June 26, 2026

Govt Thursday announced a steep increase in passport fees across categories, including a 67% hike for issuance or reissue of ordinary passport and a 250% increase in charges under the Tatkal scheme. The new charges will be effective July 1. MEA said an ordinary 36-page fresh passport for applicants aged 18 years and above will cost Rs 2,500 under the normal category, up from the current Rs 1,500. Under the Tatkal scheme, the fee will be Rs 5,000, up from Rs 2,000. In case of ordinary fresh 60-page passport, the fee will be Rs 3,500, up from Rs 2,000. The steepest hike is for reissue of 60-page passport in lieu of a lost or damaged document, with fee rising from Rs 2,000 to Rs 8,500. tnnGet the latest India news and live updates. Download the TOI App.End of ArticleFollow Us On Social MediaVideosCanada Officially Confirms Khalistani Role In Air India Kanishka BombingKolkata Warehouse Collapse: Bengal CM Blames TMC Regime, Says ‘Flawed Plan’ Got ApprovalRam Mandir Donation Row: F.I.R Filed Against Eight Accused After SIT Flags EmbezzlementThreat To Journalists? Shiv Sena MP’s Remarks Trigger Political Storm In MaharashtraWhy India Has Given Dinesh Trivedi Cabinet Minister-Equivalent Status In Bangladesh?From Deportation Calls To Racist Attacks: The Rise Of Anti-Indian Sentiment In The US’Congress, BJP & SAD Joined Hands’: Punjab CM Mann Blames Opposition For ‘Conspiracy’India-Pak Backchannel Talks Continue In Colombo And Bangkok Amid Diplomatic Freeze: ReportsIf Aadhaar, PAN, Voter ID And Passport Aren’t Final Proofs, What Actually Makes You Indian?Shiv Sena (UBT) MPs Meet Lok Sabha Speaker, Stress Constitutional Process On Party Claims123PhotostoriesFriday OTT releases (June 26): ‘Raja Shivaji’, ‘Little Brother’, ‘Agent Kim Reactivated’, ‘Perfect Family’ and moreShoaib Ibrahim and Dipika Kakar ring in son Ruhaan’s third birthday quietly amid father’s hospitalisationButtermilk for Summer: 8 traditional buttermilk dishes of India to keep the gut cool7 places on Earth that are compared to hell and yet travellers keep going10 baby girl names that symbolise renewal and positivity in different languagesSuccess quote of the day by Kunal Shah: ‘There are no over-ambitious people; only dreamers with no plans’Psychology says women comfortable being alone often share these 8 powerful traitsPushy parenting does more harm than good: What it is and 5 signs you may be oneThis everyday habit before work could be quietly damaging your performanceInside Samay Raina’s luxurious Mumbai house: A massive living area, a streaming room and more123Hot PicksCharles OliveiraKetan Agrawal MurderMike Vrabel ControversyGermany Vs EcuadorSujata Rout KarthikeyanED KelceNHL Trade RumorsNFL Trade RumorsAndy RoddickTop TrendingSundar PichaiVenezuela NewsRithuparna KSFIFA World Cup 2026Venezuela earthquake NewsMumba Local Train MurderMEA PassportNandani BosmiyaMK StalinMumbai Local Train News

Vamsikrishna01 mins mins
Govt Thursday announced a steep increase in passport fees across categories, including a 67% hike for issuance or reissue of ordinary passport and a 250% increase in charges under the Tatkal scheme. The new charges will be effective July 1. MEA said an ordinary 36-page fresh passport for applicants aged 18 years and above will cost Rs 2,500 under the normal category, up from the current Rs 1,500. Under the Tatkal scheme, the fee will be Rs 5,000, up from Rs 2,000. In case of ordinary fresh 60-page passport, the fee will be Rs 3,500, up from Rs 2,000. The steepest hike is for reissue of 60-page passport in lieu of a lost or damaged document, with fee rising from Rs 2,000 to Rs 8,500. tnnGet the latest India news and live updates. Download the TOI App.End of ArticleFollow Us On Social MediaVideosCanada Officially Confirms Khalistani Role In Air India Kanishka BombingKolkata Warehouse Collapse: Bengal CM Blames TMC Regime, Says ‘Flawed Plan’ Got ApprovalRam Mandir Donation Row: F.I.R Filed Against Eight Accused After SIT Flags EmbezzlementThreat To Journalists? Shiv Sena MP’s Remarks Trigger Political Storm In MaharashtraWhy India Has Given Dinesh Trivedi Cabinet Minister-Equivalent Status In Bangladesh?From Deportation Calls To Racist Attacks: The Rise Of Anti-Indian Sentiment In The US’Congress, BJP & SAD Joined Hands’: Punjab CM Mann Blames Opposition For ‘Conspiracy’India-Pak Backchannel Talks Continue In Colombo And Bangkok Amid Diplomatic Freeze: ReportsIf Aadhaar, PAN, Voter ID And Passport Aren’t Final Proofs, What Actually Makes You Indian?Shiv Sena (UBT) MPs Meet Lok Sabha Speaker, Stress Constitutional Process On Party Claims123PhotostoriesFriday OTT releases (June 26): ‘Raja Shivaji’, ‘Little Brother’, ‘Agent Kim Reactivated’, ‘Perfect Family’ and moreShoaib Ibrahim and Dipika Kakar ring in son Ruhaan’s third birthday quietly amid father’s hospitalisationButtermilk for Summer: 8 traditional buttermilk dishes of India to keep the gut cool7 places on Earth that are compared to hell and yet travellers keep going10 baby girl names that symbolise renewal and positivity in different languagesSuccess quote of the day by Kunal Shah: ‘There are no over-ambitious people; only dreamers with no plans’Psychology says women comfortable being alone often share these 8 powerful traitsPushy parenting does more harm than good: What it is and 5 signs you may be oneThis everyday habit before work could be quietly damaging your performanceInside Samay Raina’s luxurious Mumbai house: A massive living area, a streaming room and more123Hot PicksCharles OliveiraKetan Agrawal MurderMike Vrabel ControversyGermany Vs EcuadorSujata Rout KarthikeyanED KelceNHL Trade RumorsNFL Trade RumorsAndy RoddickTop TrendingSundar PichaiVenezuela NewsRithuparna KSFIFA World Cup 2026Venezuela earthquake NewsMumba Local Train MurderMEA PassportNandani BosmiyaMK StalinMumbai Local Train News


Passport fee hiked to Rs 2,500 from Rs 1,500

Govt Thursday announced a steep increase in passport fees across categories, including a 67% hike for issuance or reissue of ordinary passport and a 250% increase in charges under the Tatkal scheme. The new charges will be effective July 1. MEA said an ordinary 36-page fresh passport for applicants aged 18 years and above will cost Rs 2,500 under the normal category, up from the current Rs 1,500. Under the Tatkal scheme, the fee will be Rs 5,000, up from Rs 2,000. In case of ordinary fresh 60-page passport, the fee will be Rs 3,500, up from Rs 2,000. The steepest hike is for reissue of 60-page passport in lieu of a lost or damaged document, with fee rising from Rs 2,000 to Rs 8,500. tnn



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PM Modi NEW DELHI: PM Narendra Modi Thursday led NDA’s attack on Congress on the Emergency’s 51st anniversary, slamming the measure as an assault on the Constitution and emphasising his govt’s commitment to constitutional values.Several other members of the BJP-led governing alliance contrasted the irony of Congress championing the cause of Constitution while accusing govt of undermining its principles, with its trampling of civil rights and evisceration of democratic institutions during the 21-month Emergency imposed by then PM Indira Gandhi.Home minister Amit Shah said govt’s decision to commemorate June 25 as “samvidhan hatya diwas” is aimed at keeping the memory of this black chapter alive in the nation’s memory so that Congress never dares to repeat the similar attack on democracy and Constitution.Modi said, “Today, we pay homage to all those who steadfastly defended democratic values during one of the darkest chapters in India’s history… The Emergency was a direct assault on our Constitution. It witnessed the suspension of civil liberties, curbs on freedom of expression, arrests of political leaders, journalists, social workers and an assault on institutions that are the bedrock of our democracy.” BJP president Nitin Nabin said Congress invokes Constitution today but has never tendered an unconditional apology for Emergency.Culture minister Gajendra Singh Shekhawat recalled how the numerous leaders who showed courage to protest were put in jails and “right to dissent” was declared to be a crime.Get the latest India news and live updates. Download the TOI App.End of ArticleFollow Us On Social MediaVideosSuvendu Govt Likely To Introduce UCC Bill In West Bengal Assembly On MondayCanada Officially Confirms Khalistani Role In Air India Kanishka BombingKolkata Warehouse Collapse: Bengal CM Blames TMC Regime, Says ‘Flawed Plan’ Got ApprovalRam Mandir Donation Row: F.I.R Filed Against Eight Accused After SIT Flags EmbezzlementThreat To Journalists? Shiv Sena MP’s Remarks Trigger Political Storm In MaharashtraWhy India Has Given Dinesh Trivedi Cabinet Minister-Equivalent Status In Bangladesh?From Deportation Calls To Racist Attacks: The Rise Of Anti-Indian Sentiment In The US’Congress, BJP & SAD Joined Hands’: Punjab CM Mann Blames Opposition For ‘Conspiracy’India-Pak Backchannel Talks Continue In Colombo And Bangkok Amid Diplomatic Freeze: ReportsIf Aadhaar, PAN, Voter ID And Passport Aren’t Final Proofs, What Actually Makes You Indian?123Photostories5 vibrant red fish that can transform any plain aquarium5 reasons you suddenly cry while prayingBest indoor plants for offices and workspaces: 7 Low-maintenance plants that can brighten your deskPsychology suggests people who eat eggs for breakfast are not just focusing on protein, but something beyondPsychology says women who enjoy being alone are often the most loyal and faithful. Here’s why60-second money lesson: Should you split expenses 50-50 in a relationship?Friday OTT releases (June 26): ‘Raja Shivaji’, ‘Little Brother’, ‘Agent Kim Reactivated’, ‘Perfect Family’ and moreShoaib Ibrahim and Dipika Kakar ring in son Ruhaan’s third birthday quietly amid father’s hospitalisationButtermilk for Summer: 8 traditional buttermilk dishes of India to keep the gut cool7 places on Earth that are compared to hell and yet travellers keep going123Hot PicksRBI Grade B Prelims ResultNEET-UG 2026 re-examBank holiday todayGold price crashStock market holidayDelhi rape-murderMumbai local murderNFL Trade RumorsAndy RoddickTop TrendingDoug MartinVenezuela NewsRithuparna KSFIFA World Cup 2026Venezuela earthquake NewsMumba Local Train MurderMEA PassportNandani BosmiyaMK StalinMumbai Local Train News

PM Modi NEW DELHI: PM Narendra Modi Thursday led NDA’s attack on Congress on the Emergency’s 51st anniversary, slamming the measure as an assault on the Constitution and emphasising his govt’s commitment to constitutional values.Several other members of the BJP-led governing alliance contrasted the irony of Congress championing the cause of Constitution while accusing govt of undermining its principles, with its trampling of civil rights and evisceration of democratic institutions during the 21-month Emergency imposed by then PM Indira Gandhi.Home minister Amit Shah said govt’s decision to commemorate June 25 as “samvidhan hatya diwas” is aimed at keeping the memory of this black chapter alive in the nation’s memory so that Congress never dares to repeat the similar attack on democracy and Constitution.Modi said, “Today, we pay homage to all those who steadfastly defended democratic values during one of the darkest chapters in India’s history… The Emergency was a direct assault on our Constitution. It witnessed the suspension of civil liberties, curbs on freedom of expression, arrests of political leaders, journalists, social workers and an assault on institutions that are the bedrock of our democracy.” BJP president Nitin Nabin said Congress invokes Constitution today but has never tendered an unconditional apology for Emergency.Culture minister Gajendra Singh Shekhawat recalled how the numerous leaders who showed courage to protest were put in jails and “right to dissent” was declared to be a crime.Get the latest India news and live updates. Download the TOI App.End of ArticleFollow Us On Social MediaVideosSuvendu Govt Likely To Introduce UCC Bill In West Bengal Assembly On MondayCanada Officially Confirms Khalistani Role In Air India Kanishka BombingKolkata Warehouse Collapse: Bengal CM Blames TMC Regime, Says ‘Flawed Plan’ Got ApprovalRam Mandir Donation Row: F.I.R Filed Against Eight Accused After SIT Flags EmbezzlementThreat To Journalists? Shiv Sena MP’s Remarks Trigger Political Storm In MaharashtraWhy India Has Given Dinesh Trivedi Cabinet Minister-Equivalent Status In Bangladesh?From Deportation Calls To Racist Attacks: The Rise Of Anti-Indian Sentiment In The US’Congress, BJP & SAD Joined Hands’: Punjab CM Mann Blames Opposition For ‘Conspiracy’India-Pak Backchannel Talks Continue In Colombo And Bangkok Amid Diplomatic Freeze: ReportsIf Aadhaar, PAN, Voter ID And Passport Aren’t Final Proofs, What Actually Makes You Indian?123Photostories5 vibrant red fish that can transform any plain aquarium5 reasons you suddenly cry while prayingBest indoor plants for offices and workspaces: 7 Low-maintenance plants that can brighten your deskPsychology suggests people who eat eggs for breakfast are not just focusing on protein, but something beyondPsychology says women who enjoy being alone are often the most loyal and faithful. Here’s why60-second money lesson: Should you split expenses 50-50 in a relationship?Friday OTT releases (June 26): ‘Raja Shivaji’, ‘Little Brother’, ‘Agent Kim Reactivated’, ‘Perfect Family’ and moreShoaib Ibrahim and Dipika Kakar ring in son Ruhaan’s third birthday quietly amid father’s hospitalisationButtermilk for Summer: 8 traditional buttermilk dishes of India to keep the gut cool7 places on Earth that are compared to hell and yet travellers keep going123Hot PicksRBI Grade B Prelims ResultNEET-UG 2026 re-examBank holiday todayGold price crashStock market holidayDelhi rape-murderMumbai local murderNFL Trade RumorsAndy RoddickTop TrendingDoug MartinVenezuela NewsRithuparna KSFIFA World Cup 2026Venezuela earthquake NewsMumba Local Train MurderMEA PassportNandani BosmiyaMK StalinMumbai Local Train News

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Dharmendra Pradhan NEW DELHI/BENGALURU: Union education minister Dharmendra Pradhan Thursday justified the inclusion of a chapter on the 1975-77 Emergency in the NCERT class IX social science textbook, saying future generations must know the “dark deeds” of that period.Speaking in Chandigarh on the inclusion of the Emergency section, Pradhan asserted, “… NCERT has done the right thing. Future generations should know and understand the dark deeds of the Emergency so that such a situation does not arise again…”The inclusion of Emergency was exclusively reported by TOI on Wednesday in the social science textbook ‘Understanding Society: India and Beyond’. The section places the 1975-77 period among the major challenges faced by the Indian democracy, referring to the suspension of fundamental rights, press censorship and arrests of opposition leaders during the Indira Gandhi-led Congress govt.The council, meanwhile, issued a separate clarification rejecting allegations of religious and dietary bias in its class VI Kannada language (R3 under the three-language policy) textbook, titled “Krishna”. The NCERT said that the title “Krishna” referred to the Krishna river, not a religious figure. “NCERT has named its language textbooks, after rivers of India,” it said. It added that the Hindi textbook was named “Ganga”, English “Kaveri”, Urdu “Jamuna”(Yamuna), and Kannada “Krishna”, after one of Karnataka’s major rivers.On allegations that the book promoted vegetarianism, NCERT said a balanced diet was covered in chapter 6 and under a separate heading, “Balanced Diet”, on page 63. It said the illustrative image on the page included both vegetarian and non-vegetarian food items, and that the chapter linked healthy food with India’s food diversity.A day after TOI first reported that NCERT had introduced the 1975-77 Emergency in the Class 9 social science textbook, Union education minister Dharmendra Pradhan on Thursday backed the move, saying future generations must know the “dark deeds” of that period.Get the latest India news and live updates. Download the TOI App.End of ArticleFollow Us On Social MediaVideosCanada Officially Confirms Khalistani Role In Air India Kanishka BombingKolkata Warehouse Collapse: Bengal CM Blames TMC Regime, Says ‘Flawed Plan’ Got ApprovalRam Mandir Donation Row: F.I.R Filed Against Eight Accused After SIT Flags EmbezzlementThreat To Journalists? Shiv Sena MP’s Remarks Trigger Political Storm In MaharashtraWhy India Has Given Dinesh Trivedi Cabinet Minister-Equivalent Status In Bangladesh?From Deportation Calls To Racist Attacks: The Rise Of Anti-Indian Sentiment In The US’Congress, BJP & SAD Joined Hands’: Punjab CM Mann Blames Opposition For ‘Conspiracy’India-Pak Backchannel Talks Continue In Colombo And Bangkok Amid Diplomatic Freeze: ReportsIf Aadhaar, PAN, Voter ID And Passport Aren’t Final Proofs, What Actually Makes You Indian?Shiv Sena (UBT) MPs Meet Lok Sabha Speaker, Stress Constitutional Process On Party Claims123PhotostoriesFriday OTT releases (June 26): ‘Raja Shivaji’, ‘Little Brother’, ‘Agent Kim Reactivated’, ‘Perfect Family’ and moreShoaib Ibrahim and Dipika Kakar ring in son Ruhaan’s third birthday quietly amid father’s hospitalisationButtermilk for Summer: 8 traditional buttermilk dishes of India to keep the gut cool7 places on Earth that are compared to hell and yet travellers keep going10 baby girl names that symbolise renewal and positivity in different languagesSuccess quote of the day by Kunal Shah: ‘There are no over-ambitious people; only dreamers with no plans’Psychology says women comfortable being alone often share these 8 powerful traitsPushy parenting does more harm than good: What it is and 5 signs you may be oneThis everyday habit before work could be quietly damaging your performanceInside Samay Raina’s luxurious Mumbai house: A massive living area, a streaming room and more123Hot PicksCharles OliveiraKetan Agrawal MurderMike Vrabel ControversyGermany Vs EcuadorSujata Rout KarthikeyanED KelceNHL Trade RumorsNFL Trade RumorsAndy RoddickTop TrendingSundar PichaiVenezuela NewsRithuparna KSFIFA World Cup 2026Venezuela earthquake NewsMumba Local Train MurderMEA PassportNandani BosmiyaMK StalinMumbai Local Train News

Dharmendra Pradhan NEW DELHI/BENGALURU: Union education minister Dharmendra Pradhan Thursday justified the inclusion of a chapter on the 1975-77 Emergency in the NCERT class IX social science textbook, saying future generations must know the “dark deeds” of that period.Speaking in Chandigarh on the inclusion of the Emergency section, Pradhan asserted, “… NCERT has done the right thing. Future generations should know and understand the dark deeds of the Emergency so that such a situation does not arise again…”The inclusion of Emergency was exclusively reported by TOI on Wednesday in the social science textbook ‘Understanding Society: India and Beyond’. The section places the 1975-77 period among the major challenges faced by the Indian democracy, referring to the suspension of fundamental rights, press censorship and arrests of opposition leaders during the Indira Gandhi-led Congress govt.The council, meanwhile, issued a separate clarification rejecting allegations of religious and dietary bias in its class VI Kannada language (R3 under the three-language policy) textbook, titled “Krishna”. The NCERT said that the title “Krishna” referred to the Krishna river, not a religious figure. “NCERT has named its language textbooks, after rivers of India,” it said. It added that the Hindi textbook was named “Ganga”, English “Kaveri”, Urdu “Jamuna”(Yamuna), and Kannada “Krishna”, after one of Karnataka’s major rivers.On allegations that the book promoted vegetarianism, NCERT said a balanced diet was covered in chapter 6 and under a separate heading, “Balanced Diet”, on page 63. It said the illustrative image on the page included both vegetarian and non-vegetarian food items, and that the chapter linked healthy food with India’s food diversity.A day after TOI first reported that NCERT had introduced the 1975-77 Emergency in the Class 9 social science textbook, Union education minister Dharmendra Pradhan on Thursday backed the move, saying future generations must know the “dark deeds” of that period.Get the latest India news and live updates. Download the TOI App.End of ArticleFollow Us On Social MediaVideosCanada Officially Confirms Khalistani Role In Air India Kanishka BombingKolkata Warehouse Collapse: Bengal CM Blames TMC Regime, Says ‘Flawed Plan’ Got ApprovalRam Mandir Donation Row: F.I.R Filed Against Eight Accused After SIT Flags EmbezzlementThreat To Journalists? Shiv Sena MP’s Remarks Trigger Political Storm In MaharashtraWhy India Has Given Dinesh Trivedi Cabinet Minister-Equivalent Status In Bangladesh?From Deportation Calls To Racist Attacks: The Rise Of Anti-Indian Sentiment In The US’Congress, BJP & SAD Joined Hands’: Punjab CM Mann Blames Opposition For ‘Conspiracy’India-Pak Backchannel Talks Continue In Colombo And Bangkok Amid Diplomatic Freeze: ReportsIf Aadhaar, PAN, Voter ID And Passport Aren’t Final Proofs, What Actually Makes You Indian?Shiv Sena (UBT) MPs Meet Lok Sabha Speaker, Stress Constitutional Process On Party Claims123PhotostoriesFriday OTT releases (June 26): ‘Raja Shivaji’, ‘Little Brother’, ‘Agent Kim Reactivated’, ‘Perfect Family’ and moreShoaib Ibrahim and Dipika Kakar ring in son Ruhaan’s third birthday quietly amid father’s hospitalisationButtermilk for Summer: 8 traditional buttermilk dishes of India to keep the gut cool7 places on Earth that are compared to hell and yet travellers keep going10 baby girl names that symbolise renewal and positivity in different languagesSuccess quote of the day by Kunal Shah: ‘There are no over-ambitious people; only dreamers with no plans’Psychology says women comfortable being alone often share these 8 powerful traitsPushy parenting does more harm than good: What it is and 5 signs you may be oneThis everyday habit before work could be quietly damaging your performanceInside Samay Raina’s luxurious Mumbai house: A massive living area, a streaming room and more123Hot PicksCharles OliveiraKetan Agrawal MurderMike Vrabel ControversyGermany Vs EcuadorSujata Rout KarthikeyanED KelceNHL Trade RumorsNFL Trade RumorsAndy RoddickTop TrendingSundar PichaiVenezuela NewsRithuparna KSFIFA World Cup 2026Venezuela earthquake NewsMumba Local Train MurderMEA PassportNandani BosmiyaMK StalinMumbai Local Train News

Vamsikrishna 0
Tamil Nadu chief minister C Joseph Vijay joins thousands during the ‘Start Run, Stop Drugs’ anti-drug awareness run at Chennai’s Marina Beach on the International Day against drug abuse and illicit trafficking. (Photo: X/@CMOTamilnadu) NEW DELHI: Tamil Nadu chief minister C Joseph Vijay on Friday flagged off the “Start Run, Stop Drugs” anti-drug awareness run at Chennai’s Marina Beach to mark the International Day Against Drug Abuse and Illicit Trafficking before joining hundreds of participants for the event.Dressed in tracks, sneakers and sunglasses, Vijay drew loud cheers as he ran alongside participants wearing a “Start Run, Stop Drugs” T-shirt. Aerial visuals showed long stretches of Marina Beach Road filled with runners taking part in the awareness campaign.Before the run began, the chief minister wrote the slogan “Sporta Edu, Drugs Vidu” (Take up sports and give up drugs) on an awareness board. Several ministers present at the venue also signed the board in support of the campaign.Tamil Nadu sports minister Aadhav Arjuna ran alongside Vijay during the event, while other ministers joined him at different stages of the run.The chief minister also administered an anti-drug pledge, urging people to stay away from narcotics, help friends and family members overcome addiction, and support efforts to eliminate drug abuse from society.The awareness run came a day after Vijay launched the state’s anti-drug anthem as part of the Tamil Nadu government’s wider campaign against substance abuse.Eliminating drugs has been one of the flagship promises of the ruling TVK government. The administration has repeatedly linked the drug menace to deteriorating law and order and crimes against women. During his reply to the motion of thanks on the Governor’s address earlier this week, Vijay accused the previous government of failing to curb the unrestricted movement of narcotics across the state.The Marina Beach run was part of statewide programmes organised on the International Day Against Drug Abuse, with a focus on encouraging young people to choose sports and healthy lifestyles over substance abuse.Get the latest India news and live updates. Download the TOI App.About the AuthorTOI News DeskThe TOI News Desk comprises a dedicated and tireless team of journalists who operate around the clock to deliver the most current and comprehensive news and updates to the readers of The Times of India worldwide. With an unwavering commitment to excellence in journalism, our team is at the forefront of gathering, verifying, and presenting breaking news, in-depth analysis, and insightful reports on a wide range of topics. The TOI News Desk is your trusted source for staying informed and connected to the ever-evolving global landscape, ensuring that our readers are equipped with the latest developments that matter most.”Read MoreEnd of ArticleFollow Us On Social MediaVideosSuvendu Govt Likely To Introduce UCC Bill In West Bengal Assembly On MondayCanada Officially Confirms Khalistani Role In Air India Kanishka BombingKolkata Warehouse Collapse: Bengal CM Blames TMC Regime, Says ‘Flawed Plan’ Got ApprovalRam Mandir Donation Row: F.I.R Filed Against Eight Accused After SIT Flags EmbezzlementThreat To Journalists? Shiv Sena MP’s Remarks Trigger Political Storm In MaharashtraWhy India Has Given Dinesh Trivedi Cabinet Minister-Equivalent Status In Bangladesh?From Deportation Calls To Racist Attacks: The Rise Of Anti-Indian Sentiment In The US’Congress, BJP & SAD Joined Hands’: Punjab CM Mann Blames Opposition For ‘Conspiracy’India-Pak Backchannel Talks Continue In Colombo And Bangkok Amid Diplomatic Freeze: ReportsIf Aadhaar, PAN, Voter ID And Passport Aren’t Final Proofs, What Actually Makes You Indian?123PhotostoriesBest indoor plants for offices and workspaces: 7 Low-maintenance plants that can brighten your deskPsychology suggests people who eat eggs for breakfast are not just focusing on protein, but something beyondPsychology says women who enjoy being alone are often the most loyal and faithful. 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Tamil Nadu chief minister C Joseph Vijay joins thousands during the ‘Start Run, Stop Drugs’ anti-drug awareness run at Chennai’s Marina Beach on the International Day against drug abuse and illicit trafficking. (Photo: X/@CMOTamilnadu) NEW DELHI: Tamil Nadu chief minister C Joseph Vijay on Friday flagged off the “Start Run, Stop Drugs” anti-drug awareness run at Chennai’s Marina Beach to mark the International Day Against Drug Abuse and Illicit Trafficking before joining hundreds of participants for the event.Dressed in tracks, sneakers and sunglasses, Vijay drew loud cheers as he ran alongside participants wearing a “Start Run, Stop Drugs” T-shirt. Aerial visuals showed long stretches of Marina Beach Road filled with runners taking part in the awareness campaign.Before the run began, the chief minister wrote the slogan “Sporta Edu, Drugs Vidu” (Take up sports and give up drugs) on an awareness board. Several ministers present at the venue also signed the board in support of the campaign.Tamil Nadu sports minister Aadhav Arjuna ran alongside Vijay during the event, while other ministers joined him at different stages of the run.The chief minister also administered an anti-drug pledge, urging people to stay away from narcotics, help friends and family members overcome addiction, and support efforts to eliminate drug abuse from society.The awareness run came a day after Vijay launched the state’s anti-drug anthem as part of the Tamil Nadu government’s wider campaign against substance abuse.Eliminating drugs has been one of the flagship promises of the ruling TVK government. The administration has repeatedly linked the drug menace to deteriorating law and order and crimes against women. During his reply to the motion of thanks on the Governor’s address earlier this week, Vijay accused the previous government of failing to curb the unrestricted movement of narcotics across the state.The Marina Beach run was part of statewide programmes organised on the International Day Against Drug Abuse, with a focus on encouraging young people to choose sports and healthy lifestyles over substance abuse.Get the latest India news and live updates. Download the TOI App.About the AuthorTOI News DeskThe TOI News Desk comprises a dedicated and tireless team of journalists who operate around the clock to deliver the most current and comprehensive news and updates to the readers of The Times of India worldwide. With an unwavering commitment to excellence in journalism, our team is at the forefront of gathering, verifying, and presenting breaking news, in-depth analysis, and insightful reports on a wide range of topics. The TOI News Desk is your trusted source for staying informed and connected to the ever-evolving global landscape, ensuring that our readers are equipped with the latest developments that matter most.”Read MoreEnd of ArticleFollow Us On Social MediaVideosSuvendu Govt Likely To Introduce UCC Bill In West Bengal Assembly On MondayCanada Officially Confirms Khalistani Role In Air India Kanishka BombingKolkata Warehouse Collapse: Bengal CM Blames TMC Regime, Says ‘Flawed Plan’ Got ApprovalRam Mandir Donation Row: F.I.R Filed Against Eight Accused After SIT Flags EmbezzlementThreat To Journalists? Shiv Sena MP’s Remarks Trigger Political Storm In MaharashtraWhy India Has Given Dinesh Trivedi Cabinet Minister-Equivalent Status In Bangladesh?From Deportation Calls To Racist Attacks: The Rise Of Anti-Indian Sentiment In The US’Congress, BJP & SAD Joined Hands’: Punjab CM Mann Blames Opposition For ‘Conspiracy’India-Pak Backchannel Talks Continue In Colombo And Bangkok Amid Diplomatic Freeze: ReportsIf Aadhaar, PAN, Voter ID And Passport Aren’t Final Proofs, What Actually Makes You Indian?123PhotostoriesBest indoor plants for offices and workspaces: 7 Low-maintenance plants that can brighten your deskPsychology suggests people who eat eggs for breakfast are not just focusing on protein, but something beyondPsychology says women who enjoy being alone are often the most loyal and faithful. Here’s why60-second money lesson: Should you split expenses 50-50 in a relationship?Friday OTT releases (June 26): ‘Raja Shivaji’, ‘Little Brother’, ‘Agent Kim Reactivated’, ‘Perfect Family’ and moreShoaib Ibrahim and Dipika Kakar ring in son Ruhaan’s third birthday quietly amid father’s hospitalisationButtermilk for Summer: 8 traditional buttermilk dishes of India to keep the gut cool7 places on Earth that are compared to hell and yet travellers keep going10 baby girl names that symbolise renewal and positivity in different languagesSuccess quote of the day by Kunal Shah: ‘There are no over-ambitious people; only dreamers with no plans’123Hot PicksRBI Grade B Prelims ResultNEET-UG 2026 re-examBank holiday todayGold price crashStock market holidayDelhi rape-murderNHL Trade RumorsNFL Trade RumorsAndy RoddickTop TrendingDoug MartinVenezuela NewsRithuparna KSFIFA World Cup 2026Venezuela earthquake NewsMumba Local Train MurderMEA PassportNandani BosmiyaMK StalinMumbai Local Train News

Vamsikrishna 0
NEW DELHI: In what is going to make millions of them breathe easy, students returning to schools after the summer break in July will not be forced into an abrupt language switch midway through schooling. Union education minister Dharmendra Pradhan told TOI on Thursday that the requirement of studying two Indian languages under the three-language policy will begin with Class 6 and progress gradually, instead of being applied retrospectively to students already in Classes 7, 8 and 9 in CBSE schools.This means students who had opted for two foreign languages under the existing system can continue with their current combination until their Class 10 board examination, which for Class 7 would be in 2030 and for Class 9 in 2028. CBSE is expected to issue an amended order after deliberations in its governing council.This answers a concern schools and parents raised after CBSE asked affiliated schools to roll out the policy from July. The fear was that a student who had studied a foreign language for years could suddenly be told to drop it in Class IX for an Indian one — which would have meant academic stress for children and operational strain for schools.Pradhan said the board’s earlier communication had not clearly spelt out the transition for students already in the system. “CBSE could not give a clear order,” he said, adding that the ambiguity would now be removed. “No child will face any difficulty. Those already studying two foreign languages will be allowed to continue till they pass Class X,” he said, adding that the policy would apply from Class 6 and then advance with each cohort.Under the National Education Policy 2020, students from classes VI to VIII are expected to study three languages. Pradhan said this was already the norm across most school boards in the country. Of India’s nearly 25 crore school students, he said, about 90% study three languages, and barring CBSE and Tamil Nadu, most boards follow the pattern up to Class X. Within CBSE, nearly 99% already study two Indian languages; only about 1.3% have combinations involving two foreign languages — the group now left untouched.Students now entering Class VI will study three languages, of which two will have to be Indian languages.Pradhan said class-appropriate books in 22 Indian languages would be made available, and issues relating to teachers and resources would have to be addressed by CBSE. “This is CBSE’s challenge, not the country’s challenge, not the state board’s challenge,” he said. Class-appropriate textbooks in 22 languages would be ready on time, he said, easing confusion over books, teachers and timelines that had reached the courts.A fourth language stays optional, and nothing in the policy bars foreign languages. The insistence, Pradhan said, is only on Indian languages anchoring schooling, part of a wider push to pull the country out of what he called a colonised mindset.Besides the language question, there is now a parallel push on skills. From classes VI to VIII, vocational exposure is compulsory, with schools required to spend 110 hours a year on skill modules and set up composite skill labs. In classes IX and X, a skill subject such as Kaushal Vikas is mandatory, to be assessed through internal marks and boards; in classes XI and XII, it will stay elective but is going to be pushed hard.CBSE officials said that the Board is also examining whether a foreign language can be taken in lieu of the compulsory vocational subject up to Class X. However, this remains under discussion.Get the latest India news and live updates. Download the TOI App.About the AuthorManash Pratim GohainManash Pratim Gohain is a seasoned journalist with over two decades at The Times of India, where he has built a rich body of work spanning education policy, politics, and governance. Renowned for his incisive coverage of the National Education Policy (NEP) 2020, accreditation reforms, and skilling initiatives, he has also reported on student politics, urban policy, and social movements. His political reportage—both reflective and news-driven—adds depth to his writing, bridging policy with public impact. Through his 2,500 articles and related outlets, he has emerged as a trusted voice in national discourse, particularly in linking education reform to broader societal change.Read MoreEnd of ArticleFollow Us On Social MediaVideosCanada Officially Confirms Khalistani Role In Air India Kanishka BombingKolkata Warehouse Collapse: Bengal CM Blames TMC Regime, Says ‘Flawed Plan’ Got ApprovalRam Mandir Donation Row: F.I.R Filed Against Eight Accused After SIT Flags EmbezzlementThreat To Journalists? 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NEW DELHI: In what is going to make millions of them breathe easy, students returning to schools after the summer break in July will not be forced into an abrupt language switch midway through schooling. Union education minister Dharmendra Pradhan told TOI on Thursday that the requirement of studying two Indian languages under the three-language policy will begin with Class 6 and progress gradually, instead of being applied retrospectively to students already in Classes 7, 8 and 9 in CBSE schools.This means students who had opted for two foreign languages under the existing system can continue with their current combination until their Class 10 board examination, which for Class 7 would be in 2030 and for Class 9 in 2028. CBSE is expected to issue an amended order after deliberations in its governing council.This answers a concern schools and parents raised after CBSE asked affiliated schools to roll out the policy from July. The fear was that a student who had studied a foreign language for years could suddenly be told to drop it in Class IX for an Indian one — which would have meant academic stress for children and operational strain for schools.Pradhan said the board’s earlier communication had not clearly spelt out the transition for students already in the system. “CBSE could not give a clear order,” he said, adding that the ambiguity would now be removed. “No child will face any difficulty. Those already studying two foreign languages will be allowed to continue till they pass Class X,” he said, adding that the policy would apply from Class 6 and then advance with each cohort.Under the National Education Policy 2020, students from classes VI to VIII are expected to study three languages. Pradhan said this was already the norm across most school boards in the country. Of India’s nearly 25 crore school students, he said, about 90% study three languages, and barring CBSE and Tamil Nadu, most boards follow the pattern up to Class X. Within CBSE, nearly 99% already study two Indian languages; only about 1.3% have combinations involving two foreign languages — the group now left untouched.Students now entering Class VI will study three languages, of which two will have to be Indian languages.Pradhan said class-appropriate books in 22 Indian languages would be made available, and issues relating to teachers and resources would have to be addressed by CBSE. “This is CBSE’s challenge, not the country’s challenge, not the state board’s challenge,” he said. Class-appropriate textbooks in 22 languages would be ready on time, he said, easing confusion over books, teachers and timelines that had reached the courts.A fourth language stays optional, and nothing in the policy bars foreign languages. The insistence, Pradhan said, is only on Indian languages anchoring schooling, part of a wider push to pull the country out of what he called a colonised mindset.Besides the language question, there is now a parallel push on skills. From classes VI to VIII, vocational exposure is compulsory, with schools required to spend 110 hours a year on skill modules and set up composite skill labs. In classes IX and X, a skill subject such as Kaushal Vikas is mandatory, to be assessed through internal marks and boards; in classes XI and XII, it will stay elective but is going to be pushed hard.CBSE officials said that the Board is also examining whether a foreign language can be taken in lieu of the compulsory vocational subject up to Class X. However, this remains under discussion.Get the latest India news and live updates. Download the TOI App.About the AuthorManash Pratim GohainManash Pratim Gohain is a seasoned journalist with over two decades at The Times of India, where he has built a rich body of work spanning education policy, politics, and governance. Renowned for his incisive coverage of the National Education Policy (NEP) 2020, accreditation reforms, and skilling initiatives, he has also reported on student politics, urban policy, and social movements. His political reportage—both reflective and news-driven—adds depth to his writing, bridging policy with public impact. Through his 2,500 articles and related outlets, he has emerged as a trusted voice in national discourse, particularly in linking education reform to broader societal change.Read MoreEnd of ArticleFollow Us On Social MediaVideosCanada Officially Confirms Khalistani Role In Air India Kanishka BombingKolkata Warehouse Collapse: Bengal CM Blames TMC Regime, Says ‘Flawed Plan’ Got ApprovalRam Mandir Donation Row: F.I.R Filed Against Eight Accused After SIT Flags EmbezzlementThreat To Journalists? 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