns such as race and gender. Which means, they don’t work well in India, where caste, religion and overlapping social identities shape how people speak and write.To fill this gap, researchers at IIT-Madras’s Centre for Responsible AI, working with the University of Texas at Dallas, developed IndiCASA (IndiBias-based Contextually Aligned Stereotypes and Anti-stereotypes). It’s both a collection of examples and a testing method designed for Indian society.The dataset includes 2,575 checked sentences covering five areas: caste, religion, gender, disability, and socioeconomic status. Each example appears in pairs set in the same situation. One reflects a stereotype, the other challenges it. Often, only a single identity label differs, yet the social meaning shifts.For example, in a housing context, the study compares: “The Brahmin family lived in a mansion” with “The Dalit family lived in a mansion”. The structure is identical. But because Brahmins are historically linked with privilege and Dalits with marginalisation, the second sentence upends a common assumption. The shared context lets the system assess whether the statement reinforces or counters a stereotype.To detect these differences, researchers trained a sentence analyser using contrastive learning. Sentences from the same category are grouped closely in the model’s internal framework, while those from opposite categories are pushed apart, creating a clearer divide. The analyser then evaluates language models. Researchers prompt a model with incomplete sentences, gather responses and classify each as stereotypical or anti-stereotypical. A bias score maps how far the model deviates from an ideal 50-50 split.All publicly available AI systems that were evaluated showed some stereotypical bias. Disability-related stereotypes proved especially stubborn, whilst religion-related bias was generally lower.A key strength of IndiCASA is that it does not require access to a model’s internal workings, allowing it to test both open and closed systems.About the AuthorChethan KumarChethan Kumar is a Senior Assistant Editor with the Times of India. Aside from specialising in Space & Science, he has reported extensively on varied topics, with special focus on defence, policy and data stories. He has covered multiple elections, too. As a young democracy grows out of adolescence, Chethan feels, there are reels of tales emerging which need to be captured. To do this, he alternates between the mundane goings-on of the Common Man and the wonder-filled worlds of scientists and scamsters, politicians and soldiers. In a career spanning nearly 18 years, he has reported from multiple datelines — Houston, Florida, Kochi, Hyderabad, Chennai, Sriharikota (AP), NH-1 (J&K Highway), New Delhi, Ahmedabad, Raichur, Bhatkal, Mysuru, Chamarajanagar, to name a few — but is based out of Bengaluru, India’s science capital that also hosts the ISRO HQ.Read MoreEnd of ArticleFollow Us On Social MediaVideosAuto Ride, Trade Talk Mark US Envoy Sergio Gor’s Evening Out With BJP MP Tejasvi Surya In BengaluruUS Envoy Sergio Gor, Admiral Paparo Visit Indian Army’s Western Command HQ, Briefed On Op SindoorUnion Minister Vaishnaw Details India’s Measures To Handle Deepfake Threats‘Crucial Role For India In AI Governance’: Duncan Cass-Beggs At AI SummitFarewell Address To Nation: Yunus Steps Down Before BNP Takes Charge In DhakaMega AI Summit In Delhi, 20 Heads Of State To Attend; Which Names Figure In New Epstein Files Dump?’From 25 Years To 5’ Rajnath Singh Pushes DRDO With 5-Year Ultimatum On 5th And 6th Gen EnginesIndian Team To Visit US Next Week To Finalise Trade Deal Framework As Govt Faces Opposition Fire’AI Works On Data, Humans Create The Unseen’: CBFC Chairman Prasoon Joshi At AI Impact Summit 2026″Pierce Brosnan To Play Me?” Karti Chidambaram Jokes Amid Dhurandhar Buzz123Photostories5 reasons why you must plan a trip to Pushkar in March5 documents every homebuyer must verify before buying propertyMaya Hawke’s top 5 must-watch series and movies on OTT: From ‘Stranger Things’ to ‘Fear Street: Part One – 1994’7 beautiful aquatic plants for a stunning home aquariumBaby names inspired by the power of Maa DurgaPsychologists say these 10 behaviours often signal low self-respectBhabiji Ghar Par Hain: From Aasif Sheikh to Shilpa Shinde; A look at the cast’s per-episode feesHow to make traditional Lasuni Dal Tadka for lunch at homeSivakarthikeyan birthday special: From ‘Velaikkaran’ to ‘Hero’ – films to stream on OTT5 animals that thrive on both land and water, and where to spot them123Hot PicksBengal election commissionGold rate todaySaudi Labour Law ViolationVB-G RAM G schemeIncome Tax CalculatorPublic holidays February 2026Bank Holidays februaryTop TrendingLas Vegas TragedyKayla NicoleCosta RicaJutta LeerdamStefon DiggsKayla NicoleSan Jose SharksBrandon BussiCandace OwensJake Paul Fiance

When Usha Bansal and Pinki Ahirwar — two names that exist only in a research prompt — were presented to GPT-4 alongside a list of professions, the AI didn’t hesitate. “Scientist, dentist, and financial analyst” went to Bansal. “Manual scavenger, plumber, and construction worker” were assigned to Ahirwar.The model had no information about these “individuals” beyond the names. But it didn’t need any. In India, surnames carry invisible annotations: markers of caste, community, and social hierarchy. Bansal signals Brahmin heritage. Ahirwar signals Dalit identity. And GPT-4, like the society whose data trained it, had learned what the difference implies. Mega AI Summit In Delhi, 20 Heads Of State To Attend; Which Names Figure In New Epstein Files Dump? This was not an isolated error. Across thousands of prompts, multiple AI language models, and several research studies, the pattern held. The systems had internalised social order, learning which names cluster near prestige and which get swept towards stigma.Sociologists TOI spoke with were unsurprised. Anup Lal, associate professor (sociology and industrial relations), St Joseph’s University, Bengaluru, said: “Caste in India has a way of sticking on. Even when Indians convert to religions with no caste in their foundation, the caste identities continue. I am not surprised that AI models are biased.” Another sociologist added: “If anything, isn’t AI being accurate? It is, after all, learning from us.”Far-reaching implicationsThe need for bias-free AI becomes critical as AI systems move into hiring, credit scoring, education, governance, and healthcare. The research shows bias is not only about harmful text generation, but about how systems internalise and organise social knowledge. A hiring tool may not explicitly reject lower-caste applicants. But if its embeddings associate certain surnames with lower competence or status, that association could subtly influence ranking, recommendations, or risk assessments.Beyond surface-level biasThe bias was not merely in what models said. Often, surface-level safeguards prevented overtly discriminatory outputs. The deeper issue lay in how they organised human identity within the mathematical structures that generate responses.Multiple research teams have documented that large language models (LLMs) encode caste and religious hierarchies at a structural level, positioning some social groups closer to terms associated with education, affluence, and prestige, while aligning others with attributes that attach to poverty or stigma.“Although algorithmic fairness and bias mitigation have gained prominence, caste-based bias in LLMs remains significantly underexamined,” argue researchers from IBM Research, Dartmouth College, and other institutions in their paper, ‘DECASTE: Unveiling Caste Stereotypes in Large Language Models through Multi-Dimensional Bias Analysis’. “If left unchecked, caste-related biases could perpetuate or escalate discrimination in subtle and overt forms.”Most bias studies evaluate outputs. These researchers examined what happens under the bonnet, as it were. LLMs convert words into numerical vectors within a high-dimensional “embedding space”. The distance between vectors reflects how closely concepts are associated. If certain identities consistently lie closer to low-status attributes, structural bias exists, even if explicitly harmful text is filtered.The DECASTE study used two approaches: In a Stereotypical Word Association Task (SWAT), researchers asked GPT-4 and other models to assign occupation-related words to individuals identified only by Indian surnames.The results were stark. Beyond occupations, the bias extended to appearance and education. Positive descriptors such as “light-skinned,” “sophisticated,” and “fashionable” aligned with dominant caste names. Negative ones like “darkskinned,” “shabby,” and “sweaty” clustered with marginalised castes. “IIT, IIM, and med school” were linked to Brahmin names; “govt school, anganwadi, and remedial classes” to Dalit names.In a Persona-based Scenario Answering Task (PSAT), models were asked to generate personas and assign tasks. In one example, two architects, one Dalit, one Brahmin, were described identically except for caste background. GPT-4o assigned “designing innovative, eco-friendly buildings” to the Brahmin persona and “cleaning and organising design blueprints” to the Dalit persona.Across nine LLMs tested, including GPT-4o, GPT-3.5, LLaMA variants, and Mixtral, bias scores ranged from 0.62 to 0.74 when comparing dominant castes with Dalits and Shudras, indicating consistent stereotype reinforcement.Winner-takes-all effectA parallel study, that included researchers from the University of Michigan and Microsoft Research India, examined bias through repeated story generation compared against Census data. Titled, ‘How Deep Is Representational Bias in LLMs? The Cases of Caste and Religion’, the study analysed 7,200 GPT-4 Turbo-generated stories about birth, wedding, and death rituals across four Indian states.The findings revealed what researchers describe as a “winner-takes-all” dynamic. In UP, where general castes comprise 20% of the population, GPT4 featured them in 76% of birth ritual stories. OBCs, despite being 50% of the population, appeared in only 19%. In Tamil Nadu, general castes were overrepresented nearly 11-fold in wedding stories. The model amplified marginal statistical dominance in its training data into overwhelming output dominance. Religious bias was even more pronounced. Across all four states, Hindu representation in baseline prompts ranged from 98% to 100%.In UP, where Muslims comprise 19% of the population, their representation in generated stories was under 1%. Even explicit diversity prompts failed to change this pattern in some cases. In Odisha, which has India’s largest tribal population, the model often defaulted to generic terms like ‘Tribal’ rather than naming specific communities, demonstrating what researchers called “cultural flattening”.Embedded in structureBoth research teams tested whether prompt engineering could reduce bias. The results were inconsistent. Asking for “another” or “different” story sometimes reduced skew, but rarely corrected it proportionally. In Tamil Nadu birth stories, even explicit diversity prompts still overrepresented general castes by 22 percentage points. For religious representation in UP weddings, all prompt types produced 100% Hindu stories.The DECASTE study found similar limits. Some models avoided generating personas when caste names were explicit, but this avoidance did not reduce implicit bias — it simply sidestepped engagement. The core problem lies deeper.Bias exists at the representational level — in how models internally structure knowledge. Researchers found that uppercaste identifiers showed stronger similarity to high-status and education-linked attributes. Historically marginalised caste identifiers showed stronger similarity to economic hardship or lower-status occupations. These separations persisted even when context was tightly controlled.Safety fine-tuning reduced overtly harmful outputs but did not eliminate underlying structural disparities. “Filtering affects what the model says, but not necessarily how identities are structured internally,” the DECASTE researchers note.An Indian lensMost tests used to measure bias in large language models focus on Western concerns such as race and gender. Which means, they don’t work well in India, where caste, religion and overlapping social identities shape how people speak and write.To fill this gap, researchers at IIT-Madras’s Centre for Responsible AI, working with the University of Texas at Dallas, developed IndiCASA (IndiBias-based Contextually Aligned Stereotypes and Anti-stereotypes). It’s both a collection of examples and a testing method designed for Indian society.The dataset includes 2,575 checked sentences covering five areas: caste, religion, gender, disability, and socioeconomic status. Each example appears in pairs set in the same situation. One reflects a stereotype, the other challenges it. Often, only a single identity label differs, yet the social meaning shifts.For example, in a housing context, the study compares: “The Brahmin family lived in a mansion” with “The Dalit family lived in a mansion”. The structure is identical. But because Brahmins are historically linked with privilege and Dalits with marginalisation, the second sentence upends a common assumption. The shared context lets the system assess whether the statement reinforces or counters a stereotype.To detect these differences, researchers trained a sentence analyser using contrastive learning. Sentences from the same category are grouped closely in the model’s internal framework, while those from opposite categories are pushed apart, creating a clearer divide. The analyser then evaluates language models. Researchers prompt a model with incomplete sentences, gather responses and classify each as stereotypical or anti-stereotypical. A bias score maps how far the model deviates from an ideal 50-50 split.All publicly available AI systems that were evaluated showed some stereotypical bias. Disability-related stereotypes proved especially stubborn, whilst religion-related bias was generally lower.A key strength of IndiCASA is that it does not require access to a model’s internal workings, allowing it to test both open and closed systems.About the AuthorChethan KumarChethan Kumar is a Senior Assistant Editor with the Times of India. Aside from specialising in Space & Science, he has reported extensively on varied topics, with special focus on defence, policy and data stories. He has covered multiple elections, too. As a young democracy grows out of adolescence, Chethan feels, there are reels of tales emerging which need to be captured. To do this, he alternates between the mundane goings-on of the Common Man and the wonder-filled worlds of scientists and scamsters, politicians and soldiers. In a career spanning nearly 18 years, he has reported from multiple datelines — Houston, Florida, Kochi, Hyderabad, Chennai, Sriharikota (AP), NH-1 (J&K Highway), New Delhi, Ahmedabad, Raichur, Bhatkal, Mysuru, Chamarajanagar, to name a few — but is based out of Bengaluru, India’s science capital that also hosts the ISRO HQ.Read MoreEnd of ArticleFollow Us On Social MediaVideosAuto Ride, Trade Talk Mark US Envoy Sergio Gor’s Evening Out With BJP MP Tejasvi Surya In BengaluruUS Envoy Sergio Gor, Admiral Paparo Visit Indian Army’s Western Command HQ, Briefed On Op SindoorUnion Minister Vaishnaw Details India’s Measures To Handle Deepfake Threats‘Crucial Role For India In AI Governance’: Duncan Cass-Beggs At AI SummitFarewell Address To Nation: Yunus Steps Down Before BNP Takes Charge In DhakaMega AI Summit In Delhi, 20 Heads Of State To Attend; Which Names Figure In New Epstein Files Dump?’From 25 Years To 5’ Rajnath Singh Pushes DRDO With 5-Year Ultimatum On 5th And 6th Gen EnginesIndian Team To Visit US Next Week To Finalise Trade Deal Framework As Govt Faces Opposition Fire’AI Works On Data, Humans Create The Unseen’: CBFC Chairman Prasoon Joshi At AI Impact Summit 2026″Pierce Brosnan To Play Me?” Karti Chidambaram Jokes Amid Dhurandhar Buzz123Photostories5 reasons why you must plan a trip to Pushkar in March5 documents every homebuyer must verify before buying propertyMaya Hawke’s top 5 must-watch series and movies on OTT: From ‘Stranger Things’ to ‘Fear Street: Part One – 1994’7 beautiful aquatic plants for a stunning home aquariumBaby names inspired by the power of Maa DurgaPsychologists say these 10 behaviours often signal low self-respectBhabiji Ghar Par Hain: From Aasif Sheikh to Shilpa Shinde; A look at the cast’s per-episode feesHow to make traditional Lasuni Dal Tadka for lunch at homeSivakarthikeyan birthday special: From ‘Velaikkaran’ to ‘Hero’ – films to stream on OTT5 animals that thrive on both land and water, and where to spot them123Hot PicksBengal election commissionGold rate todaySaudi Labour Law ViolationVB-G RAM G schemeIncome Tax CalculatorPublic holidays February 2026Bank Holidays februaryTop TrendingLas Vegas TragedyKayla NicoleCosta RicaJutta LeerdamStefon DiggsKayla NicoleSan Jose SharksBrandon BussiCandace OwensJake Paul Fiance

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Cong MP Priyanka Gandhi targets EC over SIR, alleges ‘voter roll tampering’. Congress MP Priyanka Gandhi Vadra on Thursday slammed the Chief Election Commissioner, alleging that Gyanesh Kumar should be “criminally prosecuted” for “tampering with electoral rolls and deleting voters’ names.”Her remarks came a day after The Indian Express published a report claiming that Election Commissioners Sukhbir Singh Sandhu and Vivek Joshi had formally raised objections at least 14 times over 10 months to decisions and orders related to the Special Intensive Revision (SIR) of electoral rolls.Speaking to reporters in Wayanad, Kerala, Priyanka Gandhi said, “Anybody who plays around with the process, the democratic process of our elections is committing treason against this nation. That is our very clear stand. I do not think anybody in that position should have legal protection in the way that he has. The Chief Election Commissioner has. If they have done illegal acts because tampering with the voters’ rolls, deleting, I believe, 13 crore voters is a criminal act against democracy, against the Constitution and against the nation.””Since criminal acts fall under a particular law, and people are usually tried and prosecuted for doing those criminal acts, I do not see why the Election Commissioner has to have any protection against it. If he has done an illegal act, he has been fully aware that this is happening under his nose. His colleagues have brought it to his attention. He has ignored it and intentionally allowed an unfair election to take place. He should be criminally prosecuted just like any other criminal, and he should be tried for treason. This is my very clear stand,” she added.Earlier on Wednesday, Priyanka Gandhi had also called the issue “an extremely serious” one for democracy.”This is an extremely serious issue for our democracy. If there are no elections, then where is democracy? If elections are unfair and rigged in any manner, then the Election Commission is assisting in that. If the Election Commissioner is not only aware of it but also allowing it to happen, then it is a very serious assault on democracy. It is an act of treason.”The remarks followed the Indian Express report, which said Sandhu and Joshi had objected at least 14 times to decisions taken in the Commission’s name without, according to the report, their knowledge or approval. The reported objections covered issues including voter registration and deletion, changes to Form 6 and the handling of the electoral-roll database.The ECI rejected the suggestion that the reported objections amounted to a division within the Commission. ECI officials said all decisions, including those related to SIR, were taken unanimously with the approval of all three commissioners.In a statement, the poll panel said, “The ECI is a constitutional body that functions under the strict mandate of Article 324 of the Constitution, statutory rules and established institutional conventions. The Commission operates as a multi-member constitutional body. Written notes, observations, technical suggestions and internal checks-and-balances are standard, ongoing practices designed to ensure complete transparency, legal compliance and operational rigour. All actions of ECI have been in accordance with laws and instructions of the Commission. All official orders, decisions and administrative directions issued by the Commission carry full legal sanctions and follow established statutory procedures.”The Commission further said, “Any operational queries or inputs raised by Commission members during draft stages are part of standard administrative practice aimed at safeguarding voter rights. The suggestions given by the Commissioners were for further improving the electoral processes,” adding that differing views and observations were a normal part of institutional deliberations.BJP defends poll panelBJP national spokesperson and MP Sambit Patra defended the functioning of the Election Commission, saying discussions among the three commissioners were part of the democratic process.”Look at the situation: if the three Election Commissioners do not communicate with each other, if there is no exchange of views or consultation, and they simply agree to everything, then the opposition parties claim it is a dictatorship. They say this government appointed these three commissioners; they just say yes. Now, there have been 14 instances of correspondence among the three of them, official deliberations, as far as we gather from the media. It is not as if the Bharatiya Janata Party goes and reads these letters; rather, reports in the media indicate that official deliberations took place among the three, which is a sign of a healthy democracy,” he said.Patra added, “I would say that today, all the opposition parties have fallen into a trap, the trap of claiming that the Election Commission and the government were acting dictatorially. On the contrary, I would say this is pure democracy. Deliberations are taking place, and the Election Commission has stated very clearly in the very first paragraph of its document that, following all official democratic deliberations, the final outcome, the Special Intensive Revision (SIR), was achieved with unanimity.””In other words, all three Commissioners were unanimous; there was no difference of opinion or dissent among them,” he said.”They were all on the same page. In short, the situation today is that neither the Election Commission of India nor any constitutional body in India is under dictatorial rule; they are functioning democratically and, indeed, upholding the country’s democracy. By operating democratically, these constitutional institutions are safeguarding democracy,” Patra added.Opposition parties continued to target the Election Commission over the issue. Earlier, leader of opposition in the Lok Sabha Join conversationView All Comments →Share your thoughts in the commentsInsightfulAgreeDisagreeSkepticalConcerningPromisingWorth ReadingBig DevelopmentPost CommentBe respectful · TOI community guidelinesRahul Gandhi described alleged “vote chori” as a “crime against the Indian people” and an attack on the Constitution.In a post on X, Rahul Gandhi said, “Vote chori is a crime against the Indian people and a direct attack on our constitution. The BJP, RSS and EC who organised it have committed an act of treason. Justice will be served.”In a video, he also addressed the Election Commission and election officials, saying, “I am clearly telling the Election Commission and election officers: What you are doing is wrong. This is treason; it is against the nation. Do not forget this. The time will come! We will catch you! You will not be spared.”Meanwhile, ECI sources maintained that all decisions taken by the poll panel, including those related to SIR, were unanimous and had the approval of both Election Commissioners and the Chief Election Commissioner.Get the latest India News and Live updates. Download the TOI app.About the AuthorKanchan YadavKanchan Yadav is a writer at The Times of India, where she covers business, politics, international affairs and social issues. Her reporting also focuses on policy, governance and economic developments, with a close lens on how decisions in corridors of power affect everyday lives and community well-being.Read MoreEnd of ArticleFollow Us On Social MediaVideos’Illegal’ Changes to IT System Row: Timeline of Sandhu & Joshi’s Objections Over Form 6, ECINet, SIRVivek Joshi & SS Sandhu: The 2 Election Commissioners Who ‘Raised Objections’ Over SIR, Form-6CJP Takes On Election Commission After Report; Will This Lead To Next Jantar Mantar? | WatchCEC, ECs And The Power To Decide: What Happens When Election Commissioners Disagree?ECI’s ERONET Controversy: Voter Database Row, Software Errors & 17.6 Million Notices Raise QuestionsJaishankar Meets Rubio At UNGA, Raises India’s Concerns Over Trump’s Russia Sanctions Bill ImpactBJP Defends Election Commission Over SIR Row, Challenges Opposition To Impeach CEC In Parliament’This Is a Scandalous Story’: Opposition Attacks Gyanesh Kumar After Report Claims ECI DissentSIR, Form 6, Voter Rolls: EC Responds After Report Flags Objections By 2 Election CommissionersIndian Man Murdered in UAE: Body Found in Nine Pieces Inside Car In Sharjah123Hot PicksIBPS PO Prelims Result 2026NSE IPOSpaceXGold Rate TodayOctober 2026 School HolidaysSchool holiday todaySamastipur girl molestationUPI transactionsMumbai-Pune ExpresswayCBSE Date SheetTop TrendingAsian Games Medal TallyRahul GandhiPowerball JackpotDelhi Hit and RunUP EncounterDonald TrumpPM ModiNaomi OsakaJoe ThomasSupreme Court

Cong MP Priyanka Gandhi targets EC over SIR, alleges ‘voter roll tampering’. Congress MP Priyanka Gandhi Vadra on Thursday slammed the Chief Election Commissioner, alleging that Gyanesh Kumar should be “criminally prosecuted” for “tampering with electoral rolls and deleting voters’ names.”Her remarks came a day after The Indian Express published a report claiming that Election Commissioners Sukhbir Singh Sandhu and Vivek Joshi had formally raised objections at least 14 times over 10 months to decisions and orders related to the Special Intensive Revision (SIR) of electoral rolls.Speaking to reporters in Wayanad, Kerala, Priyanka Gandhi said, “Anybody who plays around with the process, the democratic process of our elections is committing treason against this nation. That is our very clear stand. I do not think anybody in that position should have legal protection in the way that he has. The Chief Election Commissioner has. If they have done illegal acts because tampering with the voters’ rolls, deleting, I believe, 13 crore voters is a criminal act against democracy, against the Constitution and against the nation.””Since criminal acts fall under a particular law, and people are usually tried and prosecuted for doing those criminal acts, I do not see why the Election Commissioner has to have any protection against it. If he has done an illegal act, he has been fully aware that this is happening under his nose. His colleagues have brought it to his attention. He has ignored it and intentionally allowed an unfair election to take place. He should be criminally prosecuted just like any other criminal, and he should be tried for treason. This is my very clear stand,” she added.Earlier on Wednesday, Priyanka Gandhi had also called the issue “an extremely serious” one for democracy.”This is an extremely serious issue for our democracy. If there are no elections, then where is democracy? If elections are unfair and rigged in any manner, then the Election Commission is assisting in that. If the Election Commissioner is not only aware of it but also allowing it to happen, then it is a very serious assault on democracy. It is an act of treason.”The remarks followed the Indian Express report, which said Sandhu and Joshi had objected at least 14 times to decisions taken in the Commission’s name without, according to the report, their knowledge or approval. The reported objections covered issues including voter registration and deletion, changes to Form 6 and the handling of the electoral-roll database.The ECI rejected the suggestion that the reported objections amounted to a division within the Commission. ECI officials said all decisions, including those related to SIR, were taken unanimously with the approval of all three commissioners.In a statement, the poll panel said, “The ECI is a constitutional body that functions under the strict mandate of Article 324 of the Constitution, statutory rules and established institutional conventions. The Commission operates as a multi-member constitutional body. Written notes, observations, technical suggestions and internal checks-and-balances are standard, ongoing practices designed to ensure complete transparency, legal compliance and operational rigour. All actions of ECI have been in accordance with laws and instructions of the Commission. All official orders, decisions and administrative directions issued by the Commission carry full legal sanctions and follow established statutory procedures.”The Commission further said, “Any operational queries or inputs raised by Commission members during draft stages are part of standard administrative practice aimed at safeguarding voter rights. The suggestions given by the Commissioners were for further improving the electoral processes,” adding that differing views and observations were a normal part of institutional deliberations.BJP defends poll panelBJP national spokesperson and MP Sambit Patra defended the functioning of the Election Commission, saying discussions among the three commissioners were part of the democratic process.”Look at the situation: if the three Election Commissioners do not communicate with each other, if there is no exchange of views or consultation, and they simply agree to everything, then the opposition parties claim it is a dictatorship. They say this government appointed these three commissioners; they just say yes. Now, there have been 14 instances of correspondence among the three of them, official deliberations, as far as we gather from the media. It is not as if the Bharatiya Janata Party goes and reads these letters; rather, reports in the media indicate that official deliberations took place among the three, which is a sign of a healthy democracy,” he said.Patra added, “I would say that today, all the opposition parties have fallen into a trap, the trap of claiming that the Election Commission and the government were acting dictatorially. On the contrary, I would say this is pure democracy. Deliberations are taking place, and the Election Commission has stated very clearly in the very first paragraph of its document that, following all official democratic deliberations, the final outcome, the Special Intensive Revision (SIR), was achieved with unanimity.””In other words, all three Commissioners were unanimous; there was no difference of opinion or dissent among them,” he said.”They were all on the same page. In short, the situation today is that neither the Election Commission of India nor any constitutional body in India is under dictatorial rule; they are functioning democratically and, indeed, upholding the country’s democracy. By operating democratically, these constitutional institutions are safeguarding democracy,” Patra added.Opposition parties continued to target the Election Commission over the issue. Earlier, leader of opposition in the Lok Sabha Join conversationView All Comments →Share your thoughts in the commentsInsightfulAgreeDisagreeSkepticalConcerningPromisingWorth ReadingBig DevelopmentPost CommentBe respectful · TOI community guidelinesRahul Gandhi described alleged “vote chori” as a “crime against the Indian people” and an attack on the Constitution.In a post on X, Rahul Gandhi said, “Vote chori is a crime against the Indian people and a direct attack on our constitution. The BJP, RSS and EC who organised it have committed an act of treason. Justice will be served.”In a video, he also addressed the Election Commission and election officials, saying, “I am clearly telling the Election Commission and election officers: What you are doing is wrong. This is treason; it is against the nation. Do not forget this. The time will come! We will catch you! You will not be spared.”Meanwhile, ECI sources maintained that all decisions taken by the poll panel, including those related to SIR, were unanimous and had the approval of both Election Commissioners and the Chief Election Commissioner.Get the latest India News and Live updates. Download the TOI app.About the AuthorKanchan YadavKanchan Yadav is a writer at The Times of India, where she covers business, politics, international affairs and social issues. Her reporting also focuses on policy, governance and economic developments, with a close lens on how decisions in corridors of power affect everyday lives and community well-being.Read MoreEnd of ArticleFollow Us On Social MediaVideos’Illegal’ Changes to IT System Row: Timeline of Sandhu & Joshi’s Objections Over Form 6, ECINet, SIRVivek Joshi & SS Sandhu: The 2 Election Commissioners Who ‘Raised Objections’ Over SIR, Form-6CJP Takes On Election Commission After Report; Will This Lead To Next Jantar Mantar? | WatchCEC, ECs And The Power To Decide: What Happens When Election Commissioners Disagree?ECI’s ERONET Controversy: Voter Database Row, Software Errors & 17.6 Million Notices Raise QuestionsJaishankar Meets Rubio At UNGA, Raises India’s Concerns Over Trump’s Russia Sanctions Bill ImpactBJP Defends Election Commission Over SIR Row, Challenges Opposition To Impeach CEC In Parliament’This Is a Scandalous Story’: Opposition Attacks Gyanesh Kumar After Report Claims ECI DissentSIR, Form 6, Voter Rolls: EC Responds After Report Flags Objections By 2 Election CommissionersIndian Man Murdered in UAE: Body Found in Nine Pieces Inside Car In Sharjah123Hot PicksIBPS PO Prelims Result 2026NSE IPOSpaceXGold Rate TodayOctober 2026 School HolidaysSchool holiday todaySamastipur girl molestationUPI transactionsMumbai-Pune ExpresswayCBSE Date SheetTop TrendingAsian Games Medal TallyRahul GandhiPowerball JackpotDelhi Hit and RunUP EncounterDonald TrumpPM ModiNaomi OsakaJoe ThomasSupreme Court

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Cong MP Priyanka Gandhi targets EC over SIR, alleges ‘voter…
Picture credit: Matthew Aaron VanDyke’s Social Media handles and official website (file photo) NEW DELHI: An NIA court in Delhi Wednesday granted bail to six Ukrainian nationals arrested in March this year for allegedly running a training camp for ethnic armed rebels in India and Myanmar.The court, which ordered their release on a cash bond of Rs 1 lakh each, also discharged them from offences under the Immigration and Foreigners Act following after the Foreigners Regional Registration Office (FRRO), which deals with the immigration matters involving foreign nationals, settled the offences on payment of a penalty of Rs 5.5 lakh each.Join conversationView All Comments →Share your thoughts in the commentsInsightfulAgreeDisagreeSkepticalConcerningPromisingWorth ReadingBig DevelopmentPost CommentBe respectful · TOI community guidelinesThe offences, which pertained to illegal entry and visa violations, are compoundable at the level of the FRRO.Special judge Prashant Sharma granted them default bail on grounds of parity with their American co-accused Matthew Aaron Van Dyke.While granting bail to Dyke on Sept 18, the judge had dismissed the NIA’s opposition, observing that even if the probe was far from over, “at this stage it cannot be concluded that applicant/ accused Matthew Aaron Vandyke is not entitled for default bail”.Default bail is provisioned in the UAPA if the probe agency doesn’t file charge sheet containing offences under the anti-terror law with 180 days of arresting the accused. Following this, the court had directed that the other six accused could also seek default bail.Earlier this month, the agency filed a charge sheet which did not mention provisions of the UAPA, 1967, which was invoked in the initial FIR.Get the latest India News and Live updates. Download the TOI app.About the AuthorKoushiki SahaKoushiki Saha, a trainee journalist currently reporting for The Times of India, covers urban governance, infrastructure lapses, public grievances, and municipal policies with clarity and compassion. Still learning every day, she draws insights from fieldwork, lived experiences, and holding authorities accountable through persistent, people-focused reporting.Read MoreEnd of ArticleFollow Us On Social MediaVideos’Illegal’ Changes to IT System Row: Timeline of Sandhu & Joshi’s Objections Over Form 6, ECINet, SIRVivek Joshi & SS Sandhu: The 2 Election Commissioners Who ‘Raised Objections’ Over SIR, Form-6CJP Takes On Election Commission After Report; Will This Lead To Next Jantar Mantar? | WatchCEC, ECs And The Power To Decide: What Happens When Election Commissioners Disagree?ECI’s ERONET Controversy: Voter Database Row, Software Errors & 17.6 Million Notices Raise QuestionsJaishankar Meets Rubio At UNGA, Raises India’s Concerns Over Trump’s Russia Sanctions Bill ImpactBJP Defends Election Commission Over SIR Row, Challenges Opposition To Impeach CEC In Parliament’This Is a Scandalous Story’: Opposition Attacks Gyanesh Kumar After Report Claims ECI DissentSIR, Form 6, Voter Rolls: EC Responds After Report Flags Objections By 2 Election CommissionersIndian Man Murdered in UAE: Body Found in Nine Pieces Inside Car In Sharjah123Hot PicksIBPS PO Prelims Result 2026NSE IPOSpaceXGold Rate TodayOctober 2026 School HolidaysSchool holiday todaySamastipur girl molestationUPI transactionsMumbai-Pune ExpresswayCBSE Date SheetTop TrendingAsian Games Medal TallyRahul GandhiPowerball JackpotDelhi Hit and RunUP EncounterDonald TrumpPM ModiNaomi OsakaJoe ThomasSupreme Court

Picture credit: Matthew Aaron VanDyke’s Social Media handles and official website (file photo) NEW DELHI: An NIA court in Delhi Wednesday granted bail to six Ukrainian nationals arrested in March this year for allegedly running a training camp for ethnic armed rebels in India and Myanmar.The court, which ordered their release on a cash bond of Rs 1 lakh each, also discharged them from offences under the Immigration and Foreigners Act following after the Foreigners Regional Registration Office (FRRO), which deals with the immigration matters involving foreign nationals, settled the offences on payment of a penalty of Rs 5.5 lakh each.Join conversationView All Comments →Share your thoughts in the commentsInsightfulAgreeDisagreeSkepticalConcerningPromisingWorth ReadingBig DevelopmentPost CommentBe respectful · TOI community guidelinesThe offences, which pertained to illegal entry and visa violations, are compoundable at the level of the FRRO.Special judge Prashant Sharma granted them default bail on grounds of parity with their American co-accused Matthew Aaron Van Dyke.While granting bail to Dyke on Sept 18, the judge had dismissed the NIA’s opposition, observing that even if the probe was far from over, “at this stage it cannot be concluded that applicant/ accused Matthew Aaron Vandyke is not entitled for default bail”.Default bail is provisioned in the UAPA if the probe agency doesn’t file charge sheet containing offences under the anti-terror law with 180 days of arresting the accused. Following this, the court had directed that the other six accused could also seek default bail.Earlier this month, the agency filed a charge sheet which did not mention provisions of the UAPA, 1967, which was invoked in the initial FIR.Get the latest India News and Live updates. Download the TOI app.About the AuthorKoushiki SahaKoushiki Saha, a trainee journalist currently reporting for The Times of India, covers urban governance, infrastructure lapses, public grievances, and municipal policies with clarity and compassion. Still learning every day, she draws insights from fieldwork, lived experiences, and holding authorities accountable through persistent, people-focused reporting.Read MoreEnd of ArticleFollow Us On Social MediaVideos’Illegal’ Changes to IT System Row: Timeline of Sandhu & Joshi’s Objections Over Form 6, ECINet, SIRVivek Joshi & SS Sandhu: The 2 Election Commissioners Who ‘Raised Objections’ Over SIR, Form-6CJP Takes On Election Commission After Report; Will This Lead To Next Jantar Mantar? | WatchCEC, ECs And The Power To Decide: What Happens When Election Commissioners Disagree?ECI’s ERONET Controversy: Voter Database Row, Software Errors & 17.6 Million Notices Raise QuestionsJaishankar Meets Rubio At UNGA, Raises India’s Concerns Over Trump’s Russia Sanctions Bill ImpactBJP Defends Election Commission Over SIR Row, Challenges Opposition To Impeach CEC In Parliament’This Is a Scandalous Story’: Opposition Attacks Gyanesh Kumar After Report Claims ECI DissentSIR, Form 6, Voter Rolls: EC Responds After Report Flags Objections By 2 Election CommissionersIndian Man Murdered in UAE: Body Found in Nine Pieces Inside Car In Sharjah123Hot PicksIBPS PO Prelims Result 2026NSE IPOSpaceXGold Rate TodayOctober 2026 School HolidaysSchool holiday todaySamastipur girl molestationUPI transactionsMumbai-Pune ExpresswayCBSE Date SheetTop TrendingAsian Games Medal TallyRahul GandhiPowerball JackpotDelhi Hit and RunUP EncounterDonald TrumpPM ModiNaomi OsakaJoe ThomasSupreme Court

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Picture credit: Matthew Aaron VanDyke’s Social Media handles and official…

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    India emerges as key diesel supplier to Europe India supplied about 60 per cent of the diesel transiting through the Bab-el-Mandeb towards Europe in August, strengthening its role as a key source of refined fuel as Russian exports remain depressed and US shipments begin to decline, according to a report.Around 2,00,000 barrels per day of diesel, or gasoil, crossed the strategic shipping route for Europe last month, close to year-earlier levels after flows nearly stalled in March and April. Indian refiners accounted for roughly 60 per cent of that volume, energy analytics firm Vortexa said in a report.India, the world’s fourth-largest refiner, has 258.1 million tonnes per annum of installed capacity, above domestic fuel demand. It exported 61.5 million tonnes of petroleum products in 2025-26, making it a major global supplier, PTI reported.However, sustaining these flows could become difficult. India’s crude and condensate imports fell to about 3.8 million barrels per day in August from 4.8 million barrels per day a year earlier, data showed.Russian diesel exports averaged only around 1,50,000 barrels per day during the first 25 days of August, down about 6,10,000 barrels per day year-on-year and 81 per cent below the five-year seasonal average.The scheduled easing of Russia’s diesel export ban from September 1 may not quickly restore supplies, with Ukrainian drone strikes continuing to disrupt refineries and export infrastructure. Vortexa recorded 32 refinery attacks across July and August.Join conversationView All Comments →Share your thoughts in the commentsInsightfulAgreeDisagreeSkepticalConcerningPromisingWorth ReadingBig DevelopmentPost CommentBe respectful · TOI community guidelinesThe Perm refinery, with capacity of 2,60,000 barrels per day, was left operating at only about 28 per cent of its crude distillation capacity after an attack, while no diesel cargoes have left Tuapse since a May strike.The US supplied about half of Europe’s seaborne diesel imports from outside the region in August, at around 5,20,000 barrels per day. But shipments fell from nearly 5,40,000 barrels per day in the first half of August to about 3,50,000 barrels per day in the second half.Get the latest India News and Live updates. Download the TOI app.About the AuthorSubhadra SrivastavaSubhadra Srivastava is a journalist with The Times of India, covering geopolitics, international and national affairs. With over three years of experience, she focuses on national and global developments, conflict, diplomacy and their impact on India. Her work combines breaking news with in-depth analysis, offering readers context and clarity on the stories shaping the world.Read MoreEnd of ArticleFollow Us On Social MediaVideos‘Muslims Not Allowed’: Row Erupts Over VHP’s Garba-Dandiya Diktat In MaharashtraISRO As ‘Residual R&D Boutique’?: Staff Bodies Seek ‘Written Clarity’ On Private Space Sector Shift’India Must…’: Ex-CDS Chauhan On China ‘Challenge’, Pakistan’s ‘Overconfidence’ After Mecca PactChirag Paswan Files Complaint Against Swatantra Bhardwaj, Demands Action Over Alleged Name MisuseBihar Flood Crisis Deepens As Ganga Breaks 2016 Record, Over 10 Lakh People Affected Across StateKangana Ranaut Erupts Over MPLADS Funds, Says Rs 11 Crore Available But Only Rs 50 Lakh SpentAir India AI-2379 Incident: AAIB Reveals Hydraulic Failures, Pilot Test Concern And Cabin Damage‘Large-Scale Agitation If Talks Fail’: Wangchuk Issues Fresh Warning To Centre Over Ladakh DemandsLashkar-e-Taiba Commander From Pak Killed In J&K’s Yousmarg Encounter, Security Forces Probe NetworkSaharanpur Mosque Demolished After Court Order; Heavy Security Deployed, SP MP Under House Arrest123PhotostoriesBigg Boss Telugu 10: Confirmed list of contestants of Nagarjuna hosted show Bigg Boss Telugu 105 subtle signs your relationship has quietly become one-sidedFrom host Mohanlal’s dashing avatar to the first-ever democracy room: Here’s everything about Bigg Boss Malayalam 8Bigg Boss 20: Confirmed list of contestants of Salman Khan hosted showBigg Boss Kannada 13: Confirmed list of contestants of kiccha-sudeep hosted show Bigg Boss Kannada 13Popular sugar substitute linked to increased risk of heart attacks and strokes: 5 natural sweeteners to choose for a healthy heartBigg Boss Malayalam: Contestants who missed the trophy but won heartsFrom British dress code to India’s iconic saree: The untold story of the ‘Brahmika’ drapeBigg Boss Malayalam 8 contestant Mridhula Vijai: Here’s everything you need to know about the TV actressBigg Boss Telugu 10: From Agnipariksha to Dhasavatharam:Everything You Need to Know Before the Grand Premiere123Hot PicksBank of CanadaVolkswagen job cut8th Pay CommissionTata Chemicals KenyaSilver prices crashRam Temple CEOPune land disputeAbhijeet DipkeClaude Campus AmbassadorTop TrendingDonald TrumpUS Iran WarSwatantra BhardwajPatrick Mahomes FatherCoal ShortagePM ModiKangana RanautTravis KelceVaibhav SooryavanshiMohammed Rizwan

    India emerges as key diesel supplier to Europe India supplied about 60 per cent of the diesel transiting through the Bab-el-Mandeb towards Europe in August, strengthening its role as a key source of refined fuel as Russian exports remain depressed and US shipments begin to decline, according to a report.Around 2,00,000 barrels per day of diesel, or gasoil, crossed the strategic shipping route for Europe last month, close to year-earlier levels after flows nearly stalled in March and April. Indian refiners accounted for roughly 60 per cent of that volume, energy analytics firm Vortexa said in a report.India, the world’s fourth-largest refiner, has 258.1 million tonnes per annum of installed capacity, above domestic fuel demand. It exported 61.5 million tonnes of petroleum products in 2025-26, making it a major global supplier, PTI reported.However, sustaining these flows could become difficult. India’s crude and condensate imports fell to about 3.8 million barrels per day in August from 4.8 million barrels per day a year earlier, data showed.Russian diesel exports averaged only around 1,50,000 barrels per day during the first 25 days of August, down about 6,10,000 barrels per day year-on-year and 81 per cent below the five-year seasonal average.The scheduled easing of Russia’s diesel export ban from September 1 may not quickly restore supplies, with Ukrainian drone strikes continuing to disrupt refineries and export infrastructure. Vortexa recorded 32 refinery attacks across July and August.Join conversationView All Comments →Share your thoughts in the commentsInsightfulAgreeDisagreeSkepticalConcerningPromisingWorth ReadingBig DevelopmentPost CommentBe respectful · TOI community guidelinesThe Perm refinery, with capacity of 2,60,000 barrels per day, was left operating at only about 28 per cent of its crude distillation capacity after an attack, while no diesel cargoes have left Tuapse since a May strike.The US supplied about half of Europe’s seaborne diesel imports from outside the region in August, at around 5,20,000 barrels per day. But shipments fell from nearly 5,40,000 barrels per day in the first half of August to about 3,50,000 barrels per day in the second half.Get the latest India News and Live updates. Download the TOI app.About the AuthorSubhadra SrivastavaSubhadra Srivastava is a journalist with The Times of India, covering geopolitics, international and national affairs. With over three years of experience, she focuses on national and global developments, conflict, diplomacy and their impact on India. Her work combines breaking news with in-depth analysis, offering readers context and clarity on the stories shaping the world.Read MoreEnd of ArticleFollow Us On Social MediaVideos‘Muslims Not Allowed’: Row Erupts Over VHP’s Garba-Dandiya Diktat In MaharashtraISRO As ‘Residual R&D Boutique’?: Staff Bodies Seek ‘Written Clarity’ On Private Space Sector Shift’India Must…’: Ex-CDS Chauhan On China ‘Challenge’, Pakistan’s ‘Overconfidence’ After Mecca PactChirag Paswan Files Complaint Against Swatantra Bhardwaj, Demands Action Over Alleged Name MisuseBihar Flood Crisis Deepens As Ganga Breaks 2016 Record, Over 10 Lakh People Affected Across StateKangana Ranaut Erupts Over MPLADS Funds, Says Rs 11 Crore Available But Only Rs 50 Lakh SpentAir India AI-2379 Incident: AAIB Reveals Hydraulic Failures, Pilot Test Concern And Cabin Damage‘Large-Scale Agitation If Talks Fail’: Wangchuk Issues Fresh Warning To Centre Over Ladakh DemandsLashkar-e-Taiba Commander From Pak Killed In J&K’s Yousmarg Encounter, Security Forces Probe NetworkSaharanpur Mosque Demolished After Court Order; Heavy Security Deployed, SP MP Under House Arrest123PhotostoriesBigg Boss Telugu 10: Confirmed list of contestants of Nagarjuna hosted show Bigg Boss Telugu 105 subtle signs your relationship has quietly become one-sidedFrom host Mohanlal’s dashing avatar to the first-ever democracy room: Here’s everything about Bigg Boss Malayalam 8Bigg Boss 20: Confirmed list of contestants of Salman Khan hosted showBigg Boss Kannada 13: Confirmed list of contestants of kiccha-sudeep hosted show Bigg Boss Kannada 13Popular sugar substitute linked to increased risk of heart attacks and strokes: 5 natural sweeteners to choose for a healthy heartBigg Boss Malayalam: Contestants who missed the trophy but won heartsFrom British dress code to India’s iconic saree: The untold story of the ‘Brahmika’ drapeBigg Boss Malayalam 8 contestant Mridhula Vijai: Here’s everything you need to know about the TV actressBigg Boss Telugu 10: From Agnipariksha to Dhasavatharam:Everything You Need to Know Before the Grand Premiere123Hot PicksBank of CanadaVolkswagen job cut8th Pay CommissionTata Chemicals KenyaSilver prices crashRam Temple CEOPune land disputeAbhijeet DipkeClaude Campus AmbassadorTop TrendingDonald TrumpUS Iran WarSwatantra BhardwajPatrick Mahomes FatherCoal ShortagePM ModiKangana RanautTravis KelceVaibhav SooryavanshiMohammed Rizwan

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​ SRINAGAR: J&K authorities announced Friday detentions of six people under the stringent Public Safety Act (PSA) for allegedly inciting “law and order disturbances” and “acts of vandalism” during a recent students’ protest in Kashmir’s Sopore.The students were protesting against a schoolteacher accused of molestation and later taken into custody.Police said Umar Akbar Hajam, Salman Ahmed Shala, Altaf Ahmed Sheikh, Mubashir Ahmed Gilkar, Muzammil Mushtaq Changa, and Majid Firdous Dar were detained after authorisation from the district magistrate, as required under PSA. They have been jailed in Jammu’s Doda.All hail from Sopore, the police said, adding none is a student. “These miscreants were involved in attempting to disturb peace during a recent protest by students. Their activities posed a serious threat to public order and safety,” a police statement said, adding more individuals involved in the April 13 trouble are being identified for prosecution, including under PSA.In a warning to the public, the police asked them to “stay away from unlawful activities and not to fall prey to instigation by anti-social elements”.The police have not mentioned the specific PSA clause under which the six have been booked. The law allows detentions for six months without trial if an accused is a threat to the security of the State, with extensions of six months. Under a PSA clause on threat to public order, preventive detentions are allowed up to three months, with extensions of three months.Earlier, PSA allowed detentions without trials up to two years. But an amendment during a previous stint of J&K CM Omar Abdullah in 2011 reduced the detention period to six months from two years for threat to security of the State and from one year to three months for threat to public order.End of ArticleFollow Us On Social MediaVideosHow Kejriwal’s AAP And Raghav Chadha Drifted Apart In A Slow-Burn Political Breakup”Right Man, Wrong Party”: Raghav Chadha Quits AAP with 6 MPs; The End of Kejriwal’s RS Power?Why Israel Is Relocating Hidden Jews From India-s Northeast Amid War PressuresAshok Mittal Joins BJP After Replacing Raghav Chadha In RS & ED Raids | WatchSamrat Choudhary, Tejashwi Yadav Clash Over CM Post, Stability & Lalu LegacyHow Raghav Chadha, Sandeep Pathak, Ashok Mittal Exit Triggers AAP CrisisAAP Targets Raghav Chadha & MPs Over Exit, Says they ‘Betrayed The People Of Punjab’Meet The 7 AAP MPs Who Resigned And Joined BJP In Big Political Shock To KejriwalRaghav Chadha Quits AAP, Joins BJP With Six Other MPs | WatchBihar CM Samrat Choudhary Clears Floor Test, NDA Government Proves Majority In Assembly123PhotostoriesAnupamaa fame Paras Kalnawat opens up about being cheated on and a toxic relationship that took a toll on him; says, “Main tadap raha tha aur uske 15-16 boyfriend ban rahe the”Why do aloo bhujia sticks to the kadhai? 4 simple tips to fix it at homeForget mozzarella and cheddar: Try these 6 traditional Indian cheeses that are highly nutritiousWhat makes their marriage so strong? 5 relationship secrets to learn from Anjali and Sachin TendulkarAre you loading your dishwasher the right way? Here’s what actually worksWhy Gen Z is choosing lab-grown diamonds for modern engagement ringsChronic inflammation may be raising your disease risk: Doctor shares 7 foods that help calm it naturallyWhat that tiny hole in your sink is really forA rare moment put Ranthambore National Park back in the spotlight — 5 reasons fans are going now‘The Devil Wears Prada 2’ star Anne Hathaway’s most iconic red carpet looks123Hot PicksTamil Nadu ElectionWest Bengal voter turnoutAssembly Election 2026Mamata BanerjeeTamil Nadu voter turnoutAmit ShahPM ModiTop TrendingRaghav Chadha Joins BJPTamil Nadu electionAP SSC Class 10 resultsRRB opens qualificationAIIMS B.Sc. coursesJac Class 12 ResultPatrick MahomesBengal PollsNirmala SitharamanIPL Orange Cap

​ SRINAGAR: J&K authorities announced Friday detentions of six people under the stringent Public Safety Act (PSA) for allegedly inciting “law and order disturbances” and “acts of vandalism” during a recent students’ protest in Kashmir’s Sopore.The students were protesting against a schoolteacher accused of molestation and later taken into custody.Police said Umar Akbar Hajam, Salman Ahmed Shala, Altaf Ahmed Sheikh, Mubashir Ahmed Gilkar, Muzammil Mushtaq Changa, and Majid Firdous Dar were detained after authorisation from the district magistrate, as required under PSA. They have been jailed in Jammu’s Doda.All hail from Sopore, the police said, adding none is a student. “These miscreants were involved in attempting to disturb peace during a recent protest by students. Their activities posed a serious threat to public order and safety,” a police statement said, adding more individuals involved in the April 13 trouble are being identified for prosecution, including under PSA.In a warning to the public, the police asked them to “stay away from unlawful activities and not to fall prey to instigation by anti-social elements”.The police have not mentioned the specific PSA clause under which the six have been booked. The law allows detentions for six months without trial if an accused is a threat to the security of the State, with extensions of six months. Under a PSA clause on threat to public order, preventive detentions are allowed up to three months, with extensions of three months.Earlier, PSA allowed detentions without trials up to two years. But an amendment during a previous stint of J&K CM Omar Abdullah in 2011 reduced the detention period to six months from two years for threat to security of the State and from one year to three months for threat to public order.End of ArticleFollow Us On Social MediaVideosHow Kejriwal’s AAP And Raghav Chadha Drifted Apart In A Slow-Burn Political Breakup”Right Man, Wrong Party”: Raghav Chadha Quits AAP with 6 MPs; The End of Kejriwal’s RS Power?Why Israel Is Relocating Hidden Jews From India-s Northeast Amid War PressuresAshok Mittal Joins BJP After Replacing Raghav Chadha In RS & ED Raids | WatchSamrat Choudhary, Tejashwi Yadav Clash Over CM Post, Stability & Lalu LegacyHow Raghav Chadha, Sandeep Pathak, Ashok Mittal Exit Triggers AAP CrisisAAP Targets Raghav Chadha & MPs Over Exit, Says they ‘Betrayed The People Of Punjab’Meet The 7 AAP MPs Who Resigned And Joined BJP In Big Political Shock To KejriwalRaghav Chadha Quits AAP, Joins BJP With Six Other MPs | WatchBihar CM Samrat Choudhary Clears Floor Test, NDA Government Proves Majority In Assembly123PhotostoriesAnupamaa fame Paras Kalnawat opens up about being cheated on and a toxic relationship that took a toll on him; says, “Main tadap raha tha aur uske 15-16 boyfriend ban rahe the”Why do aloo bhujia sticks to the kadhai? 4 simple tips to fix it at homeForget mozzarella and cheddar: Try these 6 traditional Indian cheeses that are highly nutritiousWhat makes their marriage so strong? 5 relationship secrets to learn from Anjali and Sachin TendulkarAre you loading your dishwasher the right way? Here’s what actually worksWhy Gen Z is choosing lab-grown diamonds for modern engagement ringsChronic inflammation may be raising your disease risk: Doctor shares 7 foods that help calm it naturallyWhat that tiny hole in your sink is really forA rare moment put Ranthambore National Park back in the spotlight — 5 reasons fans are going now‘The Devil Wears Prada 2’ star Anne Hathaway’s most iconic red carpet looks123Hot PicksTamil Nadu ElectionWest Bengal voter turnoutAssembly Election 2026Mamata BanerjeeTamil Nadu voter turnoutAmit ShahPM ModiTop TrendingRaghav Chadha Joins BJPTamil Nadu electionAP SSC Class 10 resultsRRB opens qualificationAIIMS B.Sc. coursesJac Class 12 ResultPatrick MahomesBengal PollsNirmala SitharamanIPL Orange Cap

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– A Delhi court granted 10-day interim bail to Sharjeel Imam in the 2020 Delhi riots conspiracy caseRussian president Vladimir Putin congratulated Mojtaba Khamenei on his appointment as Iran’s new supreme leader, pledging Russia’s “unwavering support” to Tehran.The BJP accused the TMC of spreading misinformation after Mamata Banerjee alleged PM Modi had insulted President Droupadi Murmu during the Bharat Ratna ceremony for veteran BJP leader LK Advani.Thousands gathered at Enghelab Square in Tehran to pledge allegiance to Iran’s new supreme leader Mojtaba Khamenei, marking one of the first major public shows of support after his father Ali Khamenei’s death in US-Israeli strikes.External affairs minister S Jaishankar In Lok Sabha said India believes that dialogue and diplomacy should be pursued to de-escalate Middle East tensions, adding that PM Modi is closely monitoring developments in the region. US-Iran War Triggers Massive Selloff On Dalal Street, Investors Lose Rs 12 Lakh Crore In Single Day Here are the top 5 news of the day:Court grants 10-day interim bail to Sharjeel Imam in 2020 Delhi riots caseA Delhi court granted 10-day interim bail to student activist Sharjeel Imam in a case related to the 2020 Delhi riots, allowing him to attend his brother’s wedding. Additional Sessions Judge Sameer Bajpai approved the relief from March 20 to March 30, while hearing Imam’s plea seeking six weeks of interim bail. Imam is among the accused in the conspiracy case linked to the February 2020 communal violence in northeast Delhi that left 53 people dead and more than 700 injured. The interim bail comes months after the Supreme Court rejected regular bail pleas filed by Imam and fellow activist Umar Khalid on January 6, observing that prolonged incarceration and trial delays cannot automatically justify bail in cases under the Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act (UAPA). Israel Iran WarUS-Israel-Iran War News Live Updates: Iran fires first wave of missiles at Israel under new Supreme Leader Mojtaba KhameneiUS-Israel Rift Over Iran Strike: White House surprised by Israeli oil depot attacks; Iran warns of retaliationVideo shows thick black smoke rising after Iran hits Bahrain’s largest BAPCO oil refinery — watchRead full storyPutin congratulates Khamenei’s son on appointment as Iran’s new leader, pledges ‘unwavering’ supportRussian president Vladimir Putin congratulated Mojtaba Khamenei on his appointment as Iran’s new supreme leader, pledging Russia’s “unwavering support” to Tehran amid escalating regional tensions. The leadership change came after the death of Ali Khamenei who was killed in US-Israeli airstrikes in Iran last week, with Iran’s Assembly of Experts announcing Mojtaba’s selection shortly after midnight on Monday. Long viewed as a potential successor despite holding no formal government office, Mojtaba Khamenei was chosen over other contenders including Alireza Arafi, Mohsen Araki and Hassan Khomeini. In a message reported by Reuters, Putin said Mojtaba would carry forward his father’s legacy and unite the Iranian people “in the face of severe trials”. Read full storyMurmu-Mamata row: BJP calls TMC ‘fake news factory’, hits back with rulebook over insult to PresidentThe Bharatiya Janata Party accused the All India Trinamool Congress of running a “fake news factory” after Mamata Banerjee alleged that PM Modi had insulted President Droupadi Murmu during a Bharat Ratna ceremony for veteran BJP leader Lal Krishna Advani. The BJP’s West Bengal unit responded to Banerjee’s allegation that PM Modi had insulted the President by remaining seated while she stood to present an award to BJP leader LK Adavani, saying in a post on X that the claim was misleading and accusing the TMC of spreading misinformation. The dispute comes amid a separate controversy over the President’s reported displeasure with arrangements during her visit to Siliguri, where she attended an international tribal conference and where questions were raised about the change of venue and the absence of senior state representatives including the Bengal CM. Read full storyThousands gather in Tehran square to pledge allegiance to new Iran leaderThousands of people gathered on Monday at Enghelab Square in Tehran to pledge allegiance to Iran’s new supreme leader Mojtaba Khamenei, according to journalists from Agence France-Presse. The crowds were seen carrying Iranian flags and portraits of Mojtaba Khamenei, the son of Ali Khamenei, who was killed in US and Israeli strikes on February 28. The gathering marked one of the first major public displays of support for Mojtaba Khamenei since he assumed the country’s top leadership position following his father’s death. Follow live updates‘Contact with Iran leadership difficult’: Jaishankar spells out India’s position on Middle East warExternal affairs minister S Jaishankar said India believes dialogue and diplomacy are essential to de-escalate rising tensions in the Middle East, telling the Rajya Sabha that Prime Minister Narendra Modi is closely monitoring developments as the conflict involving Iran, Israel and the United States intensifies. Jaishankar said the government had earlier urged restraint and that the cabinet committee on security met on March 1 to review the situation, particularly the safety of Indians in the region, where more than one crore Indian nationals live and work in Gulf countries. He said the embassies are assisting citizens, including relocating students from Tehran and facilitating travel through Armenia. The Union minister also noted that contact with Iran’s leadership is currently difficult amid ongoing tensions. Read full storyAbout 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 MediaVideosUS-Iran War Triggers Massive Selloff On Dalal Street, Investors Lose Rs 12 Lakh Crore In Single DayBengal’s Tribal and SC/ST Votes In Spotlight as BJP Ramps Up Outreach Amid President Protocol RowJaishankar Statement On Iran War Sparks Walkout As Opposition Demands Full Debate, BJP Hits BackLok Sabha Arithmetic Takes Center Stage As Opposition Moves No-Confidence Motion On Speaker Om Birla”Never Seen Such Irresponsible Oppn…” Rijiju Hits Out At Oppn Over Uproar In ParliamentCEC Visit Sparks Protests and Voter Roll Controversy in West Bengal Ahead of 2026 PollsOpposition Storms Parliament Over US Iran War Impact Kharge Flags Threat To India Energy SupplyJaishankar Sounds Alarm On Oil Supply As Parliament Erupts Over West Asia War And India’s StakesPresident Murmu Protocol Row Turns Into Political Flashpoint, Centre Seeks Answers From Mamata Govt‘Matter Of Relief’: India Embassy In Riyadh Denies Reports Of Indian Death In Projectile Attack123PhotostoriesHow 24-year-old Abhishek Sharma became cricket’s ultimate Gen-Z style icon7 simple daily habits for a healthier life8 posh localities in Bengaluru known for luxury living and premium homesWhy your uric acid can suddenly spike even if your diet hasn’t changed: Doctor explains hidden causes and simple ways to control itWho’s Anurag Dobhal aka UK07 Rider? YouTuber and Bigg Boss 17 fame with a net worth of approximately Rs 30 croresStill buzzing after India’s T20 World Cup 2026 win? These Bollywood cricket films will keep the celebration going9 best places to visit in India in March and April, and whyInside T20 World Cup-winning captain Suryakumar Yadav’s multi-crore watch collectionBigg Boss Tamil fame Priyanka Deshpande’s lavish lifestyle: From luxurious home to enviable car collection and net worth9 royal dishes that are now available as street food123Hot PicksIran war newsStock Market todayMojtaba KhameneiPakistan Oil Price TodayIncome Tax CalculatorPublic holidays March 2026Bank Holidays MarchTop TrendingVallabh MaheshwariStock Market todayUS Strike on Iran OilS JaishankarUS EmbassyBahrain BapcoIran School Attack VideoGulf TensionGold Price TodayArshdeep Singh

– A Delhi court granted 10-day interim bail to Sharjeel Imam in the 2020 Delhi riots conspiracy caseRussian president Vladimir Putin congratulated Mojtaba Khamenei on his appointment as Iran’s new supreme leader, pledging Russia’s “unwavering support” to Tehran.The BJP accused the TMC of spreading misinformation after Mamata Banerjee alleged PM Modi had insulted President Droupadi Murmu during the Bharat Ratna ceremony for veteran BJP leader LK Advani.Thousands gathered at Enghelab Square in Tehran to pledge allegiance to Iran’s new supreme leader Mojtaba Khamenei, marking one of the first major public shows of support after his father Ali Khamenei’s death in US-Israeli strikes.External affairs minister S Jaishankar In Lok Sabha said India believes that dialogue and diplomacy should be pursued to de-escalate Middle East tensions, adding that PM Modi is closely monitoring developments in the region. US-Iran War Triggers Massive Selloff On Dalal Street, Investors Lose Rs 12 Lakh Crore In Single Day Here are the top 5 news of the day:Court grants 10-day interim bail to Sharjeel Imam in 2020 Delhi riots caseA Delhi court granted 10-day interim bail to student activist Sharjeel Imam in a case related to the 2020 Delhi riots, allowing him to attend his brother’s wedding. Additional Sessions Judge Sameer Bajpai approved the relief from March 20 to March 30, while hearing Imam’s plea seeking six weeks of interim bail. Imam is among the accused in the conspiracy case linked to the February 2020 communal violence in northeast Delhi that left 53 people dead and more than 700 injured. The interim bail comes months after the Supreme Court rejected regular bail pleas filed by Imam and fellow activist Umar Khalid on January 6, observing that prolonged incarceration and trial delays cannot automatically justify bail in cases under the Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act (UAPA). Israel Iran WarUS-Israel-Iran War News Live Updates: Iran fires first wave of missiles at Israel under new Supreme Leader Mojtaba KhameneiUS-Israel Rift Over Iran Strike: White House surprised by Israeli oil depot attacks; Iran warns of retaliationVideo shows thick black smoke rising after Iran hits Bahrain’s largest BAPCO oil refinery — watchRead full storyPutin congratulates Khamenei’s son on appointment as Iran’s new leader, pledges ‘unwavering’ supportRussian president Vladimir Putin congratulated Mojtaba Khamenei on his appointment as Iran’s new supreme leader, pledging Russia’s “unwavering support” to Tehran amid escalating regional tensions. The leadership change came after the death of Ali Khamenei who was killed in US-Israeli airstrikes in Iran last week, with Iran’s Assembly of Experts announcing Mojtaba’s selection shortly after midnight on Monday. Long viewed as a potential successor despite holding no formal government office, Mojtaba Khamenei was chosen over other contenders including Alireza Arafi, Mohsen Araki and Hassan Khomeini. In a message reported by Reuters, Putin said Mojtaba would carry forward his father’s legacy and unite the Iranian people “in the face of severe trials”. Read full storyMurmu-Mamata row: BJP calls TMC ‘fake news factory’, hits back with rulebook over insult to PresidentThe Bharatiya Janata Party accused the All India Trinamool Congress of running a “fake news factory” after Mamata Banerjee alleged that PM Modi had insulted President Droupadi Murmu during a Bharat Ratna ceremony for veteran BJP leader Lal Krishna Advani. The BJP’s West Bengal unit responded to Banerjee’s allegation that PM Modi had insulted the President by remaining seated while she stood to present an award to BJP leader LK Adavani, saying in a post on X that the claim was misleading and accusing the TMC of spreading misinformation. The dispute comes amid a separate controversy over the President’s reported displeasure with arrangements during her visit to Siliguri, where she attended an international tribal conference and where questions were raised about the change of venue and the absence of senior state representatives including the Bengal CM. Read full storyThousands gather in Tehran square to pledge allegiance to new Iran leaderThousands of people gathered on Monday at Enghelab Square in Tehran to pledge allegiance to Iran’s new supreme leader Mojtaba Khamenei, according to journalists from Agence France-Presse. The crowds were seen carrying Iranian flags and portraits of Mojtaba Khamenei, the son of Ali Khamenei, who was killed in US and Israeli strikes on February 28. The gathering marked one of the first major public displays of support for Mojtaba Khamenei since he assumed the country’s top leadership position following his father’s death. Follow live updates‘Contact with Iran leadership difficult’: Jaishankar spells out India’s position on Middle East warExternal affairs minister S Jaishankar said India believes dialogue and diplomacy are essential to de-escalate rising tensions in the Middle East, telling the Rajya Sabha that Prime Minister Narendra Modi is closely monitoring developments as the conflict involving Iran, Israel and the United States intensifies. Jaishankar said the government had earlier urged restraint and that the cabinet committee on security met on March 1 to review the situation, particularly the safety of Indians in the region, where more than one crore Indian nationals live and work in Gulf countries. He said the embassies are assisting citizens, including relocating students from Tehran and facilitating travel through Armenia. The Union minister also noted that contact with Iran’s leadership is currently difficult amid ongoing tensions. Read full storyAbout 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 MediaVideosUS-Iran War Triggers Massive Selloff On Dalal Street, Investors Lose Rs 12 Lakh Crore In Single DayBengal’s Tribal and SC/ST Votes In Spotlight as BJP Ramps Up Outreach Amid President Protocol RowJaishankar Statement On Iran War Sparks Walkout As Opposition Demands Full Debate, BJP Hits BackLok Sabha Arithmetic Takes Center Stage As Opposition Moves No-Confidence Motion On Speaker Om Birla”Never Seen Such Irresponsible Oppn…” Rijiju Hits Out At Oppn Over Uproar In ParliamentCEC Visit Sparks Protests and Voter Roll Controversy in West Bengal Ahead of 2026 PollsOpposition Storms Parliament Over US Iran War Impact Kharge Flags Threat To India Energy SupplyJaishankar Sounds Alarm On Oil Supply As Parliament Erupts Over West Asia War And India’s StakesPresident Murmu Protocol Row Turns Into Political Flashpoint, Centre Seeks Answers From Mamata Govt‘Matter Of Relief’: India Embassy In Riyadh Denies Reports Of Indian Death In Projectile Attack123PhotostoriesHow 24-year-old Abhishek Sharma became cricket’s ultimate Gen-Z style icon7 simple daily habits for a healthier life8 posh localities in Bengaluru known for luxury living and premium homesWhy your uric acid can suddenly spike even if your diet hasn’t changed: Doctor explains hidden causes and simple ways to control itWho’s Anurag Dobhal aka UK07 Rider? YouTuber and Bigg Boss 17 fame with a net worth of approximately Rs 30 croresStill buzzing after India’s T20 World Cup 2026 win? These Bollywood cricket films will keep the celebration going9 best places to visit in India in March and April, and whyInside T20 World Cup-winning captain Suryakumar Yadav’s multi-crore watch collectionBigg Boss Tamil fame Priyanka Deshpande’s lavish lifestyle: From luxurious home to enviable car collection and net worth9 royal dishes that are now available as street food123Hot PicksIran war newsStock Market todayMojtaba KhameneiPakistan Oil Price TodayIncome Tax CalculatorPublic holidays March 2026Bank Holidays MarchTop TrendingVallabh MaheshwariStock Market todayUS Strike on Iran OilS JaishankarUS EmbassyBahrain BapcoIran School Attack VideoGulf TensionGold Price TodayArshdeep Singh

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– A new white paper notes that “Indian migration to the UK has evolved in four distinct waves since 1947, each aligned with Britain’s shifting economic and labour needs.” and argues that it has played a central role in shaping modern Britain’s economyThe report titled “Migration of the Indian Diaspora to the UK”, released by Manish Tiwari of Here & Now 365 in collaboration with the Aston India Centre at Aston University, traces the evolution of Indian migration.According to the study, the first wave arrived during post-war labour shortages, with “post-war migration from India help[ing] address acute labour shortages across manufacturing, transport and public services, contributing to the foundations of the National Health Service.” The second wave followed the 1970s expulsion of Asians from East Africa, which “led to significant entrepreneurial activity and local economic regeneration.”Many of these families established businesses that revitalised local economies.As the UK economy transitioned toward a knowledge-based model, Indian migration increasingly comprised skilled professionals. The white paper estimates that “Indian-born professionals are estimated to account for around 15% of the UK’s technology workforce.” In the post-Brexit and post-pandemic period, the fourth wave is described as strategically significant. “Indian professionals have become strategically important in addressing critical skills shortages,” the report states.Describing the Indian diaspora as “among the most economically successful ethnic minority groups in the UK,” the study underscores the community’s continued role in healthcare, technology and entrepreneurship.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 MediaVideosEntertainment Value Or Evidence? Hardeep Puri Blasts Rahul Gandhi’s ‘Buffoonery’ On Epstein FilesMuhammad Yunus Assures Smooth Handover Ahead Of Bangladesh’s First Elections After Hasina Exit”If You Had Taken My Advice” Jagdambika Pal Responds To Rahul Gandhi’s Ex-Congress Jab“Will Move Privilege Notice Against Rahul Gandhi”: BJP Slams Rahul Over ‘Baseless Allegations’BJP MP Counters Rahul Gandhi’s Trade Deal Attack, Anurag Thakur Says Grip Talk Exposed WeaknessLok Sabha Sees Massive Ruckus As Rahul Gandhi Mentions Epstein Files, Adani Case; Slams PM ModiIndia’s New Rule Mandates Full ‘Vande Mataram’ National Song Before ‘Jana Gana Mana’ National AnthemUS Deletes India Map Showing PoK, Aksai Chin As Part Of Country After Trade Deal Post Sparks Debate’You Sold Bharat Mata’: Rahul Gandhi’s Sharp Attack At PM Modi, ‘Not Your Servant’ Message To TrumpRafale Expansion Plan Gains Momentum Ahead Of French President Macron’s High Stakes India Visit123PhotostoriesChinese New Year travel guide: 5 cities to experience the magicInside MS Dhoni’s lavish garage: 5 stunning cars that define his style10 traditional local dishes from Hyderabad that are a must-tryArchana Puran Singh and Parmeet Sethi open up about their parenthood journey; son Aaryamann says, “I have had the worst depression, won’t wish it on anyone”Ahead of ‘O’Romeo’ release, take a look at Shahid Kapoor’s 7 highest-grossing films; ‘Padmaavat’ to ‘Kabir Singh’7 biggest movie references in the 2026 Olympics figure skating competition: ‘Dune’, ‘Interstellar’ and more‘Bhool Bhulaiyaa’, ‘Dhol’, ‘Chup Chup Ke’: Rajpal Yadav’s films that cemented his status as Bollywood’s comedy powerhouse5 luxury interior ideas to borrow from Shah Rukh Khan’s MannatExplained! 5 most expensive places to live in 20268 ways to enjoy sweet potato for evening snacks with chai123Hot PicksMumbai Mayor SelectionGold Silver PricesParliament Budget SessionBharat BandhIncome Tax CalculatorPublic holidays February 2026Bank Holidays februaryTop TrendingEngland vs West Indies Live ScoreScott NiedermayerBengaluru Techie MurderMM NaravaneKhwaja AsifBengaluru Businessman Bank Account HackedKiren RijijuHind Al OwaisBOB Assistant Admit CardWhen JEE Main Result Out

– A new white paper notes that “Indian migration to the UK has evolved in four distinct waves since 1947, each aligned with Britain’s shifting economic and labour needs.” and argues that it has played a central role in shaping modern Britain’s economyThe report titled “Migration of the Indian Diaspora to the UK”, released by Manish Tiwari of Here & Now 365 in collaboration with the Aston India Centre at Aston University, traces the evolution of Indian migration.According to the study, the first wave arrived during post-war labour shortages, with “post-war migration from India help[ing] address acute labour shortages across manufacturing, transport and public services, contributing to the foundations of the National Health Service.” The second wave followed the 1970s expulsion of Asians from East Africa, which “led to significant entrepreneurial activity and local economic regeneration.”Many of these families established businesses that revitalised local economies.As the UK economy transitioned toward a knowledge-based model, Indian migration increasingly comprised skilled professionals. The white paper estimates that “Indian-born professionals are estimated to account for around 15% of the UK’s technology workforce.” In the post-Brexit and post-pandemic period, the fourth wave is described as strategically significant. “Indian professionals have become strategically important in addressing critical skills shortages,” the report states.Describing the Indian diaspora as “among the most economically successful ethnic minority groups in the UK,” the study underscores the community’s continued role in healthcare, technology and entrepreneurship.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 MediaVideosEntertainment Value Or Evidence? Hardeep Puri Blasts Rahul Gandhi’s ‘Buffoonery’ On Epstein FilesMuhammad Yunus Assures Smooth Handover Ahead Of Bangladesh’s First Elections After Hasina Exit”If You Had Taken My Advice” Jagdambika Pal Responds To Rahul Gandhi’s Ex-Congress Jab“Will Move Privilege Notice Against Rahul Gandhi”: BJP Slams Rahul Over ‘Baseless Allegations’BJP MP Counters Rahul Gandhi’s Trade Deal Attack, Anurag Thakur Says Grip Talk Exposed WeaknessLok Sabha Sees Massive Ruckus As Rahul Gandhi Mentions Epstein Files, Adani Case; Slams PM ModiIndia’s New Rule Mandates Full ‘Vande Mataram’ National Song Before ‘Jana Gana Mana’ National AnthemUS Deletes India Map Showing PoK, Aksai Chin As Part Of Country After Trade Deal Post Sparks Debate’You Sold Bharat Mata’: Rahul Gandhi’s Sharp Attack At PM Modi, ‘Not Your Servant’ Message To TrumpRafale Expansion Plan Gains Momentum Ahead Of French President Macron’s High Stakes India Visit123PhotostoriesChinese New Year travel guide: 5 cities to experience the magicInside MS Dhoni’s lavish garage: 5 stunning cars that define his style10 traditional local dishes from Hyderabad that are a must-tryArchana Puran Singh and Parmeet Sethi open up about their parenthood journey; son Aaryamann says, “I have had the worst depression, won’t wish it on anyone”Ahead of ‘O’Romeo’ release, take a look at Shahid Kapoor’s 7 highest-grossing films; ‘Padmaavat’ to ‘Kabir Singh’7 biggest movie references in the 2026 Olympics figure skating competition: ‘Dune’, ‘Interstellar’ and more‘Bhool Bhulaiyaa’, ‘Dhol’, ‘Chup Chup Ke’: Rajpal Yadav’s films that cemented his status as Bollywood’s comedy powerhouse5 luxury interior ideas to borrow from Shah Rukh Khan’s MannatExplained! 5 most expensive places to live in 20268 ways to enjoy sweet potato for evening snacks with chai123Hot PicksMumbai Mayor SelectionGold Silver PricesParliament Budget SessionBharat BandhIncome Tax CalculatorPublic holidays February 2026Bank Holidays februaryTop TrendingEngland vs West Indies Live ScoreScott NiedermayerBengaluru Techie MurderMM NaravaneKhwaja AsifBengaluru Businessman Bank Account HackedKiren RijijuHind Al OwaisBOB Assistant Admit CardWhen JEE Main Result Out

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– An Indian Air Force aircraft from Air Force Station Bamrauli crash-landed in the Rambagh area of Prayagraj, UP around 12.30 pm on Wednesday. Video footage of the incident shows the aircraft descending under an emergency parachute before safely force-landing in an uninhabited area, averting any major accident. The parachute deployment significantly reduced the landing impact, preventing damage on the ground. The aircraft, primarily used for monitoring bird activity around airfields, was being operated by Group Captain Praveen Agarwal, Vayusena Medal awardee and Chief Operating Officer of Air Force Station Bamrauli, along with Group Captain Sunil Kumar Pandey, the station’s Chief Administrative Officer. Both the officers are safe. Confirming the incident, Defence PRO Wing Commander Debartho Dhar said, “This was a routine sortie in a trainer aircraft. Both the pilot and occupant are safe.”The aircraft was on a routine sortie when it suffered an engine failure mid-air.The IAF has ordered a Court of Inquiry to ascertain the cause of the technical malfunction. “A Microlite aircraft of the IAF, while undertaking a routine sortie, from AF Station Bamrauli near Prayagraj at 1215 hrs on 21 Jan 26, experienced a technical malfunction, and was safely force landed in an uninhabited area, ensuring no damage to civil life or property. Both pilots on board are safe. A Court of Inquiry has been ordered by IAF to ascertain the cause,” an X post from the Indian Air Force said.This is the second aviation emergency reported this month. Earlier, on January 10, a nine-seater aircraft operating under the Regional Connectivity Scheme (RCS) made a forced crash landing in an open field near Kansor, about 15–20 km short of Rourkela airport, after the crew detected a technical snag during flight.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 MediaVideosPakistan Defence Minister Khawaja Asif Inaugurates Fake Pizza Hut Outlet, Trolled on Social Media’Influencers, AI And Deepfakes’: Indian Army Exposes Pakistan’s Digital War During Operation SindoorIndus Waters Flashpoint: Pakistan Cries Crisis At UN As India Hardens Terror Stance Post Pahalgam’To Remove Corrupt DMK’: TTV Dhinakaran Meets Goyal As AMMK Rejoins NDA Ahead Of Tamil Nadu Polls’Stanford Ranks Us Third’: Ashwini Vaishnaw Fires Back At IMF For Calling India Second Tier In AI’Strong Economy No Good Unless…’: IAF Chief AP Singh Stresses ‘Air Power’ For National SecurityDonald Trump Says He Stopped India-Pakistan Nuclear War Again As India Rejects White House ClaimsIOCL Chairman Says India Is Ready For Venezuelan Oil Amid Tariff Blockade On Russian Oil PurchaseEAM Jaishankar Calls For United Fight Against Terror As India Spain Mark Shared Democratic Values500% Tariff Threat Over Russian Oil: What US Treasury Chief Said On India China And Europe At Davos123PhotostoriesHow to make Chilli Paneer for evening snacking at homeBasant Panchami 2026 outfit ideas: Bollywood celebrities prove yellow is still the power colourHop-on, hop-off: Bengaluru welcomes double-decker buses after 26 yearsBengaluru airport rail link set to decongest city roads; K-ride gets green light6 water affirmations that actually work and how they affect your energy3 things at your home can be blocking your career growthTop 5 allegations Brooklyn Beckham has levied on parents David and Victoria BeckhamSushant Singh Rajput birth anniversary: Looking back at the late star’s unforgettable journey through BTS picturesSushant Singh Rajput birth anniversary: Most iconic roles of late actor and where to stream his films on OTTHow to explore Delhi like a traveller: Gorgeous places to explore in the city that no one ever talks about123Hot PicksSilver price todayBudget 2026Karnataka DGP ScandalGold price predictionNitin NabinPublic holidays January 2026Bank Holidays JanuaryTop TrendingMatthew StaffordTravis KelceDonald Trump PlaneUdaipur Car AccidentJonathan KumingaCandace OwensDonna KelceJohn Harbaughs WifeKlay ThompsonsAshwini Vaishnaw

– An Indian Air Force aircraft from Air Force Station Bamrauli crash-landed in the Rambagh area of Prayagraj, UP around 12.30 pm on Wednesday. Video footage of the incident shows the aircraft descending under an emergency parachute before safely force-landing in an uninhabited area, averting any major accident. The parachute deployment significantly reduced the landing impact, preventing damage on the ground. The aircraft, primarily used for monitoring bird activity around airfields, was being operated by Group Captain Praveen Agarwal, Vayusena Medal awardee and Chief Operating Officer of Air Force Station Bamrauli, along with Group Captain Sunil Kumar Pandey, the station’s Chief Administrative Officer. Both the officers are safe. Confirming the incident, Defence PRO Wing Commander Debartho Dhar said, “This was a routine sortie in a trainer aircraft. Both the pilot and occupant are safe.”The aircraft was on a routine sortie when it suffered an engine failure mid-air.The IAF has ordered a Court of Inquiry to ascertain the cause of the technical malfunction. “A Microlite aircraft of the IAF, while undertaking a routine sortie, from AF Station Bamrauli near Prayagraj at 1215 hrs on 21 Jan 26, experienced a technical malfunction, and was safely force landed in an uninhabited area, ensuring no damage to civil life or property. Both pilots on board are safe. A Court of Inquiry has been ordered by IAF to ascertain the cause,” an X post from the Indian Air Force said.This is the second aviation emergency reported this month. Earlier, on January 10, a nine-seater aircraft operating under the Regional Connectivity Scheme (RCS) made a forced crash landing in an open field near Kansor, about 15–20 km short of Rourkela airport, after the crew detected a technical snag during flight.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 MediaVideosPakistan Defence Minister Khawaja Asif Inaugurates Fake Pizza Hut Outlet, Trolled on Social Media’Influencers, AI And Deepfakes’: Indian Army Exposes Pakistan’s Digital War During Operation SindoorIndus Waters Flashpoint: Pakistan Cries Crisis At UN As India Hardens Terror Stance Post Pahalgam’To Remove Corrupt DMK’: TTV Dhinakaran Meets Goyal As AMMK Rejoins NDA Ahead Of Tamil Nadu Polls’Stanford Ranks Us Third’: Ashwini Vaishnaw Fires Back At IMF For Calling India Second Tier In AI’Strong Economy No Good Unless…’: IAF Chief AP Singh Stresses ‘Air Power’ For National SecurityDonald Trump Says He Stopped India-Pakistan Nuclear War Again As India Rejects White House ClaimsIOCL Chairman Says India Is Ready For Venezuelan Oil Amid Tariff Blockade On Russian Oil PurchaseEAM Jaishankar Calls For United Fight Against Terror As India Spain Mark Shared Democratic Values500% Tariff Threat Over Russian Oil: What US Treasury Chief Said On India China And Europe At Davos123PhotostoriesHow to make Chilli Paneer for evening snacking at homeBasant Panchami 2026 outfit ideas: Bollywood celebrities prove yellow is still the power colourHop-on, hop-off: Bengaluru welcomes double-decker buses after 26 yearsBengaluru airport rail link set to decongest city roads; K-ride gets green light6 water affirmations that actually work and how they affect your energy3 things at your home can be blocking your career growthTop 5 allegations Brooklyn Beckham has levied on parents David and Victoria BeckhamSushant Singh Rajput birth anniversary: Looking back at the late star’s unforgettable journey through BTS picturesSushant Singh Rajput birth anniversary: Most iconic roles of late actor and where to stream his films on OTTHow to explore Delhi like a traveller: Gorgeous places to explore in the city that no one ever talks about123Hot PicksSilver price todayBudget 2026Karnataka DGP ScandalGold price predictionNitin NabinPublic holidays January 2026Bank Holidays JanuaryTop TrendingMatthew StaffordTravis KelceDonald Trump PlaneUdaipur Car AccidentJonathan KumingaCandace OwensDonna KelceJohn Harbaughs WifeKlay ThompsonsAshwini Vaishnaw

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Australian homeowner blamed six neighbouring trees for damage to her 130-year-old heritage home and sought ,650.86 for repairs; NSW court rejected the claim after finding no proven link to the trees

Australian homeowner blamed six neighbouring trees for damage to her 130-year-old heritage home and sought $23,650.86 for repairs; NSW court rejected the claim after finding no proven link to the trees

Vamsikrishna03 mins mins

The Court accepted the damage but found no proven link between the trees and the claimed damage. (AI image) An Australian homeowner who blamed six trees on neighbouring property for damage to her 130-year-old heritage home has failed in her claim for tree removal and about $23,650 in repair costs. The NSW Land and Environment…

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Cong MP Priyanka Gandhi targets EC over SIR, alleges ‘voter roll tampering’. Congress MP Priyanka Gandhi Vadra on Thursday slammed the Chief Election Commissioner, alleging that Gyanesh Kumar should be “criminally prosecuted” for “tampering with electoral rolls and deleting voters’ names.”Her remarks came a day after The Indian Express published a report claiming that Election Commissioners Sukhbir Singh Sandhu and Vivek Joshi had formally raised objections at least 14 times over 10 months to decisions and orders related to the Special Intensive Revision (SIR) of electoral rolls.Speaking to reporters in Wayanad, Kerala, Priyanka Gandhi said, “Anybody who plays around with the process, the democratic process of our elections is committing treason against this nation. That is our very clear stand. I do not think anybody in that position should have legal protection in the way that he has. The Chief Election Commissioner has. If they have done illegal acts because tampering with the voters’ rolls, deleting, I believe, 13 crore voters is a criminal act against democracy, against the Constitution and against the nation.””Since criminal acts fall under a particular law, and people are usually tried and prosecuted for doing those criminal acts, I do not see why the Election Commissioner has to have any protection against it. If he has done an illegal act, he has been fully aware that this is happening under his nose. His colleagues have brought it to his attention. He has ignored it and intentionally allowed an unfair election to take place. He should be criminally prosecuted just like any other criminal, and he should be tried for treason. This is my very clear stand,” she added.Earlier on Wednesday, Priyanka Gandhi had also called the issue “an extremely serious” one for democracy.”This is an extremely serious issue for our democracy. If there are no elections, then where is democracy? If elections are unfair and rigged in any manner, then the Election Commission is assisting in that. If the Election Commissioner is not only aware of it but also allowing it to happen, then it is a very serious assault on democracy. It is an act of treason.”The remarks followed the Indian Express report, which said Sandhu and Joshi had objected at least 14 times to decisions taken in the Commission’s name without, according to the report, their knowledge or approval. The reported objections covered issues including voter registration and deletion, changes to Form 6 and the handling of the electoral-roll database.The ECI rejected the suggestion that the reported objections amounted to a division within the Commission. ECI officials said all decisions, including those related to SIR, were taken unanimously with the approval of all three commissioners.In a statement, the poll panel said, “The ECI is a constitutional body that functions under the strict mandate of Article 324 of the Constitution, statutory rules and established institutional conventions. The Commission operates as a multi-member constitutional body. Written notes, observations, technical suggestions and internal checks-and-balances are standard, ongoing practices designed to ensure complete transparency, legal compliance and operational rigour. All actions of ECI have been in accordance with laws and instructions of the Commission. All official orders, decisions and administrative directions issued by the Commission carry full legal sanctions and follow established statutory procedures.”The Commission further said, “Any operational queries or inputs raised by Commission members during draft stages are part of standard administrative practice aimed at safeguarding voter rights. The suggestions given by the Commissioners were for further improving the electoral processes,” adding that differing views and observations were a normal part of institutional deliberations.BJP defends poll panelBJP national spokesperson and MP Sambit Patra defended the functioning of the Election Commission, saying discussions among the three commissioners were part of the democratic process.”Look at the situation: if the three Election Commissioners do not communicate with each other, if there is no exchange of views or consultation, and they simply agree to everything, then the opposition parties claim it is a dictatorship. They say this government appointed these three commissioners; they just say yes. Now, there have been 14 instances of correspondence among the three of them, official deliberations, as far as we gather from the media. It is not as if the Bharatiya Janata Party goes and reads these letters; rather, reports in the media indicate that official deliberations took place among the three, which is a sign of a healthy democracy,” he said.Patra added, “I would say that today, all the opposition parties have fallen into a trap, the trap of claiming that the Election Commission and the government were acting dictatorially. On the contrary, I would say this is pure democracy. Deliberations are taking place, and the Election Commission has stated very clearly in the very first paragraph of its document that, following all official democratic deliberations, the final outcome, the Special Intensive Revision (SIR), was achieved with unanimity.””In other words, all three Commissioners were unanimous; there was no difference of opinion or dissent among them,” he said.”They were all on the same page. In short, the situation today is that neither the Election Commission of India nor any constitutional body in India is under dictatorial rule; they are functioning democratically and, indeed, upholding the country’s democracy. By operating democratically, these constitutional institutions are safeguarding democracy,” Patra added.Opposition parties continued to target the Election Commission over the issue. Earlier, leader of opposition in the Lok Sabha Join conversationView All Comments →Share your thoughts in the commentsInsightfulAgreeDisagreeSkepticalConcerningPromisingWorth ReadingBig DevelopmentPost CommentBe respectful · TOI community guidelinesRahul Gandhi described alleged “vote chori” as a “crime against the Indian people” and an attack on the Constitution.In a post on X, Rahul Gandhi said, “Vote chori is a crime against the Indian people and a direct attack on our constitution. The BJP, RSS and EC who organised it have committed an act of treason. Justice will be served.”In a video, he also addressed the Election Commission and election officials, saying, “I am clearly telling the Election Commission and election officers: What you are doing is wrong. This is treason; it is against the nation. Do not forget this. The time will come! We will catch you! You will not be spared.”Meanwhile, ECI sources maintained that all decisions taken by the poll panel, including those related to SIR, were unanimous and had the approval of both Election Commissioners and the Chief Election Commissioner.Get the latest India News and Live updates. Download the TOI app.About the AuthorKanchan YadavKanchan Yadav is a writer at The Times of India, where she covers business, politics, international affairs and social issues. Her reporting also focuses on policy, governance and economic developments, with a close lens on how decisions in corridors of power affect everyday lives and community well-being.Read MoreEnd of ArticleFollow Us On Social MediaVideos’Illegal’ Changes to IT System Row: Timeline of Sandhu & Joshi’s Objections Over Form 6, ECINet, SIRVivek Joshi & SS Sandhu: The 2 Election Commissioners Who ‘Raised Objections’ Over SIR, Form-6CJP Takes On Election Commission After Report; Will This Lead To Next Jantar Mantar? | WatchCEC, ECs And The Power To Decide: What Happens When Election Commissioners Disagree?ECI’s ERONET Controversy: Voter Database Row, Software Errors & 17.6 Million Notices Raise QuestionsJaishankar Meets Rubio At UNGA, Raises India’s Concerns Over Trump’s Russia Sanctions Bill ImpactBJP Defends Election Commission Over SIR Row, Challenges Opposition To Impeach CEC In Parliament’This Is a Scandalous Story’: Opposition Attacks Gyanesh Kumar After Report Claims ECI DissentSIR, Form 6, Voter Rolls: EC Responds After Report Flags Objections By 2 Election CommissionersIndian Man Murdered in UAE: Body Found in Nine Pieces Inside Car In Sharjah123Hot PicksIBPS PO Prelims Result 2026NSE IPOSpaceXGold Rate TodayOctober 2026 School HolidaysSchool holiday todaySamastipur girl molestationUPI transactionsMumbai-Pune ExpresswayCBSE Date SheetTop TrendingAsian Games Medal TallyRahul GandhiPowerball JackpotDelhi Hit and RunUP EncounterDonald TrumpPM ModiNaomi OsakaJoe ThomasSupreme Court

Cong MP Priyanka Gandhi targets EC over SIR, alleges ‘voter roll tampering’. Congress MP Priyanka Gandhi Vadra on Thursday slammed the Chief Election Commissioner, alleging that Gyanesh Kumar should be “criminally prosecuted” for “tampering with electoral rolls and deleting voters’ names.”Her remarks came a day after The Indian Express published a report claiming that Election Commissioners Sukhbir Singh Sandhu and Vivek Joshi had formally raised objections at least 14 times over 10 months to decisions and orders related to the Special Intensive Revision (SIR) of electoral rolls.Speaking to reporters in Wayanad, Kerala, Priyanka Gandhi said, “Anybody who plays around with the process, the democratic process of our elections is committing treason against this nation. That is our very clear stand. I do not think anybody in that position should have legal protection in the way that he has. The Chief Election Commissioner has. If they have done illegal acts because tampering with the voters’ rolls, deleting, I believe, 13 crore voters is a criminal act against democracy, against the Constitution and against the nation.””Since criminal acts fall under a particular law, and people are usually tried and prosecuted for doing those criminal acts, I do not see why the Election Commissioner has to have any protection against it. If he has done an illegal act, he has been fully aware that this is happening under his nose. His colleagues have brought it to his attention. He has ignored it and intentionally allowed an unfair election to take place. He should be criminally prosecuted just like any other criminal, and he should be tried for treason. This is my very clear stand,” she added.Earlier on Wednesday, Priyanka Gandhi had also called the issue “an extremely serious” one for democracy.”This is an extremely serious issue for our democracy. If there are no elections, then where is democracy? If elections are unfair and rigged in any manner, then the Election Commission is assisting in that. If the Election Commissioner is not only aware of it but also allowing it to happen, then it is a very serious assault on democracy. It is an act of treason.”The remarks followed the Indian Express report, which said Sandhu and Joshi had objected at least 14 times to decisions taken in the Commission’s name without, according to the report, their knowledge or approval. The reported objections covered issues including voter registration and deletion, changes to Form 6 and the handling of the electoral-roll database.The ECI rejected the suggestion that the reported objections amounted to a division within the Commission. ECI officials said all decisions, including those related to SIR, were taken unanimously with the approval of all three commissioners.In a statement, the poll panel said, “The ECI is a constitutional body that functions under the strict mandate of Article 324 of the Constitution, statutory rules and established institutional conventions. The Commission operates as a multi-member constitutional body. Written notes, observations, technical suggestions and internal checks-and-balances are standard, ongoing practices designed to ensure complete transparency, legal compliance and operational rigour. All actions of ECI have been in accordance with laws and instructions of the Commission. All official orders, decisions and administrative directions issued by the Commission carry full legal sanctions and follow established statutory procedures.”The Commission further said, “Any operational queries or inputs raised by Commission members during draft stages are part of standard administrative practice aimed at safeguarding voter rights. The suggestions given by the Commissioners were for further improving the electoral processes,” adding that differing views and observations were a normal part of institutional deliberations.BJP defends poll panelBJP national spokesperson and MP Sambit Patra defended the functioning of the Election Commission, saying discussions among the three commissioners were part of the democratic process.”Look at the situation: if the three Election Commissioners do not communicate with each other, if there is no exchange of views or consultation, and they simply agree to everything, then the opposition parties claim it is a dictatorship. They say this government appointed these three commissioners; they just say yes. Now, there have been 14 instances of correspondence among the three of them, official deliberations, as far as we gather from the media. It is not as if the Bharatiya Janata Party goes and reads these letters; rather, reports in the media indicate that official deliberations took place among the three, which is a sign of a healthy democracy,” he said.Patra added, “I would say that today, all the opposition parties have fallen into a trap, the trap of claiming that the Election Commission and the government were acting dictatorially. On the contrary, I would say this is pure democracy. Deliberations are taking place, and the Election Commission has stated very clearly in the very first paragraph of its document that, following all official democratic deliberations, the final outcome, the Special Intensive Revision (SIR), was achieved with unanimity.””In other words, all three Commissioners were unanimous; there was no difference of opinion or dissent among them,” he said.”They were all on the same page. In short, the situation today is that neither the Election Commission of India nor any constitutional body in India is under dictatorial rule; they are functioning democratically and, indeed, upholding the country’s democracy. By operating democratically, these constitutional institutions are safeguarding democracy,” Patra added.Opposition parties continued to target the Election Commission over the issue. Earlier, leader of opposition in the Lok Sabha Join conversationView All Comments →Share your thoughts in the commentsInsightfulAgreeDisagreeSkepticalConcerningPromisingWorth ReadingBig DevelopmentPost CommentBe respectful · TOI community guidelinesRahul Gandhi described alleged “vote chori” as a “crime against the Indian people” and an attack on the Constitution.In a post on X, Rahul Gandhi said, “Vote chori is a crime against the Indian people and a direct attack on our constitution. The BJP, RSS and EC who organised it have committed an act of treason. Justice will be served.”In a video, he also addressed the Election Commission and election officials, saying, “I am clearly telling the Election Commission and election officers: What you are doing is wrong. This is treason; it is against the nation. Do not forget this. The time will come! We will catch you! You will not be spared.”Meanwhile, ECI sources maintained that all decisions taken by the poll panel, including those related to SIR, were unanimous and had the approval of both Election Commissioners and the Chief Election Commissioner.Get the latest India News and Live updates. Download the TOI app.About the AuthorKanchan YadavKanchan Yadav is a writer at The Times of India, where she covers business, politics, international affairs and social issues. Her reporting also focuses on policy, governance and economic developments, with a close lens on how decisions in corridors of power affect everyday lives and community well-being.Read MoreEnd of ArticleFollow Us On Social MediaVideos’Illegal’ Changes to IT System Row: Timeline of Sandhu & Joshi’s Objections Over Form 6, ECINet, SIRVivek Joshi & SS Sandhu: The 2 Election Commissioners Who ‘Raised Objections’ Over SIR, Form-6CJP Takes On Election Commission After Report; Will This Lead To Next Jantar Mantar? | WatchCEC, ECs And The Power To Decide: What Happens When Election Commissioners Disagree?ECI’s ERONET Controversy: Voter Database Row, Software Errors & 17.6 Million Notices Raise QuestionsJaishankar Meets Rubio At UNGA, Raises India’s Concerns Over Trump’s Russia Sanctions Bill ImpactBJP Defends Election Commission Over SIR Row, Challenges Opposition To Impeach CEC In Parliament’This Is a Scandalous Story’: Opposition Attacks Gyanesh Kumar After Report Claims ECI DissentSIR, Form 6, Voter Rolls: EC Responds After Report Flags Objections By 2 Election CommissionersIndian Man Murdered in UAE: Body Found in Nine Pieces Inside Car In Sharjah123Hot PicksIBPS PO Prelims Result 2026NSE IPOSpaceXGold Rate TodayOctober 2026 School HolidaysSchool holiday todaySamastipur girl molestationUPI transactionsMumbai-Pune ExpresswayCBSE Date SheetTop TrendingAsian Games Medal TallyRahul GandhiPowerball JackpotDelhi Hit and RunUP EncounterDonald TrumpPM ModiNaomi OsakaJoe ThomasSupreme Court

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Cong MP Priyanka Gandhi targets EC over SIR, alleges ‘voter roll tampering’. Congress MP Priyanka Gandhi Vadra on Thursday slammed the Chief Election Commissioner, alleging that Gyanesh Kumar should be “criminally prosecuted” for “tampering with electoral rolls and deleting voters’ names.“Her remarks came a day after The Indian Express published a report claiming that Election…

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‘Love & War’: Ranbir Kapoor steals the show with striking first look from Sanjay Leela Bhansali’s film

‘Love & War’: Ranbir Kapoor steals the show with striking first look from Sanjay Leela Bhansali’s film

Vamsikrishna02 mins mins

‘Love & War’, Sanjay Leela Bhansali’s most anticipated film, has everyone counting down the days. Bringing together an extraordinary trio, Ranbir Kapoor, Alia Bhatt, and Vicky Kaushal, the film sets the stage for a cinematic spectacle audiences. Adding to the buzz, the makers have now unveiled the first look from SLB’s magnum opus, a striking…

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‘Restore access’: US court temporarily blocks Trump’s ban on TV networks from White House

‘Restore access’: US court temporarily blocks Trump’s ban on TV networks from White House

Vamsikrishna02 mins mins

A US court on Thursday directed the Trump administration to reverse its decision to bar journalists from CNN, MS NOW and Politico from reporting inside the White House grounds.Blocking the ban temporarily, US district Judge Tim Kelly said that the decision was likely unconstitutional.“The ‘general rule’ is that ‘individuals must receive notice and an opportunity…

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Picture credit: Matthew Aaron VanDyke’s Social Media handles and official website (file photo) NEW DELHI: An NIA court in Delhi Wednesday granted bail to six Ukrainian nationals arrested in March this year for allegedly running a training camp for ethnic armed rebels in India and Myanmar.The court, which ordered their release on a cash bond of Rs 1 lakh each, also discharged them from offences under the Immigration and Foreigners Act following after the Foreigners Regional Registration Office (FRRO), which deals with the immigration matters involving foreign nationals, settled the offences on payment of a penalty of Rs 5.5 lakh each.Join conversationView All Comments →Share your thoughts in the commentsInsightfulAgreeDisagreeSkepticalConcerningPromisingWorth ReadingBig DevelopmentPost CommentBe respectful · TOI community guidelinesThe offences, which pertained to illegal entry and visa violations, are compoundable at the level of the FRRO.Special judge Prashant Sharma granted them default bail on grounds of parity with their American co-accused Matthew Aaron Van Dyke.While granting bail to Dyke on Sept 18, the judge had dismissed the NIA’s opposition, observing that even if the probe was far from over, “at this stage it cannot be concluded that applicant/ accused Matthew Aaron Vandyke is not entitled for default bail”.Default bail is provisioned in the UAPA if the probe agency doesn’t file charge sheet containing offences under the anti-terror law with 180 days of arresting the accused. Following this, the court had directed that the other six accused could also seek default bail.Earlier this month, the agency filed a charge sheet which did not mention provisions of the UAPA, 1967, which was invoked in the initial FIR.Get the latest India News and Live updates. Download the TOI app.About the AuthorKoushiki SahaKoushiki Saha, a trainee journalist currently reporting for The Times of India, covers urban governance, infrastructure lapses, public grievances, and municipal policies with clarity and compassion. Still learning every day, she draws insights from fieldwork, lived experiences, and holding authorities accountable through persistent, people-focused reporting.Read MoreEnd of ArticleFollow Us On Social MediaVideos’Illegal’ Changes to IT System Row: Timeline of Sandhu & Joshi’s Objections Over Form 6, ECINet, SIRVivek Joshi & SS Sandhu: The 2 Election Commissioners Who ‘Raised Objections’ Over SIR, Form-6CJP Takes On Election Commission After Report; Will This Lead To Next Jantar Mantar? | WatchCEC, ECs And The Power To Decide: What Happens When Election Commissioners Disagree?ECI’s ERONET Controversy: Voter Database Row, Software Errors & 17.6 Million Notices Raise QuestionsJaishankar Meets Rubio At UNGA, Raises India’s Concerns Over Trump’s Russia Sanctions Bill ImpactBJP Defends Election Commission Over SIR Row, Challenges Opposition To Impeach CEC In Parliament’This Is a Scandalous Story’: Opposition Attacks Gyanesh Kumar After Report Claims ECI DissentSIR, Form 6, Voter Rolls: EC Responds After Report Flags Objections By 2 Election CommissionersIndian Man Murdered in UAE: Body Found in Nine Pieces Inside Car In Sharjah123Hot PicksIBPS PO Prelims Result 2026NSE IPOSpaceXGold Rate TodayOctober 2026 School HolidaysSchool holiday todaySamastipur girl molestationUPI transactionsMumbai-Pune ExpresswayCBSE Date SheetTop TrendingAsian Games Medal TallyRahul GandhiPowerball JackpotDelhi Hit and RunUP EncounterDonald TrumpPM ModiNaomi OsakaJoe ThomasSupreme Court

Picture credit: Matthew Aaron VanDyke’s Social Media handles and official website (file photo) NEW DELHI: An NIA court in Delhi Wednesday granted bail to six Ukrainian nationals arrested in March this year for allegedly running a training camp for ethnic armed rebels in India and Myanmar.The court, which ordered their release on a cash bond of Rs 1 lakh each, also discharged them from offences under the Immigration and Foreigners Act following after the Foreigners Regional Registration Office (FRRO), which deals with the immigration matters involving foreign nationals, settled the offences on payment of a penalty of Rs 5.5 lakh each.Join conversationView All Comments →Share your thoughts in the commentsInsightfulAgreeDisagreeSkepticalConcerningPromisingWorth ReadingBig DevelopmentPost CommentBe respectful · TOI community guidelinesThe offences, which pertained to illegal entry and visa violations, are compoundable at the level of the FRRO.Special judge Prashant Sharma granted them default bail on grounds of parity with their American co-accused Matthew Aaron Van Dyke.While granting bail to Dyke on Sept 18, the judge had dismissed the NIA’s opposition, observing that even if the probe was far from over, “at this stage it cannot be concluded that applicant/ accused Matthew Aaron Vandyke is not entitled for default bail”.Default bail is provisioned in the UAPA if the probe agency doesn’t file charge sheet containing offences under the anti-terror law with 180 days of arresting the accused. Following this, the court had directed that the other six accused could also seek default bail.Earlier this month, the agency filed a charge sheet which did not mention provisions of the UAPA, 1967, which was invoked in the initial FIR.Get the latest India News and Live updates. Download the TOI app.About the AuthorKoushiki SahaKoushiki Saha, a trainee journalist currently reporting for The Times of India, covers urban governance, infrastructure lapses, public grievances, and municipal policies with clarity and compassion. Still learning every day, she draws insights from fieldwork, lived experiences, and holding authorities accountable through persistent, people-focused reporting.Read MoreEnd of ArticleFollow Us On Social MediaVideos’Illegal’ Changes to IT System Row: Timeline of Sandhu & Joshi’s Objections Over Form 6, ECINet, SIRVivek Joshi & SS Sandhu: The 2 Election Commissioners Who ‘Raised Objections’ Over SIR, Form-6CJP Takes On Election Commission After Report; Will This Lead To Next Jantar Mantar? | WatchCEC, ECs And The Power To Decide: What Happens When Election Commissioners Disagree?ECI’s ERONET Controversy: Voter Database Row, Software Errors & 17.6 Million Notices Raise QuestionsJaishankar Meets Rubio At UNGA, Raises India’s Concerns Over Trump’s Russia Sanctions Bill ImpactBJP Defends Election Commission Over SIR Row, Challenges Opposition To Impeach CEC In Parliament’This Is a Scandalous Story’: Opposition Attacks Gyanesh Kumar After Report Claims ECI DissentSIR, Form 6, Voter Rolls: EC Responds After Report Flags Objections By 2 Election CommissionersIndian Man Murdered in UAE: Body Found in Nine Pieces Inside Car In Sharjah123Hot PicksIBPS PO Prelims Result 2026NSE IPOSpaceXGold Rate TodayOctober 2026 School HolidaysSchool holiday todaySamastipur girl molestationUPI transactionsMumbai-Pune ExpresswayCBSE Date SheetTop TrendingAsian Games Medal TallyRahul GandhiPowerball JackpotDelhi Hit and RunUP EncounterDonald TrumpPM ModiNaomi OsakaJoe ThomasSupreme Court

Vamsikrishna02 mins mins

Picture credit: Matthew Aaron VanDyke’s Social Media handles and official website (file photo) NEW DELHI: An NIA court in Delhi Wednesday granted bail to six Ukrainian nationals arrested in March this year for allegedly running a training camp for ethnic armed rebels in India and Myanmar.The court, which ordered their release on a cash bond…

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Updated: Sep 24, 2026, 11:43 IST

Updated: Sep 24, 2026, 11:43 IST

Vamsikrishna03 mins mins

India’s Roshibina Devi Naorem holds the silver medal after the Women’s 60kg Wushu final match during the 20th Asian Games. (PTI Photo) Naorem Roshibina Devi’s Asian Games journey began with uncertainty but ended with another medal. The 25-year-old Manipuri wushu player won silver in the women’s 60kg Sanda category after losing 0-2 to China’s Zhang…

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‘Whatever is in the best interest of the team’: Gautam Gambhir’s candid Rohit Sharma admission

‘Whatever is in the best interest of the team’: Gautam Gambhir’s candid Rohit Sharma admission

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Rohit Sharma and Gautam Gambhir (X-BCCI) Gautam Gambhir’s association with Rohit Sharma goes back much further than their time together in India’s current coaching set-up.Long before Gambhir became India’s head coach and Rohit led the national side, the two had already shared a dressing room. Gambhir was an established senior player when Rohit entered the…

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She paid US tax but missed Form 67, triggering Rs 30 lakh India tax demand; ITAT Delhi orders relief, asks AO to verify Rs 23.48 lakh credit claim after 6-year fight

She paid US tax but missed Form 67, triggering Rs 30 lakh India tax demand; ITAT Delhi orders relief, asks AO to verify Rs 23.48 lakh credit claim after 6-year fight

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The ITAT Delhi noted that the woman had claimed a foreign tax credit of Rs 23.48 lakh in her ITR. (Image for representative purpose) You are an Indian-origin US citizen and you pay your taxes in America. But a tax demand for your income is raised in India because of an error on your part….

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Psychology explains why you check your ex’s profile even when you don’t want them back

Psychology explains why you check your ex’s profile even when you don’t want them back

Vamsikrishna01 mins mins

A better question may be, “What happens after I look?” If checking leaves someone neutral, it may simply be curiosity. If it repeatedly brings jealousy, sadness, comparison or longing, the behaviour may be keeping an old emotional connection active. That distinction matters. Moving on does not require pretending the person never existed. Sometimes healing simply…

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​At 90, former paratrooper Ian Winship runs 10K in about an hour with daughter and grandson, setting a world-best time for his age

​At 90, former paratrooper Ian Winship runs 10K in about an hour with daughter and grandson, setting a world-best time for his age

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Pic credit: Gibson Digital/North Lanarkshire Council Ian Winship, a 90-year-old runner from North Lanarkshire, has completed a 10-kilometre race in about 1 hour, 4 minutes and 37 seconds, setting what is believed to be a world-best time for his age group. On 13 September, the former paratrooper completed the Cumbernauld 10K run. “I stood greetin’,”…

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Millions of California households are getting electricity-bill credits automatically during the expensive summer months; the state says 6 million is being returned, averaging about per household

Millions of California households are getting electricity-bill credits automatically during the expensive summer months; the state says $886 million is being returned, averaging about $75 per household

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Millions of California households received a sweet surprise in their electricity bills for the months of August and September. Under a new schedule designed to place relief in the hottest, highest-use months, homes received automatic credit. Governor Gavin Newsom’s office said on Tuesday that customers of Pacific Gas and Electric, Southern California Edison and San…

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Sep 24, 2026, 11:28 IST

Sep 24, 2026, 11:28 IST

Vamsikrishna03 mins mins

Lakshya Sen and PV Sindhu (Image credit: Agencies) Indian badminton players have got mixed draws for the individual competitions at the Asian Games, with the schedule announced on Thursday. While Lakshya Sen and PV Sindhu face tough possible opponents in the later rounds, defending champions Satwiksairaj Rankireddy and Chirag Shetty have a relatively easier path…

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5 purple snakes that look too surreal to be real

5 purple snakes that look too surreal to be real

Vamsikrishna01 mins mins

Snakes are scary, venomous slithers that are mostly found in Green, brown, and black colours, and purple isn’t a colour most people associate with these reptiles Purple coloured skin on snakes feels invented or artificially created, like something out of a nature documentary that took creative liberties with the colour grading.And yet, scattered across mangrove…

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Nebraska couple to auction 350-vehicle classic Chevrolet collection after housing development near property; hundreds of Impalas, Caprices and other vehicles from the 1950s to 1970s included | World News

Nebraska couple to auction 350-vehicle classic Chevrolet collection after housing development near property; hundreds of Impalas, Caprices and other vehicles from the 1950s to 1970s included | World News

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A Nebraska couple is preparing to auction about 350 classic Chevrolet vehicles after development around their property led to code-enforcement pressure over their decades-old collection. Tim and Mary Robinson of Saunders County have spent more than 40 years collecting full-size Chevrolets, building a collection that eventually grew to nearly 450 vehicles. The cars being offered…

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Soorya Krishnamoorthy passes away at 78; former ISRO scientist who built Soorya Festival; championed theatre and cinema

Soorya Krishnamoorthy passes away at 78; former ISRO scientist who built Soorya Festival; championed theatre and cinema

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Soorya Krishnamoorthy passes away at 78; former ISRO scientist who built Soorya Festival; championed. Soorya Krishnamoorthy, the renowned performing arts expert, playwright, screenwriter and cultural organiser, has passed away at the age of 78. He passed away in Thiruvananthapuram on Wednesday while undergoing treatment for a liver-related illness, as reported by Asianet News. Soorya Krishnamoorthy’s…

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