August 2, 2026

Shehzad Poonawalla; Rahul Gandhi NEW DELHI: Former BJP spokesperson Shehzad Poonawalla on Sunday took a swipe at Rahul Gandhi over his Friendship Day message for Gen Z, referring to the Korean finger heart emoji in the Congress MP’s social media post as “counting fingers”, accusing the Gandhi family and the grand old party of corruption.Poonawalla, a former Congress spokesperson, resigned from the BJP in a surprise move on Friday. He has frequently targeted Rahul Gandhi since leaving the Congress.“No, no, no, don’t mistake it for the Korean heart gesture shared on Friendship Day,” Poonawalla said in a video posted on X, claiming that the gesture was “nothing new” for Rahul Gandhi and the Congress.“Rahul Gandhi ji said, ‘Still a student, learning something new every day.’ But this is not a new gesture for him. This is not a Korean heart… this is counting fingers,” he remarked, placing a few currency notes between his fingers to mimic the Korean finger heart gesture.He continued: “Counting corruption every day. Taking corruption bribes every day. The Gandhi family has more than an apprenticeship in this — they have a PhD. Ask the Karnataka government… ‘counting fingers.’ Happy Friendship Day.”Earlier in the day, Rahul Gandhi, in an apparent attempt to connect with Gen Z, posted a photo on Instagram and wrote: “Still a student, still learning something new every day. Today’s lesson: it’s Friendship Day and this 🫰 is a heart. Happy Friendship Day, everyone. Lots of love!”Join conversationView All Comments →Share your thoughts in the commentsInsightfulAgreeDisagreeSkepticalConcerningPromisingWorth ReadingBig DevelopmentPost CommentBe respectful · TOI community guidelinesIn the photo, the Leader of the Opposition in the Lok Sabha is seen wearing his trademark white shirt and making the popular Korean finger heart gesture.The Wayanad MP has increasingly used social media to engage with younger audiences in recent years.The outreach comes at a time when student and youth issues have gained renewed political attention, including after recent protests in Delhi that culminated in the resignation of Dharmendra Pradhan as Union education minister.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 MediaVideos‘Mekedatu Dam Is Permanent Solution’: Karnataka CM Shivakumar After All-Party Meet On Cauvery Water’₹18 Crore Stolen Every Year’ At Mumbai’s Siddhivinayak Temple: Raj Thackeray’s Donation Theft Claim‘Enemy Nations Conspiring To Hurt India’: PM Modi During ‘Nasha Mukt Yuva’ Campaign LaunchIndian Navy Launches Final Diving Support Craft, Completes Indigenous Five Ship ProgrammeMother Of Noida Teen Seeks Protection, FIR Withdrawal After PM Modi’s Appeal For Compassion’Why Do Killings Happen When…’: Farooq Abdullah’s Remarks On Kulgam Terror Attack Spark BJP-NC RowRam Temple Skit Row: Rahul Gandhi, Pappu Yadav, Awadhesh Prasad BookedPaper Leak Law Passed, But Can Tougher Punishment Alone Stop India’s Endless Exam Leak Crisis?’Pakistan-Based Handles, Suvendu On Target’: Bengal STF Uncovers Shocking ‘Jaish Module”PM Has The Audacity Of Forgiving’: Rahul Gandhi Slams Modi’s Video On Jantar Mantar ‘Abuses’123Photostories7 incredible hair spa benefits that will actually transform your locksBrain teaser: Only sharp eyes can spot 1 out of 20 giraffes without a twin in 10 seconds in this safari landscapeMenstrual struggles nobody prepares young girls for: Doctor explains the symptoms that shouldn’t be dismissed as ‘part of growing up’7 things worth letting go of before the year comes to an endJanhvi Kapoor served four bridesmaid looks and every wedding guest just got fashion anxietyThe science behind tadka and why this simple technique does more than add flavour5 best ways to make money as a student in India without affecting your studies5 Succulent plants perfect for small indoor gardensKatrina Kaif’s makeup artist Daniel Bauer reveals the right way to clean your makeup brushesWhy Gen Z dates so differently: 5 relationship trends millennials find hard to decode123Hot PicksHurricane IrmaRuchika SinghRRB Group D Admit CardNEET selective edit windowCommonwealth Games LiveUS work permit feeE20 petrol debateAssam floodsKanwar Yatra 2026Top TrendingMohammad Hamim MondalWeather TomorrowArpita SarkarAbhijeet Dipke Family FinancesPM ModiNoida Woman ArrestAmit ShahKulgam Terror AttackMumbai Building CollapseStock Market Up

Vamsikrishna02 mins mins
Shehzad Poonawalla; Rahul Gandhi NEW DELHI: Former BJP spokesperson Shehzad Poonawalla on Sunday took a swipe at Rahul Gandhi over his Friendship Day message for Gen Z, referring to the Korean finger heart emoji in the Congress MP’s social media post as “counting fingers”, accusing the Gandhi family and the grand old party of corruption.Poonawalla, a former Congress spokesperson, resigned from the BJP in a surprise move on Friday. He has frequently targeted Rahul Gandhi since leaving the Congress.“No, no, no, don’t mistake it for the Korean heart gesture shared on Friendship Day,” Poonawalla said in a video posted on X, claiming that the gesture was “nothing new” for Rahul Gandhi and the Congress.“Rahul Gandhi ji said, ‘Still a student, learning something new every day.’ But this is not a new gesture for him. This is not a Korean heart… this is counting fingers,” he remarked, placing a few currency notes between his fingers to mimic the Korean finger heart gesture.He continued: “Counting corruption every day. Taking corruption bribes every day. The Gandhi family has more than an apprenticeship in this — they have a PhD. Ask the Karnataka government… ‘counting fingers.’ Happy Friendship Day.”Earlier in the day, Rahul Gandhi, in an apparent attempt to connect with Gen Z, posted a photo on Instagram and wrote: “Still a student, still learning something new every day. Today’s lesson: it’s Friendship Day and this 🫰 is a heart. Happy Friendship Day, everyone. Lots of love!”Join conversationView All Comments →Share your thoughts in the commentsInsightfulAgreeDisagreeSkepticalConcerningPromisingWorth ReadingBig DevelopmentPost CommentBe respectful · TOI community guidelinesIn the photo, the Leader of the Opposition in the Lok Sabha is seen wearing his trademark white shirt and making the popular Korean finger heart gesture.The Wayanad MP has increasingly used social media to engage with younger audiences in recent years.The outreach comes at a time when student and youth issues have gained renewed political attention, including after recent protests in Delhi that culminated in the resignation of Dharmendra Pradhan as Union education minister.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 MediaVideos‘Mekedatu Dam Is Permanent Solution’: Karnataka CM Shivakumar After All-Party Meet On Cauvery Water’₹18 Crore Stolen Every Year’ At Mumbai’s Siddhivinayak Temple: Raj Thackeray’s Donation Theft Claim‘Enemy Nations Conspiring To Hurt India’: PM Modi During ‘Nasha Mukt Yuva’ Campaign LaunchIndian Navy Launches Final Diving Support Craft, Completes Indigenous Five Ship ProgrammeMother Of Noida Teen Seeks Protection, FIR Withdrawal After PM Modi’s Appeal For Compassion’Why Do Killings Happen When…’: Farooq Abdullah’s Remarks On Kulgam Terror Attack Spark BJP-NC RowRam Temple Skit Row: Rahul Gandhi, Pappu Yadav, Awadhesh Prasad BookedPaper Leak Law Passed, But Can Tougher Punishment Alone Stop India’s Endless Exam Leak Crisis?’Pakistan-Based Handles, Suvendu On Target’: Bengal STF Uncovers Shocking ‘Jaish Module”PM Has The Audacity Of Forgiving’: Rahul Gandhi Slams Modi’s Video On Jantar Mantar ‘Abuses’123Photostories7 incredible hair spa benefits that will actually transform your locksBrain teaser: Only sharp eyes can spot 1 out of 20 giraffes without a twin in 10 seconds in this safari landscapeMenstrual struggles nobody prepares young girls for: Doctor explains the symptoms that shouldn’t be dismissed as ‘part of growing up’7 things worth letting go of before the year comes to an endJanhvi Kapoor served four bridesmaid looks and every wedding guest just got fashion anxietyThe science behind tadka and why this simple technique does more than add flavour5 best ways to make money as a student in India without affecting your studies5 Succulent plants perfect for small indoor gardensKatrina Kaif’s makeup artist Daniel Bauer reveals the right way to clean your makeup brushesWhy Gen Z dates so differently: 5 relationship trends millennials find hard to decode123Hot PicksHurricane IrmaRuchika SinghRRB Group D Admit CardNEET selective edit windowCommonwealth Games LiveUS work permit feeE20 petrol debateAssam floodsKanwar Yatra 2026Top TrendingMohammad Hamim MondalWeather TomorrowArpita SarkarAbhijeet Dipke Family FinancesPM ModiNoida Woman ArrestAmit ShahKulgam Terror AttackMumbai Building CollapseStock Market Up


'Not Korean heart...counting fingers': Shehzad Poonawalla's swipe at Rahul Gandhi over Gen Z post
Shehzad Poonawalla; Rahul Gandhi

NEW DELHI: Former BJP spokesperson Shehzad Poonawalla on Sunday took a swipe at Rahul Gandhi over his Friendship Day message for Gen Z, referring to the Korean finger heart emoji in the Congress MP’s social media post as “counting fingers”, accusing the Gandhi family and the grand old party of corruption.Poonawalla, a former Congress spokesperson, resigned from the BJP in a surprise move on Friday. He has frequently targeted Rahul Gandhi since leaving the Congress.“No, no, no, don’t mistake it for the Korean heart gesture shared on Friendship Day,” Poonawalla said in a video posted on X, claiming that the gesture was “nothing new” for Rahul Gandhi and the Congress.“Rahul Gandhi ji said, ‘Still a student, learning something new every day.’ But this is not a new gesture for him. This is not a Korean heart… this is counting fingers,” he remarked, placing a few currency notes between his fingers to mimic the Korean finger heart gesture.He continued: “Counting corruption every day. Taking corruption bribes every day. The Gandhi family has more than an apprenticeship in this — they have a PhD. Ask the Karnataka government… ‘counting fingers.’ Happy Friendship Day.”Earlier in the day, Rahul Gandhi, in an apparent attempt to connect with Gen Z, posted a photo on Instagram and wrote: “Still a student, still learning something new every day. Today’s lesson: it’s Friendship Day and this 🫰 is a heart. Happy Friendship Day, everyone. Lots of love!”

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Taslima Nasreen draws parallel between Bangladesh and Delhi student protest NEW DELHI: Exiled Bangladeshi author Taslima Nasreen on Sunday said the student movement that led to the ouster of Sheikh Hasina’s government had “fooled us”, drawing a parallel between the protests in Bangladesh and the recent student demonstrations in Delhi.Speaking to reporters in Kolkata two days after returning to the city for the first time since 2007, the acclaimed writer acknowledged that she had not followed the Delhi protest closely, but added that a short video clip from the agitation “reminded me of the July 2024 students’ movement in Bangladesh.””That student movement in Bangladesh fooled us. Because we thought the students wanted to abolish the quota system. Sheikh Hasina had also agreed to their demands, but ultimately the government fell. Later, we found that jihadis (Islamic fundamentalists) were behind that movement. The fallout has not been good for Bangladesh. Jihadis have taken over power there,” she told reporters.Nasreen, who left Bangladesh in 1994 following threats from Islamic radicals over her work, further stated that the developments in her home country had “reinforced” her concerns about the consequences of such movements.The 63-year-old author added that the 2024 Bangladesh protests should “therefore serve as a lesson.”Nasreen’s remarks came ahead of the second anniversary of Sheikh Hasina’s resignation on August 5. The former prime minister has been living in exile in New Delhi.Join conversationView All Comments →Share your thoughts in the commentsInsightfulAgreeDisagreeSkepticalConcerningPromisingWorth ReadingBig DevelopmentPost CommentBe respectful · TOI community guidelinesThe Awami League government was replaced by an interim administration led by Nobel laureate Muhammad Yunus three days after Sheikh Hasina’s ouster.In February this year, the Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP) secured a sweeping victory in a landmark parliamentary election, paving the way for party chairperson Tarique Rahman to become the new prime minister.The protests in Delhi were held demanding the resignation of then Union education minister Dharmendra Pradhan over the NEET (UG) paper leak issue and seeking broader examination reforms. After more than five weeks of an indefinite sit-in led by the Cockroach Janta Party (CJP) in the national capital, Pradhan resigned on July 25, bringing the agitation to an end.(With PTI inputs)Get the latest India News and Live updates. Download the TOI app.About the AuthorKaran ManralKaran Manral is a journalist at the Times of India. He covers politics, social issues, and international affairs, exploring stories that affect people’s everyday lives. He also writes explainers to make these stories easier for readers to follow.Read MoreEnd of ArticleFollow Us On Social MediaVideosON CAM: Clash Erupts At Pappu Yadav’s Delhi Press Meet, Man Carrying Knife Detained‘Mekedatu Dam Is Permanent Solution’: Karnataka CM Shivakumar After All-Party Meet On Cauvery Water’₹18 Crore Stolen Every Year’ At Mumbai’s Siddhivinayak Temple: Raj Thackeray’s Donation Theft Claim‘Enemy Nations Conspiring To Hurt India’: PM Modi During ‘Nasha Mukt Yuva’ Campaign LaunchIndian Navy Launches Final Diving Support Craft, Completes Indigenous Five Ship ProgrammeMother Of Noida Teen Seeks Protection, FIR Withdrawal After PM Modi’s Appeal For Compassion’Why Do Killings Happen When…’: Farooq Abdullah’s Remarks On Kulgam Terror Attack Spark BJP-NC RowRam Temple Skit Row: Rahul Gandhi, Pappu Yadav, Awadhesh Prasad BookedPaper Leak Law Passed, But Can Tougher Punishment Alone Stop India’s Endless Exam Leak Crisis?’Pakistan-Based Handles, Suvendu On Target’: Bengal STF Uncovers Shocking ‘Jaish Module’123Photostories7 signs you’re confusing loneliness with love (and how to tell the difference)Everyday things most men never think twice about could be quietly damaging sperm health, doctors warnWhich country invented biryani? The fascinating history behind the iconic dishSamantha Ruth Prabhu just gave maternity fashion the glow-up it was waiting forLung cancer isn’t just a smoker’s disease: Doctor explains how air pollution, genetics, and everyday exposures may quietly increase your risk7 incredible hair spa benefits that will actually transform your locksBrain teaser: Only sharp eyes can spot 1 out of 20 giraffes without a twin in 10 seconds in this safari landscapeMenstrual struggles nobody prepares young girls for: Doctor explains the symptoms that shouldn’t be dismissed as ‘part of growing up’7 things worth letting go of before the year comes to an endJanhvi Kapoor served four bridesmaid looks and every wedding guest just got fashion anxiety123Hot PicksHurricane IrmaRuchika SinghRRB Group D Admit CardNEET selective edit windowCommonwealth Games LiveUS work permit feeE20 petrol debateAssam floodsKanwar Yatra 2026Top TrendingMohammad Hamim MondalWeather TomorrowArpita SarkarAbhijeet Dipke Family FinancesPM ModiNoida Woman ArrestAmit ShahKulgam Terror AttackMumbai Building CollapseStock Market Up

Taslima Nasreen draws parallel between Bangladesh and Delhi student protest NEW DELHI: Exiled Bangladeshi author Taslima Nasreen on Sunday said the student movement that led to the ouster of Sheikh Hasina’s government had “fooled us”, drawing a parallel between the protests in Bangladesh and the recent student demonstrations in Delhi.Speaking to reporters in Kolkata two days after returning to the city for the first time since 2007, the acclaimed writer acknowledged that she had not followed the Delhi protest closely, but added that a short video clip from the agitation “reminded me of the July 2024 students’ movement in Bangladesh.””That student movement in Bangladesh fooled us. Because we thought the students wanted to abolish the quota system. Sheikh Hasina had also agreed to their demands, but ultimately the government fell. Later, we found that jihadis (Islamic fundamentalists) were behind that movement. The fallout has not been good for Bangladesh. Jihadis have taken over power there,” she told reporters.Nasreen, who left Bangladesh in 1994 following threats from Islamic radicals over her work, further stated that the developments in her home country had “reinforced” her concerns about the consequences of such movements.The 63-year-old author added that the 2024 Bangladesh protests should “therefore serve as a lesson.”Nasreen’s remarks came ahead of the second anniversary of Sheikh Hasina’s resignation on August 5. The former prime minister has been living in exile in New Delhi.Join conversationView All Comments →Share your thoughts in the commentsInsightfulAgreeDisagreeSkepticalConcerningPromisingWorth ReadingBig DevelopmentPost CommentBe respectful · TOI community guidelinesThe Awami League government was replaced by an interim administration led by Nobel laureate Muhammad Yunus three days after Sheikh Hasina’s ouster.In February this year, the Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP) secured a sweeping victory in a landmark parliamentary election, paving the way for party chairperson Tarique Rahman to become the new prime minister.The protests in Delhi were held demanding the resignation of then Union education minister Dharmendra Pradhan over the NEET (UG) paper leak issue and seeking broader examination reforms. After more than five weeks of an indefinite sit-in led by the Cockroach Janta Party (CJP) in the national capital, Pradhan resigned on July 25, bringing the agitation to an end.(With PTI inputs)Get the latest India News and Live updates. Download the TOI app.About the AuthorKaran ManralKaran Manral is a journalist at the Times of India. He covers politics, social issues, and international affairs, exploring stories that affect people’s everyday lives. He also writes explainers to make these stories easier for readers to follow.Read MoreEnd of ArticleFollow Us On Social MediaVideosON CAM: Clash Erupts At Pappu Yadav’s Delhi Press Meet, Man Carrying Knife Detained‘Mekedatu Dam Is Permanent Solution’: Karnataka CM Shivakumar After All-Party Meet On Cauvery Water’₹18 Crore Stolen Every Year’ At Mumbai’s Siddhivinayak Temple: Raj Thackeray’s Donation Theft Claim‘Enemy Nations Conspiring To Hurt India’: PM Modi During ‘Nasha Mukt Yuva’ Campaign LaunchIndian Navy Launches Final Diving Support Craft, Completes Indigenous Five Ship ProgrammeMother Of Noida Teen Seeks Protection, FIR Withdrawal After PM Modi’s Appeal For Compassion’Why Do Killings Happen When…’: Farooq Abdullah’s Remarks On Kulgam Terror Attack Spark BJP-NC RowRam Temple Skit Row: Rahul Gandhi, Pappu Yadav, Awadhesh Prasad BookedPaper Leak Law Passed, But Can Tougher Punishment Alone Stop India’s Endless Exam Leak Crisis?’Pakistan-Based Handles, Suvendu On Target’: Bengal STF Uncovers Shocking ‘Jaish Module’123Photostories7 signs you’re confusing loneliness with love (and how to tell the difference)Everyday things most men never think twice about could be quietly damaging sperm health, doctors warnWhich country invented biryani? The fascinating history behind the iconic dishSamantha Ruth Prabhu just gave maternity fashion the glow-up it was waiting forLung cancer isn’t just a smoker’s disease: Doctor explains how air pollution, genetics, and everyday exposures may quietly increase your risk7 incredible hair spa benefits that will actually transform your locksBrain teaser: Only sharp eyes can spot 1 out of 20 giraffes without a twin in 10 seconds in this safari landscapeMenstrual struggles nobody prepares young girls for: Doctor explains the symptoms that shouldn’t be dismissed as ‘part of growing up’7 things worth letting go of before the year comes to an endJanhvi Kapoor served four bridesmaid looks and every wedding guest just got fashion anxiety123Hot PicksHurricane IrmaRuchika SinghRRB Group D Admit CardNEET selective edit windowCommonwealth Games LiveUS work permit feeE20 petrol debateAssam floodsKanwar Yatra 2026Top TrendingMohammad Hamim MondalWeather TomorrowArpita SarkarAbhijeet Dipke Family FinancesPM ModiNoida Woman ArrestAmit ShahKulgam Terror AttackMumbai Building CollapseStock Market Up

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Representative image NEW DELHI: Around 158 cases related to alleged recruitment examination irregularities are pending trial in courts across the country despite the completion of investigations, with some cases dating back more than two decades, PTI reported.The Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI), which probed these matters, has decided to approach high courts seeking the transfer of pending cases to fast-track courts being set up in several states to handle cases under the new anti-paper leak law.The agency will inform the high courts that it would provide dedicated special prosecutors and make all possible resources available to ensure the earliest possible conclusion of the trials.Government officials attributed the delays to the transfer of investigating officers, prosecutors, and even presiding judges.Which state accounts for how many casesDelhi accounted for 25 alleged irregularity cases registered since 2000. These include the AIIMS PG recruitment examination case of 2010-11, the Delhi University Medical and Dental Entrance Examination case of 2011, CAT (Common Admission Test) irregularities of 2004, the SSC (Staff Selection Commission) recruitment case of 2013, and teachers’ recruitment cases.Bihar has five pending cases, including three linked to the alleged NEET 2024 paper leak, besides irregularities in the PMT (Pre-Medical Test) examinations of 2003 and 2011.In Himachal Pradesh, the 2022 constable recruitment case is among three cases awaiting the start of trial. Jammu and Kashmir also has three pending cases, including alleged irregularities in junior engineer and constable recruitment.Similarly, five cases are awaiting trial in Jharkhand, five in Karnataka, three in Maharashtra — including two related to NEET 2024 — eight in Rajasthan, 14 in Tamil Nadu, and 10 each in West Bengal and Uttar Pradesh.New anti-paper leak lawThe Public Examinations (Prevention of Unfair Means) Amendment Act, 2026, recently passed by Parliament, provides for every state and Union territory to designate a sessions court as a special fast-track court in consultation with the chief justice of the concerned high court.Join conversationView All Comments →Share your thoughts in the commentsInsightfulAgreeDisagreeSkepticalConcerningPromisingWorth ReadingBig DevelopmentPost CommentBe respectful · TOI community guidelinesThe law mandates that these fast-track courts hear cases on a day-to-day basis without unnecessary adjournments, with trials to be completed within three months of the filing of the charge sheet. It also provides for the transfer of cases already pending before other courts to these newly designated special fast-track courts, where they are to be concluded within three months of transfer.Every state and Union territory will also appoint dedicated special public prosecutors to represent these cases.The legislation was enacted in the wake of the recent student protests at Delhi’s Jantar Mantar, which culminated with the resignation of the-then Union education minister Dharmendra Pradhan over the NEET (UG) paper leak in May. Protesters had also called for wider reforms in the country’s examination system, following which the government constituted a high-powered task force, headed by Infosys co-founder Nandan Nilekani, to recommend reforms.Get the latest India News and Live updates. Download the TOI app.About the AuthorKaran ManralKaran Manral is a journalist at the Times of India. He covers politics, social issues, and international affairs, exploring stories that affect people’s everyday lives. He also writes explainers to make these stories easier for readers to follow.Read MoreEnd of ArticleFollow Us On Social MediaVideos’₹18 Crore Stolen Every Year’ At Mumbai’s Siddhivinayak Temple: Raj Thackeray’s Donation Theft Claim‘Enemy Nations Conspiring To Hurt India’: PM Modi During ‘Nasha Mukt Yuva’ Campaign LaunchIndian Navy Launches Final Diving Support Craft, Completes Indigenous Five Ship ProgrammeMother Of Noida Teen Seeks Protection, FIR Withdrawal After PM Modi’s Appeal For Compassion’Why Do Killings Happen When…’: Farooq Abdullah’s Remarks On Kulgam Terror Attack Spark BJP-NC RowRam Temple Skit Row: Rahul Gandhi, Pappu Yadav, Awadhesh Prasad BookedPaper Leak Law Passed, But Can Tougher Punishment Alone Stop India’s Endless Exam Leak Crisis?’Pakistan-Based Handles, Suvendu On Target’: Bengal STF Uncovers Shocking ‘Jaish Module”PM Has The Audacity Of Forgiving’: Rahul Gandhi Slams Modi’s Video On Jantar Mantar ‘Abuses”Terrorists Asked Caste, Then Shot’: Family’s Shocking Claim In Kulgam Attack123Photostories7 things worth letting go of before the year comes to an endJanhvi Kapoor served four bridesmaid looks and every wedding guest just got fashion anxietyThe science behind tadka and why this simple technique does more than add flavour5 best ways to make money as a student in India without affecting your studies5 Succulent plants perfect for small indoor gardensKatrina Kaif’s makeup artist Daniel Bauer reveals the right way to clean your makeup brushesWhy Gen Z dates so differently: 5 relationship trends millennials find hard to decodeAnanya Panday gives metallic glam a savage upgrade in sculptural Anamika Khanna coutureWhere to store aluminium foil so that it lasts longer and doesn’t get damagedTraitors 2 confirmed contestants list: Mallika Sherawat, Shweta Tiwari, Munawar Faruqui and more123Hot PicksHurricane IrmaRuchika SinghRRB Group D Admit CardNEET selective edit windowCommonwealth Games LiveUS work permit feeE20 petrol debateAssam floodsKanwar Yatra 2026Top TrendingMohammad Hamim MondalWeather TomorrowArpita SarkarAbhijeet Dipke Family FinancesPM ModiNoida Woman ArrestAmit ShahKulgam Terror AttackMumbai Building CollapseStock Market Up

Representative image NEW DELHI: Around 158 cases related to alleged recruitment examination irregularities are pending trial in courts across the country despite the completion of investigations, with some cases dating back more than two decades, PTI reported.The Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI), which probed these matters, has decided to approach high courts seeking the transfer of pending cases to fast-track courts being set up in several states to handle cases under the new anti-paper leak law.The agency will inform the high courts that it would provide dedicated special prosecutors and make all possible resources available to ensure the earliest possible conclusion of the trials.Government officials attributed the delays to the transfer of investigating officers, prosecutors, and even presiding judges.Which state accounts for how many casesDelhi accounted for 25 alleged irregularity cases registered since 2000. These include the AIIMS PG recruitment examination case of 2010-11, the Delhi University Medical and Dental Entrance Examination case of 2011, CAT (Common Admission Test) irregularities of 2004, the SSC (Staff Selection Commission) recruitment case of 2013, and teachers’ recruitment cases.Bihar has five pending cases, including three linked to the alleged NEET 2024 paper leak, besides irregularities in the PMT (Pre-Medical Test) examinations of 2003 and 2011.In Himachal Pradesh, the 2022 constable recruitment case is among three cases awaiting the start of trial. Jammu and Kashmir also has three pending cases, including alleged irregularities in junior engineer and constable recruitment.Similarly, five cases are awaiting trial in Jharkhand, five in Karnataka, three in Maharashtra — including two related to NEET 2024 — eight in Rajasthan, 14 in Tamil Nadu, and 10 each in West Bengal and Uttar Pradesh.New anti-paper leak lawThe Public Examinations (Prevention of Unfair Means) Amendment Act, 2026, recently passed by Parliament, provides for every state and Union territory to designate a sessions court as a special fast-track court in consultation with the chief justice of the concerned high court.Join conversationView All Comments →Share your thoughts in the commentsInsightfulAgreeDisagreeSkepticalConcerningPromisingWorth ReadingBig DevelopmentPost CommentBe respectful · TOI community guidelinesThe law mandates that these fast-track courts hear cases on a day-to-day basis without unnecessary adjournments, with trials to be completed within three months of the filing of the charge sheet. It also provides for the transfer of cases already pending before other courts to these newly designated special fast-track courts, where they are to be concluded within three months of transfer.Every state and Union territory will also appoint dedicated special public prosecutors to represent these cases.The legislation was enacted in the wake of the recent student protests at Delhi’s Jantar Mantar, which culminated with the resignation of the-then Union education minister Dharmendra Pradhan over the NEET (UG) paper leak in May. Protesters had also called for wider reforms in the country’s examination system, following which the government constituted a high-powered task force, headed by Infosys co-founder Nandan Nilekani, to recommend reforms.Get the latest India News and Live updates. Download the TOI app.About the AuthorKaran ManralKaran Manral is a journalist at the Times of India. He covers politics, social issues, and international affairs, exploring stories that affect people’s everyday lives. He also writes explainers to make these stories easier for readers to follow.Read MoreEnd of ArticleFollow Us On Social MediaVideos’₹18 Crore Stolen Every Year’ At Mumbai’s Siddhivinayak Temple: Raj Thackeray’s Donation Theft Claim‘Enemy Nations Conspiring To Hurt India’: PM Modi During ‘Nasha Mukt Yuva’ Campaign LaunchIndian Navy Launches Final Diving Support Craft, Completes Indigenous Five Ship ProgrammeMother Of Noida Teen Seeks Protection, FIR Withdrawal After PM Modi’s Appeal For Compassion’Why Do Killings Happen When…’: Farooq Abdullah’s Remarks On Kulgam Terror Attack Spark BJP-NC RowRam Temple Skit Row: Rahul Gandhi, Pappu Yadav, Awadhesh Prasad BookedPaper Leak Law Passed, But Can Tougher Punishment Alone Stop India’s Endless Exam Leak Crisis?’Pakistan-Based Handles, Suvendu On Target’: Bengal STF Uncovers Shocking ‘Jaish Module”PM Has The Audacity Of Forgiving’: Rahul Gandhi Slams Modi’s Video On Jantar Mantar ‘Abuses”Terrorists Asked Caste, Then Shot’: Family’s Shocking Claim In Kulgam Attack123Photostories7 things worth letting go of before the year comes to an endJanhvi Kapoor served four bridesmaid looks and every wedding guest just got fashion anxietyThe science behind tadka and why this simple technique does more than add flavour5 best ways to make money as a student in India without affecting your studies5 Succulent plants perfect for small indoor gardensKatrina Kaif’s makeup artist Daniel Bauer reveals the right way to clean your makeup brushesWhy Gen Z dates so differently: 5 relationship trends millennials find hard to decodeAnanya Panday gives metallic glam a savage upgrade in sculptural Anamika Khanna coutureWhere to store aluminium foil so that it lasts longer and doesn’t get damagedTraitors 2 confirmed contestants list: Mallika Sherawat, Shweta Tiwari, Munawar Faruqui and more123Hot PicksHurricane IrmaRuchika SinghRRB Group D Admit CardNEET selective edit windowCommonwealth Games LiveUS work permit feeE20 petrol debateAssam floodsKanwar Yatra 2026Top TrendingMohammad Hamim MondalWeather TomorrowArpita SarkarAbhijeet Dipke Family FinancesPM ModiNoida Woman ArrestAmit ShahKulgam Terror AttackMumbai Building CollapseStock Market Up

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Sheikh Hasina; Taslima Nasreen NEW DELHI: Exiled Bangladeshi author Taslima Nasreen on Sunday criticised the ban on former Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina’s Awami League party, calling it a “move against democracy” and expressing uncertainty over Hasina’s return to the country.“No political party should be banned. The manner in which Sheikh Hasina was forced to leave the country is questionable. It was not right to ban the Awami League. It was a move against democracy. I want the ban to be lifted as soon as possible,” Nasreen told reporters at a press conference in Kolkata. Watch CJP Storm: Taslima Nasreen’s ‘Frighting Darkness’ Lesson For India; Shows B’Desh, Nepal MirrorSheikh Hasina has been living in Delhi since August 5, 2024, after resigning as prime minister following weeks of student-led protests. The interim government led by Nobel laureate Muhammad Yunus, which took charge after the fall of the Awami League administration, banned the party in May 2025 under anti-terrorism laws. Watch From India, Sheikh Hasina Announces Plan to Return to Bangladesh This YearMeanwhile, Nasreen alleged that several Awami League workers had been tortured and killed during Sheikh Hasina’s exile and expressed uncertainty over whether the former prime minister would be able to return to Bangladesh.“Many Awami League workers were tortured and murdered. Sheikh Hasina wants to return, but I do not know whether that will be possible. But no one wants me to go back,” she said.Nasreen also criticised Jamaat-e-Islami, now Bangladesh’s principal opposition party, accusing it of opposing women’s equality and seeking the imposition of Sharia law.“Now we have Jamaat-e-Islami as an opposition party. It is against women’s equality, and they want Sharia rule. If that happens, no minority will survive. Bangladesh is moving towards darkness. No one is trying to civilise Bangladesh. The government is only trying to remain in power,” she added.The 63-year-old author further claimed that “hatred against Hindus” was being spread in some madrasas and mosques in Bangladesh.“In many madrasas and mosques, hatred is being taught against Hindus,” Nasreen remarked.Nasreen backs Uniform Civil Code, calls it necessary for women’s equalityTurning to the issue of the Uniform Civil Code (UCC), Nasreen said she had been advocating for such a law for the past 40 years and described it as essential in any “civilised country”.“I have been fighting for the UCC for the past 40 years. This is much needed in any civilised country,” she remarked.She claimed that religious laws continued to affect women’s rights in Bangladesh, alleging that Hindu women in the country lacked adequate legal protections, including the right to divorce.“In Bangladesh, Hindu girls have no rights; they do not even have the right to divorce. Due to religious laws, women are suffering. Hindus are being tortured in Bangladesh. During the Yunus regime, Hindus were tortured even more,” she alleged.In July, the BJP-led West Bengal government constituted a nine-member expert committee headed by retired Supreme Court judge Justice Ranjana Prakash Desai to examine and finalise a draft UCC for the state. The state government plans to introduce the legislation during the upcoming August Assembly session.Join conversationView All Comments →Share your thoughts in the commentsInsightfulAgreeDisagreeSkepticalConcerningPromisingWorth ReadingBig DevelopmentPost CommentBe respectful · TOI community guidelinesNasreen, who has lived in exile since 1994, when she was forced to leave Bangladesh due to the threat from Islamic radicals over her work, returned to Kolkata nearly two decades. She was forced to leave the city in 2007 following protests over her writings and memoir Dwikhandito (Split into Two), published in 2003.(With ANI inputs) Get the latest India News and Live updates. Download the TOI app.About the AuthorKaran ManralKaran Manral is a journalist at the Times of India. He covers politics, social issues, and international affairs, exploring stories that affect people’s everyday lives. He also writes explainers to make these stories easier for readers to follow.Read MoreEnd of ArticleFollow Us On Social MediaVideos‘Mekedatu Dam Is Permanent Solution’: Karnataka CM Shivakumar After All-Party Meet On Cauvery Water’₹18 Crore Stolen Every Year’ At Mumbai’s Siddhivinayak Temple: Raj Thackeray’s Donation Theft Claim‘Enemy Nations Conspiring To Hurt India’: PM Modi During ‘Nasha Mukt Yuva’ Campaign LaunchIndian Navy Launches Final Diving Support Craft, Completes Indigenous Five Ship ProgrammeMother Of Noida Teen Seeks Protection, FIR Withdrawal After PM Modi’s Appeal For Compassion’Why Do Killings Happen When…’: Farooq Abdullah’s Remarks On Kulgam Terror Attack Spark BJP-NC RowRam Temple Skit Row: Rahul Gandhi, Pappu Yadav, Awadhesh Prasad BookedPaper Leak Law Passed, But Can Tougher Punishment Alone Stop India’s Endless Exam Leak Crisis?’Pakistan-Based Handles, Suvendu On Target’: Bengal STF Uncovers Shocking ‘Jaish Module”PM Has The Audacity Of Forgiving’: Rahul Gandhi Slams Modi’s Video On Jantar Mantar ‘Abuses’123Photostories7 incredible hair spa benefits that will actually transform your locksBrain teaser: Only sharp eyes can spot 1 out of 20 giraffes without a twin in 10 seconds in this safari landscapeMenstrual struggles nobody prepares young girls for: Doctor explains the symptoms that shouldn’t be dismissed as ‘part of growing up’7 things worth letting go of before the year comes to an endJanhvi Kapoor served four bridesmaid looks and every wedding guest just got fashion anxietyThe science behind tadka and why this simple technique does more than add flavour5 best ways to make money as a student in India without affecting your studies5 Succulent plants perfect for small indoor gardensKatrina Kaif’s makeup artist Daniel Bauer reveals the right way to clean your makeup brushesWhy Gen Z dates so differently: 5 relationship trends millennials find hard to decode123Hot PicksHurricane IrmaRuchika SinghRRB Group D Admit CardNEET selective edit windowCommonwealth Games LiveUS work permit feeE20 petrol debateAssam floodsKanwar Yatra 2026Top TrendingMohammad Hamim MondalWeather TomorrowArpita SarkarAbhijeet Dipke Family FinancesPM ModiNoida Woman ArrestAmit ShahKulgam Terror AttackMumbai Building CollapseStock Market Up

Sheikh Hasina; Taslima Nasreen NEW DELHI: Exiled Bangladeshi author Taslima Nasreen on Sunday criticised the ban on former Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina’s Awami League party, calling it a “move against democracy” and expressing uncertainty over Hasina’s return to the country.“No political party should be banned. The manner in which Sheikh Hasina was forced to leave the country is questionable. It was not right to ban the Awami League. It was a move against democracy. I want the ban to be lifted as soon as possible,” Nasreen told reporters at a press conference in Kolkata. Watch CJP Storm: Taslima Nasreen’s ‘Frighting Darkness’ Lesson For India; Shows B’Desh, Nepal MirrorSheikh Hasina has been living in Delhi since August 5, 2024, after resigning as prime minister following weeks of student-led protests. The interim government led by Nobel laureate Muhammad Yunus, which took charge after the fall of the Awami League administration, banned the party in May 2025 under anti-terrorism laws. Watch From India, Sheikh Hasina Announces Plan to Return to Bangladesh This YearMeanwhile, Nasreen alleged that several Awami League workers had been tortured and killed during Sheikh Hasina’s exile and expressed uncertainty over whether the former prime minister would be able to return to Bangladesh.“Many Awami League workers were tortured and murdered. Sheikh Hasina wants to return, but I do not know whether that will be possible. But no one wants me to go back,” she said.Nasreen also criticised Jamaat-e-Islami, now Bangladesh’s principal opposition party, accusing it of opposing women’s equality and seeking the imposition of Sharia law.“Now we have Jamaat-e-Islami as an opposition party. It is against women’s equality, and they want Sharia rule. If that happens, no minority will survive. Bangladesh is moving towards darkness. No one is trying to civilise Bangladesh. The government is only trying to remain in power,” she added.The 63-year-old author further claimed that “hatred against Hindus” was being spread in some madrasas and mosques in Bangladesh.“In many madrasas and mosques, hatred is being taught against Hindus,” Nasreen remarked.Nasreen backs Uniform Civil Code, calls it necessary for women’s equalityTurning to the issue of the Uniform Civil Code (UCC), Nasreen said she had been advocating for such a law for the past 40 years and described it as essential in any “civilised country”.“I have been fighting for the UCC for the past 40 years. This is much needed in any civilised country,” she remarked.She claimed that religious laws continued to affect women’s rights in Bangladesh, alleging that Hindu women in the country lacked adequate legal protections, including the right to divorce.“In Bangladesh, Hindu girls have no rights; they do not even have the right to divorce. Due to religious laws, women are suffering. Hindus are being tortured in Bangladesh. During the Yunus regime, Hindus were tortured even more,” she alleged.In July, the BJP-led West Bengal government constituted a nine-member expert committee headed by retired Supreme Court judge Justice Ranjana Prakash Desai to examine and finalise a draft UCC for the state. The state government plans to introduce the legislation during the upcoming August Assembly session.Join conversationView All Comments →Share your thoughts in the commentsInsightfulAgreeDisagreeSkepticalConcerningPromisingWorth ReadingBig DevelopmentPost CommentBe respectful · TOI community guidelinesNasreen, who has lived in exile since 1994, when she was forced to leave Bangladesh due to the threat from Islamic radicals over her work, returned to Kolkata nearly two decades. She was forced to leave the city in 2007 following protests over her writings and memoir Dwikhandito (Split into Two), published in 2003.(With ANI inputs) Get the latest India News and Live updates. Download the TOI app.About the AuthorKaran ManralKaran Manral is a journalist at the Times of India. He covers politics, social issues, and international affairs, exploring stories that affect people’s everyday lives. He also writes explainers to make these stories easier for readers to follow.Read MoreEnd of ArticleFollow Us On Social MediaVideos‘Mekedatu Dam Is Permanent Solution’: Karnataka CM Shivakumar After All-Party Meet On Cauvery Water’₹18 Crore Stolen Every Year’ At Mumbai’s Siddhivinayak Temple: Raj Thackeray’s Donation Theft Claim‘Enemy Nations Conspiring To Hurt India’: PM Modi During ‘Nasha Mukt Yuva’ Campaign LaunchIndian Navy Launches Final Diving Support Craft, Completes Indigenous Five Ship ProgrammeMother Of Noida Teen Seeks Protection, FIR Withdrawal After PM Modi’s Appeal For Compassion’Why Do Killings Happen When…’: Farooq Abdullah’s Remarks On Kulgam Terror Attack Spark BJP-NC RowRam Temple Skit Row: Rahul Gandhi, Pappu Yadav, Awadhesh Prasad BookedPaper Leak Law Passed, But Can Tougher Punishment Alone Stop India’s Endless Exam Leak Crisis?’Pakistan-Based Handles, Suvendu On Target’: Bengal STF Uncovers Shocking ‘Jaish Module”PM Has The Audacity Of Forgiving’: Rahul Gandhi Slams Modi’s Video On Jantar Mantar ‘Abuses’123Photostories7 incredible hair spa benefits that will actually transform your locksBrain teaser: Only sharp eyes can spot 1 out of 20 giraffes without a twin in 10 seconds in this safari landscapeMenstrual struggles nobody prepares young girls for: Doctor explains the symptoms that shouldn’t be dismissed as ‘part of growing up’7 things worth letting go of before the year comes to an endJanhvi Kapoor served four bridesmaid looks and every wedding guest just got fashion anxietyThe science behind tadka and why this simple technique does more than add flavour5 best ways to make money as a student in India without affecting your studies5 Succulent plants perfect for small indoor gardensKatrina Kaif’s makeup artist Daniel Bauer reveals the right way to clean your makeup brushesWhy Gen Z dates so differently: 5 relationship trends millennials find hard to decode123Hot PicksHurricane IrmaRuchika SinghRRB Group D Admit CardNEET selective edit windowCommonwealth Games LiveUS work permit feeE20 petrol debateAssam floodsKanwar Yatra 2026Top TrendingMohammad Hamim MondalWeather TomorrowArpita SarkarAbhijeet Dipke Family FinancesPM ModiNoida Woman ArrestAmit ShahKulgam Terror AttackMumbai Building CollapseStock Market Up

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