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Google Hyderabad employee remembers failing JEE twice, facing 520 rejections before landing dream job

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Google Hyderabad employee remembers failing JEE twice, facing 520 rejections before landing dream job


For many students in India, competitive exams and early academic milestones often feel like the ultimate measure of success. However, for Rijul Singh Malik, the path to Google was marked not by a perfect record, but by repeated failures, tough improvements, and the decision to keep going even when things seemed uncertain.

A Google Hyderabad employee opens up about his JEE failure and his journey from 520 rejections to finally getting a Google offer.

(Also read: Who is Anu Sharma? The internet is curious to know about the Indian techie who left Google and joined Palantir)

Speaking to HT.com, Rijul explained how years of failures and perseverance shaped his journey to Google.

Originally from Rohtak, Haryana, Rijul has lived in Delhi since childhood and now works as a Digital Transformation Consultant at Google Hyderabad. His work involves automating processes and building AI solutions using large language models for Google’s long line of customers.

Rijul completed his schooling from Delhi Public School, Vasant Kunj, did B.Tech in Information Technology from University School of Information, Communication and Technology under GGSIPU and later completed his Master’s in Data Science from University of California, Irvine.

‘Not doing JEE was probably the best thing’

Rijul’s educational journey was not very smooth. He failed the JEE twice, including once after taking a drop year. Recalling that period, he said that he had prepared seriously and was confident that he would clear the exam, but could not reach the cutoff.

“I took two coachings, bought new books, hired a private home tutor, read hundreds of books, solved mocks. Whatever I could find and study, I did it,” he told HT.com.

On the day of the exam, Rijul said he carried around 20 books in the car because he still did not feel confident. When the results came the disappointment was immense.

He said, “The entire House was very silent and disappointed. Not about me, but about the result. It felt like a year had been wasted.”

The emotional impact was enormous. Rijul said there is a “very specific kind of embarrassment” associated with not clearing the JEE in India, especially when relatives start comparing students with others.

“That was the first time my confidence was shattered,” he said.

However, he eventually realized that the entrance exam at 18 does not define the next 40 years of one’s career. “Ultimately, not doing JEE was probably the best thing that could have happened. It forced me to learn quickly that flexibility matters more than credentials,” he said.

Berkeley Summer School changed her direction

Rijul described his B.Tech years at IP University as “pretty standard” academically, but said the real growth he achieved went beyond the curriculum. A major turning point was the Berkeley Summer School in 2019, where he got his first serious experience in data science.

“That’s what inspired me to pursue it seriously in graduate school,” he said.

(Also read: ‘His smile meant everything’: Bengaluru Google techie takes Nanaji to office premises. viral video)

Getting into UC Irvine became his goal, but that came after repeated attempts. Rijul took the GRE four times. He crossed the mark of 303 in the first attempt, 305 in the second, 307 in the third and finally achieved a score of 308 in the fourth attempt.

By then, he had stopped telling people that he was taking the exam again.

He said, “I was tired of the pity, tired of the ‘Maybe this isn’t for you’ looks, tired of being the guy who kept trying.”

Rijul said that his inspiration came from not wanting another test to decide his story. He also found strength in a line from Rocky Balboa: “Life is not about how hard you can hit, it’s about how hard you can get hit while moving forward.”

When UC Irvine finally got approval, he said the score was no longer a real win.

“The truth is I didn’t quit,” he said.

Academic Probation in America

The MS program at UC Irvine came with its challenges. Rijul said she struggled in the first quarter, as an introvert she felt isolated and had to deal with the pressure of settling in a new country. His GPA dropped to 2.8, which put him on academic probation.

He remembered receiving the email when he was in India for his mother’s birthday.

He said, “My heart sank. Everyone was passed out, everyone was celebrating. I just sat in my room and felt like a failure.”

The email warned them they needed to make improvements or face further action. Rijul said the pressure was immense as he had already left his job at EY and had no backup plan.

He also claimed that he faced racism during his stay in America. “A woman at the bus stop yelled at me to go back to my country, you don’t belong here. I actually filed a complaint with the UC Irvine department about that,” he said.

To recover academically, Rijul started attending doubt classes, extra sessions, watching lectures, reading blogs and asking for help, admitting that it was difficult for him.

He said, “I hate asking for help. I always want to do things myself.”

By the second quarter, he brought his GPA up slightly above the required mark, and eventually graduated with a 3.3 GPA.

Last in his batch to get internship

Even after recovering academically, Rijul faced another difficult phase. He said that he was the last person in his batch to get an internship.

“I started two months before everyone else. I was optimizing my resume, getting referrals, being active on LinkedIn. Why couldn’t I get an internship?” He remembered.

He said he applied for hundreds of roles, reached out for referrals and went through the interview stages, but in the end nothing worked out. He finally got the internship in the last week of May, just before the internship started in June.

“Again, a sigh of relief that hey, I got over it too,” he said.

Work culture lessons after EY and Walmart

After EY, Rijul moved to Walmart Global Tech with high expectations, calling it one of his dream companies. However, he said the experience taught him what he did not want from the workplace.

He claimed that he received little support from his teammates and his manager. In one instance, he said he reached out to a superior for help, but the matter escalated to his manager.

“My manager said you figure it out yourself, stop messaging people above your pay grade,” Rijul said.

They said these experiences shaped their expectations from future workplaces: respect, supportive coworkers, autonomy, and a blame-free culture.

‘Khushi and my parents brought me to Google’

Before landing at Google, Rijul said he faced more than 520 rejections. He said the actual number was higher, but he could count 520.

During that period, his biggest support came from his girlfriend, now fiancee and soon-to-be wife Khushi and his parents.

He said, “The way Khushi supported me, listening to me every day and night about why it wasn’t happening for me, what I was doing wrong and always responding, ‘I’m here, don’t worry’, it really gave me peace.”

He said his parents also kept reminding him that he had overcome difficult times before and could do so again.

Google’s offer that made everyone cry

Rijul remembers well the moment when he received Google’s offer. It was about 2:30 in the afternoon, and he was walking outside his Walmart office when the recruiter called to say that the offer letter was being sent.

“I started counting every second. Why didn’t he send it yet? Did he change his mind? Then boom, I got an email saying congratulations, here’s your offer letter. Welcome to Google,” he said.

The first person he called was Khushi.

He said, “She started crying and I had tears in my eyes. Then her mother started crying too. It was basically the crying disease, everyone got it that day.”

(Also read: Bengaluru techie gets job at Google after over 20 rejections; They say it’s a race, not a fate)

She then called her mother and sister, who also cried emotionally. His father, who was in a meeting, reacted more calmly at first but later called him back to congratulate him.

“I miss my dog. I lost him last year. He would have loved the new office,” Rijul said.

‘Everything turns out alright in the end’

Looking back, Rijul believes that flexibility and timing mattered more than talent.

He said, “I always supported myself that it will happen. I was determined that no matter what happens, I am not going to give up, because I know what will happen if I give up. Let’s see what happens when I don’t give up.”

He said every setback ultimately redirects him. After failing in JEE, he was taken to IP University. A difficult job experience pushed him abroad. Academic probation motivated him to work harder. Internship struggles taught him the value of perseverance. A negative workplace experience pushed him to Google.

He said, “Everything was on time. Right time, right place, right person. I now believe that everything happened to me when it was supposed to happen.”

For students and young professionals struggling with rejection, self-doubt or career uncertainty, Rijul’s message is simple: keep moving forward.

“Everything works out in the end, and if it doesn’t it’s not the end, my friend,” he said.


AFC Asian Cup 2027: Japan to face defending champions Qatar in tough draw | AFC Asian Cup

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AFC Asian Cup 2027: Japan to face defending champions Qatar in tough draw | AFC Asian Cup


Saudi Arabia will host the 2027 tournament from January 7 to February 5 and will face Palestine, Kuwait and Oman.

Four-time winners Japan have been grouped with defending champions Qatar at the Asian Cup 2027 football tournament.

Saudi Arabia will host the 24-team tournament for the first time from January 7 to February 5.

The Asian Football Confederation (AFC) will be hoping the competition will be held without any further complications after the draw was delayed due to the US-Israel war on Iran.

The draw was originally set for April 11 but was postponed to May 9. The final field is still incomplete because the Lebanon-Yemen match was not played as scheduled on March 31 and has been postponed to June.

As well as Qatar, champions in 2019 and 2023, Japan will take on Indonesia and Thailand in Group F.

“Japan is one of the leaders in Asian football, always,” Qatar coach Julen Lopetegui said. “They have quality players, and we have to believe in ourselves.”

Saudi Arabia, which will also stage the FIFA World Cup 2034, will face Kuwait, Oman and Palestine in an all-West Asia group as they seek to win the title for the first time since 1996.

“When we reach the Asian Cup in our country, we will be ready to reach the final and to win the title,” said Giorgios Donis, who was appointed in April, replacing Herve Renard as Saudi Arabia coach.

Uzbekistan and Jordan are preparing for their first World Cup appearances in June, and were drawn in Asian Cup Group B along with North Korea and Bahrain.

Iran will face Syria and China.

In Group D, Australia were drawn with former champions Iraq, led by former Socceroos coach Graham Arnold, as well as Tajikistan and Singapore, who have qualified for the tournament for the first time since 1984.

South Korea have not won the tournament since 1960 and will meet the United Arab Emirates, Vietnam and the winners of the Lebanon-Yemen match.

The top two from each of the six groups of four will progress to the round of 16 along with the four best third-placed teams.


Middle East turmoil to keep oil prices elevated for years, dent India’s GDP growth: ADB chief economist

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Middle East turmoil to keep oil prices elevated for years, dent India’s GDP growth: ADB chief economist


Middle East turmoil to keep oil prices elevated for years, dent India’s GDP growth: ADB chief economist

Prolonged tensions in the Middle East are expected to keep crude oil prices elevated well into the coming years, according to Asian Development Bank Chief Economist Albert Park, who warned that the fallout could weigh on India’s growth and push up inflation.“With a higher oil price expectation, we actually have it as USD 96 per barrel as average for 2026 as per the new reference scenario. It should stay elevated at USD 80 per barrel in 2027. So, our idea is that the oil prices are likely to stay higher for longer,” Park told PTI.He further explained how futures markets are now indicating sustained price pressures into next year. “We have also seen always a kind of a premium of the spot market prices and the nearby futures market because there is such a shortage currently,” he said.Park said the ongoing crisis in West Asia could reduce India’s GDP growth by 0.6 per cent in FY27, bringing it down to 6.3 per cent, while sharply increasing inflationary pressures.Earlier in April, the Asian Development Bank had projected India’s economy to grow 6.9 per cent this fiscal and 7.3 per cent in the next, supported by strong domestic demand. Inflation had been estimated at 4.5 per cent.Explaining the revised outlook, Park said: “We do find that growth would be lower by 0.6 per cent (FY27). This is based on our model scenario. But it would not negatively affect growth next year. India would kind of bounce back next.”He added that inflation in India could rise by 2.4 per cent this year to touch 6.9 per cent, largely because of the country’s dependence on imported oil and gas.“So that’s a bit higher than the inflation impacts for the region (Asia-Pacific), because India is more reliant on imported oil and gas. The growth effect, if you take out China, this negative 0.6 per cent on growth this year is pretty similar to the region as a whole region as well,” he said.In a special update released on April 29, ADB cut its 2026 growth forecast for the Asia-Pacific region to 4.7 per cent from 5.1 per cent, citing the impact of extended disruptions in West Asia.Park also flagged concerns over the possible effects of El Niño and rising fertiliser costs on food production and prices.“Of course, it’s very uncertain. Obviously, whenever there’s a bad harvest in India, we have an issue. With higher prices. India accounts for a huge part of the global trade in rice. So then whatever happens in India also often has a big impact on other countries,” he said.He added that rising fertiliser prices could force farmers to cut usage, reducing crop yields and tightening food supplies later in the year.


विश्व ल्यूपस दिवस: यह ऑटोइम्यून बीमारी महिलाओं को अधिक प्रभावित क्यों करती है? | भारत समाचार

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विश्व ल्यूपस दिवस: यह ऑटोइम्यून बीमारी महिलाओं को अधिक प्रभावित क्यों करती है? | भारत समाचार



प्रतिनिधि छवि (एआई-जनरेटेड)

‘आप शायद केवल तनावग्रस्त हैं।’ ल्यूपस से पीड़ित कई महिलाओं के लिए, कहानी अक्सर यहीं से शुरू होती है। एक युवा महिला थकान, जोड़ों में दर्द, बाल झड़ने, बुखार या लगातार शरीर में दर्द की शिकायत लेकर क्लिनिक में आती है।जवाबों के बजाय, उसे बताया गया कि वह अत्यधिक काम कर रही है, चिंतित है, नींद से वंचित है, हार्मोनल है या बस काम, परिवार और दैनिक जीवन के बीच संतुलन बनाकर थक गई है।कुछ को एनीमिया के लिए आयरन की खुराक लेने की सलाह दी जाती है, दूसरों को अवसाद, थायरॉयड विकार, वायरल संक्रमण या पुरानी थकान के लिए इलाज किया जाता है। लेकिन लक्षण दूर नहीं होते.डॉक्टरों को अंततः वास्तविक कारण की पहचान करने में महीनों और कभी-कभी वर्षों लग सकते हैं: ल्यूपस, एक पुरानी ऑटोइम्यून बीमारी जिसमें शरीर की प्रतिरक्षा प्रणाली गलती से अपने स्वयं के स्वस्थ ऊतकों और अंगों पर हमला करती है। जब तक कई महिलाओं को निदान मिलता है, तब तक बीमारी पहले से ही गुर्दे, जोड़ों, त्वचा, हृदय, फेफड़े या यहां तक ​​कि मस्तिष्क को भी प्रभावित कर रही होती है।इस विश्व ल्यूपस दिवस पर, आइए अपना ध्यान उस स्थिति की ओर आकर्षित करें जिसे अक्सर ‘अदृश्य बीमारी’ के रूप में वर्णित किया जाता है क्योंकि इसका प्रभाव हमेशा दिखाई नहीं देता है, लेकिन जीवन को गहराई से बदल देता है।

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ल्यूपस के साथ सबसे बड़ी चुनौतियों में से एक यह है कि इसके शुरुआती संकेत अस्पष्ट और अप्रत्याशित होते हैं। थकान, जोड़ों का दर्द, बुखार, बालों का झड़ना, चकत्ते और याददाश्त संबंधी समस्याएं कई कारणों से हो सकती हैं, जिससे जल्दी पता लगाना मुश्किल हो जाता है।हालाँकि, संख्याएँ एक आश्चर्यजनक पैटर्न प्रकट करती हैं। कॉर्नेल मेडिकल यूनिवर्सिटी के शोध के अनुसार, ल्यूपस के 10 में से लगभग 9 मरीज महिलाएं हैं, जिनमें से अधिकांश का निदान 15 से 44 वर्ष की आयु के बीच होता है।शोधकर्ताओं का मानना ​​है कि हार्मोन, आनुवांशिकी, प्रतिरक्षा प्रणाली में अंतर और पर्यावरणीय कारक मिलकर महिलाओं को इस बीमारी के प्रति अधिक संवेदनशील बनाते हैं।क्रायोविवा लाइफ साइंसेज की मेडिकल प्रवक्ता डॉ. गीतिका जस्सल का कहना है कि ल्यूपस सिर्फ त्वचा या जोड़ों को प्रभावित करने वाली स्थिति से कहीं अधिक है और जागरूकता शुरुआती निदान में सबसे बड़ी कमी में से एक है।“ल्यूपस पुरुषों की तुलना में महिलाओं को अधिक प्रभावित करता है, विशेष रूप से प्रजनन वर्षों के दौरान। सीडीसी (रोग नियंत्रण और रोकथाम केंद्र) के अनुसार ल्यूपस से पीड़ित 10 में से लगभग 9 महिलाएं हैं, और 15-44 वर्ष की आयु वाली महिलाओं को सबसे अधिक खतरा है। यह मजबूत लिंग अंतर महिलाओं के स्वास्थ्य में हार्मोन, प्रतिरक्षा, आनुवंशिकी और सूजन के बीच जटिल बातचीत को उजागर करता है। ल्यूपस सिर्फ एक त्वचा या संयुक्त रोग नहीं है; यह एक क्रोनिक ऑटोइम्यून विकार है जो कई अंगों को प्रभावित कर सकता है। यही कारण है कि शीघ्र जागरूकता, समय पर निदान और दीर्घकालिक निगरानी बेहद महत्वपूर्ण है, ”उसने कहा।

ल्यूपस ने समझाया: जब प्रतिरक्षा प्रणाली शरीर के विरुद्ध हो जाती है

ल्यूपस एक पुरानी ऑटोइम्यून बीमारी है, लेकिन इसे सरलता से समझने के लिए, सबसे पहले यह समझने में मदद मिलती है कि “ऑटोइम्यून” का क्या अर्थ है। आम तौर पर, प्रतिरक्षा प्रणाली शरीर की रक्षा शक्ति की तरह काम करती है, वायरस और बैक्टीरिया जैसे हानिकारक आक्रमणकारियों की पहचान करती है और उन पर हमला करती है। हालाँकि, ल्यूपस में, यह रक्षा प्रणाली भ्रमित हो जाती है और शरीर की अपनी स्वस्थ कोशिकाओं और ऊतकों को लक्षित करना शुरू कर देती है।शरीर की रक्षा करने के बजाय, प्रतिरक्षा प्रणाली उस पर भीतर से हमला करना शुरू कर देती है। यह सूजन को ट्रिगर कर सकता है, एक ऐसी प्रक्रिया जहां शरीर सूज जाता है, चिड़चिड़ा हो जाता है और क्षतिग्रस्त हो जाता है क्योंकि प्रतिरक्षा कोशिकाएं गलती से स्वस्थ अंगों पर हमला कर देती हैं। समय के साथ, यह चल रही सूजन शरीर के विभिन्न हिस्सों को प्रभावित कर सकती है और उनके कार्य करने के तरीके को बाधित कर सकती है।जो बात ल्यूपस को कई अन्य ऑटोइम्यून बीमारियों से अलग बनाती है, वह यह है कि यह प्रकृति में प्रणालीगत है। जबकि कुछ ऑटोइम्यून स्थितियां मुख्य रूप से जोड़ों या थायरॉयड ग्रंथि जैसे एक क्षेत्र को लक्षित करती हैं। ल्यूपस एक ही समय में कई अंगों को प्रभावित कर सकता है। त्वचा, जोड़, गुर्दे, हृदय, फेफड़े, रक्त वाहिकाएं और यहां तक ​​कि मस्तिष्क भी इसमें शामिल हो सकते हैं, यही कारण है कि लक्षण पहले बिखरे हुए और असंबंधित महसूस हो सकते हैं।सेलुलर स्तर पर, ल्यूपस एंटीन्यूक्लियर एंटीबॉडीज (एएनए) से जुड़ा होता है, प्रोटीन जो गलती से कोशिकाओं के केंद्रक को लक्षित करते हैं। ये एंटीबॉडीज़ प्रतिरक्षा परिसरों का निर्माण कर सकते हैं जो ऊतकों में बस जाते हैं और आगे सूजन और क्षति को ट्रिगर करते हैं।इस व्यापक प्रभाव के कारण, ल्यूपस एक भी पूर्वानुमानित पैटर्न का पालन नहीं करता है। यह प्रत्येक रोगी में अलग-अलग दिख सकता है, यही एक कारण है कि इसे जल्दी पहचानना इतना कठिन होता है और अक्सर अन्य स्थितियों के साथ भ्रमित हो जाता है।

ल्यूपस पुरुषों की तुलना में महिलाओं को अधिक प्रभावित क्यों करता है?

ल्यूपस एक मजबूत लिंग पूर्वाग्रह दिखाता है, जिसमें अधिकांश मामले महिलाएं होती हैं। शोधकर्ताओं का मानना ​​है कि यह हार्मोनल, आनुवंशिक और पर्यावरणीय कारकों के संयोजन के कारण है।

ए) एस्ट्रोजन कनेक्शन

महिलाओं में एस्ट्रोजन का स्तर अधिक होता है, खासकर प्रजनन के वर्षों के दौरान, वही अवधि जब ल्यूपस का सबसे अधिक निदान होता है।मासिक धर्म, गर्भावस्था और रजोनिवृत्ति के दौरान हार्मोनल उतार-चढ़ाव प्रतिरक्षा गतिविधि को प्रभावित कर सकते हैं और अतिसंवेदनशील व्यक्तियों में भड़क सकते हैं।

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बी) एक्स गुणसूत्र सिद्धांत

एक अन्य महत्वपूर्ण कारक आनुवंशिकी में निहित है। महिलाओं में दो X गुणसूत्र होते हैं, जबकि पुरुषों में एक X और एक Y गुणसूत्र होता है। कुछ प्रतिरक्षा-संबंधित जीन एक्स गुणसूत्र पर स्थित होते हैं और इन जीनों को कैसे विनियमित किया जाता है, इसमें भिन्नता से महिलाओं में प्रतिरक्षा संवेदनशीलता बढ़ सकती है।सरल शब्दों में, महिलाओं की प्रतिरक्षा प्रणाली अधिक प्रतिक्रियाशील होती है। हालांकि यह संक्रमण के खिलाफ मजबूत सुरक्षा प्रदान कर सकता है, लेकिन यह प्रतिरक्षा प्रणाली के शरीर के खिलाफ होने का खतरा भी बढ़ा सकता है।

ग) आनुवंशिकी और पर्यावरणीय कारक बीमारी को ट्रिगर कर सकते हैं

केवल आनुवंशिकी ही ल्यूपस का कारण नहीं बनती; यह संवेदनशीलता पैदा करता है. ऑटोइम्यून बीमारी का पारिवारिक इतिहास जोखिम बढ़ा सकता है, लेकिन ल्यूपस वाले अधिकांश लोगों का परिवार से कोई सीधा संबंध नहीं होता है।पर्यावरणीय कारक अक्सर ट्रिगर के रूप में कार्य करते हैं जो आनुवंशिक रूप से प्रवण व्यक्तियों में बीमारी को “सक्रिय” करते हैं। इनमें सूर्य के प्रकाश का जोखिम, वायरल संक्रमण, दीर्घकालिक तनाव, धूम्रपान, प्रदूषण और कुछ रासायनिक जोखिम शामिल हैं। एसोसिएटेड प्रेस के अनुसार, शोधकर्ता एपस्टीन-बार जैसे वायरस को भी संभावित योगदानकर्ता के रूप में इंगित करते हैं जो प्रतिरक्षा विनियमन को बाधित कर सकते हैं और कुछ मामलों में रोग प्रक्रियाओं को शुरू कर सकते हैं।

ऐसे लक्षण जिन्हें महिलाएं अक्सर तब तक नज़रअंदाज़ कर देती हैं जब तक कि ल्यूपस गंभीर न हो जाए

ल्यूपस अक्सर ऐसे लक्षणों से शुरू होता है जिन्हें खारिज करना आसान होता है।इनमें थकान शामिल है जो आराम करने पर भी ठीक नहीं होती, जोड़ों का दर्द, बुखार, बालों का झड़ना, मुंह के छाले, धूप के प्रति संवेदनशीलता, मस्तिष्क कोहरा और तितली के आकार के चेहरे पर चकत्ते।व्यक्तिगत रूप से, वे मामूली लग सकते हैं। साथ में, वे चल रही ऑटोइम्यून गतिविधि का संकेत दे सकते हैं।

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हालाँकि, इन लक्षणों को अक्सर तनाव, जलन, थायराइड की समस्या, हार्मोनल असंतुलन या वायरल संक्रमण समझ लिया जाता है।डॉ. गीतिका जस्सल के अनुसार, सबसे बड़ी चुनौतियों में से एक यह है कि ल्यूपस के लक्षण अक्सर सामान्य स्वास्थ्य शिकायतों से मिलते जुलते हैं।“ल्यूपस के शुरुआती लक्षणों को अक्सर थकान, तनाव, विटामिन की कमी, वायरल संक्रमण, एलर्जी या सामान्य शरीर दर्द जैसी सामान्य स्थितियों के लिए गलत माना जाता है। कई महिलाओं को लगातार थकान, दर्द या जोड़ों में सूजन, अस्पष्ट बुखार, बालों का झड़ना, मुंह में छाले, त्वचा पर चकत्ते और प्रकाश के प्रति संवेदनशीलता का अनुभव हो सकता है। ल्यूपस के साथ एक चुनौती यह है कि ये लक्षण रुक-रुक कर प्रकट हो सकते हैं और तीव्रता में भिन्न हो सकते हैं, जिससे निदान में देरी हो सकती है, ”उसने कहा।

ल्यूपस को ‘अदृश्य बीमारी’ क्यों कहा जाता है?

ल्यूपस को अक्सर एक अदृश्य बीमारी कहा जाता है क्योंकि गंभीर आंतरिक लक्षणों का अनुभव करते हुए भी रोगी स्वस्थ दिख सकते हैं।दीर्घकालिक थकान, उतार-चढ़ाव वाला दर्द और मस्तिष्क का कोहरा दैनिक जीवन को कठिन बना सकता है, भले ही कोई दृश्यमान लक्षण मौजूद न हों।लक्षण अक्सर आते-जाते रहते हैं, जिससे दूसरों के लिए और कभी-कभी स्वयं रोगियों के लिए भी स्थिति को समझना कठिन हो जाता है।यह अदृश्यता अक्सर कार्यस्थलों और सामाजिक परिवेश में गलतफहमी पैदा करती है, जो भावनात्मक तनाव और अलगाव में योगदान करती है।डॉ. गीतिका जस्सल के अनुसार, ल्यूपस को अक्सर गलत समझा जाता है क्योंकि कई लक्षण दूसरों के लिए अदृश्य रहते हैं।“ल्यूपस को अक्सर एक अदृश्य बीमारी के रूप में संदर्भित किया जाता है क्योंकि इसके कई लक्षण हमेशा बाहर से दिखाई नहीं देते हैं। ल्यूपस से पीड़ित महिला गंभीर थकान, पुराने दर्द, मस्तिष्क कोहरे, सूजन, भड़कना, या यहां तक ​​कि आंतरिक अंग की भागीदारी से चुपचाप संघर्ष करते हुए बाहरी रूप से स्वस्थ दिखाई दे सकती है। इससे कभी-कभी घर पर, कार्यस्थल पर और समाज के भीतर गलतफहमी पैदा हो सकती है, क्योंकि अन्य लोग बीमारी के शारीरिक और भावनात्मक बोझ को पूरी तरह से नहीं पहचान सकते हैं, ”उसने कहा।

क्यों रंगीन महिलाओं को अधिक ल्यूपस बोझ का सामना करना पड़ता है?

ल्यूपस सभी महिलाओं को समान रूप से प्रभावित नहीं करता है। न्यूयॉर्क यूनिवर्सिटी के शोध के अनुसार, यह लगातार दिखाया गया है कि रंगीन महिलाओं, विशेष रूप से काले, हिस्पैनिक, एशियाई और स्वदेशी महिलाओं को बीमारी विकसित होने का अधिक खतरा होता है, अक्सर कम उम्र में और अधिक गंभीर परिणामों के साथ।अध्ययनों से संकेत मिलता है कि श्वेत महिलाओं की तुलना में अश्वेत महिलाओं में ल्यूपस विकसित होने की संभावना तीन गुना अधिक होती है। इसी तरह के पैटर्न हिस्पैनिक और एशियाई महिलाओं में देखे जाते हैं, जिनमें लक्षणों की शुरुआत से पहले अनुभव होने की अधिक संभावना होती है। इस असमानता के पीछे कारण जटिल और परस्पर जुड़े हुए हैं। आनुवंशिकी संवेदनशीलता बढ़ाने में भूमिका निभा सकती है, लेकिन वे अकेले कार्य नहीं करते हैं। स्वास्थ्य देखभाल पहुंच में अंतर, विलंबित निदान, सामाजिक आर्थिक बाधाएं और पर्यावरणीय तनावों के असमान जोखिम, ये सभी इस बात में योगदान करते हैं कि बीमारी का अनुभव और प्रबंधन कैसे किया जाता है।

जब ल्यूपस खतरनाक हो जाता है: यह अंगों को नुकसान पहुंचा सकता है

बाहरी लक्षण हल्के दिखाई देने पर भी ल्यूपस चुपचाप आंतरिक अंगों को प्रभावित कर सकता है।

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  • दिल: सूजन और प्रारंभिक हृदय रोग का खतरा बढ़ जाता है।
  • गुर्दे: ल्यूपस नेफ्रैटिस का कारण बन सकता है, अक्सर शुरुआती लक्षणों के बिना।
  • मस्तिष्क एवं तंत्रिका तंत्र: इससे ब्रेन फॉग, दौरे, सिरदर्द, स्ट्रोक का खतरा हो सकता है।
  • हड्डियाँ: लंबे समय तक सूजन और स्टेरॉयड के उपयोग से ऑस्टियोपोरोसिस का खतरा बढ़ जाता है।
  • गर्भावस्था: गर्भपात, समय से पहले जन्म और नवजात ल्यूपस का खतरा बढ़ जाता है; उच्च जोखिम निगरानी की आवश्यकता है।

ल्यूपस का निदान करना इतना कठिन क्यों है?

ल्यूपस को व्यापक रूप से निदान के लिए सबसे चुनौतीपूर्ण ऑटोइम्यून बीमारियों में से एक के रूप में जाना जाता है, इसलिए नहीं कि यह दुर्लभ है, बल्कि इसलिए क्योंकि यह शायद ही कभी सीधे या पूर्वानुमानित रूप से प्रस्तुत होता है। ऐसा कोई एक परीक्षण नहीं है जो अपने आप ल्यूपस की पुष्टि कर सके, जो अक्सर निदान प्रक्रिया को लंबा और जटिल बना देता है।सबसे अधिक इस्तेमाल किए जाने वाले स्क्रीनिंग टूल में से एक ANA (एंटीन्यूक्लियर एंटीबॉडी) टेस्ट है। हालाँकि, केवल यह परीक्षण ही अंतिम नहीं है। एक सकारात्मक एएनए परिणाम ल्यूपस में देखा जा सकता है, लेकिन यह अन्य ऑटोइम्यून स्थितियों या यहां तक ​​​​कि स्वस्थ व्यक्तियों में भी दिखाई दे सकता है, जो भ्रम पैदा कर सकता है और प्रारंभिक मूल्यांकन में अनिश्चितता पैदा कर सकता है।एक और बड़ी चुनौती यह है कि ल्यूपस के लक्षण कई अन्य स्थितियों के साथ ओवरलैप होते हैं। थकान, जोड़ों का दर्द, बुखार, त्वचा पर चकत्ते और बालों का झड़ना सभी थायरॉयड विकारों, वायरल संक्रमण, क्रोनिक थकान सिंड्रोम या यहां तक ​​कि तनाव से संबंधित स्थितियों से जुड़े हो सकते हैं। परिणामस्वरूप, कई महिलाएं स्पष्ट निदान प्राप्त करने से पहले महीनों या वर्षों तक कई डॉक्टरों से परामर्श लेती हैं। कई मामलों में, ल्यूपस की पहचान अन्य संभावित स्थितियों को खारिज करने के बाद ही की जाती है, इस प्रक्रिया को “बहिष्करण द्वारा निदान” के रूप में जाना जाता है।इसकी जटिलता के कारण, रुमेटोलॉजिस्ट ल्यूपस की शीघ्र पहचान करने में महत्वपूर्ण भूमिका निभाते हैं। ऑटोइम्यून बीमारियों के बारे में उनकी विशेष समझ प्रतीत होने वाले असंबंधित लक्षणों को एक अंतर्निहित स्थिति में जोड़ने में मदद करती है, जो अक्सर सामान्य मूल्यांकन में छूट जाती है।

क्या बीमारी ठीक हो सकती है?

ल्यूपस एक आजीवन स्थिति है और वर्तमान में इसका कोई स्थायी इलाज नहीं है। हालाँकि, समय पर निदान, उचित उपचार और लगातार देखभाल के साथ, बीमारी को अक्सर प्रभावी ढंग से प्रबंधित किया जा सकता है।चिकित्सा उपचार ल्यूपस प्रबंधन की आधारशिला है। आमतौर पर इस्तेमाल किए जाने वाले चिकित्सा उपचारों में सूजन को नियंत्रित करने और अंग क्षति को रोकने के लिए हाइड्रोक्सीक्लोरोक्वीन, कॉर्टिकोस्टेरॉइड्स, इम्यूनोसप्रेसेन्ट्स और जैविक उपचार शामिल हैं।

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दवा के साथ-साथ, जीवनशैली में समायोजन भी समान रूप से महत्वपूर्ण भूमिका निभाता है। सूर्य की सुरक्षा महत्वपूर्ण है, क्योंकि पराबैंगनी विकिरण के संपर्क में आने से कई रोगियों में रोग भड़क सकता है। डॉक्टर भी संतुलित आहार, नियमित शारीरिक गतिविधि, पर्याप्त नींद और प्रभावी तनाव प्रबंधन सहित सूजन-रोधी आदतें अपनाने की सलाह देते हैं। ये उपाय समग्र रोग गतिविधि को कम करने और जीवन की गुणवत्ता में सुधार करने में मदद करते हैं।

तल – रेखा

ल्यूपस सिर्फ एक चिकित्सीय स्थिति नहीं है, यह एक गहरे, प्रणालीगत मुद्दे को भी दर्शाता है कि महिलाओं की स्वास्थ्य संबंधी चिंताओं को अक्सर कैसे समझा और संबोधित किया जाता है। थकान, दर्द और बार-बार होने वाली शिकायतें अक्सर तनाव या हार्मोन के कारण होती हैं, जिससे कई मामलों में निदान में देरी होती है।एक प्रमुख चिंता यह है कि कितनी बार महिलाओं के दर्द और आवर्ती लक्षणों को सामान्य या कम कर दिया जाता है, जिसके कारण कई मरीज़ सही निदान प्राप्त करने से पहले एक लंबी और निराशाजनक यात्रा का वर्णन करते हैं।जैसा कि कई चिकित्सक बताते हैं, ल्यूपस में परिणामों में सुधार न केवल उपचार को आगे बढ़ाने के बारे में है, बल्कि शुरू से ही महिलाओं की स्वास्थ्य संबंधी चिंताओं को स्वीकार करने के तरीके को बदलने के बारे में भी है।


TVK-led Tamil Nadu government: Full list of ministers

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TVK-led Tamil Nadu government: Full list of ministers


New Chief Minister of Tamil Nadu C. Joseph Vijay He was one of the biggest stars of Tamil cinema, who dominated Kollywood for almost 30 years. After appearing as a child artiste in Vetri in 1984, he made his debut as a lead actor in his father SA Chandrasekhar’s Nalaya Theerpu in 1992. In a career spanning over three decades, he played lead roles in 68 films, and became the highest paid actor in Tamil cinema. His 69th movie Jan Naygan Yet to be released.

tamilnadu swearing in ceremony live updates

Mr Vijay, who has been elected from Perambur and Tiruchi EastEntering the assembly for the first time. In February 2024, he converted his fan association-cum-social service organization – Vijay Makkal Iyakkam – into a political party. Tamilaga Vettri Kazhagam. The 51-year-old actor-politician had discontinued his Bachelor of Science course at Loyola College, Chennai in 1992 to pursue a film career. Apart from acting, he serves as correspondent of Vijay Vidyashram and managing director and trustee of several trusts.

Nine ministers took oath along with him on Sunday (May 10, 2026). Who are these ministers?

N Anand

N. Anand, also known as ‘Bassi’ N. known as joyTamilaga Vetri is the general secretary of the Kazhagam and the second in command after party president C. Joseph Vijay. Before playing an important political role in TVK, he led Sri Vijay’s fan club and social service organization – Vijay Makkal Iyakkam.

Tamil Nadu Governor Rajendra Vishwanath Arlekar at the swearing-in ceremony of ‘Bussi’ N. in Chennai on May 10, 2026. Anand welcomed. Photo courtesy: B. Jothi Ramalingam

Mr. Anand, who has been elected from T. Nagar Assembly constituency of Chennai, has the distinction of being elected to legislative bodies in two different States/Union Territories. He was first elected to the Puducherry Legislative Assembly in 2006 from Busi constituency, from where he earned his popular respect. He was selected as the candidate of Puducherry Munnatra Congress.

A native of Puducherry, the 62-year-old leader studied till class nine in the Union Territory before entering public life. Over the years, he emerged as Mr. Vijay’s closest aide, playing a key organizational role in candidate selection in TVK.

KA Sengottaiyan

KA Sengottaiyan, one of the senior most MLAs of the Tamil Nadu Assembly, is the chief coordinator of the high-level committee of the Tamil Nadu Vetri Kazhagam. A 10-time MLA, Mr. Sengottaiyan was first elected to the Assembly from Sathyamangalam in 1977 as an AIADMK candidate.

KA Sengottaiyan was sworn in as a minister in the Tamil Nadu Cabinet by Tamil Nadu Governor Rajendra Vishwanath Arlekar in Chennai on May 10, 2026. Photo courtesy: B. Jothi Ramalingam

Barring the 1996 and 2001 elections, the 78-year-old leader has consistently won from the Gobichettipalayam assembly constituency in Erode district since 1980. This is the first time he has been selected as a TVK candidate. A prominent AIADMK leader for decades, he worked closely with former Chief Minister J. Also served as campaign manager of Jayalalithaa and was part of her first cabinet between 1991 and 1996. In 2011, he briefly served again in Ms Jayalalitha’s cabinet before being dropped, and later in 2017 in Edappadi K. Became the Minister of School Education in the government led by Palaniswami.

Before joining TVK in November 2025, Mr. Sengottaiyan had made efforts to re-unite the AIADMK, although the efforts did not succeed.

wonderful arjun

Aadhav Arjun, elected from Villivakkam Assembly constituency of Chennai, is entering the Assembly for the first time. A sports administrator and political consultant, he serves as the General Secretary (Election Campaign Management) of Tamilaga Vetri Kazhagam.

Tamilaga Vetri Kazhagam (TVK) leader Aadhav Arjun took oath as the Minister of Tamil Nadu at the Jawaharlal Nehru Indoor Stadium in Chennai on May 10, 2026. Photo Credit: ANI

Before joining TVK in January 2025, the 43-year-old leader had played a key role as a political advisor to the DMK. He later joined the Viduthalai Chiruthigal Katchi led by Thol. Thirumavalavan and became the Deputy General Secretary of the party. While in VCK, he had raised the demand for power sharing, which had created a controversy and he was suspended from the party. He then parted ways to join Sri Vijay.

Mr Arjun, son-in-law of lottery tycoon Santiago Martin, also runs political consultancy firm Voice of Commons. Apart from politics, he has been active in sports administration and currently serves as the President of the Basketball Federation of India and Tamil Nadu Basketball Association. He is also the General Secretary of Tamil Nadu Olympic Association. He holds a bachelor’s degree in political science from Madras Christian College.

KG Arunraj

Tamil Nadu Governor Rajendra Vishwanath Arlekar administered the oath of office to KG Arunraj in Chennai on May 10, 2026. Photo courtesy: B. Jothi Ramalingam

KG Arunraj, a vocal leader of Tamilaga Vetri Kazhagam, is from Salem and has been elected to the Tamil Nadu Assembly from Tiruchengode constituency. Dr. Arunraj, a former Indian Revenue Service officer, currently serves as the General Secretary (Policy and Publicity) of TVK.

The 46-year-old leader has an MBBS degree from Madras Medical College. Before joining the Indian Revenue Service and serving in various capacities in the Income Tax Department, Dr. Arunraj worked as a doctor in a primary health center in Dharmapuri district.

CTR Nirmalkumar

CTR Nirmalkumar, elected from Thirupparankundram Assembly constituency in Madurai, is the joint general secretary of Tamilaga Vetri Kazhagam and one of the key spokespersons of the party. He is entering the assembly for the first time.

Tamil Nadu Governor Rajendra Vishwanath Arlekar administered the oath of office to CTR Nirmal Kumar during the swearing-in ceremony held in Chennai on May 10, 2026. Photo courtesy: B. Jothi Ramalingam

Before joining TVK in January 2025, 44-year-old Gad served as the state president of the information technology and social media wing of Tamil Nadu BJP till March 2023. He later joined the AIADMK, where he served as the joint secretary of the information technology and social media wing of the party.

Hailing from Usilampatti in Madurai district, Mr. Nirmalkumar’s educational background spans engineering, law and social sciences. He has a bachelor’s degree in engineering, LLB. degree, and master’s degrees in criminology and police administration.

A. Rajmohan

A., elected from Egmore (SC) assembly constituency of Chennai. Rajmohan is entering the assembly for the first time. A popular YouTuber, he started his career in the digital sphere by lending his voice to social issues and gradually gained recognition through appearances on several YouTube and television channels as a show host.

Tamil Nadu Governor Rajendra Vishwanath Arlekar on May 10, 2026 in Chennai. Rajmohan was administered the oath of office. Photo courtesy: B. Jothi Ramalingam

The 39-year-old is widely known for his Tamil oratory skills and public speaking. Hailing from Pallavaram, Mr. Rajmohan received higher education in management and journalism. He holds a Diploma in Business Management from IIT Madras and a Bachelor’s degree in Journalism from Madurai Kamaraj University.

P. Venkataramanan

P. Venkataramanan, elected from Mylapore assembly constituency in Chennai, is the treasurer of Tamilaga Vetri Kazhagam (TVK). He is one of the two candidates from the Brahmin community elected to the 17th Tamil Nadu Assembly.

P. Venkataramanan was sworn in by Tamil Nadu Governor Rajendra Vishwanath Arlekar on May 10, 2026 in Chennai. Photo courtesy: B. Jothi Ramalingam

A lawyer by profession, the 48-year-old leader has an educational background in commerce, business administration and law. He holds a Master of Commerce degree from Annamalai University, a Master of Business Administration degree from Periyar University and an LLM degree. Degree from Annamalai University.

tk prabhu

TK Prabhu, who comes from a politically connected family, has been elected from Karaikudi assembly constituency for the first time. A dentist by profession, Dr. Prabhu is also active on social media and has built a public profile through his outreach activities.

TK Prabhu was sworn in by Tamil Nadu Governor Rajendra Vishwanath Arlekar in Chennai on May 10, 2026. Photo courtesy: B. Jothi Ramalingam

The 41-year-old leader, who hails from Devakottai, has several qualifications in dental science, including advanced degrees and fellowships from institutions abroad.

S. kirtan

Tamil Nadu Governor Rajendra Vishwanath Arlekar during the swearing-in ceremony on May 10, 2026. Kirtan administered the oath of office. Photo courtesy: B. Jothi Ramalingam

One of the youngest MLAs in the 17th Tamil Nadu Assembly, 29-year-old S. Keertan has become a first-time MLA from Sivakasi in Virudhunagar district. Ms. Keerthana holds a bachelor’s degree in Mathematics from Madurai Kamaraj University and a master’s degree in Statistics from Pondicherry Central University. He is fluent in Tamil, Telugu, Hindi and English.


How could extreme weather affect World Cup 2026?

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How could extreme weather affect World Cup 2026?


There are six host cities (Miami, Houston, Dallas, Monterrey, Kansas City and Atlanta) where the WBGT could feasibly reach at least 32C (90F) during the afternoon which would be considered as extreme heat stress where the body really struggles to keep itself cool.

To reduce these risks, matches are generally scheduled outside the hottest part of the day, with many kick-offs taking place in the late afternoon or evening. Scotland’s group C game against Brazil in Miami, for example, will have a kick-off time of 18:00 ET (23:00 BST).

Some venues, including stadiums in Houston and Dallas, also have retractable roofs and climate control to moderate conditions.

Summer heatwaves are also a common occurrence in North America and Mexico where temperatures can rise 10C (18F) or more above average, potentially pushing conditions into much more challenging territory for both players and fans.

In New York for example, the location of this year’s World Cup final on 19 July at 15:00 ET (20:00 BST), a typical heatwave could result in air temperatures in the mid-30sC (mid 90F) and WBGT of around 30C (86F) leading to extreme heat stress.


One year after Operation Sindoor: The threat landscape is far from over

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One year after Operation Sindoor: The threat landscape is far from over


On the winter morning of January 9, 2026, a consignment of weapons dropped by drone from Pakistani Punjab was recovered from a forward area near the International Border (IB) in Ghagwal area of ​​Samba district of Jammu and Kashmir (J&K). The cache included two pistols, three magazines, 16 rounds and a grenade. A packet wrapped in yellow tape was found on a stream bank and was later opened with the help of a bomb disposal squad. The incident highlighted Samba’s continued sensitivity to cross-border drone activity and the increasing use of unmanned air routes for arms smuggling.

This pattern was not limited to any one incident. On March 10, security forces launched a fresh search operation after receiving information about movement of suspicious drones during the intervening night of March 9 and 10 in areas along the International Border in Samba district. Officials said the suspected drone came from Pakistan, prompting a coordinated operation by the police and Border Security Force (BSF) to check the possible airstrike carrying weapons or narcotics. Overall, these recurring incidents underline the evolving nature of cross-border tactics, with drones emerging as a preferred mechanism to maintain terrorist logistics, narcotics smuggling and arms supply networks without the need for direct physical infiltration across the border.

Samba District directly borders Shakargarh Tehsil in Narowal District of Pakistan and parts of Sialkot District in Punjab Province, including the Zafarwal, Chak Amru and Pasrur belts, which have historically been included in anti-infiltration assessments. The area is part of the strategically sensitive “Shakargarh Bulge”, a stretch of Pakistani territory between the Ravi and Chenab rivers that has remained militarily important since the 1965 and 1971 wars. The geography on both sides of the international border is marked by dense vegetation, river courses, farming belts and seasonal streams, making monitoring extremely challenging. On the Indian side, villages like Supwal remain particularly vulnerable as infiltrators who manage to cross the border can quickly reach National Highway 1A and move deeper into the interior.

It was through this wide infiltration zone that, on the morning of 14 May 2002, three heavily armed terrorists infiltrated from Pakistan. After targeting a civilian bus, the attackers entered the Indian Army’s family residential quarters inside the Kaluchak military camp, killing 31 people, including soldiers, women and children. As an eyewitness to the attack and its aftermath, I remember that when the bodies of the terrorists were searched, pink-coloured cinema tickets from the nearby Pakistani city of Sialkot, which is internationally known for its sporting goods industry, were reportedly found in their pockets. The description stayed with me because it provided a chilling reminder of the immediacy and closeness of the cross-border infiltration route.

It becomes important to remember these facts after a year Operation SindoorThe larger strategic reality remains unchanged: India and Pakistan are far from any meaningful dialogue process, while the infrastructure of cross-border terrorism exists. At a time when Pakistani diplomacy has gained steam as it has tried to mediate talks between Iran and America, the ground reality has come to the fore. Dropping of weapons through drones, presence of launch pads across the Line of Control (LOC) and infiltration attempts remain permanent features of the conflict scenario. This is compounded by the fact that on January 13, Army Chief General Upendra Dwivedi said that at least six terrorist camps were active across the Line of Control and two across the International Border, and estimated that 100–150 terrorists were present in these facilities. he repeated this Operation Sindoor The campaign against cross border terrorism will continue.

As in the past, any major terrorist attack is likely to rapidly escalate tensions between India and Pakistan. And Jammu and Kashmir remains the most unsafe. The geography of the region, its complex demography and the deeply embedded nature of insurgency make it unrealistic to assume that the threat can simply disappear.

Recent operations within the region further underline the persistence of the physical terrorist infrastructure. On 6 April, Pakistani Lashkar-e-Taiba (LeT) operative Usman alias Khubaib was arrested in Srinagar district. A day later, Pakistani terrorist Abdullah along with four more Lashkar-e-Taiba operatives including Mohammad Naqib Bhat, Adil Rashid Bhat and Ghulam Mohammad Mir were captured. The operation, which began on March 3, involved coordinated searches at 19 locations in Jammu and Kashmir, Rajasthan and Haryana with the cooperation of central agencies and police units from several states.

The current standoff with Pakistan does not mean strategic and tactical helplessness. While quantitative metrics and violence statistics are important in assessing the security landscape, they can sometimes obscure uncomfortable realities that are inadequately addressed. The Baisaran attack exposed such weaknesses. Located about 220 kilometers from the Line of Control, the site of the attack raised tough questions internationally as to how Pakistan-backed terrorists were able to strike so deep into the hinterland with such ease.

At another level, the incident also exposed the consequences of fragmented institutional coordination under the dual power structure of Jammu and Kashmir. The tourist facility was opened by the Tourism Department functioning under the elected Union Territory Administration, while security clearance and law-and-order responsibilities remained under the police and security apparatus reporting to the Lieutenant Governor. The apparent absence of seamless coordination between these parallel centers of power appeared to create serious gaps in security assessment and preparedness. As a result, civilians were exposed in an area where adequate protective deployments were absent despite the existing threat environment and extensive history of terrorist activity in the area.

Rather than confronting this emerging reality with candor, the political narrative in recent years has often leaned heavily on claims of “normalcy.” The claim that the abrogation of Article 370 has fundamentally changed the security situation risks creating dangerous complacency. It also undermines decades of painstaking institutional efforts by the armed forces and local police networks, which together shaped the counter-terrorism architecture in Jammu and Kashmir.

However, the reality is far more complex. In Jammu and Kashmir, it is often difficult to clearly separate local initiatives from plans conceived and supported across the border. Insurgent operations often unfold through interactions between external direction and local facilitation, making nuanced intelligence indispensable.

The recent investigation of the Red Fort-related terror module, though in its implication linked to national and Pakistan-backed networks, has once again demonstrated the decisive importance of local intelligence gathering. In this case, the estranged girlfriend of one of the accused reportedly provided the initial clue that helped investigators move quickly and unearth the network.

The problem is not just one of rhetoric. Countering terrorism in Jammu and Kashmir has always depended on local intelligence and trust-based partnerships with communities. In areas like the Pir Panjal region, cooperation between the local population and security forces once played a vital role in disrupting LeT networks and terrorist movement routes in the Kashmir Valley. For a period, these corridors were transformed from militant transit zones into spaces of flexibility. But trust is a perishable thing. Once weakened it becomes exceptionally difficult to rebuild. A more grounded and sustainable strategy must therefore return to fundamentals. Technology and militarized responses may contain dangers, but they cannot be a substitute for community trust, institutional sensitivity, and sustained local engagement.

The current governance structure in the Union Territory also presents its own complexities. With law and order directly under the administration of the Lieutenant Governor, concerns have repeatedly arisen that local input and institutional knowledge are not always adequately incorporated into policy making. The realities of Jammu and Kashmir are too layered and complex for a highly centralized approach. The institutional memory accumulated over decades by local stakeholders, police officers and field activists cannot be easily replicated through top-down administrative control.

A credible assessment of the situation requires acknowledging that terrorism remains an enduring challenge in Jammu and Kashmir rather than treating every decline in violence as evidence of a permanent solution. Meaningful analysis should be based on recent and emerging trends, not comparisons with the peak violence of the 1990s or 2000s.

Ultimately, the most authentic and strategically valuable counterterrorism strategies emerge not from official narratives alone, but from the lived experiences of people on the ground. Lasting peace cannot be built through rhetorical posturing or carefully managed optics. It requires humility, analytical rigor, and a willingness to hear difficult truths.

India’s long-term credibility domestically and internationally will depend not only on asserting the existence of cross-border terrorism but also on demonstrating a sophisticated, grounded and fact-based understanding of the realities of the region. In a politically and socially complex region like Jammu and Kashmir, security is not just about force projection; It is equally about trust, inclusion and institutional sensitivity.

At a time when the global war on terrorism has increasingly driven narrowly defined geopolitical and strategic interests, India faces the challenge of building a more durable and credible counter-terrorism framework while simultaneously presenting a persuasive case to the international community. This becomes particularly important at a time when Pakistan’s diplomatic relevance has seen a relative increase due to changes in regional equations, its geography adjacent to West Asia and renewed engagement by major powers driven by strategic and security compulsions. In such an environment, India’s case cannot rest solely on official claims or rhetoric. There is a need to demonstrate that the concerns emerging from Jammu and Kashmir are rooted in the realities experienced by local communities.

For this reason, local stakeholders should be placed front and center in both policy making and international outreach. Genuine local voices, including those directly affected by terrorism, extremism and cross-border violence, have legitimacy and authenticity that official state narratives alone often cannot. In this context, restoration of statehood to Jammu and Kashmir assumes significance not only as a political commitment but as a critical national security imperative. A representative political structure with greater local accountability can improve institutional coordination, restore trust between communities, and ensure that realities on the ground are more effectively reflected in governance and security responses.

Statehood would also help blunt the argument, often fueled by separatist and Pakistani narratives, that Jammu and Kashmir is being administered directly by the BJP-led Center without adequate local political agency, thereby contributing to alienation and discontent. In a sensitive conflict zone like Jammu and Kashmir, it is difficult to maintain sustainable stability in the absence of meaningful political participation and responsive local institutions.

Ultimately, the most effective and deterrent counterterrorism strategy may come from the ground. Local partnerships, credible human intelligence networks and responsive political institutions are essential not only to detect and disrupt extremist ecosystems before they escalate into violence, but also to project credibility internationally. A counter-terrorism framework rooted in local realities sends the strongest possible signal globally that the fight against terrorism is not simply a state narrative, but is based on the experiences, aspirations and security concerns of those directly affected by it.

(The author has written two books on Jammu and Kashmir, including The Open Face of Extremism and Across the Line of Control).


FPI May trade: Foreign portfolio investiors withdrew Rs 14,231 crore from Indian equities

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FPI May trade: Foreign portfolio investiors withdrew Rs 14,231 crore from Indian equities


FPI May trade: Foreign portfolio investiors withdrew Rs 14,231 crore from Indian equities

Foreign portfolio investors have extended their retreat from Indian equities in May, taking their total withdrawal from the market in 2026 beyond Rs 2 lakh crore as global economic concerns continue to drag down sentiment. Data from NSDL showed FPIs have pulled out Rs 14,231 crore so far this month, adding to a year marked by persistent selling pressure. The cumulative outflow this year has now surpassed the Rs 1.66 lakh crore foreign investors withdrew during the whole of 2025. The pattern through 2026 has largely remained negative, with February standing out as the lone exception. January opened with FPIs selling equities worth Rs 35,962 crore. In February, however, foreign investors briefly reversed course, bringing in Rs 22,615 crore, their biggest monthly investment in 17 months. That momentum did not last. March recorded the sharpest reversal, with a record Rs 1.17 lakh crore exiting Indian equities. April followed with another steep outflow of Rs 60,847 crore, while May has continued the same trajectory. “The selling was largely driven by persistent global macroeconomic uncertainties, particularly concerns around inflation, interest rates and geopolitical risks, which continued to weigh on sentiment toward emerging markets,” Himanshu Srivastava, Principal, Manager Research at Morningstar Investment Research India, said. According to Srivastava, uncertainty over how global interest rates will move remains central to foreign investor behaviour. High crude oil prices and unresolved geopolitical tensions, particularly in the Middle East, have kept inflation concerns elevated worldwide, forcing investors to reassess hopes of near-term rate cuts by major central banks. This backdrop has supported firm global bond yields, increasing the appeal of developed-market debt instruments while weakening investor appetite for emerging market equities such as India. He also said intermittent weakness in the Indian rupee has affected returns for overseas investors when measured in dollar terms. Even amid sustained selling, foreign investors have not completely stepped away from Indian markets. V K Vijayakumar, Chief Investment Strategist at Geojit Investments, said FPIs have shown selective interest in segments such as power, construction and capital goods. He noted that mid-cap and certain small-cap stocks with strong earnings and growth potential are also drawing investor attention. Vijayakumar said currency depreciation and concerns around India’s earnings growth have played a significant role in shaping FPI outflows this year. He added that markets like South Korea and Taiwan are currently seeing stronger FPI interest, supported by expectations of better earnings growth linked to the artificial intelligence boom.


US Iran war LIVE: Tehran warns US of ‘new weapons’ as Trump awaits its response on latest proposal

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US Iran war LIVE: Tehran warns US of ‘new weapons’ as Trump awaits its response on latest proposal


Updated on: May 10, 2026 1:54:52 PM IST

US Iran war news LIVE updates: Iran’s army warned any new attack would be met with surprise weapons and tactics, Meanwhile, US awaits Iran’s response to the latest peace proposal.

US Iran war news LIVE updates: Iran’s army warned any new attack would be met with surprise weapons and tactics, as a ship off Qatar was struck by an unidentified projectile after IRGC threats against US-linked vessels in the Gulf. Earlier, Iranian Army spokesperson Akraminia had also warned that countries supporting US sanctions may face difficulties crossing the Strait of Hormuz, a key global oil route, according to Tasnim News Agency, Reuters reported.

Iran’s Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) on Saturday warned it could target US positions in the West Asia and “enemy ships” if Iranian tankers are attacked, according to state media. The threat comes a day after reported US strikes on two Iranian tankers in the Gulf of Oman. The IRGC said any assault on its commercial vessels would trigger a “heavy” response against American assets in the region.

Rubio meets Qatar’s PM, discusses war in West Asia

Meanwhile, US Secretary of State Marco Rubio met Qatar’s Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Sheikh Mohammed bin Abdulrahman Al Thani, underlining Doha’s key role in regional diplomacy. The talks focused on maintaining security across the Middle East and Qatar’s continued role as a mediator, particularly as Washington awaits Tehran’s response to a proposed peace initiative. The US also expressed appreciation for Qatar’s cooperation on multiple fronts.

Hezbollah responds after deadly Israeli strikes in Lebanon

In a separate development, Hezbollah claimed it targeted Israeli troops in northern Israel with a drone, citing retaliation for repeated Israeli strikes in Lebanon despite an existing truce. The group also reported rocket and drone attacks on Israeli military positions within Lebanon. Israel confirmed multiple drone launches, stating that one reservist was seriously injured in the attacks.

Iran keeps US waiting

Iran questioned the seriousness of US diplomacy following recent naval clashes in the Gulf, while Washington continued to wait for Tehran’s response to the latest American proposal aimed at extending the truce and opening peace talks.

There was no public indication on Saturday that Iran had responded to the proposal, despite US President Donald Trump saying late Friday that he expected Tehran’s reply that night

…Read More

Iran’s Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) on Saturday warned it could target US positions in the West Asia and “enemy ships” if Iranian tankers are attacked, according to state media. The threat comes a day after reported US strikes on two Iranian tankers in the Gulf of Oman. The IRGC said any assault on its commercial vessels would trigger a “heavy” response against American assets in the region.

Rubio meets Qatar’s PM, discusses war in West Asia

Meanwhile, US Secretary of State Marco Rubio met Qatar’s Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Sheikh Mohammed bin Abdulrahman Al Thani, underlining Doha’s key role in regional diplomacy. The talks focused on maintaining security across the Middle East and Qatar’s continued role as a mediator, particularly as Washington awaits Tehran’s response to a proposed peace initiative. The US also expressed appreciation for Qatar’s cooperation on multiple fronts.

Hezbollah responds after deadly Israeli strikes in Lebanon

In a separate development, Hezbollah claimed it targeted Israeli troops in northern Israel with a drone, citing retaliation for repeated Israeli strikes in Lebanon despite an existing truce. The group also reported rocket and drone attacks on Israeli military positions within Lebanon. Israel confirmed multiple drone launches, stating that one reservist was seriously injured in the attacks.

Iran keeps US waiting

Iran questioned the seriousness of US diplomacy following recent naval clashes in the Gulf, while Washington continued to wait for Tehran’s response to the latest American proposal aimed at extending the truce and opening peace talks.

There was no public indication on Saturday that Iran had responded to the proposal, despite US President Donald Trump saying late Friday that he expected Tehran’s reply that night

Follow all the updates here:

May 10, 2026 1:54:52 PM IST

US Iran war news LIVE updates: US awaits Iran reply as Aramco says Hormuz opening no quick fix

US Iran war news LIVE updates: The conflict that began with US-Israeli strikes on Iran on Feb. 28 has upended oil and gas markets, with soaring fuel prices piling pressure on governments and consumers worldwide — including in the US ahead of mid-term elections. Thousands of people have been killed across the Middle East, mainly in the Islamic Republic.

The chief executive officer of Saudi Arabia’s Aramco, Amin Nasser, said Sunday in a statement that “if trade flows resume immediately or today through the Strait of Hormuz, it will take a few months for the oil market to rebalance.”

If “trade and shipping remain curtailed by more than a few weeks from today, we anticipate the supply disruption to persist, and the market to normalize only in 2027,” he added. About a fifth of the world’s oil and liquefied natural gas typically flows through the waterway. (Bloomberg)

May 10, 2026 1:29:40 PM IST

US Iran war news LIVE updates: Iran congratulates White House press secretary on arrival of baby but reminds her of Minab

US Iran war news LIVE updates: Four days after Karoline Leavitt announced the birth of her daughter, Iran congratulated her while also recalling the Minab school strike, which Tehran alleges was carried out by the US and killed scores of children.

May 10, 2026 12:46:36 PM IST

US Iran war news LIVE updates: Saudi Aramco CEO says focus on keeping energy flowing despite strain

Saudi Aramco CEO said that even after energy flows resume, markets will take time to normalise, noting reopening routes won’t offset the loss of nearly one billion barrels. He stressed the company’s priority is to keep energy flowing despite ongoing strain.

May 10, 2026 12:25:13 PM IST

US Iran war news LIVE updates: Iran issues fresh warning to US

US Iran war news LIVE updates: Iran’s army spokesperson warned any fresh attack would trigger a surprise response with new weapons, new warfare tactics and expanded battlefronts, Tasnim reported.

May 10, 2026 12:08:21 PM IST

US Iran war news LIVE updates: British military confirms news of ship catching fire off Qatar coast

US Iran war news LIVE updates: The British military said a ship caught fire Sunday after being hit by an unknown projectile off the coast of Qatar.

The United Kingdom Maritime Trade Operations Centre said the attack caused a small fire on the bulk carrier, which was extinguished.

The attack happened 23 nautical miles (43 kilometers) northeast of Qatar’s capital, Doha, the UKMTO said.

There were no reported casualties, it said.

It was the latest attack on vessels in the Persian Gulf since a shaky ceasefire stopped fighting between the United States and Iran. (AP)

May 10, 2026 11:49:42 AM IST

US Iran war news LIVE updates: Unknown projectile strikes a ship off Qatar coast, says report

US Iran war news LIVE updates: An unknown projectile struck a ship off the coast of Qatar early Sunday morning, a UK maritime agency reported, after Iran’s Islamic Revolutionary Guards threatened to target US vessels in the region.

The United Kingdom Maritime Trade Operations centre said a bulk carrier had reported being hit 23 nautical miles northeast of Doha by an “unknown projectile”.

“There was a small fire that has been extinguished, there are no casualties. There is no reported environmental impact,” the agency said. (AFP)

May 10, 2026 11:42:39 AM IST

US Iran war LIVE updates: Aramco profit tops estimates after war-driven oil price rise

Saudi Aramco reported first-quarter profit that surpassed analysts’ expectations following a war-induced rise in prices of oil and refined fuels.

Adjusted net income rose 26% to almost 126 billion riyals ($33.6 billion) in the quarter compared with a year earlier, according to a statement Sunday. That beat analysts’ profit expectations of 109 billion riyals.

The earnings reflect an increase in oil prices in March — when global benchmark Brent rose more than 43% — as Iran effectively closed the Strait of Hormuz following US and Israeli attacks. Saudi Arabia, which was ramping up exports before the war started, quickly redirected some shipments to an alternative port on the Red Sea within days of the conflict starting.

Oil prices have risen to four-year highs in recent weeks and have stayed near $100 a barrel as tensions around the Strait of Hormuz continue to deepen what the International Energy Agency described as the biggest supply disruption in history. Saudi Arabia and other Persian Gulf nations such as the United Arab Emirates, Kuwait and Iraq have also been forced to cut production because of attacks on fields and storage space filling up.

May 10, 2026 11:18:03 AM IST

US Iran war LIVE updates: Iran warns sanctions backers over Hormuz passage

US Iran war LIVE updates: Iranian Army spokesperson Mohammad Akraminia warned that countries complying with US sanctions on Iran could face difficulties crossing the strategic Strait of Hormuz, according to Tasnim News Agency. (Reuters)

May 10, 2026 10:56:07 AM IST

US Iran war LIVE updates: Oil spill near Iran’s Kharg Island raises concerns

US Iran war LIVE updates: A large oil slick has been detected in the Persian Gulf near Kharg Island, Iran’s main crude export hub, raising fresh concerns about the state of its oil infrastructure amid rising regional tensions and shipping disruptions, The New York Times reported.

Satellite images reviewed by the newspaper show the slick spreading off the island’s western coast, a key node in Iran’s export network. According to Orbital EOS, a global oil spill monitoring service cited in the report, the spill had expanded to over 20 square miles by Thursday.

May 10, 2026 10:34:42 AM IST

US Iran war LIVE updates: What are key points in US proposal to Iran?

Under the plan, Iran would commit to not developing a nuclear weapon and suspend all uranium enrichment for at least 12 years. It would also be required to transfer its estimated 440 kg stockpile of uranium enriched to 60 percent, according to US media reports, says Al Jazeera.

In return, the United States would ease sanctions in phases, release billions of dollars in frozen Iranian assets, and lift its naval blockade of Iranian ports.

May 10, 2026 10:25:09 AM IST

US Iran war LIVE updates: Iran says it will review the US proposal at its own pace

US Iran war LIVE updates: Iranian Foreign Ministry spokesman Esmaeil Baghaei said the proposal remains under review and dismissed pressure from Washington over deadlines.

“The deadlines set by American politicians mean nothing; we do our own work, and we do not concern ourselves with deadlines or ultimatums,” Baghaei said, according to ANI.

May 10, 2026 10:13:21 AM IST

US Iran war LIVE updates: US awaits Iran’s feedback on latest proposal

US Iran war LIVE updates: The US is still waiting on Iran’s response to its latest proposal to end the war after suggesting word could come imminently, following clashes in the Strait of Hormuz that strained a monthlong ceasefire.

Iran gave no public indication by late Saturday whether it would accept President Donald Trump’s plan, sent on Wednesday, which proposes that the Islamic Republic reopen the waterway and the US end a blockade on Iranian ports over the next month.

That’s after Trump told reporters at the White House on Friday he expected a response “tonight.” Asked if Iran was intentionally delaying the process, he said “we’ll find out soon enough.”

“We’ll go a different route if everything doesn’t get signed up, buttoned up,” Trump said. “We may go back to Project Freedom if things don’t happen,” he added, referring to the brief US effort to break Iran’s maritime stranglehold and escort ships through the strait, “but it’ll be Project Freedom Plus, meaning Project Freedom plus other things.”

– via Bloomberg

May 10, 2026 10:04:55 AM IST

US Iran war LIVE updates: Putin says there is no evidence that Iran developing nuclear weapons

US Iran war LIVE updates: Speaking on Iran’s alleged ambition to acquire a nuclear weapon and its border nuclear programme, Putin highlighted Russia’s past cooperation in 2015 and emphasised that ongoing projects, including the Bushehr nuclear plant in Iran, remain focused on peaceful energy purposes.

“We had already once done it in 2015. And then Iran fully and not without reason trusted us. We continue the nuclear programmes in Iran; we completed the construction of Bushehr. Our work on peaceful atoms is not susceptible to the current situation. We did it in 2015, and it was a foundation for signing the treaty among all interested countries and Iran. It played a very positive role. I said once again that we are ready to repeat just that,” the Russian President said, according to ANI.

May 10, 2026 9:54:38 AM IST

US Iran war LIVE updates: Rubio meets Qatari PM as US backs defence amid IRGC warning

As the IRGC warned the US and its allies in West Asia, Secretary of State Marco Rubio met Qatar’s prime minister and foreign minister on Saturday, reaffirming Washington’s commitment to the country’s defence. “Our partnership is important to deterring threats and promoting stability in the Middle East,” he wrote on X.

May 10, 2026 9:40:09 AM IST

US-Iran war LIVE updates: Iran seeks World Cup visas for team members who served in the Revolutionary Guards

US-Iran war LIVE updates: Iran’s soccer federation said the country “definitely” will participate in the 2026 FIFA World Cup and insisted that tournament hosts – the United States, Canada and Mexico – consider Tehran’s concerns around the team’s travel and how it will be treated.

“All players and technical staff, especially those who served their military service in the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps, should be granted visas without problems,” Football Federation Islamic Republic of Iran president Mehdi Taj said, according to Iranian media. (AP)

May 10, 2026 9:26:05 AM IST

US-Iran war LIVE updates: IRGC’s fresh warning to the US

US-Iran war LIVE updates: Iran’s Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) on Saturday warned US assets in the Persian Gulf that any fresh attack on Iranian oil tankers or commercial vessels in the Strait of Hormuz would invite a “heavy assault” on American military bases and ships in the region.


Tamil Nadu government formation: Complete list of ministers in Vijay’s cabinet. india news

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Tamil Nadu government formation: Complete list of ministers in Vijay’s cabinet. india news


Last updated:

Vijay was sworn in as Tamil Nadu chief minister on Sunday along with nine ministers, the first government outside the DMK-AIADMK alliance in the state since 1967.

Tamilaga Vetri Kazhagam (TVK) chief C Joseph Vijay sworn in as Tamil Nadu chief minister (PTI)

Actor-turned-politician and Tamilaga Vetri Kazhagam (TVK) chief Vijay was sworn in as the Chief Minister of Tamil Nadu on Sunday, marking a historic political shift in the state.

Along with Vijay, nine senior TVK leaders took oath as ministers in the new cabinet during the ceremony at the Jawaharlal Nehru Stadium in Chennai.

Follow live updates here

The swearing-in ceremony was scheduled at 10 am, tight security arrangements were made before the event.

Before going to the venue, Vijay left his Neelankarai residence at around 9 am.

TVK secured enough support to cross the majority mark in the 234-member Tamil Nadu Assembly, paving the way for Vijay to form the government.

While the party itself emerged with 108 seats, the alliance’s tally increased to 120 with the support of Congress, CPI, CPI(M), Viduthalai Chiruthigal Katchi (VCK), and Indian Union Muslim League (IUML).

Complete list of ministers who took oath

These leaders took oath as ministers along with Vijay.

  1. KA Sengottaiyan
  2. wonderful arjun
  3. N Anand
  4. Arunraj
  5. Raj Mohan
  6. P Venkataramanan
  7. tk prabhu
  8. kirtan
  9. CTR Nirmal Kumar

Despite the party supporting the TVK-led government, the Congress leader was not in the swearing-in list.

Who are the nine ministers who took oath with Vijay?

1. KA Sengottaiyan –

Former Tamil Nadu minister and TVK candidate KA Sengottaiyan has won the Gobichettipalayam constituency in the Tamil Nadu Assembly elections 2026 and successfully defended his stronghold. The victory holds deep significance as it marks actor Vijay’s first successful campaign under his newly formed party TVK after being expelled from the AIADMK.

After the announcement of the results on Monday, Sengottaiyan, who also serves as the chief coordinator of the TVK executive committee, led a massive celebratory road show on the streets of Erode, welcomed by thousands of enthusiastic supporters and party cadre.

Despite shifting his lifelong political allegiance from AIADMK to TVK at the end of 2025, the veteran leader retained his hold on the seat he has now represented nine times.

According to the Election Commission of India (ECI), Sengottaiyan secured 82,612 votes, defeating his nearest rival DMK’s N Nallasivam by a margin of 16,620 votes.

2. Amazing Arjun –

Aadhav Arjun is a political strategist, philanthropist and sports administrator from Tamil Nadu. He is an elected Member of the Legislative Assembly (MLA) representing Villivakkam Assembly constituency in Chennai, having won the seat in the 2026 Tamil Nadu Legislative Assembly election.

Aadhav Arjun serves as the general secretary of election campaign management of Tamilaga Vetri Kazhagam (TVK), making him the highest-ranking party official after Vijay and general secretary N Anand. He is also the President of Basketball Federation of India.

Aadhav Arjun joined TVK on 31 January 2025. He was appointed General Secretary for Election Campaign Management, the highest post in the party after the President. In this role, he oversaw TVK’s campaign strategy, booth-agent training programs and coordinated with JPAC Persona Political Advisor John Arokiasamy for the 2026 elections.

3. N Anand –

N Anand is known as Bussi Anand, and is the general secretary of Tamilaga Vetri Kazhagam (TVK). He is an elected Member of the Legislative Assembly (MLA) representing Thyagarayanagar Assembly constituency in Chennai, having won the seat in the 2026 Tamil Nadu Legislative Assembly election. He previously served as a member of the Puducherry Legislative Assembly from Busi constituency in the union territory of Puducherry.

On 2 February 2024, when actor Vijay launched Tamilaga Vetri Kazhagam (TVK), Anand was appointed as the inaugural general secretary of the party, a post he still holds. In this capacity, he has been a key spokesperson of the party and ahead of the 2026 elections, he publicly announced that the TVK leader would take over as the Chief Minister of Tamil Nadu.

4. Arunraj-

KG Arunraj is an Indian politician, former civil servant and physician from Tamil Nadu. He is an elected Member of the Legislative Assembly (MLA) representing Tiruchengode constituency of Namakkal district, having won the seat in the 2026 Tamil Nadu Legislative Assembly election.

Before contesting the elections, he served as the General Secretary (Policy and Publicity) of Tamilaga Vetri Kazhagam (TVK). Before entering politics, he was an officer in the Indian Revenue Service (IRS), holding the rank of Joint Commissioner and Additional Commissioner of Income Tax.

5. Raj Mohan

TVK’s Rajmohan won the Egmore seat by a narrow margin. According to the Election Commission, Rajmohan secured 53,901 votes defeating DMK’s Tamilan Prasanna, who got 43,097 votes. AIADMK’s Abhishek R stood third with 18,191 votes. I Paranthamen (DMK) won the 2021 assembly elections by 68,832 votes. In 2016, Ravichandran KS (DMK) won by 55,060 votes.

6. P Venkataramanan

P Venkataramanan (born 1978) is the Treasurer of Tamilaga Vetri Kazhagam and a practicing lawyer at the Law Association of Saidapet, Tamil Nadu. He is a member of the Tamil Nadu Legislative Assembly from Mylapore assembly constituency in Chennai district, representing Tamilaga Vetri Kazhagam. He has also been Vijay’s manager since 2000.

He became an MLA for the first time by winning the 2026 Tamil Nadu Legislative Assembly election from Mylapore assembly constituency representing Tamilaga Vetri Kazhagam. He defeated incumbent Dha. Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam’s Velu by a margin of 28,972 votes.

7. TK Prabhu

TK Prabhu is a politician and dentist from Tamil Nadu. He is an elected Member of the Legislative Assembly (MLA) representing Karaikudi Assembly constituency in Sivagangai district, who won the 2026 Tamil Nadu Legislative Assembly election.

8. Kirtan

S Keerthan (born 1996) is a politician from Tamil Nadu. She is a member of the Tamil Nadu Legislative Assembly from Sivakasi in Virudhunagar district, representing Tamilaga Vetri Kazhagam.

Keerthana became a first time MLA by winning her 2026 Tamil Nadu Legislative Assembly election from Sivakasi assembly constituency representing TVK party. He defeated his nearest rival Ashokan Ji of Congress by a margin of 11,670 votes.

9. CTR Nirmal Kumar –

Nirmal Kumar, born on 27 July 1981, is a politician from Tamil Nadu. He is an elected Member of the Legislative Assembly (MLA) representing Thirupparankundram Assembly constituency of Madurai district, who won the 2026 Tamil Nadu Legislative Assembly election.

Vijay will lead the first non-DMK, non-AIADMK government since 1967

With Vijay assuming charge, Tamil Nadu is set to see its first government outside the DMK and AIADMK in almost six decades.

The development is being seen as a major political realignment in the Dravidian political landscape of the state.

Tamil Nadu Governor Rajendra Arlekar on Saturday formally appointed C Joseph Vijay as the Chief Minister and directed him to prove majority in the Assembly before May 13.

Before being invited to form the government, Vijay collected letters of support from Congress, CPI, CPI(M), VCK and IUML.

Leader of Opposition in Lok Sabha Rahul Gandhi also attended the swearing-in ceremony.

TVK’s first electoral success

The rise of TVK has been one of the biggest political developments in Tamil Nadu politics in recent years.

The party, launched in 2024, secured a strong mandate in its first assembly elections.

Vijay himself has won from two constituencies, Perambur and Trichy East, and is expected to resign from one seat in the latter.

Vijay’s campaign style, mass appeal and ability to draw crowds led to comparisons with former Chief Minister and actor MG Ramachandran.

Political observers also saw his emergence as a return to a major actor-led political movement in Tamil Nadu after Vijayakanth.

Vijay’s political status

Since formally entering politics, Vijay has adopted the core elements of Dravidian politics as well as presenting himself as an alternative to traditional Dravidian parties.

In his first major political speech in October 2024, Vijay described Periyar as his ideological leader and made it clear that his party would not embrace atheism.

He also referenced CN Annadurai, K Kamaraj and BR Ambedkar as inspirations for TVK’s social justice approach.

The TVK chief has also openly adopted secular politics and talked about inclusive governance.

Ahead of the swearing-in ceremony, Congress MP Manickam Tagore congratulated Vijay and said that Tamil Nadu was looking forward to “change and new hope” with hopes of “social justice, equality, development and humane governance”.

Reaction from family, supporters

Ahead of the swearing-in, Vijay’s father and filmmaker SA Chandrasekhar expressed happiness over the political milestone.

He urged his son to “do everything for the Tamil people”, saying, “After all, the Tamil people have succeeded through conquest.”

Family friends and supporters also expressed optimism about Vijay’s leadership, saying that people have high expectations from the incoming administration and hope that he will be surrounded by experienced advisors.

With the swearing-in of the Vijay-led Cabinet expected to formally begin a new political chapter in Tamil Nadu, the actor-politician is now preparing for a change in governance on the back of electoral success.

news India Tamil Nadu government formation: Complete list of ministers in Vijay’s cabinet
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