August 29, 2026

NEW DELHI: Bharatiya Janata Party president Nitin Nabin on Saturday expressed displeasure after three party MPs from Delhi visited Congress leader Sajjan Kumar’s residence to offer condolences following his death, news agency PTI reported, citing sources.“BJP national president Nitin Nabin summoned these three MPs today and expressed his displeasure over their visit to Sajjan Kumar’s residence,” a source in the party told PTI.This comes after Kamaljeet Sehrawat, Ramvir Singh Bidhuri and Yogender Chandolia visited the late Congress leader’s residence and met his family.Earlier, BJP leaders and former Delhi MLA HS Phoolka had slammed the party MPs, saying that sympathy should be reserved for the victims and their families of the 1984 anti-Sikh riots.He also called for a boycott of the three MPs over their visit to Kumar’s residence.”Strongly condemn the visit of 3 MPs Kamaljeet Sehrawat, Ramvir Singh Bidhuri and Yogender Chandolia to mass murderer Sajjan Kumar’s residence to offer condolences on his death. This is when the BJP has always supported our quest for justice against these culprits and supported us in ensuring that he stays in jail,” Phoolka said in a post on X.”Sympathy should be reserved for victims and their families – many of whom live the horror of those days even till now,” he said.Sajjan Kumar was a former Member of Parliament and senior Congress leader who was serving a life term for the 1984 anti-Sikh riots. He died at 80 on August 20 in Tihar jail.Join conversationView All Comments →Share your thoughts in the commentsInsightfulAgreeDisagreeSkepticalConcerningPromisingWorth ReadingBig DevelopmentPost CommentBe respectful · TOI community guidelinesThe trial court, on February 25, 2025, awarded life imprisonment to Kumar for being part of the mob that set fire to the house of the victims and “brutally killed” the two victims, besides looting their belongings.It had also imposed a fine of around Rs 2.4 lakh on Kumar.Earlier, Kumar was sentenced to life imprisonment by the Delhi high court on December 17, 2018, in another case related to the killing of five Sikhs and the burning of a gurdwara during the anti-Sikh riots.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 MediaVideosRahul Gandhi Slams BJP-RSS Over Kharge ‘Shuddhikaran’, Demands Action Under SC/ST ActPakistani Drones Spotted Along LoC: Indian Army Intensifies Surveillance In J&K | WatchPM Modi’s 4-Day Central Asia Visit: Uzbekistan, Kyrgyzstan & SCO Summit | India’s Diplomatic PushB Nagendra Quits Karnataka Cabinet Amid Valmiki Scam Allegations, Calls Charges Politically DrivenBlast Near Manipur BJP MLA’s House; CM Khemchand Singh Calls Attack ‘Barbaric’Fresh Threat To Kashmiri Pandits: Terror Group ULC Warns Over Reopening Exodus Cases | WatchUS Green Card Wait, USCIS Checks, UK Visas: How Immigration Rules Impact IndiansIndia Plans Javelin Missile Buy From US, Giving Infantry A Battle-Tested Tank-Killing Edge | Watch’Willing & Keen’: Penguin Random House Denies Dropping Sonia Gandhi’s Memoir Over Editorial ChangesGovt Taps EIL For Quality Checks On 5,000 Km Of Road Projects After Modi’s ‘4th-Party Audit’ Jibe123PhotostoriesWhy do some eggs have double yolks? The science behind it explainedUse an old toothbrush to clean your taps: 7 places this tiny tool can reachStrong bones aren’t just about milk: 7 foods that help support bone density as you age5 things happy couples do before going to bed every nightFrom Kapil Sharma to Krushna Abhishek: Richest Indian comedians and their net worth8 of the smallest birds you can find in IndiaNepal flash flood: 5 key differences between glacial lake outburst flood (GLOF) and regular floodBlood sugar suddenly rising while using an inhaler? Doctor explains when respiratory medicines could be responsible7 ‘interferences’ that can silently kill a marriage, from over-involved families and demanding careers to phones, money and the pastTalking but not dating? 5 signs this connection may be stuck123Hot PicksNepal floodUGC NET June 2026 resultCNG Price HikeMumbai milk priceRRB NTPC UG CBT 2 examAnkit Baliyan murderSridhar VembuDelhi murderInflation dataTop TrendingSophie Cunningham CareerChandigarh MurderSamay RainaUdaipur HotelFlorida Car CrashUS Green Card HolderBengal HospitalTamil Nadu Son MurderElon MuskKanpur Aircraft Crash

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NEW DELHI: Bharatiya Janata Party president Nitin Nabin on Saturday expressed displeasure after three party MPs from Delhi visited Congress leader Sajjan Kumar’s residence to offer condolences following his death, news agency PTI reported, citing sources.“BJP national president Nitin Nabin summoned these three MPs today and expressed his displeasure over their visit to Sajjan Kumar’s residence,” a source in the party told PTI.This comes after Kamaljeet Sehrawat, Ramvir Singh Bidhuri and Yogender Chandolia visited the late Congress leader’s residence and met his family.Earlier, BJP leaders and former Delhi MLA HS Phoolka had slammed the party MPs, saying that sympathy should be reserved for the victims and their families of the 1984 anti-Sikh riots.He also called for a boycott of the three MPs over their visit to Kumar’s residence.”Strongly condemn the visit of 3 MPs Kamaljeet Sehrawat, Ramvir Singh Bidhuri and Yogender Chandolia to mass murderer Sajjan Kumar’s residence to offer condolences on his death. This is when the BJP has always supported our quest for justice against these culprits and supported us in ensuring that he stays in jail,” Phoolka said in a post on X.”Sympathy should be reserved for victims and their families – many of whom live the horror of those days even till now,” he said.Sajjan Kumar was a former Member of Parliament and senior Congress leader who was serving a life term for the 1984 anti-Sikh riots. He died at 80 on August 20 in Tihar jail.Join conversationView All Comments →Share your thoughts in the commentsInsightfulAgreeDisagreeSkepticalConcerningPromisingWorth ReadingBig DevelopmentPost CommentBe respectful · TOI community guidelinesThe trial court, on February 25, 2025, awarded life imprisonment to Kumar for being part of the mob that set fire to the house of the victims and “brutally killed” the two victims, besides looting their belongings.It had also imposed a fine of around Rs 2.4 lakh on Kumar.Earlier, Kumar was sentenced to life imprisonment by the Delhi high court on December 17, 2018, in another case related to the killing of five Sikhs and the burning of a gurdwara during the anti-Sikh riots.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 MediaVideosRahul Gandhi Slams BJP-RSS Over Kharge ‘Shuddhikaran’, Demands Action Under SC/ST ActPakistani Drones Spotted Along LoC: Indian Army Intensifies Surveillance In J&K | WatchPM Modi’s 4-Day Central Asia Visit: Uzbekistan, Kyrgyzstan & SCO Summit | India’s Diplomatic PushB Nagendra Quits Karnataka Cabinet Amid Valmiki Scam Allegations, Calls Charges Politically DrivenBlast Near Manipur BJP MLA’s House; CM Khemchand Singh Calls Attack ‘Barbaric’Fresh Threat To Kashmiri Pandits: Terror Group ULC Warns Over Reopening Exodus Cases | WatchUS Green Card Wait, USCIS Checks, UK Visas: How Immigration Rules Impact IndiansIndia Plans Javelin Missile Buy From US, Giving Infantry A Battle-Tested Tank-Killing Edge | Watch’Willing & Keen’: Penguin Random House Denies Dropping Sonia Gandhi’s Memoir Over Editorial ChangesGovt Taps EIL For Quality Checks On 5,000 Km Of Road Projects After Modi’s ‘4th-Party Audit’ Jibe123PhotostoriesWhy do some eggs have double yolks? The science behind it explainedUse an old toothbrush to clean your taps: 7 places this tiny tool can reachStrong bones aren’t just about milk: 7 foods that help support bone density as you age5 things happy couples do before going to bed every nightFrom Kapil Sharma to Krushna Abhishek: Richest Indian comedians and their net worth8 of the smallest birds you can find in IndiaNepal flash flood: 5 key differences between glacial lake outburst flood (GLOF) and regular floodBlood sugar suddenly rising while using an inhaler? Doctor explains when respiratory medicines could be responsible7 ‘interferences’ that can silently kill a marriage, from over-involved families and demanding careers to phones, money and the pastTalking but not dating? 5 signs this connection may be stuck123Hot PicksNepal floodUGC NET June 2026 resultCNG Price HikeMumbai milk priceRRB NTPC UG CBT 2 examAnkit Baliyan murderSridhar VembuDelhi murderInflation dataTop TrendingSophie Cunningham CareerChandigarh MurderSamay RainaUdaipur HotelFlorida Car CrashUS Green Card HolderBengal HospitalTamil Nadu Son MurderElon MuskKanpur Aircraft Crash


BJP chief Nitin Nabin expresses displeasure over 3 party MPs visiting Sajjan Kumar residence

NEW DELHI: Bharatiya Janata Party president Nitin Nabin on Saturday expressed displeasure after three party MPs from Delhi visited Congress leader Sajjan Kumar’s residence to offer condolences following his death, news agency PTI reported, citing sources.“BJP national president Nitin Nabin summoned these three MPs today and expressed his displeasure over their visit to Sajjan Kumar’s residence,” a source in the party told PTI.This comes after Kamaljeet Sehrawat, Ramvir Singh Bidhuri and Yogender Chandolia visited the late Congress leader’s residence and met his family.Earlier, BJP leaders and former Delhi MLA HS Phoolka had slammed the party MPs, saying that sympathy should be reserved for the victims and their families of the 1984 anti-Sikh riots.He also called for a boycott of the three MPs over their visit to Kumar’s residence.“Strongly condemn the visit of 3 MPs Kamaljeet Sehrawat, Ramvir Singh Bidhuri and Yogender Chandolia to mass murderer Sajjan Kumar’s residence to offer condolences on his death. This is when the BJP has always supported our quest for justice against these culprits and supported us in ensuring that he stays in jail,” Phoolka said in a post on X.“Sympathy should be reserved for victims and their families – many of whom live the horror of those days even till now,” he said.Sajjan Kumar was a former Member of Parliament and senior Congress leader who was serving a life term for the 1984 anti-Sikh riots. He died at 80 on August 20 in Tihar jail.

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(AI image) Every year, India witnesses a familiar wave – the marriage season. Wedding halls fill up, families revive old contacts, matrimonial apps see a surge, and somewhere between the “ladka kya karta hai?” and “ladki ko kya pasand hai?”, the search for a perfect match begins.India records approximately 10 million marriages a year, or roughly 30,000 weddings a day, according to BiodataPlus.in.Amid the rituals, celebrations and matchmaking conversations comes a quieter ritual: the biodata.What looks like a simple one-page profile is, in fact, a snapshot of a changing India, reflecting what families still look for, what young Indians now expect from a partner and how the idea of a “good match” is being rewritten.The old marriage checklistFor years, a marriage biodata followed an almost predictable template: age, height, complexion, caste, salary and family background.For women, descriptions such as “fair”, “homely” and “well-mannered” were not unusual. For men, a stable job, income, property and family status often carried considerable weight.Recalling her experience, 52-year-old Mamata from Uttar Pradesh, told TOI these factors continue to play a major role in rural areas, although expectations have evolved as one moves towards urban India. “During my time, a few family members used to visit the girl’s family and ask questions about her height, age, hobbies and, most importantly, whether she could cook (khana bana leti ho?). The girl’s family wasn’t really allowed to ask questions to the other side. That used to be a very awkward conversation,” she said.But she sees a clear difference in how the next generation approaches marriage.“My daughter has her own perspective and priorities. If parents of my generation were looking for a match for her, we would consider the factors I mentioned above. But those things may not matter to my daughter because she is working and living abroad,” she said.The difference, then, may not simply be about what appears on a biodata. It is also about who gets to decide what matters.What’s changed, and what hasn’tSo, has the marriage biodata itself really changed?Not really.Shalini Singh, founder of matchmaking platform Andwemet, believes the format has remained surprisingly similar, even as expectations around marriage have evolved.“Honestly, the biodata format itself hasn’t changed much because what needs to change is the mindset of the people creating them. That kind of change is hard, but it’s the only way forward. And the people who are willing to evolve their biodata are the ones finding better matches,” she said.Relationship coach Sidhharrth S Kumaar of NumroVani sees the shift less in the document itself and more in its purpose.According to him, the question is gradually moving from “Is this family socially suitable?” to “Can these two individuals realistically build a life together?”He also points to a change in who controls the process. While parents were once the primary custodians of marriage biodatas, individuals are increasingly taking charge of their own profiles and decisions, sometimes with guidance from relationship or matrimonial coaches and even AI.“Parents use the biodata to reduce social uncertainty, while their children use it to reduce relationship uncertainty,” noted Kumaar.That distinction captures one of the biggest changes in the modern marriage search.Verona Matchmaking, another platform TOI spoke to, points to another broader shift: the changing role of courtship itself. Young Indians increasingly want the opportunity to date, spend time together and genuinely get to know each other before deciding to marry. Which was yes- not a case earlier.But there is an interesting contradiction. As people become better at describing exactly what they want in a partner, there is also a risk of becoming too good at filtering people out.Verona Matchmaking therefore emphasises the importance of keeping an open mind during the process. The objective, it suggests, “should not be to find someone who perfectly matches every item on a checklist, but to find someone worth getting to know.”From ‘fitting in’ to ‘fitting together’For people currently looking for a partner, the shift is increasingly visible in the questions they ask.Rupali Rani, an account manager at The Reppro who is currently looking for a match, told TOI that financial stability is important but no longer enough. “For me, financial stability is only one part of the picture. I want to know how a person thinks, communicates, treats people and looks at life. I would rather have a good conversation with someone and realise that our values align than tick ten boxes on a biodata and then struggle to have a conversation in real life,” she said.For Rani, the change is particularly visible in what women expect from marriage. “It is now less about ‘Will you fit into my family?’ and more about ‘Will our lives fit together?’” she said.“I would rather have an uncomfortable conversation in the beginning than a comfortable misunderstanding that becomes a problem later. My career, my lifestyle and my independence are important to me. Of course, being in a relationship means making adjustments; both people will have to. But adjustment and compromise are not the same thing,” she added.Data cited by the National Center for Biotechnology Information (NCBI) also points to broader changes in women’s lives.In India, efforts to delay girls’ marriage have contributed to a decline in marriages before the age of 18, from 47% in 2006 to 23% in 2019-2021. Over the same period, the proportion of girls completing higher secondary education increased from 34% to 48%.The other sideBut women aren’t the only ones rewriting the rules of modern matchmaking. Men, too, are pushing back against transactional evaluations in search of genuine emotional alignment.Shivam Sharma, who is currently looking for a match, told TOI that questions about his CTC, job, property, family responsibilities and career plans are common, particularly from the prospective bride’s family.He understands why families ask such questions but believes a man’s worth should not be reduced to his income or assets.“Someone may have a very high salary or own properties worth crores, but that doesn’t guarantee that he will be a good husband, that he will bring happiness to his partner, or that the relationship will be free from dishonesty or conflicts,” he said.Instead, Sharma believes families should also ask about a man’s ambitions, values, work ethic, financial plans and how he views his responsibilities towards his family.He also sees a change in who gets the final say.“Both families may still be involved, but ultimately, the decision is increasingly being left to the two people who are actually going to spend their lives together. I think that is an important and positive change,” he said.Traditional expectations from women, however, have not disappeared. Sharma said terms such as “good family” and “homely” can still influence matchmaking, but personally, he does not consider appearance-based factors such as height or fairness important.“For me, good nature, mutual understanding, compatibility and family values matter much more than someone’s appearance,” he said.He also does not expect his future wife to give up her ambitions, friendships, interests or individuality after marriage.“If she wants to travel, spend time with her friends, watch a movie, go on a long drive or pursue something that makes her happy, I don’t think marriage should stop her from doing those things. She should have her own space and freedom, just as I would expect to have mine,” he said.Major decisions, including family planning, should also be discussed and taken jointly, he added.“Marriage should involve adjustments from both sides, not sacrifices expected from only one person,” Sharma said.Biodata vs personFor those who have gone through matchmaking, the importance of a biodata can look different in hindsight. What seems important while searching for a partner may not always matter once two people begin building a life together.Vaibhavi Srivastava, an assistant account manager in corporate communications and PR, and Prakhar Mathur, a software test engineer, are now married. Speaking to TOI, they shared what they looked for in each other’s biodatas and how their idea of a “good match” has evolved.Srivastava focused more on the individual than the family. She looked for educational qualifications, career, future plans and a progressive, open-minded partner who would support her ambitions. A relatively small family was also a preference.Mathur initially considered age, but soon focused on personality, education and career goals. He liked that Srivastava had “her own goals and clear ideas regarding her future”.For both, compatibility and mutual support mattered more than ticking boxes. Srivastava now places greater emphasis on family values and communication, while Mathur believes biodatas reveal only so much.“Real priorities will come to the fore during a conversation about your way of communication and your view of life,” he said.Neither considered caste or family status deciding factors. Ultimately, they said, the relationship is between the two people getting married.The old checklist is evolving … slowlyYet the shift towards compatibility does not mean the traditional marriage checklist has disappeared. Caste, complexion, height, income and family background continue to influence partner selection, though their importance varies across families and generations.Sharma believes caste still matters, but the barrier is thinner than it was for his parents’ generation. Greater interaction through education, workplaces and social circles, he said, has made young people more open to cross-caste relationships.“I don’t think caste has disappeared, but I do think compatibility, understanding and individual choice are becoming more important,” he said, adding that marriage decisions are increasingly about the two people rather than their caste backgrounds.Rani sees a similar transition. Preferences for someone “fair”, “homely” or from a “good family” remain, she said, even as others prioritise stable careers, emotional maturity and shared values.“We are in a transition phase. The old checklist hasn’t disappeared; it has simply started sharing space with a new one,” she said.Ankur Gola, a resident of Delhi, who recently got married, told TOI, “my family was on board with whoever I’m considering but there was an orthodox condition that person should not be of lower cast or muslim; which was difficult for me to accept as they never taught me to discriminate against people… I decided to break the cycle.”New words, old biases Sidhharrth Kumaar takes the argument a step further. He believes traditional factors have not necessarily disappeared, they have sometimes simply been given newer names.Caste, he said, may be described as “cultural compatibility” or “similar traditions”. Complexion and appearance may become “presentable”, “well-groomed” or “fitness-conscious”, while family status may appear as “similar upbringing”, “compatible lifestyle” or “well-settled family”.Even the phrase “our vibes did not match”, he said, can sometimes become a convenient umbrella for discomfort related to appearance, accent, class, caste-coded habits or family culture without explicitly naming the criterion.“These expressions are not inherently discriminatory, but they can camouflage older preferences. The language of matchmaking has modernised faster than the underlying selection criteria,” he said.The transition, therefore, is not a clean break from the past.The vocabulary of matchmaking may be changing, but some of the old filters continue to quietly shape who gets considered a “good match”.The big pictureThe traditional one-page marriage biodata is no longer confined to a printed sheet passed between relatives, family friends or neighbours.Increasingly, matchmaking has moved online, with profiles becoming searchable, editable and instantly shareable.That has changed the reach of the biodata.What once travelled through a limited family or community network can now be shared far beyond it, sometimes with hundreds or thousands of potential matches.Yet technology has not necessarily erased tradition.Join conversationView All Comments →Share your thoughts in the commentsInsightfulAgreeDisagreeSkepticalConcerningPromisingWorth ReadingBig DevelopmentPost CommentBe respectful · TOI community guidelinesInstead, the old checklist has found a new home online.A profile can still ask about caste, family, profession and income, even as it increasingly includes interests, lifestyle, career aspirations and expectations from a partner.The format has become digital. The conversation around it is becoming more personal.And perhaps that is the real evolution of the Indian marriage biodata.It is no longer only asking, “Is this person suitable for our family?”Increasingly, the question is becoming:“Can these two people build a life that works for both of them?”The biodata may still fit on one page. But the definition of a “good match” is getting much bigger.Get the latest India News and Live updates. Download the TOI app.End of ArticleFollow Us On Social MediaVideosKolkata Police Files Case Against Mamata Banerjee Over Rally, TMC Hits Back At BJP Govt | WatchRahul Gandhi Slams BJP-RSS Over Kharge ‘Shuddhikaran’, Demands Action Under SC/ST ActPakistani Drones Spotted Along LoC: Indian Army Intensifies Surveillance In J&K | WatchPM Modi’s 4-Day Central Asia Visit: Uzbekistan, Kyrgyzstan & SCO Summit | India’s Diplomatic PushB Nagendra Quits Karnataka Cabinet Amid Valmiki Scam Allegations, Calls Charges Politically DrivenBlast Near Manipur BJP MLA’s House; CM Khemchand Singh Calls Attack ‘Barbaric’Fresh Threat To Kashmiri Pandits: Terror Group ULC Warns Over Reopening Exodus Cases | WatchUS Green Card Wait, USCIS Checks, UK Visas: How Immigration Rules Impact IndiansIndia Plans Javelin Missile Buy From US, Giving Infantry A Battle-Tested Tank-Killing Edge | Watch’Willing & Keen’: Penguin Random House Denies Dropping Sonia Gandhi’s Memoir Over Editorial Changes123PhotostoriesBlueberries vs Grapes: What happens to blood sugar when you eat the whole fruit instead of drinking it?Why do some eggs have double yolks? The science behind it explainedUse an old toothbrush to clean your taps: 7 places this tiny tool can reachStrong bones aren’t just about milk: 7 foods that help support bone density as you age5 things happy couples do before going to bed every nightFrom Kapil Sharma to Krushna Abhishek: Richest Indian comedians and their net worth8 of the smallest birds you can find in IndiaNepal flash flood: 5 key differences between glacial lake outburst flood (GLOF) and regular floodBlood sugar suddenly rising while using an inhaler? Doctor explains when respiratory medicines could be responsible7 ‘interferences’ that can silently kill a marriage, from over-involved families and demanding careers to phones, money and the past123Hot PicksNepal floodUGC NET June 2026 resultCNG Price HikeMumbai milk priceRRB NTPC UG CBT 2 examAnkit Baliyan murderSridhar VembuDelhi murderInflation dataTop TrendingSophie Cunningham CareerChandigarh MurderSamay RainaUdaipur HotelFlorida Car CrashUS Green Card HolderBengal HospitalTamil Nadu Son MurderElon MuskKanpur Aircraft Crash

(AI image) Every year, India witnesses a familiar wave – the marriage season. Wedding halls fill up, families revive old contacts, matrimonial apps see a surge, and somewhere between the “ladka kya karta hai?” and “ladki ko kya pasand hai?”, the search for a perfect match begins.India records approximately 10 million marriages a year, or roughly 30,000 weddings a day, according to BiodataPlus.in.Amid the rituals, celebrations and matchmaking conversations comes a quieter ritual: the biodata.What looks like a simple one-page profile is, in fact, a snapshot of a changing India, reflecting what families still look for, what young Indians now expect from a partner and how the idea of a “good match” is being rewritten.The old marriage checklistFor years, a marriage biodata followed an almost predictable template: age, height, complexion, caste, salary and family background.For women, descriptions such as “fair”, “homely” and “well-mannered” were not unusual. For men, a stable job, income, property and family status often carried considerable weight.Recalling her experience, 52-year-old Mamata from Uttar Pradesh, told TOI these factors continue to play a major role in rural areas, although expectations have evolved as one moves towards urban India. “During my time, a few family members used to visit the girl’s family and ask questions about her height, age, hobbies and, most importantly, whether she could cook (khana bana leti ho?). The girl’s family wasn’t really allowed to ask questions to the other side. That used to be a very awkward conversation,” she said.But she sees a clear difference in how the next generation approaches marriage.“My daughter has her own perspective and priorities. If parents of my generation were looking for a match for her, we would consider the factors I mentioned above. But those things may not matter to my daughter because she is working and living abroad,” she said.The difference, then, may not simply be about what appears on a biodata. It is also about who gets to decide what matters.What’s changed, and what hasn’tSo, has the marriage biodata itself really changed?Not really.Shalini Singh, founder of matchmaking platform Andwemet, believes the format has remained surprisingly similar, even as expectations around marriage have evolved.“Honestly, the biodata format itself hasn’t changed much because what needs to change is the mindset of the people creating them. That kind of change is hard, but it’s the only way forward. And the people who are willing to evolve their biodata are the ones finding better matches,” she said.Relationship coach Sidhharrth S Kumaar of NumroVani sees the shift less in the document itself and more in its purpose.According to him, the question is gradually moving from “Is this family socially suitable?” to “Can these two individuals realistically build a life together?”He also points to a change in who controls the process. While parents were once the primary custodians of marriage biodatas, individuals are increasingly taking charge of their own profiles and decisions, sometimes with guidance from relationship or matrimonial coaches and even AI.“Parents use the biodata to reduce social uncertainty, while their children use it to reduce relationship uncertainty,” noted Kumaar.That distinction captures one of the biggest changes in the modern marriage search.Verona Matchmaking, another platform TOI spoke to, points to another broader shift: the changing role of courtship itself. Young Indians increasingly want the opportunity to date, spend time together and genuinely get to know each other before deciding to marry. Which was yes- not a case earlier.But there is an interesting contradiction. As people become better at describing exactly what they want in a partner, there is also a risk of becoming too good at filtering people out.Verona Matchmaking therefore emphasises the importance of keeping an open mind during the process. The objective, it suggests, “should not be to find someone who perfectly matches every item on a checklist, but to find someone worth getting to know.”From ‘fitting in’ to ‘fitting together’For people currently looking for a partner, the shift is increasingly visible in the questions they ask.Rupali Rani, an account manager at The Reppro who is currently looking for a match, told TOI that financial stability is important but no longer enough. “For me, financial stability is only one part of the picture. I want to know how a person thinks, communicates, treats people and looks at life. I would rather have a good conversation with someone and realise that our values align than tick ten boxes on a biodata and then struggle to have a conversation in real life,” she said.For Rani, the change is particularly visible in what women expect from marriage. “It is now less about ‘Will you fit into my family?’ and more about ‘Will our lives fit together?’” she said.“I would rather have an uncomfortable conversation in the beginning than a comfortable misunderstanding that becomes a problem later. My career, my lifestyle and my independence are important to me. Of course, being in a relationship means making adjustments; both people will have to. But adjustment and compromise are not the same thing,” she added.Data cited by the National Center for Biotechnology Information (NCBI) also points to broader changes in women’s lives.In India, efforts to delay girls’ marriage have contributed to a decline in marriages before the age of 18, from 47% in 2006 to 23% in 2019-2021. Over the same period, the proportion of girls completing higher secondary education increased from 34% to 48%.The other sideBut women aren’t the only ones rewriting the rules of modern matchmaking. Men, too, are pushing back against transactional evaluations in search of genuine emotional alignment.Shivam Sharma, who is currently looking for a match, told TOI that questions about his CTC, job, property, family responsibilities and career plans are common, particularly from the prospective bride’s family.He understands why families ask such questions but believes a man’s worth should not be reduced to his income or assets.“Someone may have a very high salary or own properties worth crores, but that doesn’t guarantee that he will be a good husband, that he will bring happiness to his partner, or that the relationship will be free from dishonesty or conflicts,” he said.Instead, Sharma believes families should also ask about a man’s ambitions, values, work ethic, financial plans and how he views his responsibilities towards his family.He also sees a change in who gets the final say.“Both families may still be involved, but ultimately, the decision is increasingly being left to the two people who are actually going to spend their lives together. I think that is an important and positive change,” he said.Traditional expectations from women, however, have not disappeared. Sharma said terms such as “good family” and “homely” can still influence matchmaking, but personally, he does not consider appearance-based factors such as height or fairness important.“For me, good nature, mutual understanding, compatibility and family values matter much more than someone’s appearance,” he said.He also does not expect his future wife to give up her ambitions, friendships, interests or individuality after marriage.“If she wants to travel, spend time with her friends, watch a movie, go on a long drive or pursue something that makes her happy, I don’t think marriage should stop her from doing those things. She should have her own space and freedom, just as I would expect to have mine,” he said.Major decisions, including family planning, should also be discussed and taken jointly, he added.“Marriage should involve adjustments from both sides, not sacrifices expected from only one person,” Sharma said.Biodata vs personFor those who have gone through matchmaking, the importance of a biodata can look different in hindsight. What seems important while searching for a partner may not always matter once two people begin building a life together.Vaibhavi Srivastava, an assistant account manager in corporate communications and PR, and Prakhar Mathur, a software test engineer, are now married. Speaking to TOI, they shared what they looked for in each other’s biodatas and how their idea of a “good match” has evolved.Srivastava focused more on the individual than the family. She looked for educational qualifications, career, future plans and a progressive, open-minded partner who would support her ambitions. A relatively small family was also a preference.Mathur initially considered age, but soon focused on personality, education and career goals. He liked that Srivastava had “her own goals and clear ideas regarding her future”.For both, compatibility and mutual support mattered more than ticking boxes. Srivastava now places greater emphasis on family values and communication, while Mathur believes biodatas reveal only so much.“Real priorities will come to the fore during a conversation about your way of communication and your view of life,” he said.Neither considered caste or family status deciding factors. Ultimately, they said, the relationship is between the two people getting married.The old checklist is evolving … slowlyYet the shift towards compatibility does not mean the traditional marriage checklist has disappeared. Caste, complexion, height, income and family background continue to influence partner selection, though their importance varies across families and generations.Sharma believes caste still matters, but the barrier is thinner than it was for his parents’ generation. Greater interaction through education, workplaces and social circles, he said, has made young people more open to cross-caste relationships.“I don’t think caste has disappeared, but I do think compatibility, understanding and individual choice are becoming more important,” he said, adding that marriage decisions are increasingly about the two people rather than their caste backgrounds.Rani sees a similar transition. Preferences for someone “fair”, “homely” or from a “good family” remain, she said, even as others prioritise stable careers, emotional maturity and shared values.“We are in a transition phase. The old checklist hasn’t disappeared; it has simply started sharing space with a new one,” she said.Ankur Gola, a resident of Delhi, who recently got married, told TOI, “my family was on board with whoever I’m considering but there was an orthodox condition that person should not be of lower cast or muslim; which was difficult for me to accept as they never taught me to discriminate against people… I decided to break the cycle.”New words, old biases Sidhharrth Kumaar takes the argument a step further. He believes traditional factors have not necessarily disappeared, they have sometimes simply been given newer names.Caste, he said, may be described as “cultural compatibility” or “similar traditions”. Complexion and appearance may become “presentable”, “well-groomed” or “fitness-conscious”, while family status may appear as “similar upbringing”, “compatible lifestyle” or “well-settled family”.Even the phrase “our vibes did not match”, he said, can sometimes become a convenient umbrella for discomfort related to appearance, accent, class, caste-coded habits or family culture without explicitly naming the criterion.“These expressions are not inherently discriminatory, but they can camouflage older preferences. The language of matchmaking has modernised faster than the underlying selection criteria,” he said.The transition, therefore, is not a clean break from the past.The vocabulary of matchmaking may be changing, but some of the old filters continue to quietly shape who gets considered a “good match”.The big pictureThe traditional one-page marriage biodata is no longer confined to a printed sheet passed between relatives, family friends or neighbours.Increasingly, matchmaking has moved online, with profiles becoming searchable, editable and instantly shareable.That has changed the reach of the biodata.What once travelled through a limited family or community network can now be shared far beyond it, sometimes with hundreds or thousands of potential matches.Yet technology has not necessarily erased tradition.Join conversationView All Comments →Share your thoughts in the commentsInsightfulAgreeDisagreeSkepticalConcerningPromisingWorth ReadingBig DevelopmentPost CommentBe respectful · TOI community guidelinesInstead, the old checklist has found a new home online.A profile can still ask about caste, family, profession and income, even as it increasingly includes interests, lifestyle, career aspirations and expectations from a partner.The format has become digital. The conversation around it is becoming more personal.And perhaps that is the real evolution of the Indian marriage biodata.It is no longer only asking, “Is this person suitable for our family?”Increasingly, the question is becoming:“Can these two people build a life that works for both of them?”The biodata may still fit on one page. But the definition of a “good match” is getting much bigger.Get the latest India News and Live updates. Download the TOI app.End of ArticleFollow Us On Social MediaVideosKolkata Police Files Case Against Mamata Banerjee Over Rally, TMC Hits Back At BJP Govt | WatchRahul Gandhi Slams BJP-RSS Over Kharge ‘Shuddhikaran’, Demands Action Under SC/ST ActPakistani Drones Spotted Along LoC: Indian Army Intensifies Surveillance In J&K | WatchPM Modi’s 4-Day Central Asia Visit: Uzbekistan, Kyrgyzstan & SCO Summit | India’s Diplomatic PushB Nagendra Quits Karnataka Cabinet Amid Valmiki Scam Allegations, Calls Charges Politically DrivenBlast Near Manipur BJP MLA’s House; CM Khemchand Singh Calls Attack ‘Barbaric’Fresh Threat To Kashmiri Pandits: Terror Group ULC Warns Over Reopening Exodus Cases | WatchUS Green Card Wait, USCIS Checks, UK Visas: How Immigration Rules Impact IndiansIndia Plans Javelin Missile Buy From US, Giving Infantry A Battle-Tested Tank-Killing Edge | Watch’Willing & Keen’: Penguin Random House Denies Dropping Sonia Gandhi’s Memoir Over Editorial Changes123PhotostoriesBlueberries vs Grapes: What happens to blood sugar when you eat the whole fruit instead of drinking it?Why do some eggs have double yolks? The science behind it explainedUse an old toothbrush to clean your taps: 7 places this tiny tool can reachStrong bones aren’t just about milk: 7 foods that help support bone density as you age5 things happy couples do before going to bed every nightFrom Kapil Sharma to Krushna Abhishek: Richest Indian comedians and their net worth8 of the smallest birds you can find in IndiaNepal flash flood: 5 key differences between glacial lake outburst flood (GLOF) and regular floodBlood sugar suddenly rising while using an inhaler? Doctor explains when respiratory medicines could be responsible7 ‘interferences’ that can silently kill a marriage, from over-involved families and demanding careers to phones, money and the past123Hot PicksNepal floodUGC NET June 2026 resultCNG Price HikeMumbai milk priceRRB NTPC UG CBT 2 examAnkit Baliyan murderSridhar VembuDelhi murderInflation dataTop TrendingSophie Cunningham CareerChandigarh MurderSamay RainaUdaipur HotelFlorida Car CrashUS Green Card HolderBengal HospitalTamil Nadu Son MurderElon MuskKanpur Aircraft Crash

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Pushkar Singh Dhami responds to Rahul Gandhi NEW DELHI: Uttarakhand chief minister Pushkar Singh Dhami on Saturday hit back at Rahul Gandhi after the Congress leader held a press conference over the “purification” row involving party president Mallikarjun Kharge.Dhami said those who performed the “purification” ritual at Haldwani’s Ramlila Ground after Kharge’s rally were not associated with the ruling BJP. He also alleged that “slogans invoking religious frenzy” were raised at the event and people responded to that. Watch Rahul Gandhi Slams BJP-RSS Over Kharge ‘Shuddhikaran’, Demands Action Under SC/ST Act“No BJP worker was among those who carried out the purification… Nobody in Uttarakhand knows which caste Kharge ji belongs to. But people from a particular community raised slogans invoking religious frenzy. In response, some religious organisations held a purification programme there,” the chief minister told reporters, describing the Congress as a party that lacks genuine issues to raise.He further questioned who in Uttarakhand would claim that caste-based discrimination exists in the state.“Congress has only worked for appeasement and is now spreading this narrative for votes. No such incident happened, neither against Kharge ji nor against the Congress. People came forward themselves and carried out the purification in response to the religious slogans that were raised. Kharge ji is such a respected leader… How can the people of Uttarakhand insult him? People here are not like that. If Congress wants votes, it should work hard for them,” Dhami added.Join conversationView All Comments →Share your thoughts in the commentsInsightfulAgreeDisagreeSkepticalConcerningPromisingWorth ReadingBig DevelopmentPost CommentBe respectful · TOI community guidelinesHis remarks came after Rahul Gandhi, wearing a blue T-shirt — a colour associated with the Dalit community to which Kharge belongs — held a press conference at the Congress headquarters in Delhi and demanded action against those he alleged were associated with the BJP and its ideological mentor, the RSS.“This act violates the SC/ST Act. Performing a ‘purification’ ritual is a crime. Yet, no action has been taken. Therefore, we demand that an FIR be registered immediately against those who carried out this purification ritual in Uttarakhand. We want the Prime Minister to immediately order the registration of an FIR against these individuals under the SC/ST Act. It is the duty of both the state and central governments to ensure that Kharge ji receives justice in Uttarakhand,” the Lok Sabha leader of opposition said.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 MediaVideosKolkata Police Files Case Against Mamata Banerjee Over Rally, TMC Hits Back At BJP Govt | WatchRahul Gandhi Slams BJP-RSS Over Kharge ‘Shuddhikaran’, Demands Action Under SC/ST ActPakistani Drones Spotted Along LoC: Indian Army Intensifies Surveillance In J&K | WatchPM Modi’s 4-Day Central Asia Visit: Uzbekistan, Kyrgyzstan & SCO Summit | India’s Diplomatic PushB Nagendra Quits Karnataka Cabinet Amid Valmiki Scam Allegations, Calls Charges Politically DrivenBlast Near Manipur BJP MLA’s House; CM Khemchand Singh Calls Attack ‘Barbaric’Fresh Threat To Kashmiri Pandits: Terror Group ULC Warns Over Reopening Exodus Cases | WatchUS Green Card Wait, USCIS Checks, UK Visas: How Immigration Rules Impact IndiansIndia Plans Javelin Missile Buy From US, Giving Infantry A Battle-Tested Tank-Killing Edge | Watch’Willing & Keen’: Penguin Random House Denies Dropping Sonia Gandhi’s Memoir Over Editorial Changes123PhotostoriesWhy do some eggs have double yolks? The science behind it explainedUse an old toothbrush to clean your taps: 7 places this tiny tool can reachStrong bones aren’t just about milk: 7 foods that help support bone density as you age5 things happy couples do before going to bed every nightFrom Kapil Sharma to Krushna Abhishek: Richest Indian comedians and their net worth8 of the smallest birds you can find in IndiaNepal flash flood: 5 key differences between glacial lake outburst flood (GLOF) and regular floodBlood sugar suddenly rising while using an inhaler? Doctor explains when respiratory medicines could be responsible7 ‘interferences’ that can silently kill a marriage, from over-involved families and demanding careers to phones, money and the pastTalking but not dating? 5 signs this connection may be stuck123Hot PicksNepal floodUGC NET June 2026 resultCNG Price HikeMumbai milk priceRRB NTPC UG CBT 2 examAnkit Baliyan murderSridhar VembuDelhi murderInflation dataTop TrendingSophie Cunningham CareerChandigarh MurderSamay RainaUdaipur HotelFlorida Car CrashUS Green Card HolderBengal HospitalTamil Nadu Son MurderElon MuskKanpur Aircraft Crash

Pushkar Singh Dhami responds to Rahul Gandhi NEW DELHI: Uttarakhand chief minister Pushkar Singh Dhami on Saturday hit back at Rahul Gandhi after the Congress leader held a press conference over the “purification” row involving party president Mallikarjun Kharge.Dhami said those who performed the “purification” ritual at Haldwani’s Ramlila Ground after Kharge’s rally were not associated with the ruling BJP. He also alleged that “slogans invoking religious frenzy” were raised at the event and people responded to that. Watch Rahul Gandhi Slams BJP-RSS Over Kharge ‘Shuddhikaran’, Demands Action Under SC/ST Act“No BJP worker was among those who carried out the purification… Nobody in Uttarakhand knows which caste Kharge ji belongs to. But people from a particular community raised slogans invoking religious frenzy. In response, some religious organisations held a purification programme there,” the chief minister told reporters, describing the Congress as a party that lacks genuine issues to raise.He further questioned who in Uttarakhand would claim that caste-based discrimination exists in the state.“Congress has only worked for appeasement and is now spreading this narrative for votes. No such incident happened, neither against Kharge ji nor against the Congress. People came forward themselves and carried out the purification in response to the religious slogans that were raised. Kharge ji is such a respected leader… How can the people of Uttarakhand insult him? People here are not like that. If Congress wants votes, it should work hard for them,” Dhami added.Join conversationView All Comments →Share your thoughts in the commentsInsightfulAgreeDisagreeSkepticalConcerningPromisingWorth ReadingBig DevelopmentPost CommentBe respectful · TOI community guidelinesHis remarks came after Rahul Gandhi, wearing a blue T-shirt — a colour associated with the Dalit community to which Kharge belongs — held a press conference at the Congress headquarters in Delhi and demanded action against those he alleged were associated with the BJP and its ideological mentor, the RSS.“This act violates the SC/ST Act. Performing a ‘purification’ ritual is a crime. Yet, no action has been taken. Therefore, we demand that an FIR be registered immediately against those who carried out this purification ritual in Uttarakhand. We want the Prime Minister to immediately order the registration of an FIR against these individuals under the SC/ST Act. It is the duty of both the state and central governments to ensure that Kharge ji receives justice in Uttarakhand,” the Lok Sabha leader of opposition said.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 MediaVideosKolkata Police Files Case Against Mamata Banerjee Over Rally, TMC Hits Back At BJP Govt | WatchRahul Gandhi Slams BJP-RSS Over Kharge ‘Shuddhikaran’, Demands Action Under SC/ST ActPakistani Drones Spotted Along LoC: Indian Army Intensifies Surveillance In J&K | WatchPM Modi’s 4-Day Central Asia Visit: Uzbekistan, Kyrgyzstan & SCO Summit | India’s Diplomatic PushB Nagendra Quits Karnataka Cabinet Amid Valmiki Scam Allegations, Calls Charges Politically DrivenBlast Near Manipur BJP MLA’s House; CM Khemchand Singh Calls Attack ‘Barbaric’Fresh Threat To Kashmiri Pandits: Terror Group ULC Warns Over Reopening Exodus Cases | WatchUS Green Card Wait, USCIS Checks, UK Visas: How Immigration Rules Impact IndiansIndia Plans Javelin Missile Buy From US, Giving Infantry A Battle-Tested Tank-Killing Edge | Watch’Willing & Keen’: Penguin Random House Denies Dropping Sonia Gandhi’s Memoir Over Editorial Changes123PhotostoriesWhy do some eggs have double yolks? The science behind it explainedUse an old toothbrush to clean your taps: 7 places this tiny tool can reachStrong bones aren’t just about milk: 7 foods that help support bone density as you age5 things happy couples do before going to bed every nightFrom Kapil Sharma to Krushna Abhishek: Richest Indian comedians and their net worth8 of the smallest birds you can find in IndiaNepal flash flood: 5 key differences between glacial lake outburst flood (GLOF) and regular floodBlood sugar suddenly rising while using an inhaler? Doctor explains when respiratory medicines could be responsible7 ‘interferences’ that can silently kill a marriage, from over-involved families and demanding careers to phones, money and the pastTalking but not dating? 5 signs this connection may be stuck123Hot PicksNepal floodUGC NET June 2026 resultCNG Price HikeMumbai milk priceRRB NTPC UG CBT 2 examAnkit Baliyan murderSridhar VembuDelhi murderInflation dataTop TrendingSophie Cunningham CareerChandigarh MurderSamay RainaUdaipur HotelFlorida Car CrashUS Green Card HolderBengal HospitalTamil Nadu Son MurderElon MuskKanpur Aircraft Crash

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Abhijeet Dipke raises questions during campaign NEW DELHI: Cockroach Janta Party (CJP) founder Abhijeet Dipke visited villages in Maharashtra’s Hingoli district as part of his ‘School Thik Karo’ campaign, inspecting government schools and raising concerns over the condition of school infrastructure and the quality of food supplies used for midday meals.Speaking about his findings, Dipke said, “I was absolutely shocked by what I saw this morning. The food items being used for the midday meal were expired—they had gone past their expiry date six or seven months ago. I want to ask the ministers, MLAs, and officials—do they feed their own children expired food?”He also raised concerns about basic facilities in government schools, alleging that several schools lacked drinking water, usable washrooms, benches and adequate teaching staff.”Even after all these years, if children in our country’s government schools lack drinking water and usable restrooms and have to sit on the floor because there are no benches—then what exactly has been done?” Dipke said.”Only when the government supports these children and builds good schools for them will they be able to achieve something in life,” he added.Dipke further said, “None of the schools have drinking water, and none of them have washrooms. None of the schools have benches for children to sit on, nor do they have enough teachers.”During his visit to Kadoli village, Dipke said he found a school building that had been constructed in 1950 and claimed that no work had been carried out on it since then.”When I visited Kadoli village, I saw a building that had been constructed back in 1950. No work had been done on that building since 1950,” he said.Dipke alleged that political interests were being prioritised over the needs of children, saying, “Their only priority is gaining power by any means necessary.”Dipke had launched the campaign on August 15 from his native village, Santuk Pipri, and returned to the area to inspect schools in Lohgaon, Karanjal, Jamdaya, Jambhrun and Khillar.Dipke had earlier said the campaign would be expanded to other talukas across Maharashtra before being taken nationwide as a social-audit exercise involving parents and local communities. The initiative has also drawn attention beyond the state.Join conversationView All Comments →Share your thoughts in the commentsInsightfulAgreeDisagreeSkepticalConcerningPromisingWorth ReadingBig DevelopmentPost CommentBe respectful · TOI community guidelinesIn Rajasthan, authorities recently barred outsiders from entering government-school premises without prior permission and prohibited photography, videography, interviews and live streaming inside schools. However, officials have not explicitly linked the restrictions to Dipke’s campaign.Dipke is seeking to turn individual complaints about government schools into a broader accountability campaign, arguing that meaningful improvement will require officials, politicians and local communities to confront the conditions in schools firsthand.Get the latest India News and Live updates. Download the TOI app.About the AuthorAadrita HalderWrites on social matters, geopolitics, and trending issues for the Times of India.End of ArticleFollow Us On Social MediaVideosRahul Gandhi Slams BJP-RSS Over Kharge ‘Shuddhikaran’, Demands Action Under SC/ST ActPakistani Drones Spotted Along LoC: Indian Army Intensifies Surveillance In J&K | WatchPM Modi’s 4-Day Central Asia Visit: Uzbekistan, Kyrgyzstan & SCO Summit | India’s Diplomatic PushB Nagendra Quits Karnataka Cabinet Amid Valmiki Scam Allegations, Calls Charges Politically DrivenBlast Near Manipur BJP MLA’s House; CM Khemchand Singh Calls Attack ‘Barbaric’Fresh Threat To Kashmiri Pandits: Terror Group ULC Warns Over Reopening Exodus Cases | WatchUS Green Card Wait, USCIS Checks, UK Visas: How Immigration Rules Impact IndiansIndia Plans Javelin Missile Buy From US, Giving Infantry A Battle-Tested Tank-Killing Edge | Watch’Willing & Keen’: Penguin Random House Denies Dropping Sonia Gandhi’s Memoir Over Editorial ChangesGovt Taps EIL For Quality Checks On 5,000 Km Of Road Projects After Modi’s ‘4th-Party Audit’ Jibe123PhotostoriesWhy do some eggs have double yolks? The science behind it explainedUse an old toothbrush to clean your taps: 7 places this tiny tool can reachStrong bones aren’t just about milk: 7 foods that help support bone density as you age5 things happy couples do before going to bed every nightFrom Kapil Sharma to Krushna Abhishek: Richest Indian comedians and their net worth8 of the smallest birds you can find in IndiaNepal flash flood: 5 key differences between glacial lake outburst flood (GLOF) and regular floodBlood sugar suddenly rising while using an inhaler? Doctor explains when respiratory medicines could be responsible7 ‘interferences’ that can silently kill a marriage, from over-involved families and demanding careers to phones, money and the pastTalking but not dating? 5 signs this connection may be stuck123Hot PicksNepal floodUGC NET June 2026 resultCNG Price HikeMumbai milk priceRRB NTPC UG CBT 2 examAnkit Baliyan murderSridhar VembuDelhi murderInflation dataTop TrendingSophie Cunningham CareerChandigarh MurderSamay RainaUdaipur HotelFlorida Car CrashUS Green Card HolderBengal HospitalTamil Nadu Son MurderElon MuskKanpur Aircraft Crash

Abhijeet Dipke raises questions during campaign NEW DELHI: Cockroach Janta Party (CJP) founder Abhijeet Dipke visited villages in Maharashtra’s Hingoli district as part of his ‘School Thik Karo’ campaign, inspecting government schools and raising concerns over the condition of school infrastructure and the quality of food supplies used for midday meals.Speaking about his findings, Dipke said, “I was absolutely shocked by what I saw this morning. The food items being used for the midday meal were expired—they had gone past their expiry date six or seven months ago. I want to ask the ministers, MLAs, and officials—do they feed their own children expired food?”He also raised concerns about basic facilities in government schools, alleging that several schools lacked drinking water, usable washrooms, benches and adequate teaching staff.”Even after all these years, if children in our country’s government schools lack drinking water and usable restrooms and have to sit on the floor because there are no benches—then what exactly has been done?” Dipke said.”Only when the government supports these children and builds good schools for them will they be able to achieve something in life,” he added.Dipke further said, “None of the schools have drinking water, and none of them have washrooms. None of the schools have benches for children to sit on, nor do they have enough teachers.”During his visit to Kadoli village, Dipke said he found a school building that had been constructed in 1950 and claimed that no work had been carried out on it since then.”When I visited Kadoli village, I saw a building that had been constructed back in 1950. No work had been done on that building since 1950,” he said.Dipke alleged that political interests were being prioritised over the needs of children, saying, “Their only priority is gaining power by any means necessary.”Dipke had launched the campaign on August 15 from his native village, Santuk Pipri, and returned to the area to inspect schools in Lohgaon, Karanjal, Jamdaya, Jambhrun and Khillar.Dipke had earlier said the campaign would be expanded to other talukas across Maharashtra before being taken nationwide as a social-audit exercise involving parents and local communities. The initiative has also drawn attention beyond the state.Join conversationView All Comments →Share your thoughts in the commentsInsightfulAgreeDisagreeSkepticalConcerningPromisingWorth ReadingBig DevelopmentPost CommentBe respectful · TOI community guidelinesIn Rajasthan, authorities recently barred outsiders from entering government-school premises without prior permission and prohibited photography, videography, interviews and live streaming inside schools. However, officials have not explicitly linked the restrictions to Dipke’s campaign.Dipke is seeking to turn individual complaints about government schools into a broader accountability campaign, arguing that meaningful improvement will require officials, politicians and local communities to confront the conditions in schools firsthand.Get the latest India News and Live updates. Download the TOI app.About the AuthorAadrita HalderWrites on social matters, geopolitics, and trending issues for the Times of India.End of ArticleFollow Us On Social MediaVideosRahul Gandhi Slams BJP-RSS Over Kharge ‘Shuddhikaran’, Demands Action Under SC/ST ActPakistani Drones Spotted Along LoC: Indian Army Intensifies Surveillance In J&K | WatchPM Modi’s 4-Day Central Asia Visit: Uzbekistan, Kyrgyzstan & SCO Summit | India’s Diplomatic PushB Nagendra Quits Karnataka Cabinet Amid Valmiki Scam Allegations, Calls Charges Politically DrivenBlast Near Manipur BJP MLA’s House; CM Khemchand Singh Calls Attack ‘Barbaric’Fresh Threat To Kashmiri Pandits: Terror Group ULC Warns Over Reopening Exodus Cases | WatchUS Green Card Wait, USCIS Checks, UK Visas: How Immigration Rules Impact IndiansIndia Plans Javelin Missile Buy From US, Giving Infantry A Battle-Tested Tank-Killing Edge | Watch’Willing & Keen’: Penguin Random House Denies Dropping Sonia Gandhi’s Memoir Over Editorial ChangesGovt Taps EIL For Quality Checks On 5,000 Km Of Road Projects After Modi’s ‘4th-Party Audit’ Jibe123PhotostoriesWhy do some eggs have double yolks? The science behind it explainedUse an old toothbrush to clean your taps: 7 places this tiny tool can reachStrong bones aren’t just about milk: 7 foods that help support bone density as you age5 things happy couples do before going to bed every nightFrom Kapil Sharma to Krushna Abhishek: Richest Indian comedians and their net worth8 of the smallest birds you can find in IndiaNepal flash flood: 5 key differences between glacial lake outburst flood (GLOF) and regular floodBlood sugar suddenly rising while using an inhaler? Doctor explains when respiratory medicines could be responsible7 ‘interferences’ that can silently kill a marriage, from over-involved families and demanding careers to phones, money and the pastTalking but not dating? 5 signs this connection may be stuck123Hot PicksNepal floodUGC NET June 2026 resultCNG Price HikeMumbai milk priceRRB NTPC UG CBT 2 examAnkit Baliyan murderSridhar VembuDelhi murderInflation dataTop TrendingSophie Cunningham CareerChandigarh MurderSamay RainaUdaipur HotelFlorida Car CrashUS Green Card HolderBengal HospitalTamil Nadu Son MurderElon MuskKanpur Aircraft Crash

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A man navigates through a mud-covered street next to damaged houses following the flash floods and mudslide in Nepal. (Left) Nepal estimates it may need –5 billion to rebuild after devastating floods that killed over 600 people and left thousands missing. A 25-year-old man was arrested in Uttar Pradesh for allegedly raping his 63-year-old mother while intoxicated, police said. The woman was sent for a medical examination.Comedian Samay Raina’s latest India’s Got Latent episode has sparked controversy over alleged jokes about Biharis and Kashmiri Pandits. BJP MLA Ram Kadam criticised the remarks.Bombay HC slammed Maharashtra FDA for refusing to lift food licence suspensions despite a fresh inspection finding five MCA eateries 88% compliant with safety norms. Rahul Gandhi said he has “no interest” in the controversy over Sonia Gandhi’s upcoming memoir, saying his focus is on the alleged “crime” against Mallikarjun Kharge. Here are the top 5 stories of the day:Nepal may need nearly a tenth of its economy to rebuild after devastating floodsNepal may need –5 billion for reconstruction after this week’s devastating floods, Finance Minister Swarnim Wagle told Reuters, as authorities continue assessing the damage. More than 600 people have been killed in Nepal and China’s Tibet, with nearly 3,000 still missing, while the disaster destroyed infrastructure and damaged power projects accounting for over 12% of Nepal’s generating capacity. Search and rescue operations have been disrupted by bad weather. Read full storyUP horror: Drunk man raped 63-year-old mother in Hathras; arrestedA 25-year-old unmarried man was arrested in Uttar Pradesh’s Sikandra Rao area for allegedly raping his 63-year-old mother while under the influence of alcohol, police said. The case was registered after the woman’s elder son complained that the accused entered their home while she was asleep, overpowered her and allegedly raped her before fleeing. Police said the woman was sent to a district hospital for medical examination, while the accused has been arrested and the investigation is underway. Read full storySamay Raina in soup again over remarks on people from Bihar, Kashmiri Pandits: ‘They get publicity for free’Comedian Samay Raina’s latest India’s Got Latent Season 2 episode has drawn controversy after clips of an interaction with stand-up comedian Sharon Verma circulated on social media, with jokes referencing their Bihar and Kashmiri backgrounds. BJP MLA Ram Kadam criticised the alleged remarks, accusing the comedians of making controversial statements for publicity and saying that Sanatan Hindu deities and Kashmiri Pandits should not be treated as subjects of ridicule. He also argued that an apology after an offensive remark does not undo the publicity gained from it. Join conversationView All Comments →Share your thoughts in the commentsInsightfulAgreeDisagreeSkepticalConcerningPromisingWorth ReadingBig DevelopmentPost CommentBe respectful · TOI community guidelinesRead full story‘Do you feel you are a lord?’ Bombay HC slams FDA, clears reopening of 5 eateriesThe Bombay High Court slammed the Maharashtra Food and Drug Administration (FDA) for continuing the suspension of food licences of five restaurants at the Mumbai Cricket Association premises despite a fresh inspection finding them 88% compliant with food safety rules. Calling the department’s approach “pedantic instead of pragmatic”, the division bench of Acting Chief Justice Ravindra Ghuge and Justice Gautam Ankhad warned of contempt action against officials, saying it was “tired of scolding” the department. The court ultimately vacated the suspension orders and allowed the eateries to reopen. Read full story’Not interested right now’: Rahul Gandhi on Sonia Gandhi memoir row, cites ‘crime’ against KhargeCongress MP Rahul Gandhi on Saturday dismissed the controversy surrounding his mother Sonia Gandhi’s upcoming memoir Belonging: A Journey of Love, saying his focus was instead on seeking “justice” for Congress president Mallikarjun Kharge over the alleged incident at his Haldwani rally. The book became controversial after reports claimed Penguin Random House India had declined to publish it following Sonia Gandhi’s rejection of proposed editorial changes. The publisher, however, clarified that it was not the book’s publisher in India and said it remained “keen to publish” it. Read full storyGet 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 MediaVideosRahul Gandhi Slams BJP-RSS Over Kharge ‘Shuddhikaran’, Demands Action Under SC/ST ActPakistani Drones Spotted Along LoC: Indian Army Intensifies Surveillance In J&K | WatchPM Modi’s 4-Day Central Asia Visit: Uzbekistan, Kyrgyzstan & SCO Summit | India’s Diplomatic PushB Nagendra Quits Karnataka Cabinet Amid Valmiki Scam Allegations, Calls Charges Politically DrivenBlast Near Manipur BJP MLA’s House; CM Khemchand Singh Calls Attack ‘Barbaric’Fresh Threat To Kashmiri Pandits: Terror Group ULC Warns Over Reopening Exodus Cases | WatchUS Green Card Wait, USCIS Checks, UK Visas: How Immigration Rules Impact IndiansIndia Plans Javelin Missile Buy From US, Giving Infantry A Battle-Tested Tank-Killing Edge | Watch’Willing & Keen’: Penguin Random House Denies Dropping Sonia Gandhi’s Memoir Over Editorial ChangesGovt Taps EIL For Quality Checks On 5,000 Km Of Road Projects After Modi’s ‘4th-Party Audit’ Jibe123PhotostoriesUse an old toothbrush to clean your taps: 7 places this tiny tool can reachStrong bones aren’t just about milk: 7 foods that help support bone density as you age5 things happy couples do before going to bed every nightFrom Kapil Sharma to Krushna Abhishek: Richest Indian comedians and their net worth8 of the smallest birds you can find in IndiaNepal flash flood: 5 key differences between glacial lake outburst flood (GLOF) and regular floodBlood sugar suddenly rising while using an inhaler? Doctor explains when respiratory medicines could be responsible7 ‘interferences’ that can silently kill a marriage, from over-involved families and demanding careers to phones, money and the pastTalking but not dating? 5 signs this connection may be stuck3 simple tips to turn frizzy hair into gorgeous curls123Hot PicksNepal floodUGC NET June 2026 resultCNG Price HikeMumbai milk priceRRB NTPC UG CBT 2 examAnkit Baliyan murderSridhar VembuDelhi murderInflation dataTop TrendingSophie Cunningham CareerChandigarh MurderSamay RainaUdaipur HotelFlorida Car CrashUS Green Card HolderBengal HospitalTamil Nadu Son MurderElon MuskKanpur Aircraft Crash

A man navigates through a mud-covered street next to damaged houses following the flash floods and mudslide in Nepal. (Left) Nepal estimates it may need $4–5 billion to rebuild after devastating floods that killed over 600 people and left thousands missing. A 25-year-old man was arrested in Uttar Pradesh for allegedly raping his 63-year-old mother while intoxicated, police said. The woman was sent for a medical examination.Comedian Samay Raina’s latest India’s Got Latent episode has sparked controversy over alleged jokes about Biharis and Kashmiri Pandits. BJP MLA Ram Kadam criticised the remarks.Bombay HC slammed Maharashtra FDA for refusing to lift food licence suspensions despite a fresh inspection finding five MCA eateries 88% compliant with safety norms. Rahul Gandhi said he has “no interest” in the controversy over Sonia Gandhi’s upcoming memoir, saying his focus is on the alleged “crime” against Mallikarjun Kharge. Here are the top 5 stories of the day:Nepal may need nearly a tenth of its economy to rebuild after devastating floodsNepal may need $4–5 billion for reconstruction after this week’s devastating floods, Finance Minister Swarnim Wagle told Reuters, as authorities continue assessing the damage. More than 600 people have been killed in Nepal and China’s Tibet, with nearly 3,000 still missing, while the disaster destroyed infrastructure and damaged power projects accounting for over 12% of Nepal’s generating capacity. Search and rescue operations have been disrupted by bad weather. Read full storyUP horror: Drunk man raped 63-year-old mother in Hathras; arrestedA 25-year-old unmarried man was arrested in Uttar Pradesh’s Sikandra Rao area for allegedly raping his 63-year-old mother while under the influence of alcohol, police said. The case was registered after the woman’s elder son complained that the accused entered their home while she was asleep, overpowered her and allegedly raped her before fleeing. Police said the woman was sent to a district hospital for medical examination, while the accused has been arrested and the investigation is underway. Read full storySamay Raina in soup again over remarks on people from Bihar, Kashmiri Pandits: ‘They get publicity for free’Comedian Samay Raina’s latest India’s Got Latent Season 2 episode has drawn controversy after clips of an interaction with stand-up comedian Sharon Verma circulated on social media, with jokes referencing their Bihar and Kashmiri backgrounds. BJP MLA Ram Kadam criticised the alleged remarks, accusing the comedians of making controversial statements for publicity and saying that Sanatan Hindu deities and Kashmiri Pandits should not be treated as subjects of ridicule. He also argued that an apology after an offensive remark does not undo the publicity gained from it. Join conversationView All Comments →Share your thoughts in the commentsInsightfulAgreeDisagreeSkepticalConcerningPromisingWorth ReadingBig DevelopmentPost CommentBe respectful · TOI community guidelinesRead full story‘Do you feel you are a lord?’ Bombay HC slams FDA, clears reopening of 5 eateriesThe Bombay High Court slammed the Maharashtra Food and Drug Administration (FDA) for continuing the suspension of food licences of five restaurants at the Mumbai Cricket Association premises despite a fresh inspection finding them 88% compliant with food safety rules. Calling the department’s approach “pedantic instead of pragmatic”, the division bench of Acting Chief Justice Ravindra Ghuge and Justice Gautam Ankhad warned of contempt action against officials, saying it was “tired of scolding” the department. The court ultimately vacated the suspension orders and allowed the eateries to reopen. Read full story’Not interested right now’: Rahul Gandhi on Sonia Gandhi memoir row, cites ‘crime’ against KhargeCongress MP Rahul Gandhi on Saturday dismissed the controversy surrounding his mother Sonia Gandhi’s upcoming memoir Belonging: A Journey of Love, saying his focus was instead on seeking “justice” for Congress president Mallikarjun Kharge over the alleged incident at his Haldwani rally. The book became controversial after reports claimed Penguin Random House India had declined to publish it following Sonia Gandhi’s rejection of proposed editorial changes. The publisher, however, clarified that it was not the book’s publisher in India and said it remained “keen to publish” it. Read full storyGet 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 MediaVideosRahul Gandhi Slams BJP-RSS Over Kharge ‘Shuddhikaran’, Demands Action Under SC/ST ActPakistani Drones Spotted Along LoC: Indian Army Intensifies Surveillance In J&K | WatchPM Modi’s 4-Day Central Asia Visit: Uzbekistan, Kyrgyzstan & SCO Summit | India’s Diplomatic PushB Nagendra Quits Karnataka Cabinet Amid Valmiki Scam Allegations, Calls Charges Politically DrivenBlast Near Manipur BJP MLA’s House; CM Khemchand Singh Calls Attack ‘Barbaric’Fresh Threat To Kashmiri Pandits: Terror Group ULC Warns Over Reopening Exodus Cases | WatchUS Green Card Wait, USCIS Checks, UK Visas: How Immigration Rules Impact IndiansIndia Plans Javelin Missile Buy From US, Giving Infantry A Battle-Tested Tank-Killing Edge | Watch’Willing & Keen’: Penguin Random House Denies Dropping Sonia Gandhi’s Memoir Over Editorial ChangesGovt Taps EIL For Quality Checks On 5,000 Km Of Road Projects After Modi’s ‘4th-Party Audit’ Jibe123PhotostoriesUse an old toothbrush to clean your taps: 7 places this tiny tool can reachStrong bones aren’t just about milk: 7 foods that help support bone density as you age5 things happy couples do before going to bed every nightFrom Kapil Sharma to Krushna Abhishek: Richest Indian comedians and their net worth8 of the smallest birds you can find in IndiaNepal flash flood: 5 key differences between glacial lake outburst flood (GLOF) and regular floodBlood sugar suddenly rising while using an inhaler? Doctor explains when respiratory medicines could be responsible7 ‘interferences’ that can silently kill a marriage, from over-involved families and demanding careers to phones, money and the pastTalking but not dating? 5 signs this connection may be stuck3 simple tips to turn frizzy hair into gorgeous curls123Hot PicksNepal floodUGC NET June 2026 resultCNG Price HikeMumbai milk priceRRB NTPC UG CBT 2 examAnkit Baliyan murderSridhar VembuDelhi murderInflation dataTop TrendingSophie Cunningham CareerChandigarh MurderSamay RainaUdaipur HotelFlorida Car CrashUS Green Card HolderBengal HospitalTamil Nadu Son MurderElon MuskKanpur Aircraft Crash

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