August 7, 2026

NEW DELHI: Rahul Gandhi went from Parliament to Gotham, at least on Instagram, when a playful Batman question landed in his Gen Z-focused “Ask Me Anything” session on Thursday. Asked if he was the masked superhero, the Leader of Opposition in the Lok Sabha delivered a tongue-in-cheek reply that quickly caught social media’s attention.Gandhi launched the AMA session on Instagram, inviting young people to question him on subjects ranging from student protests and education to politics and philosophy. Sharing the initiative on X, Gandhi wrote, “Students, Gen-Z — I’m here to listen. Ask me anything on Instagram, and I’ll answer as many questions as I can.”Among the questions was an interesting one, “Are you Batman?” Gandhi appeared to embrace the long-running social media meme comparing him with the fictional superhero.“Let’s just say that no one has ever seen me and Batman in the same room together,” Gandhi replied.The Congress subsequently shared video clips of several answers from the session. Gandhi also posted a video of himself standing in the rain with The Dark Knight theme playing in the background, adding to the Batman reference that quickly drew attention online.Gandhi’s Gen Z outreach comes as political leaders increasingly turn to social media to connect with younger audiences. Prime Minister Narendra Modi has also stepped up his Instagram engagement, from sharing a selfie video addressing “friends” to inviting people to share videos featuring their favourite handloom products, including “GRWM” (Get Ready With Me) videos. RSS chief Mohan Bhagwat also backed students on Thursday and said, “I feel this new generation, Gen Z, Gen Alpha, they are more honest than our existing generation.”Rahul’s ‘AMA’ session also touched on the ongoing student protests in Jharkhand over alleged irregularities in recruitment examinations. Asked about the protests, Gandhi said the country’s education system had failed students.“The student protests that are happening in the country are against the education system. I have stated it clearly, in Kota, Dehradun and will say it in Allahabad, that our education system has collapsed, it is unaffordable and oppressive.”Join conversationView All Comments →Share your thoughts in the commentsInsightfulAgreeDisagreeSkepticalConcerningPromisingWorth ReadingBig DevelopmentPost CommentBe respectful · TOI community guidelinesHe added, “Every government, be it the central government, Congress government or Jharkhand government, should listen to what students are saying and take action to change the education system.”The Jharkhand protests, which began on July 25 under the banner of the JPSC-JSSC Reforms Manch, had entered their 13th day on Thursday, with six demonstrators reportedly on hunger strike.Gandhi was also asked about young women fighting for their right to education. “India’s women are our strength, our biggest asset and frankly I do not appreciate the way women are treated in society, the way our education system treats our women and the way our corporate system treats our women,” he said.On his favourite BJP politician, Gandhi named former Punjab chief minister Captain Amarinder Singh, saying, “I get along with him, he is cool. He is an expert on military history. Hello, uncle Amarinder.”Get the latest India News and Live updates. Download the TOI app.About the AuthorSubhadra SrivastavaSubhadra Srivastava is a journalist with The Times of India, covering geopolitics, international and national affairs. With over three years of experience, she focuses on national and global developments, conflict, diplomacy and their impact on India. Her work combines breaking news with in-depth analysis, offering readers context and clarity on the stories shaping the world.Read MoreEnd of ArticleFollow Us On Social MediaVideosCentre Opposes Creamy Layer For SC-ST Quota, Says Discrimination Goes Beyond Economic StatusIAF’s : Bhawana Kanth Earns ‘Top Gun’ Title, Shivani Sehrawat Becomes Army Chief’s ADC’Cancel Exams, Take Action’: Jharkhand LoP Babulal Marandi Slams Soren Govt, Backs Student ProtestsContent Creator Ayush Rana On Jharkhand Protest Funding, Viral Videos, Dhoni’s Silence & More‘Gen Z Protesters Are Not Anti-National’: RSS’ Mohan Bhagwat Says ‘Protest Is A Way Of Dialogue’Jharkhand’s ‘Sonam Wangchuk 2.0′ Devendra Nath Mahato Enters Day 5 Of Indefinite Hunger Strike Fast’Not Enemies’: Rijiju Meets Rahul Gandhi Over Sansad Logjam, Reacts To Amit Shah Statement DemandAtiq Ahmed’s Youngest Son Abaan Dies In Jhansi Road Accident, Conflicting Accounts Emerge Over Crash‘Youth Wants CJP To Become Political Party’: Dipke, Saurav Das Announce ‘Kya Bolti Public’ CampaignBombay HC Convicts Tehelka Founder Tarun Tejpal In 2013 Sexual Assault Case; Reverses 2021 Acquittal123PhotostoriesWant your toddler to talk more? Try these simple speech-building strategiesBigg Boss Malayalam 8: Celebrities who can shine in the show10 foods Nepalese families eat on a regular basisHow to store fresh pudina without a refrigerator: 7 easy and practical hacks that actually workWhy cloves work so well in the kitchen: 6 smart hacks you didn’t knowWhy pink eye cases spike every monsoon: Eye doctor explains how humid weather helps infections spread and the mistakes that can put your vision at riskThe person most likely to motivate you, according to your birth date12 iconic sandwiches everyone should try at least onceWearing flat, cushion-less slippers at home all day? Doctor says this everyday habit could trigger months of heel pain5 things couples naturally stop doing when they feel completely comfortable with each other123Hot PicksThailand School ShootingUPI TransactionsAsk Me AnythingJharkhand protestGurgaon rainNICL Assistant RecruitmentAnkur WarikooIndia Labour CodesGold rate todayTop TrendingCockroach Janta PartyNagpur Rape CaseAbhijeet DipkeGujarat Mystery WellJPSC ProtestDelhi RainDelhi Wife MurderEknath ShindeTamil Nadu BudgetPraveen Nettaru Murder Case

Vamsikrishna03 mins mins
NEW DELHI: Rahul Gandhi went from Parliament to Gotham, at least on Instagram, when a playful Batman question landed in his Gen Z-focused “Ask Me Anything” session on Thursday. Asked if he was the masked superhero, the Leader of Opposition in the Lok Sabha delivered a tongue-in-cheek reply that quickly caught social media’s attention.Gandhi launched the AMA session on Instagram, inviting young people to question him on subjects ranging from student protests and education to politics and philosophy. Sharing the initiative on X, Gandhi wrote, “Students, Gen-Z — I’m here to listen. Ask me anything on Instagram, and I’ll answer as many questions as I can.”Among the questions was an interesting one, “Are you Batman?” Gandhi appeared to embrace the long-running social media meme comparing him with the fictional superhero.“Let’s just say that no one has ever seen me and Batman in the same room together,” Gandhi replied.The Congress subsequently shared video clips of several answers from the session. Gandhi also posted a video of himself standing in the rain with The Dark Knight theme playing in the background, adding to the Batman reference that quickly drew attention online.Gandhi’s Gen Z outreach comes as political leaders increasingly turn to social media to connect with younger audiences. Prime Minister Narendra Modi has also stepped up his Instagram engagement, from sharing a selfie video addressing “friends” to inviting people to share videos featuring their favourite handloom products, including “GRWM” (Get Ready With Me) videos. RSS chief Mohan Bhagwat also backed students on Thursday and said, “I feel this new generation, Gen Z, Gen Alpha, they are more honest than our existing generation.”Rahul’s ‘AMA’ session also touched on the ongoing student protests in Jharkhand over alleged irregularities in recruitment examinations. Asked about the protests, Gandhi said the country’s education system had failed students.“The student protests that are happening in the country are against the education system. I have stated it clearly, in Kota, Dehradun and will say it in Allahabad, that our education system has collapsed, it is unaffordable and oppressive.”Join conversationView All Comments →Share your thoughts in the commentsInsightfulAgreeDisagreeSkepticalConcerningPromisingWorth ReadingBig DevelopmentPost CommentBe respectful · TOI community guidelinesHe added, “Every government, be it the central government, Congress government or Jharkhand government, should listen to what students are saying and take action to change the education system.”The Jharkhand protests, which began on July 25 under the banner of the JPSC-JSSC Reforms Manch, had entered their 13th day on Thursday, with six demonstrators reportedly on hunger strike.Gandhi was also asked about young women fighting for their right to education. “India’s women are our strength, our biggest asset and frankly I do not appreciate the way women are treated in society, the way our education system treats our women and the way our corporate system treats our women,” he said.On his favourite BJP politician, Gandhi named former Punjab chief minister Captain Amarinder Singh, saying, “I get along with him, he is cool. He is an expert on military history. Hello, uncle Amarinder.”Get the latest India News and Live updates. Download the TOI app.About the AuthorSubhadra SrivastavaSubhadra Srivastava is a journalist with The Times of India, covering geopolitics, international and national affairs. With over three years of experience, she focuses on national and global developments, conflict, diplomacy and their impact on India. Her work combines breaking news with in-depth analysis, offering readers context and clarity on the stories shaping the world.Read MoreEnd of ArticleFollow Us On Social MediaVideosCentre Opposes Creamy Layer For SC-ST Quota, Says Discrimination Goes Beyond Economic StatusIAF’s : Bhawana Kanth Earns ‘Top Gun’ Title, Shivani Sehrawat Becomes Army Chief’s ADC’Cancel Exams, Take Action’: Jharkhand LoP Babulal Marandi Slams Soren Govt, Backs Student ProtestsContent Creator Ayush Rana On Jharkhand Protest Funding, Viral Videos, Dhoni’s Silence & More‘Gen Z Protesters Are Not Anti-National’: RSS’ Mohan Bhagwat Says ‘Protest Is A Way Of Dialogue’Jharkhand’s ‘Sonam Wangchuk 2.0′ Devendra Nath Mahato Enters Day 5 Of Indefinite Hunger Strike Fast’Not Enemies’: Rijiju Meets Rahul Gandhi Over Sansad Logjam, Reacts To Amit Shah Statement DemandAtiq Ahmed’s Youngest Son Abaan Dies In Jhansi Road Accident, Conflicting Accounts Emerge Over Crash‘Youth Wants CJP To Become Political Party’: Dipke, Saurav Das Announce ‘Kya Bolti Public’ CampaignBombay HC Convicts Tehelka Founder Tarun Tejpal In 2013 Sexual Assault Case; Reverses 2021 Acquittal123PhotostoriesWant your toddler to talk more? Try these simple speech-building strategiesBigg Boss Malayalam 8: Celebrities who can shine in the show10 foods Nepalese families eat on a regular basisHow to store fresh pudina without a refrigerator: 7 easy and practical hacks that actually workWhy cloves work so well in the kitchen: 6 smart hacks you didn’t knowWhy pink eye cases spike every monsoon: Eye doctor explains how humid weather helps infections spread and the mistakes that can put your vision at riskThe person most likely to motivate you, according to your birth date12 iconic sandwiches everyone should try at least onceWearing flat, cushion-less slippers at home all day? Doctor says this everyday habit could trigger months of heel pain5 things couples naturally stop doing when they feel completely comfortable with each other123Hot PicksThailand School ShootingUPI TransactionsAsk Me AnythingJharkhand protestGurgaon rainNICL Assistant RecruitmentAnkur WarikooIndia Labour CodesGold rate todayTop TrendingCockroach Janta PartyNagpur Rape CaseAbhijeet DipkeGujarat Mystery WellJPSC ProtestDelhi RainDelhi Wife MurderEknath ShindeTamil Nadu BudgetPraveen Nettaru Murder Case


‘No one has seen us together’: Rahul Gandhi’s Batman moment in Gen Z session

NEW DELHI: Rahul Gandhi went from Parliament to Gotham, at least on Instagram, when a playful Batman question landed in his Gen Z-focused “Ask Me Anything” session on Thursday. Asked if he was the masked superhero, the Leader of Opposition in the Lok Sabha delivered a tongue-in-cheek reply that quickly caught social media’s attention.Gandhi launched the AMA session on Instagram, inviting young people to question him on subjects ranging from student protests and education to politics and philosophy. Sharing the initiative on X, Gandhi wrote, “Students, Gen-Z — I’m here to listen. Ask me anything on Instagram, and I’ll answer as many questions as I can.”Among the questions was an interesting one, “Are you Batman?” Gandhi appeared to embrace the long-running social media meme comparing him with the fictional superhero.“Let’s just say that no one has ever seen me and Batman in the same room together,” Gandhi replied.The Congress subsequently shared video clips of several answers from the session. Gandhi also posted a video of himself standing in the rain with The Dark Knight theme playing in the background, adding to the Batman reference that quickly drew attention online.Gandhi’s Gen Z outreach comes as political leaders increasingly turn to social media to connect with younger audiences. Prime Minister Narendra Modi has also stepped up his Instagram engagement, from sharing a selfie video addressing “friends” to inviting people to share videos featuring their favourite handloom products, including “GRWM” (Get Ready With Me) videos. RSS chief Mohan Bhagwat also backed students on Thursday and said, “I feel this new generation, Gen Z, Gen Alpha, they are more honest than our existing generation.”Rahul’s ‘AMA’ session also touched on the ongoing student protests in Jharkhand over alleged irregularities in recruitment examinations. Asked about the protests, Gandhi said the country’s education system had failed students.“The student protests that are happening in the country are against the education system. I have stated it clearly, in Kota, Dehradun and will say it in Allahabad, that our education system has collapsed, it is unaffordable and oppressive.”

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Former Nestle CMD Suresh Narayanan in his new book, ‘Courage Under Fire’, writes that in a crisis people follow those they trust. For over four decades, Suresh Narayanan has navigated boardrooms, brand battles and one of India Inc’s defining crises. In ‘Courage Under Fire’ (Penguin Random House India), the former Nestlé India chairman and managing director looks beyond business strategy to explore what truly shapes leadership. In an exclusive chat with Lopamudra Ghatak, he argues that clarity matters more than charisma, challenges India’s obsession with pedigree that’s causing companies to overlook leadership potential, and reflects candidly on the lessons of the Maggi crisis. He also explains why Gen Z’s approach to work-life balance deserves respect rather than ridicule, and recalls how a woman boss taught him that empathy is one of the key traits to being a good leader.Congratulations on your book. How did the idea to write ‘Courage Under Fire’ come to you?After a 40-year career in corporate India, I wanted to leave behind a few lessons that had served me well. They’re not prescriptions, but perspectives shaped by the crises and difficult moments I have experienced.’Courage Under Fire’ is more of a personal journey through those defining moments – that focuses on people, purpose, partnerships, values, behaviour and outcomes. I thought it would be of some use to a younger generation entering the workforce.In ‘Courage Under Fire’ you write that “great leadership is not about position; it’s about responsibility, authenticity, and the ability to inspire trust, when it matters”. In an increasingly trust-deficit and information-surplus world, how does a leader earn trust? And how does an organisation make trust a part of its DNA?I think you’ve hit the nail on the head! Trust is the most valuable currency – for an individual as much as for an organisation. It emerges when three streams converge at one point in time.The first is purpose. Every organisation, and every individual, needs a clear sense of purpose, something that guides decisions and actions.The second is values. What do you want to be known for? What principles define how you conduct yourself, especially in adverse situations?Purpose and values, in turn, lead to the third element: authenticity. Unfortunately, in today’s digital world, authenticity often gives way to performance. We spend too much time embellishing, instead of being genuine.’Performative’ is the word that’s often used today …Correct. Leadership isn’t about saying what you’ll do, it’s about doing what you say. That’s the dilemma many leaders face. Do they wear a mukhota (mask) that projects one image while concealing another?In order to establish trust among people, there has to be a convergence between purpose, values and authenticity, and that leads to outcomes. Over time, those actions create credibility, and credibility becomes trust.Trust is built when purpose, values and authenticity consistently translate into action. Over time, those actions create credibility, and credibility becomes trust.Trust is the real currency of leadership.(Image generated by AI)I’ve also come to see vulnerability as a strength, not a weakness. When people know you’re human, that you have strengths as well as limitations, they know what to expect from you. Predictability in values and behaviour is reassuring. What people fear most is unpredictability.Ultimately, trust isn’t about being the most liked person in the room. In a crisis, organisations don’t rely on the most loved people; they rely on the most trusted ones. If I’m liked but not trusted, I won’t be asked to lead when it matters. Trust, more than popularity, is what carries an organisation through difficult times.This bring me to my next question: Can leadership be taught, or is it something people are simply born with?Leadership, for long, has suffered from some myths. The first is the myth of charisma – that great leaders must have magnetic personalities. The second is that complex communication (by leadership) is somehow superior. The third is executive presence: the belief that a leader must be a larger-than-life figure at any gathering and dominate every room they enter. And the fourth is the idea that leaders should only display their strengths while hiding every flaw, angularities.I don’t subscribe to any of those myths. Leadership can absolutely be taught because, at its core, leadership is an act of being human.You don’t have to be charismatic; you have to be clear. You don’t have to be complex; you have to be transparent in your communication. You don’t need the loudest voice or the most commanding presence. Some of history’s greatest political and business leaders inspired people far beyond the reach of their voices.But leadership doesn’t develop in isolation. It blooms through the right mentors, timely nudges and experiences. Looking back, I benefited from teachers, parents, colleagues, relatives and even competitors who pushed me to exceed my own expectations. Those influences gradually built confidence, not just the confidence to lead others, but the confidence to manage myself first.Nestle India CMD Suresh Narayanan (File photo)That’s an interesting point about the ‘charisma myth’ that surrounds leadership. You mention in the book about visiting Tier-2 and Tier3- colleges, and how students there are often more grateful, hungry and eager to learn. Do you think they make better leaders? One thing we need to do as a society is demystify elitism. We place far too much value on where someone studied, where they work, the company they built or the organisation they belong to — as though those labels alone define success and achievement.The ‘tag’ matters?Exactly, the tag culture. I believe those days should be behind us. Look at ISRO. They might have their own travails but the fact is that most of the talent that comes there are not from the premier institutions in the country and yet they do premier and outstanding work and make us proud as a nation.The same is true of organisations that consciously recruit from Tier-2 cities and smaller towns. I often find students there to be remarkably humble, eager and determined. They are trying to prove themselves against a system that has long suggested only the elite succeed.As leaders, we have to move away from that entitlement mindset and create space for talent to flourish. India has extraordinary talent. Some young people may not be the most articulate when speaking in English but they are capable of hard work and possess grit, discipline and can deliver on their promise each and every time.That’s what the country needs—not people who merely preach from the pulpit, but people who consistently deliver.I think as a country now we are mature enough to realise that we cannot be a developing country or hope to become a wealthy country one day on the crutches of elitism. I think elitism is a crutch that we have to get out of as quickly as possible.Why great leaders don’t need charisma(Image generated by AI)You have spent over four decades across big brands. Do you think India Inc has begun to move beyond that elitism? I think the kind of companies that I worked in – Unilever, Colgate-Palmolive and Nestle – they always prided themselves in a middle-class culture. Their leaders weren’t chosen because they came from privileged backgrounds; they rose through competence, commitment, energy and hard workI use the term middle class in a positive sense because it symbolises humility, integrity, transparency, trust and a strong work ethic. This is what middle-class India is, and these are the values we strive to teach our children. When those values enter an organisation, they become a source of strength.I do think the growing recognition of talent from Tier-2 institutions and smaller towns is slowly weakening elitism. But there’s still work to be done. Our education system and employers must create more opportunities for capable graduates from less celebrated institutions.Too many people still believe admission to a top college guarantees success. Life doesn’t work that way. Success is usually about moving two steps forward, one step back, and repeating that journey with resilience and consistency.The modern workplace has become very volatile, with geopolitics and global uncertainty adding new layers of complexity. What’s your advice for leaders navigating crises? There are two principles that have guided me throughout my career.The first is simple: a crisis never arrives with a calling card. You have to remain alert at all times. Don’t be caught sleeping at the wheel. Anticipate risks before they balloon into crises.The second is to manage yourself before you manage others. That’s often overlooked. When a crisis hits, we immediately focus on facts, meetings and firefighting. But we spend far less time asking: What should I say? How should I behave? What tone should I set?In a crisis, everyone’s anxiety levels are elevated. The leader’s role is to remain calm, anchored in the organisation’s purpose and values, and provide stability.That’s often the difference between a crisis handled well and one handled badly. The outcome rarely depends only on strategy. More often, it depends on leadership—how clearly you communicate, how consistently you act and how much confidence you inspire.In hindsight, do you feel that your response to the Maggi crisis was appropriate? Looking back, is there anything you would have done differently?The first lesson, that a crisis doesn’t come with a calling card, certainly applies in this case. In hindsight, we could have done better in terms of sensing the environment and knowing that something was brewing in parts of the country. If we had been able to address it more comprehensively, maybe we would have been able to manage the outcome a lot better.Secondly, one of the important issues in managing a crisis is to have a single point of contact communicating to the environment. One criticism we faced was that we were slow in communicating. Looking back, I believe we could have responded faster.In ‘Courage Under Fire’, you write about the emotional effect the loss of colleagues during the pandemic had on you. Do you think business leaders, particularly men, are becoming more comfortable showing their vulnerable side? I don’t know whether the dial has shifted enough in India to say that with confidence. But I do believe people follow leaders who are authentic, humane and emotionally present — not those who remain distant and issue instructions from above.Professor George Kohlrieser at IMD Business School describes a leader as a “secure base.” I find that idea deeply meaningful. Just as we turn to a parent in moments of uncertainty, employees should feel they have someone they can approach with their fears, concerns and aspirations, someone who will provide anchorage in a crisis.Vulnerability, to me, is a source of strength. It acknowledges that you’re still learning and growing. That’s not weakness, it’s humanity.We’ve long been told that men don’t cry. But they do. Suppressing emotion doesn’t make you stronger; it makes it harder to empathise. And empathy is one of the most powerful qualities a leader can possess.You also had a woman boss during your career. Did her leadership style differ from your male mentors? Wan Ling, who headed Nestle Asia-Oceania-Africa, was one of the toughest leaders I worked with. She could be incredibly demanding, yet deeply compassionate.What struck me most was that every conversation with her began with family. With many of my male bosses, business came first and family last. With her it was always, “How is your family doing?”. Only then would we move on to tackle the toughest business crisis moments.One of her greatest strengths was her ability to read a room. She sensed what people were feeling before anyone uttered a word. Just as importantly, she had the ability to step back, consider various perspectives and avoid rushing into decisions. That balance of empathy and judgement made her an exceptional leader.Gen Z and the emerging Gen Alpha are reshaping workplace expectations as they place a premium on work-life balance, purpose and flexibility. How do you see that influencing India’s workforce in the years ahead?I see it as a positive shift. The old belief that success demanded 80-hour work weeks came at a huge personal cost. You may have earned more, but you often missed out on family, friendships and life’s important moments. There’s little value in reaching 80 and regretting that you never spent enough time with your parents or your children. So I welcome this change.Join conversationView All Comments →Share your thoughts in the commentsInsightfulAgreeDisagreeSkepticalConcerningPromisingWorth ReadingBig DevelopmentPost CommentBe respectful · TOI community guidelinesThese youngsters are not work-shy. They simply want work to coexist with life, and I think that’s a healthy aspiration. I only wish my generation had the courage to tell our bosses at seven in the evening that we were leaving to meet family or friends. Instead, we stayed back until the boss switched off the lights, as though commitment was measured by the last person to leave the office.That said, balance has to be calibrated. Every generation has something to learn from the other.What also strikes me about young professionals is that they’re driven by experiences. They move from one challenge to another in search of learning and fulfillment. I would encourage them to embrace the challenge itself rather than becoming overly anxious about the outcome. Careers are rarely linear. If you focus on learning, growth and doing meaningful work, the outcomes usually take care of themselves.Get the latest India News and Live updates. Download the TOI app.About the AuthorLopamudra GhatakA new-media professional who has straddled the worlds of television and digital. Has worked extensively in the Internet news space for over a decade, and has seen the rise (and fall) of Orkut, Facebook, Twitter and Instagram. A news and people junkie, likes most things digital and dramatic. Is fascinated by emerging tech trends and wonders if social media is a boon or bane! Guilty pleasures include Nordic crime – books and shows – and Netflix. And an MS Dhoni fan, for life!Read MoreEnd of ArticleFollow Us On Social MediaVideosGen-Alpha Grabs Spotlight At Ranchi JPSC-JSSC Protest As 13-Year-Old Zaid’s Appeal Goes ViralCentre Opposes Creamy Layer For SC-ST Quota, Says Discrimination Goes Beyond Economic StatusIAF’s : Bhawana Kanth Earns ‘Top Gun’ Title, Shivani Sehrawat Becomes Army Chief’s ADC’Cancel Exams, Take Action’: Jharkhand LoP Babulal Marandi Slams Soren Govt, Backs Student ProtestsContent Creator Ayush Rana On Jharkhand Protest Funding, Viral Videos, Dhoni’s Silence & More‘Gen Z Protesters Are Not Anti-National’: RSS’ Mohan Bhagwat Says ‘Protest Is A Way Of Dialogue’Jharkhand’s ‘Sonam Wangchuk 2.0′ Devendra Nath Mahato Enters Day 5 Of Indefinite Hunger Strike Fast’Not Enemies’: Rijiju Meets Rahul Gandhi Over Sansad Logjam, Reacts To Amit Shah Statement DemandAtiq Ahmed’s Youngest Son Abaan Dies In Jhansi Road Accident, Conflicting Accounts Emerge Over Crash‘Youth Wants CJP To Become Political Party’: Dipke, Saurav Das Announce ‘Kya Bolti Public’ Campaign123PhotostoriesNational Handloom Day: 5 Indian handlooms that carry the legacy of the cities they were born inYour immune system has an age of its own: Doctors explain how to tell if it’s ageing faster than you are, and what you can do about itDid Tom Holland really make Zendaya sign a ‘No Kissing’ prenup? 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Former Nestle CMD Suresh Narayanan in his new book, ‘Courage Under Fire’, writes that in a crisis people follow those they trust. For over four decades, Suresh Narayanan has navigated boardrooms, brand battles and one of India Inc’s defining crises. In ‘Courage Under Fire’ (Penguin Random House India), the former Nestlé India chairman and managing director looks beyond business strategy to explore what truly shapes leadership. In an exclusive chat with Lopamudra Ghatak, he argues that clarity matters more than charisma, challenges India’s obsession with pedigree that’s causing companies to overlook leadership potential, and reflects candidly on the lessons of the Maggi crisis. He also explains why Gen Z’s approach to work-life balance deserves respect rather than ridicule, and recalls how a woman boss taught him that empathy is one of the key traits to being a good leader.Congratulations on your book. How did the idea to write ‘Courage Under Fire’ come to you?After a 40-year career in corporate India, I wanted to leave behind a few lessons that had served me well. They’re not prescriptions, but perspectives shaped by the crises and difficult moments I have experienced.’Courage Under Fire’ is more of a personal journey through those defining moments – that focuses on people, purpose, partnerships, values, behaviour and outcomes. I thought it would be of some use to a younger generation entering the workforce.In ‘Courage Under Fire’ you write that “great leadership is not about position; it’s about responsibility, authenticity, and the ability to inspire trust, when it matters”. In an increasingly trust-deficit and information-surplus world, how does a leader earn trust? And how does an organisation make trust a part of its DNA?I think you’ve hit the nail on the head! Trust is the most valuable currency – for an individual as much as for an organisation. It emerges when three streams converge at one point in time.The first is purpose. Every organisation, and every individual, needs a clear sense of purpose, something that guides decisions and actions.The second is values. What do you want to be known for? What principles define how you conduct yourself, especially in adverse situations?Purpose and values, in turn, lead to the third element: authenticity. Unfortunately, in today’s digital world, authenticity often gives way to performance. We spend too much time embellishing, instead of being genuine.’Performative’ is the word that’s often used today …Correct. Leadership isn’t about saying what you’ll do, it’s about doing what you say. That’s the dilemma many leaders face. Do they wear a mukhota (mask) that projects one image while concealing another?In order to establish trust among people, there has to be a convergence between purpose, values and authenticity, and that leads to outcomes. Over time, those actions create credibility, and credibility becomes trust.Trust is built when purpose, values and authenticity consistently translate into action. Over time, those actions create credibility, and credibility becomes trust.Trust is the real currency of leadership.(Image generated by AI)I’ve also come to see vulnerability as a strength, not a weakness. When people know you’re human, that you have strengths as well as limitations, they know what to expect from you. Predictability in values and behaviour is reassuring. What people fear most is unpredictability.Ultimately, trust isn’t about being the most liked person in the room. In a crisis, organisations don’t rely on the most loved people; they rely on the most trusted ones. If I’m liked but not trusted, I won’t be asked to lead when it matters. Trust, more than popularity, is what carries an organisation through difficult times.This bring me to my next question: Can leadership be taught, or is it something people are simply born with?Leadership, for long, has suffered from some myths. The first is the myth of charisma – that great leaders must have magnetic personalities. The second is that complex communication (by leadership) is somehow superior. The third is executive presence: the belief that a leader must be a larger-than-life figure at any gathering and dominate every room they enter. And the fourth is the idea that leaders should only display their strengths while hiding every flaw, angularities.I don’t subscribe to any of those myths. Leadership can absolutely be taught because, at its core, leadership is an act of being human.You don’t have to be charismatic; you have to be clear. You don’t have to be complex; you have to be transparent in your communication. You don’t need the loudest voice or the most commanding presence. Some of history’s greatest political and business leaders inspired people far beyond the reach of their voices.But leadership doesn’t develop in isolation. It blooms through the right mentors, timely nudges and experiences. Looking back, I benefited from teachers, parents, colleagues, relatives and even competitors who pushed me to exceed my own expectations. Those influences gradually built confidence, not just the confidence to lead others, but the confidence to manage myself first.Nestle India CMD Suresh Narayanan (File photo)That’s an interesting point about the ‘charisma myth’ that surrounds leadership. You mention in the book about visiting Tier-2 and Tier3- colleges, and how students there are often more grateful, hungry and eager to learn. Do you think they make better leaders? One thing we need to do as a society is demystify elitism. We place far too much value on where someone studied, where they work, the company they built or the organisation they belong to — as though those labels alone define success and achievement.The ‘tag’ matters?Exactly, the tag culture. I believe those days should be behind us. Look at ISRO. They might have their own travails but the fact is that most of the talent that comes there are not from the premier institutions in the country and yet they do premier and outstanding work and make us proud as a nation.The same is true of organisations that consciously recruit from Tier-2 cities and smaller towns. I often find students there to be remarkably humble, eager and determined. They are trying to prove themselves against a system that has long suggested only the elite succeed.As leaders, we have to move away from that entitlement mindset and create space for talent to flourish. India has extraordinary talent. Some young people may not be the most articulate when speaking in English but they are capable of hard work and possess grit, discipline and can deliver on their promise each and every time.That’s what the country needs—not people who merely preach from the pulpit, but people who consistently deliver.I think as a country now we are mature enough to realise that we cannot be a developing country or hope to become a wealthy country one day on the crutches of elitism. I think elitism is a crutch that we have to get out of as quickly as possible.Why great leaders don’t need charisma(Image generated by AI)You have spent over four decades across big brands. Do you think India Inc has begun to move beyond that elitism? I think the kind of companies that I worked in – Unilever, Colgate-Palmolive and Nestle – they always prided themselves in a middle-class culture. Their leaders weren’t chosen because they came from privileged backgrounds; they rose through competence, commitment, energy and hard workI use the term middle class in a positive sense because it symbolises humility, integrity, transparency, trust and a strong work ethic. This is what middle-class India is, and these are the values we strive to teach our children. When those values enter an organisation, they become a source of strength.I do think the growing recognition of talent from Tier-2 institutions and smaller towns is slowly weakening elitism. But there’s still work to be done. Our education system and employers must create more opportunities for capable graduates from less celebrated institutions.Too many people still believe admission to a top college guarantees success. Life doesn’t work that way. Success is usually about moving two steps forward, one step back, and repeating that journey with resilience and consistency.The modern workplace has become very volatile, with geopolitics and global uncertainty adding new layers of complexity. What’s your advice for leaders navigating crises? There are two principles that have guided me throughout my career.The first is simple: a crisis never arrives with a calling card. You have to remain alert at all times. Don’t be caught sleeping at the wheel. Anticipate risks before they balloon into crises.The second is to manage yourself before you manage others. That’s often overlooked. When a crisis hits, we immediately focus on facts, meetings and firefighting. But we spend far less time asking: What should I say? How should I behave? What tone should I set?In a crisis, everyone’s anxiety levels are elevated. The leader’s role is to remain calm, anchored in the organisation’s purpose and values, and provide stability.That’s often the difference between a crisis handled well and one handled badly. The outcome rarely depends only on strategy. More often, it depends on leadership—how clearly you communicate, how consistently you act and how much confidence you inspire.In hindsight, do you feel that your response to the Maggi crisis was appropriate? Looking back, is there anything you would have done differently?The first lesson, that a crisis doesn’t come with a calling card, certainly applies in this case. In hindsight, we could have done better in terms of sensing the environment and knowing that something was brewing in parts of the country. If we had been able to address it more comprehensively, maybe we would have been able to manage the outcome a lot better.Secondly, one of the important issues in managing a crisis is to have a single point of contact communicating to the environment. One criticism we faced was that we were slow in communicating. Looking back, I believe we could have responded faster.In ‘Courage Under Fire’, you write about the emotional effect the loss of colleagues during the pandemic had on you. Do you think business leaders, particularly men, are becoming more comfortable showing their vulnerable side? I don’t know whether the dial has shifted enough in India to say that with confidence. But I do believe people follow leaders who are authentic, humane and emotionally present — not those who remain distant and issue instructions from above.Professor George Kohlrieser at IMD Business School describes a leader as a “secure base.” I find that idea deeply meaningful. Just as we turn to a parent in moments of uncertainty, employees should feel they have someone they can approach with their fears, concerns and aspirations, someone who will provide anchorage in a crisis.Vulnerability, to me, is a source of strength. It acknowledges that you’re still learning and growing. That’s not weakness, it’s humanity.We’ve long been told that men don’t cry. But they do. Suppressing emotion doesn’t make you stronger; it makes it harder to empathise. And empathy is one of the most powerful qualities a leader can possess.You also had a woman boss during your career. Did her leadership style differ from your male mentors? Wan Ling, who headed Nestle Asia-Oceania-Africa, was one of the toughest leaders I worked with. She could be incredibly demanding, yet deeply compassionate.What struck me most was that every conversation with her began with family. With many of my male bosses, business came first and family last. With her it was always, “How is your family doing?”. Only then would we move on to tackle the toughest business crisis moments.One of her greatest strengths was her ability to read a room. She sensed what people were feeling before anyone uttered a word. Just as importantly, she had the ability to step back, consider various perspectives and avoid rushing into decisions. That balance of empathy and judgement made her an exceptional leader.Gen Z and the emerging Gen Alpha are reshaping workplace expectations as they place a premium on work-life balance, purpose and flexibility. How do you see that influencing India’s workforce in the years ahead?I see it as a positive shift. The old belief that success demanded 80-hour work weeks came at a huge personal cost. You may have earned more, but you often missed out on family, friendships and life’s important moments. There’s little value in reaching 80 and regretting that you never spent enough time with your parents or your children. So I welcome this change.Join conversationView All Comments →Share your thoughts in the commentsInsightfulAgreeDisagreeSkepticalConcerningPromisingWorth ReadingBig DevelopmentPost CommentBe respectful · TOI community guidelinesThese youngsters are not work-shy. They simply want work to coexist with life, and I think that’s a healthy aspiration. I only wish my generation had the courage to tell our bosses at seven in the evening that we were leaving to meet family or friends. Instead, we stayed back until the boss switched off the lights, as though commitment was measured by the last person to leave the office.That said, balance has to be calibrated. Every generation has something to learn from the other.What also strikes me about young professionals is that they’re driven by experiences. They move from one challenge to another in search of learning and fulfillment. I would encourage them to embrace the challenge itself rather than becoming overly anxious about the outcome. Careers are rarely linear. If you focus on learning, growth and doing meaningful work, the outcomes usually take care of themselves.Get the latest India News and Live updates. Download the TOI app.About the AuthorLopamudra GhatakA new-media professional who has straddled the worlds of television and digital. Has worked extensively in the Internet news space for over a decade, and has seen the rise (and fall) of Orkut, Facebook, Twitter and Instagram. A news and people junkie, likes most things digital and dramatic. Is fascinated by emerging tech trends and wonders if social media is a boon or bane! Guilty pleasures include Nordic crime – books and shows – and Netflix. And an MS Dhoni fan, for life!Read MoreEnd of ArticleFollow Us On Social MediaVideosGen-Alpha Grabs Spotlight At Ranchi JPSC-JSSC Protest As 13-Year-Old Zaid’s Appeal Goes ViralCentre Opposes Creamy Layer For SC-ST Quota, Says Discrimination Goes Beyond Economic StatusIAF’s : Bhawana Kanth Earns ‘Top Gun’ Title, Shivani Sehrawat Becomes Army Chief’s ADC’Cancel Exams, Take Action’: Jharkhand LoP Babulal Marandi Slams Soren Govt, Backs Student ProtestsContent Creator Ayush Rana On Jharkhand Protest Funding, Viral Videos, Dhoni’s Silence & More‘Gen Z Protesters Are Not Anti-National’: RSS’ Mohan Bhagwat Says ‘Protest Is A Way Of Dialogue’Jharkhand’s ‘Sonam Wangchuk 2.0′ Devendra Nath Mahato Enters Day 5 Of Indefinite Hunger Strike Fast’Not Enemies’: Rijiju Meets Rahul Gandhi Over Sansad Logjam, Reacts To Amit Shah Statement DemandAtiq Ahmed’s Youngest Son Abaan Dies In Jhansi Road Accident, Conflicting Accounts Emerge Over Crash‘Youth Wants CJP To Become Political Party’: Dipke, Saurav Das Announce ‘Kya Bolti Public’ Campaign123PhotostoriesNational Handloom Day: 5 Indian handlooms that carry the legacy of the cities they were born inYour immune system has an age of its own: Doctors explain how to tell if it’s ageing faster than you are, and what you can do about itDid Tom Holland really make Zendaya sign a ‘No Kissing’ prenup? Here’s the truthWant your toddler to talk more? Try these simple speech-building strategiesBigg Boss Malayalam 8: Celebrities who can shine in the showShould garlic be crushed or chopped? Science says it matters10 foods Nepalese families eat on a regular basisHow to store fresh pudina without a refrigerator: 7 easy and practical hacks that actually workWhy cloves work so well in the kitchen: 6 smart hacks you didn’t knowWhy pink eye cases spike every monsoon: Eye doctor explains how humid weather helps infections spread and the mistakes that can put your vision at risk123Hot PicksThailand School ShootingUPI TransactionsAsk Me AnythingJharkhand protestGurgaon rainNICL Assistant RecruitmentAnkur WarikooIndia Labour CodesGold rate todayTop TrendingCockroach Janta PartyNagpur Rape CaseAbhijeet DipkeGujarat Mystery WellJPSC ProtestDelhi RainDelhi Wife MurderEknath ShindeTamil Nadu BudgetPraveen Nettaru Murder Case

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The unusual names prompted the opposition Congress to question the credibility of the selection process. (Representative image) NEW DELHI: What began as a routine police recruitment result in Chhattisgarh quickly turned into an internet sensation after candidates with names such as ‘News’, ‘Space Rani’, ‘He Ram’, ‘Bhakt Prahlad’ and ‘Tufail’ appeared on the list of successful applicants, sparking disbelief, political allegations and eventually, a defence from the candidates themselves.The unusual names, which surfaced in the results of the Chhattisgarh Public Service Commission’s (CGPSC) preliminary examination for police recruitment, prompted the opposition Congress to question the credibility of the selection process.The commission, however, dismissed the allegations, insisting that the names were genuine and matched the details submitted by candidates during registration.What really happenedThe controversy erupted after the results of the preliminary examination for 341 posts of subedar, sub-inspector and platoon commander were declared on August 4. A total of 7,301 candidates qualified for the mains examination.According to the CGPSC, the candidates had appeared for document verification, physical tests and the preliminary examination under the same names, which were also printed on their admit cards.Former chief minister Bhupesh Baghel mocked the list after sharing it on X.”The Public Relations Department should spend Rs 1 crore daily on advertisements to display this achievement at public intersections so that, in the coming days, ‘Radio’ and ‘Space Raja’ might also succeed in some examination.”State Congress communication wing chief Sushil Anand Shukla accused the BJP government of failing to deliver transparent recruitment despite promising PSC examinations on the lines of the Union Public Service Commission (UPSC).He alleged that the names reflected the alleged “negligence” of the CGPSC and the state government and claimed that several recruitment and promotion examinations held over the past two-and-a-half years had come under suspicion.What the board saidRejecting the allegations, the CGPSC described the claims circulating on social media as “misleading and baseless” and said they unfairly ridiculed candidates over their names.”The names of the candidates displayed in the examination result are the same as those entered by them in their online application forms, which they finally submitted. The candidates appeared for document and physical tests as well as the preliminary examination under these names, and their names were also displayed accordingly on their admit cards,” it stated.The commission urged candidates and the public not to believe misinformation and rely only on information published on its official website.Several candidates clarifyAs the debate gathered pace online, several candidates clarified that the names attracting attention were the same as those recorded in their official documents.”My name is News Kumar Pradhan. My surname was not added to my Class 10 marksheet. My marksheets of Classes 10 and 12 and Aadhaar card carry the name News, without the surname. People think that the name is incorrect,” said News Kumar Pradhan, who qualified in the preliminary examination. He added that he is from Bhatanpali village in Raigarh district.Tufail, a 29-year-old candidate from Nayapara in Raipur district, said his name appeared the same in all official records.Join conversationView All Comments →Share your thoughts in the commentsInsightfulAgreeDisagreeSkepticalConcerningPromisingWorth ReadingBig DevelopmentPost CommentBe respectful · TOI community guidelines”After the result was released, rumours are being spread about names such as Spacerani, News and Tufail without any information or facts. These are the names of students who have prepared for the examination for years,” he said.He appealed against spreading rumours and said such claims were hurting the morale of candidates from ordinary families.Another successful candidate, He Ram, said there was nothing unusual about the way his name was recorded.”My name is He Ram, and I have qualified the PSC preliminary examination. Some people are raising objections over my name. My surname is Kashyap, but it is not mentioned in any of my documents. Hence, I entered only my name while filling the form,” he told PTI.Bhakt Prahlad also clarified that his name was correctly recorded in all official documents.”My surname is not mentioned. Please do not spread confusion regarding my name,” he said.Get the latest India News and Live updates. Download the TOI app.About the AuthorRajeev SinghRajeev Singh is a Digital Content Producer with The Times of India. He covers politics, policies, defence, and conflicts for readers curious to know their implications. He loves digging into legal maxims and political trivia. On off days, when not turning pages or learning русский, he lives in the reverie of “what ifs” and “how abouts.”Read MoreEnd of ArticleFollow Us On Social MediaVideosGen-Alpha Grabs Spotlight At Ranchi JPSC-JSSC Protest As 13-Year-Old Zaid’s Appeal Goes ViralCentre Opposes Creamy Layer For SC-ST Quota, Says Discrimination Goes Beyond Economic StatusIAF’s : Bhawana Kanth Earns ‘Top Gun’ Title, Shivani Sehrawat Becomes Army Chief’s ADC’Cancel Exams, Take Action’: Jharkhand LoP Babulal Marandi Slams Soren Govt, Backs Student ProtestsContent Creator Ayush Rana On Jharkhand Protest Funding, Viral Videos, Dhoni’s Silence & More‘Gen Z Protesters Are Not Anti-National’: RSS’ Mohan Bhagwat Says ‘Protest Is A Way Of Dialogue’Jharkhand’s ‘Sonam Wangchuk 2.0′ Devendra Nath Mahato Enters Day 5 Of Indefinite Hunger Strike Fast’Not Enemies’: Rijiju Meets Rahul Gandhi Over Sansad Logjam, Reacts To Amit Shah Statement DemandAtiq Ahmed’s Youngest Son Abaan Dies In Jhansi Road Accident, Conflicting Accounts Emerge Over Crash‘Youth Wants CJP To Become Political Party’: Dipke, Saurav Das Announce ‘Kya Bolti Public’ Campaign123PhotostoriesNational Handloom Day: 5 Indian handlooms that carry the legacy of the cities they were born inYour immune system has an age of its own: Doctors explain how to tell if it’s ageing faster than you are, and what you can do about itDid Tom Holland really make Zendaya sign a ‘No Kissing’ prenup? 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The unusual names prompted the opposition Congress to question the credibility of the selection process. (Representative image) NEW DELHI: What began as a routine police recruitment result in Chhattisgarh quickly turned into an internet sensation after candidates with names such as ‘News’, ‘Space Rani’, ‘He Ram’, ‘Bhakt Prahlad’ and ‘Tufail’ appeared on the list of successful applicants, sparking disbelief, political allegations and eventually, a defence from the candidates themselves.The unusual names, which surfaced in the results of the Chhattisgarh Public Service Commission’s (CGPSC) preliminary examination for police recruitment, prompted the opposition Congress to question the credibility of the selection process.The commission, however, dismissed the allegations, insisting that the names were genuine and matched the details submitted by candidates during registration.What really happenedThe controversy erupted after the results of the preliminary examination for 341 posts of subedar, sub-inspector and platoon commander were declared on August 4. A total of 7,301 candidates qualified for the mains examination.According to the CGPSC, the candidates had appeared for document verification, physical tests and the preliminary examination under the same names, which were also printed on their admit cards.Former chief minister Bhupesh Baghel mocked the list after sharing it on X.”The Public Relations Department should spend Rs 1 crore daily on advertisements to display this achievement at public intersections so that, in the coming days, ‘Radio’ and ‘Space Raja’ might also succeed in some examination.”State Congress communication wing chief Sushil Anand Shukla accused the BJP government of failing to deliver transparent recruitment despite promising PSC examinations on the lines of the Union Public Service Commission (UPSC).He alleged that the names reflected the alleged “negligence” of the CGPSC and the state government and claimed that several recruitment and promotion examinations held over the past two-and-a-half years had come under suspicion.What the board saidRejecting the allegations, the CGPSC described the claims circulating on social media as “misleading and baseless” and said they unfairly ridiculed candidates over their names.”The names of the candidates displayed in the examination result are the same as those entered by them in their online application forms, which they finally submitted. The candidates appeared for document and physical tests as well as the preliminary examination under these names, and their names were also displayed accordingly on their admit cards,” it stated.The commission urged candidates and the public not to believe misinformation and rely only on information published on its official website.Several candidates clarifyAs the debate gathered pace online, several candidates clarified that the names attracting attention were the same as those recorded in their official documents.”My name is News Kumar Pradhan. My surname was not added to my Class 10 marksheet. My marksheets of Classes 10 and 12 and Aadhaar card carry the name News, without the surname. People think that the name is incorrect,” said News Kumar Pradhan, who qualified in the preliminary examination. He added that he is from Bhatanpali village in Raigarh district.Tufail, a 29-year-old candidate from Nayapara in Raipur district, said his name appeared the same in all official records.Join conversationView All Comments →Share your thoughts in the commentsInsightfulAgreeDisagreeSkepticalConcerningPromisingWorth ReadingBig DevelopmentPost CommentBe respectful · TOI community guidelines”After the result was released, rumours are being spread about names such as Spacerani, News and Tufail without any information or facts. These are the names of students who have prepared for the examination for years,” he said.He appealed against spreading rumours and said such claims were hurting the morale of candidates from ordinary families.Another successful candidate, He Ram, said there was nothing unusual about the way his name was recorded.”My name is He Ram, and I have qualified the PSC preliminary examination. Some people are raising objections over my name. My surname is Kashyap, but it is not mentioned in any of my documents. Hence, I entered only my name while filling the form,” he told PTI.Bhakt Prahlad also clarified that his name was correctly recorded in all official documents.”My surname is not mentioned. Please do not spread confusion regarding my name,” he said.Get the latest India News and Live updates. Download the TOI app.About the AuthorRajeev SinghRajeev Singh is a Digital Content Producer with The Times of India. He covers politics, policies, defence, and conflicts for readers curious to know their implications. He loves digging into legal maxims and political trivia. On off days, when not turning pages or learning русский, he lives in the reverie of “what ifs” and “how abouts.”Read MoreEnd of ArticleFollow Us On Social MediaVideosGen-Alpha Grabs Spotlight At Ranchi JPSC-JSSC Protest As 13-Year-Old Zaid’s Appeal Goes ViralCentre Opposes Creamy Layer For SC-ST Quota, Says Discrimination Goes Beyond Economic StatusIAF’s : Bhawana Kanth Earns ‘Top Gun’ Title, Shivani Sehrawat Becomes Army Chief’s ADC’Cancel Exams, Take Action’: Jharkhand LoP Babulal Marandi Slams Soren Govt, Backs Student ProtestsContent Creator Ayush Rana On Jharkhand Protest Funding, Viral Videos, Dhoni’s Silence & More‘Gen Z Protesters Are Not Anti-National’: RSS’ Mohan Bhagwat Says ‘Protest Is A Way Of Dialogue’Jharkhand’s ‘Sonam Wangchuk 2.0′ Devendra Nath Mahato Enters Day 5 Of Indefinite Hunger Strike Fast’Not Enemies’: Rijiju Meets Rahul Gandhi Over Sansad Logjam, Reacts To Amit Shah Statement DemandAtiq Ahmed’s Youngest Son Abaan Dies In Jhansi Road Accident, Conflicting Accounts Emerge Over Crash‘Youth Wants CJP To Become Political Party’: Dipke, Saurav Das Announce ‘Kya Bolti Public’ Campaign123PhotostoriesNational Handloom Day: 5 Indian handlooms that carry the legacy of the cities they were born inYour immune system has an age of its own: Doctors explain how to tell if it’s ageing faster than you are, and what you can do about itDid Tom Holland really make Zendaya sign a ‘No Kissing’ prenup? Here’s the truthWant your toddler to talk more? Try these simple speech-building strategiesBigg Boss Malayalam 8: Celebrities who can shine in the showShould garlic be crushed or chopped? Science says it matters10 foods Nepalese families eat on a regular basisHow to store fresh pudina without a refrigerator: 7 easy and practical hacks that actually workWhy cloves work so well in the kitchen: 6 smart hacks you didn’t knowWhy pink eye cases spike every monsoon: Eye doctor explains how humid weather helps infections spread and the mistakes that can put your vision at risk123Hot PicksThailand School ShootingUPI TransactionsAsk Me AnythingJharkhand protestGurgaon rainNICL Assistant RecruitmentAnkur WarikooIndia Labour CodesGold rate todayTop TrendingCockroach Janta PartyNagpur Rape CaseAbhijeet DipkeGujarat Mystery WellJPSC ProtestDelhi RainDelhi Wife MurderEknath ShindeTamil Nadu BudgetPraveen Nettaru Murder Case

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NEW DELHI: Congress on Friday issued a whip to its MPs, directing them to be present in both the Rajya Sabha and Lok Sabha as the government is set to take up the contentious FCRA Amendment Bill for discussion.Congress has asked its parliamentarians to remain present in their respective Houses on August 10, 11 and 12.”Very important issues will be taken up for discussion in the Rajya Sabha on Monday, Tuesday and Wednesday, i.e. August 10, 11 and 12, 2026,” Congress chief whip in the Rajya Sabha said in the whip.Join conversationView All Comments →Share your thoughts in the commentsInsightfulAgreeDisagreeSkepticalConcerningPromisingWorth ReadingBig DevelopmentPost CommentBe respectful · TOI community guidelines Watch India’s FCRA Bill Triggers US Warning As Trump Ally Questions Church, Charity Protections”All Members of Congress Party in the Rajya Sabha are requested to kindly remain present in the House from 11.00 am onwards till the adjournment of the House on Monday, Tuesday and Wednesday, i.e. August 10, 11 and 12, 2026, without fail and support the party stand. This may be treated as most important,” the whip, issued by Chief Whip Jairam Ramesh, said.An identical whip was issued to Congress members in the Lok Sabha.Congress has also conveyed to all INDIA bloc allies to ensure that their MPs remain present on the three days, news agency PTI reported, citing sources.The move comes as the government is set to take up the FCRA Amendment Bill and is also considering reintroducing the Constitution Amendment Bill on delimitation.However, while listing the tentative government business for next week, minister of state for parliamentary affairs made no mention of either the FCRA Amendment Bill or the Constitution Amendment Bill on delimitation.Get the latest India News and Live updates. Download the TOI app.About the AuthorRohitashwa RanjanRohitashwa Ranjan is a digital journalist with The Times of India, where he decodes Indian politics as a carefully staged production with scripts, subtext and everything behind. His stories track elections, party dynamics and the things that often are buried beneath the headlines. When not parsing vote shares or alliances, he is usually reading between the lines, where the real story tends to reside.Read MoreEnd of ArticleFollow Us On Social MediaVideosGen-Alpha Grabs Spotlight At Ranchi JPSC-JSSC Protest As 13-Year-Old Zaid’s Appeal Goes ViralCentre Opposes Creamy Layer For SC-ST Quota, Says Discrimination Goes Beyond Economic StatusIAF’s : Bhawana Kanth Earns ‘Top Gun’ Title, Shivani Sehrawat Becomes Army Chief’s ADC’Cancel Exams, Take Action’: Jharkhand LoP Babulal Marandi Slams Soren Govt, Backs Student ProtestsContent Creator Ayush Rana On Jharkhand Protest Funding, Viral Videos, Dhoni’s Silence & More‘Gen Z Protesters Are Not Anti-National’: RSS’ Mohan Bhagwat Says ‘Protest Is A Way Of Dialogue’Jharkhand’s ‘Sonam Wangchuk 2.0′ Devendra Nath Mahato Enters Day 5 Of Indefinite Hunger Strike Fast’Not Enemies’: Rijiju Meets Rahul Gandhi Over Sansad Logjam, Reacts To Amit Shah Statement DemandAtiq Ahmed’s Youngest Son Abaan Dies In Jhansi Road Accident, Conflicting Accounts Emerge Over Crash‘Youth Wants CJP To Become Political Party’: Dipke, Saurav Das Announce ‘Kya Bolti Public’ Campaign123PhotostoriesNational Handloom Day: 5 Indian handlooms that carry the legacy of the cities they were born inDid Tom Holland really make Zendaya sign a ‘No Kissing’ prenup? Here’s the truthWant your toddler to talk more? Try these simple speech-building strategiesBigg Boss Malayalam 8: Celebrities who can shine in the show10 foods Nepalese families eat on a regular basisHow to store fresh pudina without a refrigerator: 7 easy and practical hacks that actually workWhy cloves work so well in the kitchen: 6 smart hacks you didn’t knowWhy pink eye cases spike every monsoon: Eye doctor explains how humid weather helps infections spread and the mistakes that can put your vision at riskThe person most likely to motivate you, according to your birth date12 iconic sandwiches everyone should try at least once123Hot PicksThailand School ShootingUPI TransactionsAsk Me AnythingJharkhand protestGurgaon rainNICL Assistant RecruitmentAnkur WarikooIndia Labour CodesGold rate todayTop TrendingCockroach Janta PartyNagpur Rape CaseAbhijeet DipkeGujarat Mystery WellJPSC ProtestDelhi RainDelhi Wife MurderEknath ShindeTamil Nadu BudgetPraveen Nettaru Murder Case

NEW DELHI: Congress on Friday issued a whip to its MPs, directing them to be present in both the Rajya Sabha and Lok Sabha as the government is set to take up the contentious FCRA Amendment Bill for discussion.Congress has asked its parliamentarians to remain present in their respective Houses on August 10, 11 and 12.”Very important issues will be taken up for discussion in the Rajya Sabha on Monday, Tuesday and Wednesday, i.e. August 10, 11 and 12, 2026,” Congress chief whip in the Rajya Sabha said in the whip.Join conversationView All Comments →Share your thoughts in the commentsInsightfulAgreeDisagreeSkepticalConcerningPromisingWorth ReadingBig DevelopmentPost CommentBe respectful · TOI community guidelines Watch India’s FCRA Bill Triggers US Warning As Trump Ally Questions Church, Charity Protections”All Members of Congress Party in the Rajya Sabha are requested to kindly remain present in the House from 11.00 am onwards till the adjournment of the House on Monday, Tuesday and Wednesday, i.e. August 10, 11 and 12, 2026, without fail and support the party stand. This may be treated as most important,” the whip, issued by Chief Whip Jairam Ramesh, said.An identical whip was issued to Congress members in the Lok Sabha.Congress has also conveyed to all INDIA bloc allies to ensure that their MPs remain present on the three days, news agency PTI reported, citing sources.The move comes as the government is set to take up the FCRA Amendment Bill and is also considering reintroducing the Constitution Amendment Bill on delimitation.However, while listing the tentative government business for next week, minister of state for parliamentary affairs made no mention of either the FCRA Amendment Bill or the Constitution Amendment Bill on delimitation.Get the latest India News and Live updates. Download the TOI app.About the AuthorRohitashwa RanjanRohitashwa Ranjan is a digital journalist with The Times of India, where he decodes Indian politics as a carefully staged production with scripts, subtext and everything behind. His stories track elections, party dynamics and the things that often are buried beneath the headlines. When not parsing vote shares or alliances, he is usually reading between the lines, where the real story tends to reside.Read MoreEnd of ArticleFollow Us On Social MediaVideosGen-Alpha Grabs Spotlight At Ranchi JPSC-JSSC Protest As 13-Year-Old Zaid’s Appeal Goes ViralCentre Opposes Creamy Layer For SC-ST Quota, Says Discrimination Goes Beyond Economic StatusIAF’s : Bhawana Kanth Earns ‘Top Gun’ Title, Shivani Sehrawat Becomes Army Chief’s ADC’Cancel Exams, Take Action’: Jharkhand LoP Babulal Marandi Slams Soren Govt, Backs Student ProtestsContent Creator Ayush Rana On Jharkhand Protest Funding, Viral Videos, Dhoni’s Silence & More‘Gen Z Protesters Are Not Anti-National’: RSS’ Mohan Bhagwat Says ‘Protest Is A Way Of Dialogue’Jharkhand’s ‘Sonam Wangchuk 2.0′ Devendra Nath Mahato Enters Day 5 Of Indefinite Hunger Strike Fast’Not Enemies’: Rijiju Meets Rahul Gandhi Over Sansad Logjam, Reacts To Amit Shah Statement DemandAtiq Ahmed’s Youngest Son Abaan Dies In Jhansi Road Accident, Conflicting Accounts Emerge Over Crash‘Youth Wants CJP To Become Political Party’: Dipke, Saurav Das Announce ‘Kya Bolti Public’ Campaign123PhotostoriesNational Handloom Day: 5 Indian handlooms that carry the legacy of the cities they were born inDid Tom Holland really make Zendaya sign a ‘No Kissing’ prenup? Here’s the truthWant your toddler to talk more? Try these simple speech-building strategiesBigg Boss Malayalam 8: Celebrities who can shine in the show10 foods Nepalese families eat on a regular basisHow to store fresh pudina without a refrigerator: 7 easy and practical hacks that actually workWhy cloves work so well in the kitchen: 6 smart hacks you didn’t knowWhy pink eye cases spike every monsoon: Eye doctor explains how humid weather helps infections spread and the mistakes that can put your vision at riskThe person most likely to motivate you, according to your birth date12 iconic sandwiches everyone should try at least once123Hot PicksThailand School ShootingUPI TransactionsAsk Me AnythingJharkhand protestGurgaon rainNICL Assistant RecruitmentAnkur WarikooIndia Labour CodesGold rate todayTop TrendingCockroach Janta PartyNagpur Rape CaseAbhijeet DipkeGujarat Mystery WellJPSC ProtestDelhi RainDelhi Wife MurderEknath ShindeTamil Nadu BudgetPraveen Nettaru Murder Case

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Badal-PM Modi meet sparked SAD-BJP alliance buzz NEW DELHI: Shiromani Akali Dal (SAD) chief Sukhbir Singh Badal met Prime Minister Narendra Modi in Parliament on Friday. The meeting has sparked buzz over whether the BJP and the SAD are preparing to turn the page on years of political estrangement ahead of the Punjab assembly elections due early next year.For both the BJP and the SAD, the timing is significant. Once the state’s dominant political combine, the two parties have spent the past several years on the margins of Punjab politics, watching their traditional support base shrink while Kejriwal-led Aam Aadmi Party gradually emerged as the state’s principal political force.The BJP-SAD partnership, which lasted for over two decades, parted ways in September 2020 after the Akali Dal walked out of the NDA, with much credits to Centre’s three farm laws. The legislation triggered massive protests across Punjab and countrywide and became a political flashpoint.However, the PM Modi-led government repealed the laws in 2021, relations between the two allies remained strained.In the 2022 Punjab assembly elections, voters not only rejected the Congress, which was crippled by the Amarinder Singh-Navjot Singh Sidhu power struggle, but also delivered a crushing verdict against both the BJP and the SAD.Join conversationView All Comments →Share your thoughts in the commentsInsightfulAgreeDisagreeSkepticalConcerningPromisingWorth ReadingBig DevelopmentPost CommentBe respectful · TOI community guidelinesContesting separately, the BJP won just two seats while the Akali Dal managed only three in the 117-member assembly.Instead, Punjab handed Kejriwal’s AAP a historic mandate. The party stormed to power for the first time in its second attempt, with Bhagwant Mann becoming chief minister, recording a dramatic shift in the Sikh-majority state.Against this backdrop, the Modi-Badal meeting in Parliament assumes greater political significance. While neither side has officially indicated that an alliance is on the cards, the interaction is likely to intensify discussions over whether the estranged partners can rebuild their relationship before Punjab votes next year.Get the latest India News and Live updates. Download the TOI app.About the AuthorAbhishek MishraAbhishek Mishra is a Digital Content Producer at The Times of India, working with the news desk. He writes with a keen eye on foreign policy, defence developments, and the shifting currents of geopolitics-and yes, Indian politics always finds a way onto his radar too.Read MoreEnd of ArticleFollow Us On Social MediaVideosGen-Alpha Grabs Spotlight At Ranchi JPSC-JSSC Protest As 13-Year-Old Zaid’s Appeal Goes ViralCentre Opposes Creamy Layer For SC-ST Quota, Says Discrimination Goes Beyond Economic StatusIAF’s : Bhawana Kanth Earns ‘Top Gun’ Title, Shivani Sehrawat Becomes Army Chief’s ADC’Cancel Exams, Take Action’: Jharkhand LoP Babulal Marandi Slams Soren Govt, Backs Student ProtestsContent Creator Ayush Rana On Jharkhand Protest Funding, Viral Videos, Dhoni’s Silence & More‘Gen Z Protesters Are Not Anti-National’: RSS’ Mohan Bhagwat Says ‘Protest Is A Way Of Dialogue’Jharkhand’s ‘Sonam Wangchuk 2.0′ Devendra Nath Mahato Enters Day 5 Of Indefinite Hunger Strike Fast’Not Enemies’: Rijiju Meets Rahul Gandhi Over Sansad Logjam, Reacts To Amit Shah Statement DemandAtiq Ahmed’s Youngest Son Abaan Dies In Jhansi Road Accident, Conflicting Accounts Emerge Over Crash‘Youth Wants CJP To Become Political Party’: Dipke, Saurav Das Announce ‘Kya Bolti Public’ Campaign123PhotostoriesWant your toddler to talk more? Try these simple speech-building strategiesBigg Boss Malayalam 8: Celebrities who can shine in the show10 foods Nepalese families eat on a regular basisHow to store fresh pudina without a refrigerator: 7 easy and practical hacks that actually workWhy cloves work so well in the kitchen: 6 smart hacks you didn’t knowWhy pink eye cases spike every monsoon: Eye doctor explains how humid weather helps infections spread and the mistakes that can put your vision at riskThe person most likely to motivate you, according to your birth date12 iconic sandwiches everyone should try at least onceWearing flat, cushion-less slippers at home all day? Doctor says this everyday habit could trigger months of heel pain5 things couples naturally stop doing when they feel completely comfortable with each other123Hot PicksThailand School ShootingUPI TransactionsAsk Me AnythingJharkhand protestGurgaon rainNICL Assistant RecruitmentAnkur WarikooIndia Labour CodesGold rate todayTop TrendingCockroach Janta PartyNagpur Rape CaseAbhijeet DipkeGujarat Mystery WellJPSC ProtestDelhi RainDelhi Wife MurderEknath ShindeTamil Nadu BudgetPraveen Nettaru Murder Case

Badal-PM Modi meet sparked SAD-BJP alliance buzz NEW DELHI: Shiromani Akali Dal (SAD) chief Sukhbir Singh Badal met Prime Minister Narendra Modi in Parliament on Friday. The meeting has sparked buzz over whether the BJP and the SAD are preparing to turn the page on years of political estrangement ahead of the Punjab assembly elections due early next year.For both the BJP and the SAD, the timing is significant. Once the state’s dominant political combine, the two parties have spent the past several years on the margins of Punjab politics, watching their traditional support base shrink while Kejriwal-led Aam Aadmi Party gradually emerged as the state’s principal political force.The BJP-SAD partnership, which lasted for over two decades, parted ways in September 2020 after the Akali Dal walked out of the NDA, with much credits to Centre’s three farm laws. The legislation triggered massive protests across Punjab and countrywide and became a political flashpoint.However, the PM Modi-led government repealed the laws in 2021, relations between the two allies remained strained.In the 2022 Punjab assembly elections, voters not only rejected the Congress, which was crippled by the Amarinder Singh-Navjot Singh Sidhu power struggle, but also delivered a crushing verdict against both the BJP and the SAD.Join conversationView All Comments →Share your thoughts in the commentsInsightfulAgreeDisagreeSkepticalConcerningPromisingWorth ReadingBig DevelopmentPost CommentBe respectful · TOI community guidelinesContesting separately, the BJP won just two seats while the Akali Dal managed only three in the 117-member assembly.Instead, Punjab handed Kejriwal’s AAP a historic mandate. The party stormed to power for the first time in its second attempt, with Bhagwant Mann becoming chief minister, recording a dramatic shift in the Sikh-majority state.Against this backdrop, the Modi-Badal meeting in Parliament assumes greater political significance. While neither side has officially indicated that an alliance is on the cards, the interaction is likely to intensify discussions over whether the estranged partners can rebuild their relationship before Punjab votes next year.Get the latest India News and Live updates. Download the TOI app.About the AuthorAbhishek MishraAbhishek Mishra is a Digital Content Producer at The Times of India, working with the news desk. He writes with a keen eye on foreign policy, defence developments, and the shifting currents of geopolitics-and yes, Indian politics always finds a way onto his radar too.Read MoreEnd of ArticleFollow Us On Social MediaVideosGen-Alpha Grabs Spotlight At Ranchi JPSC-JSSC Protest As 13-Year-Old Zaid’s Appeal Goes ViralCentre Opposes Creamy Layer For SC-ST Quota, Says Discrimination Goes Beyond Economic StatusIAF’s : Bhawana Kanth Earns ‘Top Gun’ Title, Shivani Sehrawat Becomes Army Chief’s ADC’Cancel Exams, Take Action’: Jharkhand LoP Babulal Marandi Slams Soren Govt, Backs Student ProtestsContent Creator Ayush Rana On Jharkhand Protest Funding, Viral Videos, Dhoni’s Silence & More‘Gen Z Protesters Are Not Anti-National’: RSS’ Mohan Bhagwat Says ‘Protest Is A Way Of Dialogue’Jharkhand’s ‘Sonam Wangchuk 2.0′ Devendra Nath Mahato Enters Day 5 Of Indefinite Hunger Strike Fast’Not Enemies’: Rijiju Meets Rahul Gandhi Over Sansad Logjam, Reacts To Amit Shah Statement DemandAtiq Ahmed’s Youngest Son Abaan Dies In Jhansi Road Accident, Conflicting Accounts Emerge Over Crash‘Youth Wants CJP To Become Political Party’: Dipke, Saurav Das Announce ‘Kya Bolti Public’ Campaign123PhotostoriesWant your toddler to talk more? Try these simple speech-building strategiesBigg Boss Malayalam 8: Celebrities who can shine in the show10 foods Nepalese families eat on a regular basisHow to store fresh pudina without a refrigerator: 7 easy and practical hacks that actually workWhy cloves work so well in the kitchen: 6 smart hacks you didn’t knowWhy pink eye cases spike every monsoon: Eye doctor explains how humid weather helps infections spread and the mistakes that can put your vision at riskThe person most likely to motivate you, according to your birth date12 iconic sandwiches everyone should try at least onceWearing flat, cushion-less slippers at home all day? Doctor says this everyday habit could trigger months of heel pain5 things couples naturally stop doing when they feel completely comfortable with each other123Hot PicksThailand School ShootingUPI TransactionsAsk Me AnythingJharkhand protestGurgaon rainNICL Assistant RecruitmentAnkur WarikooIndia Labour CodesGold rate todayTop TrendingCockroach Janta PartyNagpur Rape CaseAbhijeet DipkeGujarat Mystery WellJPSC ProtestDelhi RainDelhi Wife MurderEknath ShindeTamil Nadu BudgetPraveen Nettaru Murder Case

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