June 16, 2026

NEW DELHI: Exclusive breastfeeding among infants under six months has declined sharply in India, according to the National Family Health Survey (NFHS-6) 2023-24, raising concerns among child health experts despite significant improvements in child nutrition and maternal health indicators.The survey found that the proportion of infants under six months who were fed only breastmilk fell from 63.7% in NFHS-5 (2019-21) to 55.8% in NFHS-6, a decline of nearly eight percentage points.The national decline masked wide variations across states. Haryana recorded the steepest fall, with exclusive breastfeeding dropping from 69.5% to 41.2%, while Uttar Pradesh saw a decline from 59.7% to 34.6%. Madhya Pradesh recorded a fall from 74% to 56.4%, while Rajasthan declined from 70.4% to 54.3%.In contrast, Sikkim registered the biggest improvement, rising from 28.3% to 49.6%. Kerala improved from 55.5% to 72.7%, one of the highest rates in the country. Gujarat also recorded an increase from 65% to 71.4%, while West Bengal and Bihar reported modest gains.The latest survey shows a striking divide across the country. Chhattisgarh reported the highest exclusive breastfeeding rate at 75.8%, followed by Kerala (72.7%), Gujarat (71.4%), Andhra Pradesh (69.5%) and Odisha (66.7%). At the other end, Uttar Pradesh recorded the lowest rate at 34.6%, followed by Nagaland (37.4%), Uttarakhand (40.8%) and Haryana (41.2%).The findings are significant because exclusive breastfeeding during the first six months of life is considered one of the most effective interventions for child survival, protection against infections and healthy growth and development. The World Health Organization recommends exclusive breastfeeding for the first six months, followed by continued breastfeeding along with complementary foods.The decline comes even as India recorded gains in several child health indicators. Stunting among children under five declined from 35.5% to 29.3%, while severe wasting fell from 7.7% to 5.2%. Full immunisation coverage among children aged 12-23 months increased from 76.6% to 82.6%.The survey also showed improvement in early initiation of breastfeeding. The proportion of children breastfed within one hour of birth increased from 41.8% to 50.1%.Dr Arun Gupta, paediatrician and chief coordinator of the Breastfeeding Promotion Network of India (BPNI), said the decline is particularly worrying because it has occurred despite improvements in maternal healthcare. More women are receiving antenatal check-ups, institutional deliveries have increased and early breastfeeding has improved, yet exclusive breastfeeding has fallen. “The health system is reaching more mothers than before, but breastfeeding support appears to be the missing link,” he said. Gupta said mothers may not be receiving enough counselling and support on breastfeeding during pregnancy and after delivery, while increasing use and promotion of formula milk could also be affecting breastfeeding practices.BPNI called for stronger breastfeeding support and stricter enforcement of the Infant Milk Substitutes (IMS) Act, saying the wide variation across states points to gaps in counselling and support services. “Breastfeeding is not merely an individual choice; it is a public health, nutrition, child rights and national development issue,” the organisation said.About the AuthorAnuja JaiswalAnuja Jaiswal is a Senior Assistant Editor at The Times of India, with an impressive 18-year career in narrative journalism. She specializes in health and heritage reporting, expertly simplifying complex health information to make it engaging and understandable for readers. Her deep dives into heritage topics are well-researched, resulting in captivating narratives that resonate with her audience. Over the years, she has worked in Chandigarh, Chhattisgarh and West UP, gaining diverse on-ground experience that shapes her storytelling.Read MoreEnd of ArticleFollow Us On Social MediaVideosNTA To Hold Re-Exam For CUET-UG 2026 Candidates Affected By Tech GlitchMamata Banerjee Meets Hospitalised Abhishek Banerjee After Sonarpur AttackBrahMos Export Push Gains Pace With Vietnam Deal Signed, Indonesia Next In Line | WatchDK Shivakumar Meets Karnataka Governor, To Take CM Oath On June 3Delhi Police Foils Major Attack Plot, Arrests 9 Linked To ISI-Dawood Ibrahim Terror Network‘Not pointing fingers…’: Pete Hegseth’s witty reply to Pak journo over India’s AGNI-6 ICBM | WatchDoval’s Moscow Mission: India-Russia Defence, Energy & Arctic Cooperation In Focus | WatchTMC Leader Abhishek Banerjee Asked To Appear Before CID Amid Fresh Political Storm’Pakistan Navy Remained Confined To Its Ports’: Rajnath Singh Hails Navy’s Role During Op SindoorIndia’s Gold Demand Plunges 70% After Import Duty Rises To 15%123Photostories5 workouts to tone your lower bodyLove quote of the day by Aristotle: “Love is composed of a single soul inhabiting two bodies”From Sarah Jessica Parker to Jon Bon Jovi, here are all of the celebrities who flaunt their gray hair like a crownParkinson’s before 50? Doctor explains the early warning signs most people ignore’Spider-Noir’ to ‘Deli Boys’: Latest Hollywood series and films to watch over the weekendDon’t throw away your potato peels: 5 smart ways to repurpose themYou’re walking, not running, so why are you breathless? Doctor explains what your body may be trying to tell youOne workout a week can help you lose weight, new study findsAsthma is no longer just about dust and pollution: Doctor warns stress, poor sleep and modern lifestyles are triggering more attacks5 lessons of perfect marriage we all need to learn from Preity Zinta and Gene Goodenough123Hot PicksSimone BilesVinesh PhogatMonsoon ForecastHenry Nowak murderFrancisco CerundoloDonald TrumpGold price predictionTop TrendingGhaziabad Student MurderD GukeshVaibhav sooryavanshi IPL auctionPunjab Local Body Election ResultCockroach Janta PartySupreme CourtNEET UG 2026 fee refundBSEB Bihar Sakashmta Pariksha Admit CardNTANEET Paper Leak

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NEW DELHI: Exclusive breastfeeding among infants under six months has declined sharply in India, according to the National Family Health Survey (NFHS-6) 2023-24, raising concerns among child health experts despite significant improvements in child nutrition and maternal health indicators.The survey found that the proportion of infants under six months who were fed only breastmilk fell from 63.7% in NFHS-5 (2019-21) to 55.8% in NFHS-6, a decline of nearly eight percentage points.The national decline masked wide variations across states. Haryana recorded the steepest fall, with exclusive breastfeeding dropping from 69.5% to 41.2%, while Uttar Pradesh saw a decline from 59.7% to 34.6%. Madhya Pradesh recorded a fall from 74% to 56.4%, while Rajasthan declined from 70.4% to 54.3%.In contrast, Sikkim registered the biggest improvement, rising from 28.3% to 49.6%. Kerala improved from 55.5% to 72.7%, one of the highest rates in the country. Gujarat also recorded an increase from 65% to 71.4%, while West Bengal and Bihar reported modest gains.The latest survey shows a striking divide across the country. Chhattisgarh reported the highest exclusive breastfeeding rate at 75.8%, followed by Kerala (72.7%), Gujarat (71.4%), Andhra Pradesh (69.5%) and Odisha (66.7%). At the other end, Uttar Pradesh recorded the lowest rate at 34.6%, followed by Nagaland (37.4%), Uttarakhand (40.8%) and Haryana (41.2%).The findings are significant because exclusive breastfeeding during the first six months of life is considered one of the most effective interventions for child survival, protection against infections and healthy growth and development. The World Health Organization recommends exclusive breastfeeding for the first six months, followed by continued breastfeeding along with complementary foods.The decline comes even as India recorded gains in several child health indicators. Stunting among children under five declined from 35.5% to 29.3%, while severe wasting fell from 7.7% to 5.2%. Full immunisation coverage among children aged 12-23 months increased from 76.6% to 82.6%.The survey also showed improvement in early initiation of breastfeeding. The proportion of children breastfed within one hour of birth increased from 41.8% to 50.1%.Dr Arun Gupta, paediatrician and chief coordinator of the Breastfeeding Promotion Network of India (BPNI), said the decline is particularly worrying because it has occurred despite improvements in maternal healthcare. More women are receiving antenatal check-ups, institutional deliveries have increased and early breastfeeding has improved, yet exclusive breastfeeding has fallen. “The health system is reaching more mothers than before, but breastfeeding support appears to be the missing link,” he said. Gupta said mothers may not be receiving enough counselling and support on breastfeeding during pregnancy and after delivery, while increasing use and promotion of formula milk could also be affecting breastfeeding practices.BPNI called for stronger breastfeeding support and stricter enforcement of the Infant Milk Substitutes (IMS) Act, saying the wide variation across states points to gaps in counselling and support services. “Breastfeeding is not merely an individual choice; it is a public health, nutrition, child rights and national development issue,” the organisation said.About the AuthorAnuja JaiswalAnuja Jaiswal is a Senior Assistant Editor at The Times of India, with an impressive 18-year career in narrative journalism. She specializes in health and heritage reporting, expertly simplifying complex health information to make it engaging and understandable for readers. Her deep dives into heritage topics are well-researched, resulting in captivating narratives that resonate with her audience. Over the years, she has worked in Chandigarh, Chhattisgarh and West UP, gaining diverse on-ground experience that shapes her storytelling.Read MoreEnd of ArticleFollow Us On Social MediaVideosNTA To Hold Re-Exam For CUET-UG 2026 Candidates Affected By Tech GlitchMamata Banerjee Meets Hospitalised Abhishek Banerjee After Sonarpur AttackBrahMos Export Push Gains Pace With Vietnam Deal Signed, Indonesia Next In Line | WatchDK Shivakumar Meets Karnataka Governor, To Take CM Oath On June 3Delhi Police Foils Major Attack Plot, Arrests 9 Linked To ISI-Dawood Ibrahim Terror Network‘Not pointing fingers…’: Pete Hegseth’s witty reply to Pak journo over India’s AGNI-6 ICBM | WatchDoval’s Moscow Mission: India-Russia Defence, Energy & Arctic Cooperation In Focus | WatchTMC Leader Abhishek Banerjee Asked To Appear Before CID Amid Fresh Political Storm’Pakistan Navy Remained Confined To Its Ports’: Rajnath Singh Hails Navy’s Role During Op SindoorIndia’s Gold Demand Plunges 70% After Import Duty Rises To 15%123Photostories5 workouts to tone your lower bodyLove quote of the day by Aristotle: “Love is composed of a single soul inhabiting two bodies”From Sarah Jessica Parker to Jon Bon Jovi, here are all of the celebrities who flaunt their gray hair like a crownParkinson’s before 50? Doctor explains the early warning signs most people ignore’Spider-Noir’ to ‘Deli Boys’: Latest Hollywood series and films to watch over the weekendDon’t throw away your potato peels: 5 smart ways to repurpose themYou’re walking, not running, so why are you breathless? Doctor explains what your body may be trying to tell youOne workout a week can help you lose weight, new study findsAsthma is no longer just about dust and pollution: Doctor warns stress, poor sleep and modern lifestyles are triggering more attacks5 lessons of perfect marriage we all need to learn from Preity Zinta and Gene Goodenough123Hot PicksSimone BilesVinesh PhogatMonsoon ForecastHenry Nowak murderFrancisco CerundoloDonald TrumpGold price predictionTop TrendingGhaziabad Student MurderD GukeshVaibhav sooryavanshi IPL auctionPunjab Local Body Election ResultCockroach Janta PartySupreme CourtNEET UG 2026 fee refundBSEB Bihar Sakashmta Pariksha Admit CardNTANEET Paper Leak


Exclusive breastfeeding falls in India despite gains in child nutrition: NFHS-6

NEW DELHI: Exclusive breastfeeding among infants under six months has declined sharply in India, according to the National Family Health Survey (NFHS-6) 2023-24, raising concerns among child health experts despite significant improvements in child nutrition and maternal health indicators.The survey found that the proportion of infants under six months who were fed only breastmilk fell from 63.7% in NFHS-5 (2019-21) to 55.8% in NFHS-6, a decline of nearly eight percentage points.The national decline masked wide variations across states. Haryana recorded the steepest fall, with exclusive breastfeeding dropping from 69.5% to 41.2%, while Uttar Pradesh saw a decline from 59.7% to 34.6%. Madhya Pradesh recorded a fall from 74% to 56.4%, while Rajasthan declined from 70.4% to 54.3%.In contrast, Sikkim registered the biggest improvement, rising from 28.3% to 49.6%. Kerala improved from 55.5% to 72.7%, one of the highest rates in the country. Gujarat also recorded an increase from 65% to 71.4%, while West Bengal and Bihar reported modest gains.The latest survey shows a striking divide across the country. Chhattisgarh reported the highest exclusive breastfeeding rate at 75.8%, followed by Kerala (72.7%), Gujarat (71.4%), Andhra Pradesh (69.5%) and Odisha (66.7%). At the other end, Uttar Pradesh recorded the lowest rate at 34.6%, followed by Nagaland (37.4%), Uttarakhand (40.8%) and Haryana (41.2%).The findings are significant because exclusive breastfeeding during the first six months of life is considered one of the most effective interventions for child survival, protection against infections and healthy growth and development. The World Health Organization recommends exclusive breastfeeding for the first six months, followed by continued breastfeeding along with complementary foods.The decline comes even as India recorded gains in several child health indicators. Stunting among children under five declined from 35.5% to 29.3%, while severe wasting fell from 7.7% to 5.2%. Full immunisation coverage among children aged 12-23 months increased from 76.6% to 82.6%.The survey also showed improvement in early initiation of breastfeeding. The proportion of children breastfed within one hour of birth increased from 41.8% to 50.1%.Dr Arun Gupta, paediatrician and chief coordinator of the Breastfeeding Promotion Network of India (BPNI), said the decline is particularly worrying because it has occurred despite improvements in maternal healthcare. More women are receiving antenatal check-ups, institutional deliveries have increased and early breastfeeding has improved, yet exclusive breastfeeding has fallen. “The health system is reaching more mothers than before, but breastfeeding support appears to be the missing link,” he said. Gupta said mothers may not be receiving enough counselling and support on breastfeeding during pregnancy and after delivery, while increasing use and promotion of formula milk could also be affecting breastfeeding practices.BPNI called for stronger breastfeeding support and stricter enforcement of the Infant Milk Substitutes (IMS) Act, saying the wide variation across states points to gaps in counselling and support services. “Breastfeeding is not merely an individual choice; it is a public health, nutrition, child rights and national development issue,” the organisation said.



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Kudankulam Nuclear Power Plant Unit-3 (ANI photo) MUMBAI: The fifth unit of the 1,000-MW Kudankulam Nuclear Power Project in Tamil Nadu—a joint Indo-Russian project—crossed a significant milestone on Monday with the erection of reactor pressure vessel inside the reactor building for its fifth unit, according to Nuclear Power Corporation of India Limited (NPCIL). Current indications suggest that the fifth unit is slated to become operational towards the end of this year.This was done after clearance from Atomic Energy Regulatory Board. The reactor pressure vessel is the heart of a nuclear power plant that houses the reactor core where nuclear fission reaction takes place. The vessel, weighing approximately 320 tonnes, was lifted and installed using a specialised heavy-lift crane.NPCIL said, “This milestone reflects the close coordination and dedicated efforts of NPCIL and Atomstroyexport, Russian Federation. The successful erection of the vessel demonstrates the steady progress being made towards the completion of Unit 5, reinforcing NPCIL’s commitment towards nation’s clean energy transition,” it said.The Kudankulam site comprises six units, each of 1,000 MW capacity. Of this, units 1 and 2 are already operational. As of May 2026, they have cumulatively generated about 130 billion units of electricity, averting the release of about 112 million tonnes of CO2 equivalent into the environment.According to NPCIL, the third and fourth units are at an advanced stage of construction. The fifth and sixth units are at different stages of construction and are planned to be commissioned progressively. “Upon completion of these projects, Kudankulam site will have a total installed capacity of 6,000 MW,” it said.Get the latest India news and live updates. Download the TOI App.End of ArticleFollow Us On Social MediaVideosIndia–Oman Coordination Brings Breakthrough: Indian Crew Rescued Safely”People Began Jumping Out…”: Passenger Recounts Dreading MP Rail Accident Moments’Not Just People, Even Bangladeshi Parties Are Infiltrating’: Adhir Ranjan’s Jibe Amid TMC CrisisBhagwant Mann Faces Akal Takht Rebuke; Sikh Body Summons Punjab CabinetPM Modi Elevates India-Slovakia Ties To Comprehensive Partnership During Historic Bratislava VisitNCERT’s New Class 9 Textbook Alters Mohenjo-daro’s Iconic Dancing Girl, Triggers DebateAbhijeet Dipke Allegedly Slapped At Jaipur Protest, Viral Video Shows Crowd Turning On Accused Man‘My Brother Was Murdered’: Gyan Bindu Director Roshan Anand’s Big Charge Against Khan SirMP Kapil Sibal Flags Constitutional Breach in TMC Rebels’ Merger AttemptTwo Pak Military Pilots Die After Pakistan Air Force’s Training Aircraft Goes Down In Mardan123PhotostoriesSushmita Sen to Mandira Bedi: 5 bollywood actresses who chose adoption and redefined motherhoodSuccess quote of the day by Egyptian footballer Mohamed Salah: “I always think about small details because…”Your child is not your therapist; 5 hidden ways sharing marital problems affect kids and what can parents do insteadBest national parks in Karnataka: 8 wildlife destinations for tiger safari and birdwatching5 foods a doctor eats to fight fatty liver disease6 foods desi pehalwans ate before protein supplements became a trend10 types of people that drain your energy and peace of mind without realising it, as per psychologistUK to ban social media for under-16s: 5 countries that are already restricting children’s access onlineWhy your blood sugar may rise in summer even when you’re eating ‘Healthy,’ and the smart swaps that can helpYoga for healthy ageing: Understanding the theme of International Yoga Day 2026123Hot PicksIndia A vs Sri Lanka A live scoreAbhijeet DipkeTarique RahmanGreen Card NewsLamine YamalDana WhiteNoida airportStock Market LiveGold rate todayTop TrendingKerala HSCAP first allotment result 2026UPSC Prelims ResultNEET UG Paper Leak ScamFIFA World Cup 2026Aldon SmithNoida AirportITR filing FY 2025-26CBSE 10th Second Board Result 2026Shreyanka PatilSpain vs Cabo Match Preview

Kudankulam Nuclear Power Plant Unit-3 (ANI photo) MUMBAI: The fifth unit of the 1,000-MW Kudankulam Nuclear Power Project in Tamil Nadu—a joint Indo-Russian project—crossed a significant milestone on Monday with the erection of reactor pressure vessel inside the reactor building for its fifth unit, according to Nuclear Power Corporation of India Limited (NPCIL). Current indications suggest that the fifth unit is slated to become operational towards the end of this year.This was done after clearance from Atomic Energy Regulatory Board. The reactor pressure vessel is the heart of a nuclear power plant that houses the reactor core where nuclear fission reaction takes place. The vessel, weighing approximately 320 tonnes, was lifted and installed using a specialised heavy-lift crane.NPCIL said, “This milestone reflects the close coordination and dedicated efforts of NPCIL and Atomstroyexport, Russian Federation. The successful erection of the vessel demonstrates the steady progress being made towards the completion of Unit 5, reinforcing NPCIL’s commitment towards nation’s clean energy transition,” it said.The Kudankulam site comprises six units, each of 1,000 MW capacity. Of this, units 1 and 2 are already operational. As of May 2026, they have cumulatively generated about 130 billion units of electricity, averting the release of about 112 million tonnes of CO2 equivalent into the environment.According to NPCIL, the third and fourth units are at an advanced stage of construction. The fifth and sixth units are at different stages of construction and are planned to be commissioned progressively. “Upon completion of these projects, Kudankulam site will have a total installed capacity of 6,000 MW,” it said.Get the latest India news and live updates. Download the TOI App.End of ArticleFollow Us On Social MediaVideosIndia–Oman Coordination Brings Breakthrough: Indian Crew Rescued Safely”People Began Jumping Out…”: Passenger Recounts Dreading MP Rail Accident Moments’Not Just People, Even Bangladeshi Parties Are Infiltrating’: Adhir Ranjan’s Jibe Amid TMC CrisisBhagwant Mann Faces Akal Takht Rebuke; Sikh Body Summons Punjab CabinetPM Modi Elevates India-Slovakia Ties To Comprehensive Partnership During Historic Bratislava VisitNCERT’s New Class 9 Textbook Alters Mohenjo-daro’s Iconic Dancing Girl, Triggers DebateAbhijeet Dipke Allegedly Slapped At Jaipur Protest, Viral Video Shows Crowd Turning On Accused Man‘My Brother Was Murdered’: Gyan Bindu Director Roshan Anand’s Big Charge Against Khan SirMP Kapil Sibal Flags Constitutional Breach in TMC Rebels’ Merger AttemptTwo Pak Military Pilots Die After Pakistan Air Force’s Training Aircraft Goes Down In Mardan123PhotostoriesSushmita Sen to Mandira Bedi: 5 bollywood actresses who chose adoption and redefined motherhoodSuccess quote of the day by Egyptian footballer Mohamed Salah: “I always think about small details because…”Your child is not your therapist; 5 hidden ways sharing marital problems affect kids and what can parents do insteadBest national parks in Karnataka: 8 wildlife destinations for tiger safari and birdwatching5 foods a doctor eats to fight fatty liver disease6 foods desi pehalwans ate before protein supplements became a trend10 types of people that drain your energy and peace of mind without realising it, as per psychologistUK to ban social media for under-16s: 5 countries that are already restricting children’s access onlineWhy your blood sugar may rise in summer even when you’re eating ‘Healthy,’ and the smart swaps that can helpYoga for healthy ageing: Understanding the theme of International Yoga Day 2026123Hot PicksIndia A vs Sri Lanka A live scoreAbhijeet DipkeTarique RahmanGreen Card NewsLamine YamalDana WhiteNoida airportStock Market LiveGold rate todayTop TrendingKerala HSCAP first allotment result 2026UPSC Prelims ResultNEET UG Paper Leak ScamFIFA World Cup 2026Aldon SmithNoida AirportITR filing FY 2025-26CBSE 10th Second Board Result 2026Shreyanka PatilSpain vs Cabo Match Preview

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Jammu and Kashmir chief minister Omar Abdullah (PTI photo) SRINAGAR: J&K CM Omar Abdullah Monday said his recent meeting with PM Narendra Modi hasn’t changed his party National Conference’s plans to stage a protest at Jantar Mantar in New Delhi on the first day of the Parliament’s monsoon session to press for the restoration of the statehood.“There is no change in our plan. We remain committed to fulfilling our promises to the people of Jammu and Kashmir. Commitments have been made in the Supreme Court, Parliament and at various public functions to restore statehood to J&K. To remind the Centre of these commitments, we will go to Delhi and put forward our views at Jantar Mantar,” the CM told reporters.He said during his meeting with the PM on June 11, various issues were discussed, including statehood for J&K.On June 3, Omar had called a meeting of his party’s MLAs and MPs at Dachigam national park on Srinagar’s outskirts for a day-long strategy session that ended with a decision to protest in New Delhi on the opening day of Parliament’s monsoon session demanding restoration of J&K’s statehood.J&K lost its statehood on Aug 5, 2019, when the Centre abrogated Article 370, revoked the region’s special constitutional status and bifurcated the former state into two Union territories, J&K and Ladakh. Since then, parties across Kashmir’s political spectrum, including NC and PDP, have repeatedly demanded restoration of full statehood. Centre has publicly committed to restoring statehood at an appropriate stage, but timeline remains unclear.On the issue of reservations in jobs and education, the CM said, “We have done everything that was required on our part.” He said the cabinet sub-committee met and prepared its report, which was subsequently approved by the cabinet. “As per procedure, the decision was forwarded to the Lieutenant Governor, who formally referred it to the central government. The Centre sought certain clarifications on the proposal. So, the file was returned to us. The department concerned has prepared responses to all the queries raised. Those responses were finalized a couple of days ago,” Omar said. He said since the original decision was taken by his cabinet, another cabinet meeting will be convened to approve the replies. “Once approved, the responses will be sent back to the Government of India for consideration,” Omar said.Reservation is a highly sensitive issue in J&K, where quota is as high as 60%, making it a hot-button issue following the Centre’s decision to add more communities and expand quotas since the 2019 abrogation of special status. Many fear the quotas will be hiked to 70%.Omar’s own party colleague and MP from Srinagar, Aga Ruhullah Mehdi, had described it as discriminatory against general category students and candidates.Following protests by students outside Omar’s residence in 2024, the J&K govt had constituted a sub-committee panel under health minister Sakina Itoo.Get the latest India news and live updates. Download the TOI App.End of ArticleFollow Us On Social MediaVideosIndia–Oman Coordination Brings Breakthrough: Indian Crew Rescued Safely”People Began Jumping Out…”: Passenger Recounts Dreading MP Rail Accident Moments’Not Just People, Even Bangladeshi Parties Are Infiltrating’: Adhir Ranjan’s Jibe Amid TMC CrisisBhagwant Mann Faces Akal Takht Rebuke; Sikh Body Summons Punjab CabinetPM Modi Elevates India-Slovakia Ties To Comprehensive Partnership During Historic Bratislava VisitNCERT’s New Class 9 Textbook Alters Mohenjo-daro’s Iconic Dancing Girl, Triggers DebateAbhijeet Dipke Allegedly Slapped At Jaipur Protest, Viral Video Shows Crowd Turning On Accused Man‘My Brother Was Murdered’: Gyan Bindu Director Roshan Anand’s Big Charge Against Khan SirMP Kapil Sibal Flags Constitutional Breach in TMC Rebels’ Merger AttemptTwo Pak Military Pilots Die After Pakistan Air Force’s Training Aircraft Goes Down In Mardan123PhotostoriesSushmita Sen to Mandira Bedi: 5 bollywood actresses who chose adoption and redefined motherhoodSuccess quote of the day by Egyptian footballer Mohamed Salah: “I always think about small details because…”Your child is not your therapist; 5 hidden ways sharing marital problems affect kids and what can parents do insteadBest national parks in Karnataka: 8 wildlife destinations for tiger safari and birdwatching5 foods a doctor eats to fight fatty liver disease6 foods desi pehalwans ate before protein supplements became a trend10 types of people that drain your energy and peace of mind without realising it, as per psychologistUK to ban social media for under-16s: 5 countries that are already restricting children’s access onlineWhy your blood sugar may rise in summer even when you’re eating ‘Healthy,’ and the smart swaps that can helpYoga for healthy ageing: Understanding the theme of International Yoga Day 2026123Hot PicksIndia A vs Sri Lanka A live scoreAbhijeet DipkeTarique RahmanGreen Card NewsLamine YamalDana WhiteNoida airportStock Market LiveGold rate todayTop TrendingKerala HSCAP first allotment result 2026UPSC Prelims ResultNEET UG Paper Leak ScamFIFA World Cup 2026Aldon SmithNoida AirportITR filing FY 2025-26CBSE 10th Second Board Result 2026Shreyanka PatilSpain vs Cabo Match Preview

Jammu and Kashmir chief minister Omar Abdullah (PTI photo) SRINAGAR: J&K CM Omar Abdullah Monday said his recent meeting with PM Narendra Modi hasn’t changed his party National Conference’s plans to stage a protest at Jantar Mantar in New Delhi on the first day of the Parliament’s monsoon session to press for the restoration of the statehood.“There is no change in our plan. We remain committed to fulfilling our promises to the people of Jammu and Kashmir. Commitments have been made in the Supreme Court, Parliament and at various public functions to restore statehood to J&K. To remind the Centre of these commitments, we will go to Delhi and put forward our views at Jantar Mantar,” the CM told reporters.He said during his meeting with the PM on June 11, various issues were discussed, including statehood for J&K.On June 3, Omar had called a meeting of his party’s MLAs and MPs at Dachigam national park on Srinagar’s outskirts for a day-long strategy session that ended with a decision to protest in New Delhi on the opening day of Parliament’s monsoon session demanding restoration of J&K’s statehood.J&K lost its statehood on Aug 5, 2019, when the Centre abrogated Article 370, revoked the region’s special constitutional status and bifurcated the former state into two Union territories, J&K and Ladakh. Since then, parties across Kashmir’s political spectrum, including NC and PDP, have repeatedly demanded restoration of full statehood. Centre has publicly committed to restoring statehood at an appropriate stage, but timeline remains unclear.On the issue of reservations in jobs and education, the CM said, “We have done everything that was required on our part.” He said the cabinet sub-committee met and prepared its report, which was subsequently approved by the cabinet. “As per procedure, the decision was forwarded to the Lieutenant Governor, who formally referred it to the central government. The Centre sought certain clarifications on the proposal. So, the file was returned to us. The department concerned has prepared responses to all the queries raised. Those responses were finalized a couple of days ago,” Omar said. He said since the original decision was taken by his cabinet, another cabinet meeting will be convened to approve the replies. “Once approved, the responses will be sent back to the Government of India for consideration,” Omar said.Reservation is a highly sensitive issue in J&K, where quota is as high as 60%, making it a hot-button issue following the Centre’s decision to add more communities and expand quotas since the 2019 abrogation of special status. Many fear the quotas will be hiked to 70%.Omar’s own party colleague and MP from Srinagar, Aga Ruhullah Mehdi, had described it as discriminatory against general category students and candidates.Following protests by students outside Omar’s residence in 2024, the J&K govt had constituted a sub-committee panel under health minister Sakina Itoo.Get the latest India news and live updates. Download the TOI App.End of ArticleFollow Us On Social MediaVideosIndia–Oman Coordination Brings Breakthrough: Indian Crew Rescued Safely”People Began Jumping Out…”: Passenger Recounts Dreading MP Rail Accident Moments’Not Just People, Even Bangladeshi Parties Are Infiltrating’: Adhir Ranjan’s Jibe Amid TMC CrisisBhagwant Mann Faces Akal Takht Rebuke; Sikh Body Summons Punjab CabinetPM Modi Elevates India-Slovakia Ties To Comprehensive Partnership During Historic Bratislava VisitNCERT’s New Class 9 Textbook Alters Mohenjo-daro’s Iconic Dancing Girl, Triggers DebateAbhijeet Dipke Allegedly Slapped At Jaipur Protest, Viral Video Shows Crowd Turning On Accused Man‘My Brother Was Murdered’: Gyan Bindu Director Roshan Anand’s Big Charge Against Khan SirMP Kapil Sibal Flags Constitutional Breach in TMC Rebels’ Merger AttemptTwo Pak Military Pilots Die After Pakistan Air Force’s Training Aircraft Goes Down In Mardan123PhotostoriesSushmita Sen to Mandira Bedi: 5 bollywood actresses who chose adoption and redefined motherhoodSuccess quote of the day by Egyptian footballer Mohamed Salah: “I always think about small details because…”Your child is not your therapist; 5 hidden ways sharing marital problems affect kids and what can parents do insteadBest national parks in Karnataka: 8 wildlife destinations for tiger safari and birdwatching5 foods a doctor eats to fight fatty liver disease6 foods desi pehalwans ate before protein supplements became a trend10 types of people that drain your energy and peace of mind without realising it, as per psychologistUK to ban social media for under-16s: 5 countries that are already restricting children’s access onlineWhy your blood sugar may rise in summer even when you’re eating ‘Healthy,’ and the smart swaps that can helpYoga for healthy ageing: Understanding the theme of International Yoga Day 2026123Hot PicksIndia A vs Sri Lanka A live scoreAbhijeet DipkeTarique RahmanGreen Card NewsLamine YamalDana WhiteNoida airportStock Market LiveGold rate todayTop TrendingKerala HSCAP first allotment result 2026UPSC Prelims ResultNEET UG Paper Leak ScamFIFA World Cup 2026Aldon SmithNoida AirportITR filing FY 2025-26CBSE 10th Second Board Result 2026Shreyanka PatilSpain vs Cabo Match Preview

Vamsikrishna 0