June 12, 2026

File photos SRINAGAR: Jammu and Kashmir chief minister Omar Abdullah spoke on Thursday with external affairs minister S. Jaishankar on the situation in Iran and cited assurances that all steps will be taken for the safety of hundreds of students and others from J&K stranded in the protest-wracked country.J&K Students Association (JKSA) put the number of students in Iran at over 2000, 95% of them in medical courses. “He (Jaishankar) shared his assessment of the ground situation & the plans that the ministry is working on. I’m grateful for his assurance that all steps will be taken to safeguard the interests & lives of students & other people from J&K who are in Iran now,” Omar wrote on X. After Putin & Xi, Saudi, NATO Nation ‘Back’ Khamenei; Trump Gets Chilling Warning Against Iran ‘War’ PDP president and former CM Mehbooba Mufti sought central intervention. “Thousands of students from across the country, including Kashmir, are stranded in Iran amid the present volatile situation. This has triggered deep fear and anxiety in anguished parents desperately worried about their children’s safety. Urge S Jaishankar and MEA (external affairs ministry) to intervene urgently and ensure their safe return,” Mehbooba posted on X.A similar appeal for Centre-organised evacuations from Iran went out from JKSA, which has been coordinating with various central agencies for the welfare of Kashmiri students studying within and outside the country. The association reiterated distress among parents fearing for the safety and well-being of their children due to the ongoing disturbances in Iran.JKSA convenor Nasir Khuehami pointed out that many parents have been unable to contact their children for the past four days, intensifying safety fears amid restrictions on communication networks and social media due to the protests and clampdown by the authorities.According to Khuehami, most Kashmiri students in Iran pursue MBBS owing to its affordable education system and long-standing academic and people-to-people ties with India.End of ArticleFollow Us On Social MediaVideosNew Army Video Highlights Operation Sindoor Strikes On Terror Camps And AirbasesBJP MP Sudhanshu Trivedi Warns Against Left Ideologies, Launches Tarun Vijay’S Book Mantra-ViplavFrom Denial To Confession: Lashkar Commander Confirms Op Sindoor Hit, Lays Bare Pak Terror StateIndia-EU FTA Gets A Date As Ursula Von Der Leyen Confirms January Signing With PM ModiH-1B Visa Shake-Up Fuels Anti-Indian Campaigns as Donald Trump’s Policy Reshapes US HiringTrump Visa Crackdown Hits India’s Neighbours, US Pauses Immigration For Pakistan, Bangladesh, Nepal’India Fully Ready For Any Threat And Long Wars Ahead’: COAS Dwivedi Signals Pakistan On Army DayBMC Polls 2026: Inside Mumbai’s Civic Giant Whose Budget Is Bigger Than Many Indian StatesI-PAC Raid Row: SC Halts WB Police FIRs against ED, Seeks Mamata’s ReplyON CAM: 200 Sikhs Rescue 16-Year-Old Girl In London, Say She Was Groomed By Afghan Man123PhotostoriesHow to make South Indian Red Garlic Chutney at homeOne heart? Not enough! Meet 5 animals that go beyondRare baby boy names from Indian mythology that still sound modern in 202614 traditional Gujarati mithais and desserts you must tryExclusive: From revealing the ‘most searched’ question about Shark Tank India on AI tools to advice for young entrepreneurs; Ritesh Agarwal’s candid revelationsA festive style guide to the most beautiful types of parandis5 mountain train journeys in India that prove slow travel is still magicalHow to make Restaurant-Style Garlic Chicken at HomeKriti Sanon, Priyanka Chopra, Shah Rukh Khan: Bollywood stars who turned entrepreneurs and built thriving brands50,000 Bengaluru techies to benefit daily: Skywalk from Metro to ITPB opens tomorrow123Hot PicksIran protestsBudget 2026Gold rate todayBank holiday todayAmrit Bharat ExpressPublic holidays January 2026Bank Holidays JanuaryTop TrendingMemphis Grizzlies vs Orlando Magic Injury ReportNHL Trade RumorsMemphis Grizzlies vs Orlando MagicCameron Jordan PodcastPhil Taylor Net WorthTrea Turner WifeKlay Thompson GirlfriendIndia vs New Zealand ODI MatchBengaluru ScamBTEUP Result

Vamsikrishna02 mins mins
File photos SRINAGAR: Jammu and Kashmir chief minister Omar Abdullah spoke on Thursday with external affairs minister S. Jaishankar on the situation in Iran and cited assurances that all steps will be taken for the safety of hundreds of students and others from J&K stranded in the protest-wracked country.J&K Students Association (JKSA) put the number of students in Iran at over 2000, 95% of them in medical courses. “He (Jaishankar) shared his assessment of the ground situation & the plans that the ministry is working on. I’m grateful for his assurance that all steps will be taken to safeguard the interests & lives of students & other people from J&K who are in Iran now,” Omar wrote on X. After Putin & Xi, Saudi, NATO Nation ‘Back’ Khamenei; Trump Gets Chilling Warning Against Iran ‘War’ PDP president and former CM Mehbooba Mufti sought central intervention. “Thousands of students from across the country, including Kashmir, are stranded in Iran amid the present volatile situation. This has triggered deep fear and anxiety in anguished parents desperately worried about their children’s safety. Urge S Jaishankar and MEA (external affairs ministry) to intervene urgently and ensure their safe return,” Mehbooba posted on X.A similar appeal for Centre-organised evacuations from Iran went out from JKSA, which has been coordinating with various central agencies for the welfare of Kashmiri students studying within and outside the country. The association reiterated distress among parents fearing for the safety and well-being of their children due to the ongoing disturbances in Iran.JKSA convenor Nasir Khuehami pointed out that many parents have been unable to contact their children for the past four days, intensifying safety fears amid restrictions on communication networks and social media due to the protests and clampdown by the authorities.According to Khuehami, most Kashmiri students in Iran pursue MBBS owing to its affordable education system and long-standing academic and people-to-people ties with India.End of ArticleFollow Us On Social MediaVideosNew Army Video Highlights Operation Sindoor Strikes On Terror Camps And AirbasesBJP MP Sudhanshu Trivedi Warns Against Left Ideologies, Launches Tarun Vijay’S Book Mantra-ViplavFrom Denial To Confession: Lashkar Commander Confirms Op Sindoor Hit, Lays Bare Pak Terror StateIndia-EU FTA Gets A Date As Ursula Von Der Leyen Confirms January Signing With PM ModiH-1B Visa Shake-Up Fuels Anti-Indian Campaigns as Donald Trump’s Policy Reshapes US HiringTrump Visa Crackdown Hits India’s Neighbours, US Pauses Immigration For Pakistan, Bangladesh, Nepal’India Fully Ready For Any Threat And Long Wars Ahead’: COAS Dwivedi Signals Pakistan On Army DayBMC Polls 2026: Inside Mumbai’s Civic Giant Whose Budget Is Bigger Than Many Indian StatesI-PAC Raid Row: SC Halts WB Police FIRs against ED, Seeks Mamata’s ReplyON CAM: 200 Sikhs Rescue 16-Year-Old Girl In London, Say She Was Groomed By Afghan Man123PhotostoriesHow to make South Indian Red Garlic Chutney at homeOne heart? Not enough! Meet 5 animals that go beyondRare baby boy names from Indian mythology that still sound modern in 202614 traditional Gujarati mithais and desserts you must tryExclusive: From revealing the ‘most searched’ question about Shark Tank India on AI tools to advice for young entrepreneurs; Ritesh Agarwal’s candid revelationsA festive style guide to the most beautiful types of parandis5 mountain train journeys in India that prove slow travel is still magicalHow to make Restaurant-Style Garlic Chicken at HomeKriti Sanon, Priyanka Chopra, Shah Rukh Khan: Bollywood stars who turned entrepreneurs and built thriving brands50,000 Bengaluru techies to benefit daily: Skywalk from Metro to ITPB opens tomorrow123Hot PicksIran protestsBudget 2026Gold rate todayBank holiday todayAmrit Bharat ExpressPublic holidays January 2026Bank Holidays JanuaryTop TrendingMemphis Grizzlies vs Orlando Magic Injury ReportNHL Trade RumorsMemphis Grizzlies vs Orlando MagicCameron Jordan PodcastPhil Taylor Net WorthTrea Turner WifeKlay Thompson GirlfriendIndia vs New Zealand ODI MatchBengaluru ScamBTEUP Result


Omar Abdullah speaks to Jaishankar on J&K students stuck in Iran

SRINAGAR: Jammu and Kashmir chief minister Omar Abdullah spoke on Thursday with external affairs minister S. Jaishankar on the situation in Iran and cited assurances that all steps will be taken for the safety of hundreds of students and others from J&K stranded in the protest-wracked country.J&K Students Association (JKSA) put the number of students in Iran at over 2000, 95% of them in medical courses. “He (Jaishankar) shared his assessment of the ground situation & the plans that the ministry is working on. I’m grateful for his assurance that all steps will be taken to safeguard the interests & lives of students & other people from J&K who are in Iran now,” Omar wrote on X.

After Putin & Xi, Saudi, NATO Nation ‘Back’ Khamenei; Trump Gets Chilling Warning Against Iran ‘War’

PDP president and former CM Mehbooba Mufti sought central intervention. “Thousands of students from across the country, including Kashmir, are stranded in Iran amid the present volatile situation. This has triggered deep fear and anxiety in anguished parents desperately worried about their children’s safety. Urge S Jaishankar and MEA (external affairs ministry) to intervene urgently and ensure their safe return,” Mehbooba posted on X.A similar appeal for Centre-organised evacuations from Iran went out from JKSA, which has been coordinating with various central agencies for the welfare of Kashmiri students studying within and outside the country. The association reiterated distress among parents fearing for the safety and well-being of their children due to the ongoing disturbances in Iran.JKSA convenor Nasir Khuehami pointed out that many parents have been unable to contact their children for the past four days, intensifying safety fears amid restrictions on communication networks and social media due to the protests and clampdown by the authorities.According to Khuehami, most Kashmiri students in Iran pursue MBBS owing to its affordable education system and long-standing academic and people-to-people ties with India.



Source link

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Related News

Shah chairs meeting to review security preparedness NEW DELHI: Union Home Minister Amit Shah on Friday chaired a high-level meeting to review the security and operational preparedness for the upcoming annual Amarnath Yatra, officials said.The yatra is scheduled to begin on July 3.The meeting was attended by National Security Advisor (NSA) Ajit Doval, Jammu and Kashmir Lt Governor Manoj Sinha, Army Chief Gen Upendra Dwivedi, and Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF) Director General GP Singh, besides other senior security and administrative officials.The 57-day pilgrimage to the 3,880-metre-high cave shrine in the Himalayas requires a massive security deployment, with the Central and Union Territory agencies working in close tandem.Officials said the agencies are combining advanced surveillance technology, intelligence-led monitoring, and multi-agency coordination to ensure a completely secure environment for the devotees.Pilgrims will travel through the traditional 48-km Nunwan-Pahalgam route in Anantnag district and the shorter but steeper 14-km Baltal route in Ganderbal district.Earlier this week, Lieutenant Governor Sinha reviewed the preparations, directing departments and security agencies to ensure smooth arrangements covering infrastructure, security, healthcare, sanitation, connectivity and pilgrim services.The Jammu and Kashmir Police has also deployed sophisticated screening and anti-sabotage equipment.These include portable RCIED jammers, deep search metal detectors, explosive and liquid explosive detectors, non-linear junction detectors (NLJDs), contraband busters, prodder vehicle search mirrors, optical fibrescopes, multi-type CCTV systems, XBIS, vehicle-mounted XBIS, multi-zone DFMDs (Fixed/multizone), HHMDs, search metal detectors, and other specialised equipment, they added.Police have also launched the QR-based “Pahchan App”, designed to digitally verify workers and vendors operating along the yatra route.Officials say the system will help prevent unverified individuals from infiltrating the pilgrimage ecosystem while improving accountability and crowd management.Tenant verification drives, inspections of lodgement centres and intelligence-gathering operations have also been intensified.The CRPF, which plays a pivotal role in securing the pilgrimage, has undertaken extensive reviews of operational preparedness.CRPF DG Singh also visited the Valley and took stock of security arrangements along the route to Baltal and directing commanders to adopt proactive measures.He reviewed security and logistical arrangements along the yatra route up to the Baltal base camp and emphasised the importance of maintaining a robust security grid through close coordination among all the stakeholders.Singh said inter-agency coordination must be strengthened to ensure a safe and incident-free pilgrimage. Get the latest India news and live updates. Download the TOI App.End of ArticleFollow Us On Social MediaVideosCongress Plans Massive Nationwide Stir Against Centre, Targets Inflation, Job Crisis And Paper LeaksAbhishek Banerjee Faces Six-Hour CID Interrogation In Bengal Signature Forgery CaseStone Shatters Window Of Shatabdi Express Near Firozabad; RSS Chief Mohan Bhagwat Was On BoardJaishankar Says US Asked India To Buy Russian Oil In 2022, Slams Double Standards Over Energy PolicyThree Killed As Massive Fire Breaks Out In Multi-Storey Residential Building In Delhi’s TughlakabadJaishankar Calls Out Europe’s ‘Double Standards’, Says European Weapons Have Been Used Against IndiaFalta Strongman Paraded In Shorts By Cops After Arrest In Falta | WatchAll 28 Chief Ministers Attend NITI Aayog Meeting, Marking End of Recent Boycott TrendKirti Azad Dismisses Exit Talks, Says Didi Will Fix Kalyan Banerjee Dispute | WatchCongress Sweeps Three Of Four Karnataka Rs Seats As Poll Ends Without Contest123PhotostoriesSuccess quote of the day by Tom Hanks: “Never give up because…”Love Lessons Written in Your Birth Number7 home interior design styles influencing modern residential spacesKangana Ranaut continues her love affair with Indian handlooms in a stunning Patan Patola saree10 foods that help reduce bloating naturally in summer6 Fascinating plants that do not produce flowers but still thrive in natureInland Taipan changes colour with the seasons: Inside the strange and dramatic seasonal color change explainedIs your child carrying emotional baggage? 6 subtle signs and what parents can do to help10 beautiful baby girl names starting with the letter T“This will help prevent…and improve..” Why did Amit Shah praise this rice variety123Hot Picks147000 Medical BillGulf of Oman attackJaspal RanaShakiraIndia Vs Afghanistan HighlightsISC Revaluation ResultSpaceX IPODelhi weatherIndustrial fuel banTop TrendingTMC rebel MPIndian RupeeSpaceX IPOFIFA World Cup 2026Nipah virusCJP Lucknow ProtestBharatiya Antariksh HackathonKerala SSLC Revaluation ResultUPSC result 2026CBSE Class 10 Second Board Result

Shah chairs meeting to review security preparedness NEW DELHI: Union Home Minister Amit Shah on Friday chaired a high-level meeting to review the security and operational preparedness for the upcoming annual Amarnath Yatra, officials said.The yatra is scheduled to begin on July 3.The meeting was attended by National Security Advisor (NSA) Ajit Doval, Jammu and Kashmir Lt Governor Manoj Sinha, Army Chief Gen Upendra Dwivedi, and Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF) Director General GP Singh, besides other senior security and administrative officials.The 57-day pilgrimage to the 3,880-metre-high cave shrine in the Himalayas requires a massive security deployment, with the Central and Union Territory agencies working in close tandem.Officials said the agencies are combining advanced surveillance technology, intelligence-led monitoring, and multi-agency coordination to ensure a completely secure environment for the devotees.Pilgrims will travel through the traditional 48-km Nunwan-Pahalgam route in Anantnag district and the shorter but steeper 14-km Baltal route in Ganderbal district.Earlier this week, Lieutenant Governor Sinha reviewed the preparations, directing departments and security agencies to ensure smooth arrangements covering infrastructure, security, healthcare, sanitation, connectivity and pilgrim services.The Jammu and Kashmir Police has also deployed sophisticated screening and anti-sabotage equipment.These include portable RCIED jammers, deep search metal detectors, explosive and liquid explosive detectors, non-linear junction detectors (NLJDs), contraband busters, prodder vehicle search mirrors, optical fibrescopes, multi-type CCTV systems, XBIS, vehicle-mounted XBIS, multi-zone DFMDs (Fixed/multizone), HHMDs, search metal detectors, and other specialised equipment, they added.Police have also launched the QR-based “Pahchan App”, designed to digitally verify workers and vendors operating along the yatra route.Officials say the system will help prevent unverified individuals from infiltrating the pilgrimage ecosystem while improving accountability and crowd management.Tenant verification drives, inspections of lodgement centres and intelligence-gathering operations have also been intensified.The CRPF, which plays a pivotal role in securing the pilgrimage, has undertaken extensive reviews of operational preparedness.CRPF DG Singh also visited the Valley and took stock of security arrangements along the route to Baltal and directing commanders to adopt proactive measures.He reviewed security and logistical arrangements along the yatra route up to the Baltal base camp and emphasised the importance of maintaining a robust security grid through close coordination among all the stakeholders.Singh said inter-agency coordination must be strengthened to ensure a safe and incident-free pilgrimage. Get the latest India news and live updates. Download the TOI App.End of ArticleFollow Us On Social MediaVideosCongress Plans Massive Nationwide Stir Against Centre, Targets Inflation, Job Crisis And Paper LeaksAbhishek Banerjee Faces Six-Hour CID Interrogation In Bengal Signature Forgery CaseStone Shatters Window Of Shatabdi Express Near Firozabad; RSS Chief Mohan Bhagwat Was On BoardJaishankar Says US Asked India To Buy Russian Oil In 2022, Slams Double Standards Over Energy PolicyThree Killed As Massive Fire Breaks Out In Multi-Storey Residential Building In Delhi’s TughlakabadJaishankar Calls Out Europe’s ‘Double Standards’, Says European Weapons Have Been Used Against IndiaFalta Strongman Paraded In Shorts By Cops After Arrest In Falta | WatchAll 28 Chief Ministers Attend NITI Aayog Meeting, Marking End of Recent Boycott TrendKirti Azad Dismisses Exit Talks, Says Didi Will Fix Kalyan Banerjee Dispute | WatchCongress Sweeps Three Of Four Karnataka Rs Seats As Poll Ends Without Contest123PhotostoriesSuccess quote of the day by Tom Hanks: “Never give up because…”Love Lessons Written in Your Birth Number7 home interior design styles influencing modern residential spacesKangana Ranaut continues her love affair with Indian handlooms in a stunning Patan Patola saree10 foods that help reduce bloating naturally in summer6 Fascinating plants that do not produce flowers but still thrive in natureInland Taipan changes colour with the seasons: Inside the strange and dramatic seasonal color change explainedIs your child carrying emotional baggage? 6 subtle signs and what parents can do to help10 beautiful baby girl names starting with the letter T“This will help prevent…and improve..” Why did Amit Shah praise this rice variety123Hot Picks147000 Medical BillGulf of Oman attackJaspal RanaShakiraIndia Vs Afghanistan HighlightsISC Revaluation ResultSpaceX IPODelhi weatherIndustrial fuel banTop TrendingTMC rebel MPIndian RupeeSpaceX IPOFIFA World Cup 2026Nipah virusCJP Lucknow ProtestBharatiya Antariksh HackathonKerala SSLC Revaluation ResultUPSC result 2026CBSE Class 10 Second Board Result

Vamsikrishna 0
. NEW DELHI: The Cockroach Janta Party (CJP) on Thursday launched a nationwide protest demanding the resignation of union education minister Dharmendra Pradhan over alleged irregularities in competitive examinations and unveiled a five-point ‘exam manifesto’ aimed at protecting students.Leading a protest at the Savitribai Phule Pune University campus, CJP founder Abhijeet Dipke accused the government of failing to ensure accountability for issues affecting students appearing for examinations such as NEET, CBSE and CUET.”Our only demand since the inception of this movement has been the resignation of Dharmendra Pradhan. More than one crore students have faced injustice, but nobody is ready to take responsibility or step down,” Dipke said.He warned that students and supporters of the movement would march to New Delhi and stage a protest at Jantar Mantar on June 20 if the minister does not resign.As part of the agitation, CJP released a five-point manifesto outlining reforms it says are necessary to protect students from examination-related disruptions.The demands include:Rs 10,000 compensation for students affected by paper leaks, postponed examinations or delayed results.A mandatory backup examination date within 72 hours if an exam is cancelled.Physical evaluation of answer sheets for paper-based examinations instead of online assessment.Automatic age-limit relaxation for candidates affected by delayed examinations or results.Mandatory technology and tender audits before examinations, particularly for computer-based tests.Dipke also demanded that contracts for conducting examinations be awarded strictly on merit and called for stronger safeguards to prevent future irregularities.The CJP founder alleged that students had repeatedly suffered due to paper leaks, exam postponements and delays in result declarations.He claimed that timely action by authorities against those responsible for examination irregularities could have prevented the need for a nationwide protest movement.Dipke further alleged that a teacher who participated in a protest at Jantar Mantar against exam-related issues had been suspended.The movement plans to take its campaign to several cities, including Jaipur, Lucknow, Amritsar and Bengaluru, before culminating in a protest in New Delhi later this month.Climate activist Sonam Wangchuk, who participated in the Pune protest, expressed support for the agitation and said it was drawing attention to important issues in the education sector.Dipke maintained that the protests would remain peaceful and within the framework of the Constitution.He also accused the government of attempting to suppress the movement by targeting its social media accounts, while reiterating that CJP remains open to dialogue.”CJP is a big message for the country. The government cannot ignore the youth. Instead of calling us fake, try to understand the issues and problems faced by the youth in the country,” he said.Explaining the party’s unusual name and symbol, Dipke said the cockroach represented growing frustration among young people over the current system and the challenges they face in education and employment.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 MediaVideosCongress Plans Massive Nationwide Stir Against Centre, Targets Inflation, Job Crisis And Paper LeaksAbhishek Banerjee Faces Six-Hour CID Interrogation In Bengal Signature Forgery CaseStone Shatters Window Of Shatabdi Express Near Firozabad; RSS Chief Mohan Bhagwat Was On BoardJaishankar Says US Asked India To Buy Russian Oil In 2022, Slams Double Standards Over Energy PolicyThree Killed As Massive Fire Breaks Out In Multi-Storey Residential Building In Delhi’s TughlakabadJaishankar Calls Out Europe’s ‘Double Standards’, Says European Weapons Have Been Used Against IndiaFalta Strongman Paraded In Shorts By Cops After Arrest In Falta | WatchAll 28 Chief Ministers Attend NITI Aayog Meeting, Marking End of Recent Boycott TrendKirti Azad Dismisses Exit Talks, Says Didi Will Fix Kalyan Banerjee Dispute | WatchCongress Sweeps Three Of Four Karnataka Rs Seats As Poll Ends Without Contest123PhotostoriesSuccess quote of the day by Tom Hanks: “Never give up because…”Love Lessons Written in Your Birth Number7 home interior design styles influencing modern residential spacesKangana Ranaut continues her love affair with Indian handlooms in a stunning Patan Patola saree10 foods that help reduce bloating naturally in summer6 Fascinating plants that do not produce flowers but still thrive in natureInland Taipan changes colour with the seasons: Inside the strange and dramatic seasonal color change explainedIs your child carrying emotional baggage? 6 subtle signs and what parents can do to help10 beautiful baby girl names starting with the letter T“This will help prevent…and improve..” Why did Amit Shah praise this rice variety123Hot Picks147000 Medical BillGulf of Oman attackJaspal RanaShakiraIndia Vs Afghanistan HighlightsISC Revaluation ResultSpaceX IPODelhi weatherIndustrial fuel banTop TrendingTMC rebel MPIndian RupeeSpaceX IPOFIFA World Cup 2026Nipah virusCJP Lucknow ProtestBharatiya Antariksh HackathonKerala SSLC Revaluation ResultUPSC result 2026Karnataka Murder

. NEW DELHI: The Cockroach Janta Party (CJP) on Thursday launched a nationwide protest demanding the resignation of union education minister Dharmendra Pradhan over alleged irregularities in competitive examinations and unveiled a five-point ‘exam manifesto’ aimed at protecting students.Leading a protest at the Savitribai Phule Pune University campus, CJP founder Abhijeet Dipke accused the government of failing to ensure accountability for issues affecting students appearing for examinations such as NEET, CBSE and CUET.”Our only demand since the inception of this movement has been the resignation of Dharmendra Pradhan. More than one crore students have faced injustice, but nobody is ready to take responsibility or step down,” Dipke said.He warned that students and supporters of the movement would march to New Delhi and stage a protest at Jantar Mantar on June 20 if the minister does not resign.As part of the agitation, CJP released a five-point manifesto outlining reforms it says are necessary to protect students from examination-related disruptions.The demands include:Rs 10,000 compensation for students affected by paper leaks, postponed examinations or delayed results.A mandatory backup examination date within 72 hours if an exam is cancelled.Physical evaluation of answer sheets for paper-based examinations instead of online assessment.Automatic age-limit relaxation for candidates affected by delayed examinations or results.Mandatory technology and tender audits before examinations, particularly for computer-based tests.Dipke also demanded that contracts for conducting examinations be awarded strictly on merit and called for stronger safeguards to prevent future irregularities.The CJP founder alleged that students had repeatedly suffered due to paper leaks, exam postponements and delays in result declarations.He claimed that timely action by authorities against those responsible for examination irregularities could have prevented the need for a nationwide protest movement.Dipke further alleged that a teacher who participated in a protest at Jantar Mantar against exam-related issues had been suspended.The movement plans to take its campaign to several cities, including Jaipur, Lucknow, Amritsar and Bengaluru, before culminating in a protest in New Delhi later this month.Climate activist Sonam Wangchuk, who participated in the Pune protest, expressed support for the agitation and said it was drawing attention to important issues in the education sector.Dipke maintained that the protests would remain peaceful and within the framework of the Constitution.He also accused the government of attempting to suppress the movement by targeting its social media accounts, while reiterating that CJP remains open to dialogue.”CJP is a big message for the country. The government cannot ignore the youth. Instead of calling us fake, try to understand the issues and problems faced by the youth in the country,” he said.Explaining the party’s unusual name and symbol, Dipke said the cockroach represented growing frustration among young people over the current system and the challenges they face in education and employment.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 MediaVideosCongress Plans Massive Nationwide Stir Against Centre, Targets Inflation, Job Crisis And Paper LeaksAbhishek Banerjee Faces Six-Hour CID Interrogation In Bengal Signature Forgery CaseStone Shatters Window Of Shatabdi Express Near Firozabad; RSS Chief Mohan Bhagwat Was On BoardJaishankar Says US Asked India To Buy Russian Oil In 2022, Slams Double Standards Over Energy PolicyThree Killed As Massive Fire Breaks Out In Multi-Storey Residential Building In Delhi’s TughlakabadJaishankar Calls Out Europe’s ‘Double Standards’, Says European Weapons Have Been Used Against IndiaFalta Strongman Paraded In Shorts By Cops After Arrest In Falta | WatchAll 28 Chief Ministers Attend NITI Aayog Meeting, Marking End of Recent Boycott TrendKirti Azad Dismisses Exit Talks, Says Didi Will Fix Kalyan Banerjee Dispute | WatchCongress Sweeps Three Of Four Karnataka Rs Seats As Poll Ends Without Contest123PhotostoriesSuccess quote of the day by Tom Hanks: “Never give up because…”Love Lessons Written in Your Birth Number7 home interior design styles influencing modern residential spacesKangana Ranaut continues her love affair with Indian handlooms in a stunning Patan Patola saree10 foods that help reduce bloating naturally in summer6 Fascinating plants that do not produce flowers but still thrive in natureInland Taipan changes colour with the seasons: Inside the strange and dramatic seasonal color change explainedIs your child carrying emotional baggage? 6 subtle signs and what parents can do to help10 beautiful baby girl names starting with the letter T“This will help prevent…and improve..” Why did Amit Shah praise this rice variety123Hot Picks147000 Medical BillGulf of Oman attackJaspal RanaShakiraIndia Vs Afghanistan HighlightsISC Revaluation ResultSpaceX IPODelhi weatherIndustrial fuel banTop TrendingTMC rebel MPIndian RupeeSpaceX IPOFIFA World Cup 2026Nipah virusCJP Lucknow ProtestBharatiya Antariksh HackathonKerala SSLC Revaluation ResultUPSC result 2026Karnataka Murder

Vamsikrishna 0
Image credit: ANI NEW DELHI: Congress leader Jairam Ramesh has asked defence minister Rajnath Singh to rethink the government’s decision against expanding the INS Baaz runway, arguing it would be less ecologically destructive than building a new airport in Great Nicobar.In a letter to Singh on Friday, Ramesh said he first proposed the INS Baaz expansion alternative on May 16. He suggested it as a way to protect the environment while still meeting strategic military objectives in the Andaman and Nicobar Islands.But on June 8, anonymous “defence ministry sources” told the media that expanding the runway beyond 4,500 feet would itself cause ecological damage. Ramesh said he found this concern ironic given the scale of destruction planned for the proposed greenfield airport site.Environmental red flagsRamesh laid out seven reasons why the proposed airport location at Gandhi Nagar-Shastri Nagar is worse than upgrading the existing naval air station.The new site would require leveling two forest-covered hills that rise 115 metres each. It would eat up 225 acres of protected forest and another 130 acres of deemed forest-land that belongs to the Shompen tribal community and that they still use.Around 142 acres of the proposed site fall under ICRZ-1A, the highest protected category under coastal zone rules. That area includes turtle nesting beaches, coral reefs, and nesting grounds of the endangered Nicobar Megapode.The project would also require filling a creek and moving saltwater crocodiles elsewhere. Two villages housing 234 ex-servicemen families sit directly on the proposed site, and those families would be uprooted for the third time in recent years.Ramesh described the area as largely undisturbed, pristine forest bordering an ecologically sensitive coastline. He said no serious or systematic environmental impact assessment has been done for the site.This matters, he argued, because Great Nicobar is designated as both an Important Bird Area and an Endemic Bird Area. It also falls under two major international bird flyways, the Central Asian and the East Asian-Australasian routes, that bring migratory species to the island every year.’Compelled to speak’ after six yearsThe Congress leader noted that the Galathea Bay airport site was first announced as a dual-purpose facility by the Home Ministry on March 30, 2022. It took the Defence Ministry more than six years to comment on it, and even that was through anonymous briefings.”The disastrous ecological impacts of the Great Nicobar Island Project… have become all-too-evident and are inviting wide-spread concern,” Ramesh wrote. He said this public pressure has forced the ministry to finally address the issue.He copied the letter to Environment Minister Bhupender Yadav, reminding him that he has written at least four times over the past two years about what he calls the “demonstrably dubious” environmental impact assessment of the entire project.Jairam Ramesh’s letter follows recent Defence Ministry statements defending the Great Nicobar project as strategically vital for India’s maritime interests. Ministry sources dismissed critics as suffering from “geographical illiteracy” and said INS Baaz’s runway would not be part of the new project.The government plans to build an international container transshipment port, a civilian-cum-naval airport, a township and a power plant on the island. Congress leader Rahul Gandhi has alleged the project is actually meant to benefit one businessman who wants to build hotels and casinos on ecologically sensitive land.Based on inputs from PTIGet 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 MediaVideosCongress Plans Massive Nationwide Stir Against Centre, Targets Inflation, Job Crisis And Paper LeaksAbhishek Banerjee Faces Six-Hour CID Interrogation In Bengal Signature Forgery CaseStone Shatters Window Of Shatabdi Express Near Firozabad; RSS Chief Mohan Bhagwat Was On BoardJaishankar Says US Asked India To Buy Russian Oil In 2022, Slams Double Standards Over Energy PolicyThree Killed As Massive Fire Breaks Out In Multi-Storey Residential Building In Delhi’s TughlakabadJaishankar Calls Out Europe’s ‘Double Standards’, Says European Weapons Have Been Used Against IndiaFalta Strongman Paraded In Shorts By Cops After Arrest In Falta | WatchAll 28 Chief Ministers Attend NITI Aayog Meeting, Marking End of Recent Boycott TrendKirti Azad Dismisses Exit Talks, Says Didi Will Fix Kalyan Banerjee Dispute | WatchCongress Sweeps Three Of Four Karnataka Rs Seats As Poll Ends Without Contest123PhotostoriesSuccess quote of the day by Tom Hanks: “Never give up because…”Love Lessons Written in Your Birth Number7 home interior design styles influencing modern residential spacesKangana Ranaut continues her love affair with Indian handlooms in a stunning Patan Patola saree10 foods that help reduce bloating naturally in summer6 Fascinating plants that do not produce flowers but still thrive in natureInland Taipan changes colour with the seasons: Inside the strange and dramatic seasonal color change explainedIs your child carrying emotional baggage? 6 subtle signs and what parents can do to help10 beautiful baby girl names starting with the letter T“This will help prevent…and improve..” Why did Amit Shah praise this rice variety123Hot Picks147000 Medical BillGulf of Oman attackFifa World Cup Opening CeremonyShakiraIndia Vs Afghanistan HighlightsISC Revaluation ResultSpaceX IPODelhi weatherIndustrial fuel banTop TrendingTMC rebel MPIndian RupeeSpaceX IPOFIFA World Cup 2026Nipah virusCJP Lucknow ProtestBharatiya Antariksh HackathonKerala SSLC Revaluation ResultBengaluru Child DeathKarnataka Murder

Image credit: ANI NEW DELHI: Congress leader Jairam Ramesh has asked defence minister Rajnath Singh to rethink the government’s decision against expanding the INS Baaz runway, arguing it would be less ecologically destructive than building a new airport in Great Nicobar.In a letter to Singh on Friday, Ramesh said he first proposed the INS Baaz expansion alternative on May 16. He suggested it as a way to protect the environment while still meeting strategic military objectives in the Andaman and Nicobar Islands.But on June 8, anonymous “defence ministry sources” told the media that expanding the runway beyond 4,500 feet would itself cause ecological damage. Ramesh said he found this concern ironic given the scale of destruction planned for the proposed greenfield airport site.Environmental red flagsRamesh laid out seven reasons why the proposed airport location at Gandhi Nagar-Shastri Nagar is worse than upgrading the existing naval air station.The new site would require leveling two forest-covered hills that rise 115 metres each. It would eat up 225 acres of protected forest and another 130 acres of deemed forest-land that belongs to the Shompen tribal community and that they still use.Around 142 acres of the proposed site fall under ICRZ-1A, the highest protected category under coastal zone rules. That area includes turtle nesting beaches, coral reefs, and nesting grounds of the endangered Nicobar Megapode.The project would also require filling a creek and moving saltwater crocodiles elsewhere. Two villages housing 234 ex-servicemen families sit directly on the proposed site, and those families would be uprooted for the third time in recent years.Ramesh described the area as largely undisturbed, pristine forest bordering an ecologically sensitive coastline. He said no serious or systematic environmental impact assessment has been done for the site.This matters, he argued, because Great Nicobar is designated as both an Important Bird Area and an Endemic Bird Area. It also falls under two major international bird flyways, the Central Asian and the East Asian-Australasian routes, that bring migratory species to the island every year.’Compelled to speak’ after six yearsThe Congress leader noted that the Galathea Bay airport site was first announced as a dual-purpose facility by the Home Ministry on March 30, 2022. It took the Defence Ministry more than six years to comment on it, and even that was through anonymous briefings.”The disastrous ecological impacts of the Great Nicobar Island Project… have become all-too-evident and are inviting wide-spread concern,” Ramesh wrote. He said this public pressure has forced the ministry to finally address the issue.He copied the letter to Environment Minister Bhupender Yadav, reminding him that he has written at least four times over the past two years about what he calls the “demonstrably dubious” environmental impact assessment of the entire project.Jairam Ramesh’s letter follows recent Defence Ministry statements defending the Great Nicobar project as strategically vital for India’s maritime interests. Ministry sources dismissed critics as suffering from “geographical illiteracy” and said INS Baaz’s runway would not be part of the new project.The government plans to build an international container transshipment port, a civilian-cum-naval airport, a township and a power plant on the island. Congress leader Rahul Gandhi has alleged the project is actually meant to benefit one businessman who wants to build hotels and casinos on ecologically sensitive land.Based on inputs from PTIGet 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 MediaVideosCongress Plans Massive Nationwide Stir Against Centre, Targets Inflation, Job Crisis And Paper LeaksAbhishek Banerjee Faces Six-Hour CID Interrogation In Bengal Signature Forgery CaseStone Shatters Window Of Shatabdi Express Near Firozabad; RSS Chief Mohan Bhagwat Was On BoardJaishankar Says US Asked India To Buy Russian Oil In 2022, Slams Double Standards Over Energy PolicyThree Killed As Massive Fire Breaks Out In Multi-Storey Residential Building In Delhi’s TughlakabadJaishankar Calls Out Europe’s ‘Double Standards’, Says European Weapons Have Been Used Against IndiaFalta Strongman Paraded In Shorts By Cops After Arrest In Falta | WatchAll 28 Chief Ministers Attend NITI Aayog Meeting, Marking End of Recent Boycott TrendKirti Azad Dismisses Exit Talks, Says Didi Will Fix Kalyan Banerjee Dispute | WatchCongress Sweeps Three Of Four Karnataka Rs Seats As Poll Ends Without Contest123PhotostoriesSuccess quote of the day by Tom Hanks: “Never give up because…”Love Lessons Written in Your Birth Number7 home interior design styles influencing modern residential spacesKangana Ranaut continues her love affair with Indian handlooms in a stunning Patan Patola saree10 foods that help reduce bloating naturally in summer6 Fascinating plants that do not produce flowers but still thrive in natureInland Taipan changes colour with the seasons: Inside the strange and dramatic seasonal color change explainedIs your child carrying emotional baggage? 6 subtle signs and what parents can do to help10 beautiful baby girl names starting with the letter T“This will help prevent…and improve..” Why did Amit Shah praise this rice variety123Hot Picks147000 Medical BillGulf of Oman attackFifa World Cup Opening CeremonyShakiraIndia Vs Afghanistan HighlightsISC Revaluation ResultSpaceX IPODelhi weatherIndustrial fuel banTop TrendingTMC rebel MPIndian RupeeSpaceX IPOFIFA World Cup 2026Nipah virusCJP Lucknow ProtestBharatiya Antariksh HackathonKerala SSLC Revaluation ResultBengaluru Child DeathKarnataka Murder

Vamsikrishna 0
PM Modi celebrates ’12 years of Nari Shakti’, highlights NDA’s push for women-led development NEW DELHI: Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Friday celebrated “12 Years of Nari Shakti”, emphasising the steps and initiatives taken towards strengthening women’s empowerment by the government under his leadership.In an ‘X’ post, PM Modi stated that it reflected the prominent role being played by women across education, healthcare, sanitation, housing, sports, science and governance. He further stressed that the efforts being made to ensure women’s empowerment are deeply rooted and have helped create an environment where women can realise their full potential and contribute even more strongly to nation-building.”Over the last 12 years, the NDA Government has worked to further women-led development. And, this is visible across sectors. From financial inclusion and entrepreneurship to education, healthcare, sanitation, housing, sports, science and governance, women are playing a prominent role across diverse sectors. The efforts of the NDA Government are rooted in dignity, opportunity and empowerment. They have helped create an environment where women can realise their full potential and contribute even more strongly to nation-building,” said PM Modi.The Prime Minister also praised the growing participation and interest of women towards developing drone technology, which has opened new avenues of opportunity and transformed the development landscape across the nation.”I am particularly happy to see India’s Nari Shakti make a mark in sectors like science, space and innovation. Their growing participation in emerging fields such as drone technology is opening new avenues of opportunity and transforming development landscape across the nation. Our Government is actively supporting Self Help Groups, which are going a long way in making women financially independent,” he added.The remarks come after leaders of the National Democratic Alliance (NDA) gathered in New Delhi to congratulate PM Modi on completing 4,399 days in office, making him India’s longest-serving democratically elected Prime Minister in consecutive terms. NDA leaders hailed his tenure, citing development initiatives, governance reforms and welfare programmes implemented over the past 12 years.Get the latest India news and live updates. Download the TOI App.End of ArticleFollow Us On Social MediaVideosAbhishek Banerjee Faces Six-Hour CID Interrogation In Bengal Signature Forgery CaseStone Shatters Window Of Shatabdi Express Near Firozabad; RSS Chief Mohan Bhagwat Was On BoardJaishankar Says US Asked India To Buy Russian Oil In 2022, Slams Double Standards Over Energy PolicyThree Killed As Massive Fire Breaks Out In Multi-Storey Residential Building In Delhi’s TughlakabadJaishankar Calls Out Europe’s ‘Double Standards’, Says European Weapons Have Been Used Against IndiaFalta Strongman Paraded In Shorts By Cops After Arrest In Falta | WatchAll 28 Chief Ministers Attend NITI Aayog Meeting, Marking End of Recent Boycott TrendKirti Azad Dismisses Exit Talks, Says Didi Will Fix Kalyan Banerjee Dispute | WatchCongress Sweeps Three Of Four Karnataka Rs Seats As Poll Ends Without ContestBJP Wins All Three MP Rajya Sabha Seats Unopposed After Congress Nominee Rejected123PhotostoriesLove Lessons Written in Your Birth Number7 home interior design styles influencing modern residential spacesKangana Ranaut continues her love affair with Indian handlooms in a stunning Patan Patola saree10 foods that help reduce bloating naturally in summer6 Fascinating plants that do not produce flowers but still thrive in natureInland Taipan changes colour with the seasons: Inside the strange and dramatic seasonal color change explainedIs your child carrying emotional baggage? 6 subtle signs and what parents can do to help10 beautiful baby girl names starting with the letter T“This will help prevent…and improve..” Why did Amit Shah praise this rice varietyShoaib Malik to Glenn Maxwell: 7 international cricketers who married Indian women123Hot Picks147000 Medical BillGulf of Oman attackFifa World Cup Opening CeremonyShakiraIndia Vs Afghanistan HighlightsVaibhav SooryavanshiSpaceX IPODelhi weatherIndustrial fuel banTop TrendingHaryana Gym Owner MurderBurari Nigerian Woman SuicideVijay ThalapathyFIFA World Cup 2026Census 2027CJP Lucknow ProtestCJP ProtestCBSE Class 10 Second Board ResultBengaluru Child DeathKarnataka Murder

PM Modi celebrates ’12 years of Nari Shakti’, highlights NDA’s push for women-led development NEW DELHI: Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Friday celebrated “12 Years of Nari Shakti”, emphasising the steps and initiatives taken towards strengthening women’s empowerment by the government under his leadership.In an ‘X’ post, PM Modi stated that it reflected the prominent role being played by women across education, healthcare, sanitation, housing, sports, science and governance. He further stressed that the efforts being made to ensure women’s empowerment are deeply rooted and have helped create an environment where women can realise their full potential and contribute even more strongly to nation-building.”Over the last 12 years, the NDA Government has worked to further women-led development. And, this is visible across sectors. From financial inclusion and entrepreneurship to education, healthcare, sanitation, housing, sports, science and governance, women are playing a prominent role across diverse sectors. The efforts of the NDA Government are rooted in dignity, opportunity and empowerment. They have helped create an environment where women can realise their full potential and contribute even more strongly to nation-building,” said PM Modi.The Prime Minister also praised the growing participation and interest of women towards developing drone technology, which has opened new avenues of opportunity and transformed the development landscape across the nation.”I am particularly happy to see India’s Nari Shakti make a mark in sectors like science, space and innovation. Their growing participation in emerging fields such as drone technology is opening new avenues of opportunity and transforming development landscape across the nation. Our Government is actively supporting Self Help Groups, which are going a long way in making women financially independent,” he added.The remarks come after leaders of the National Democratic Alliance (NDA) gathered in New Delhi to congratulate PM Modi on completing 4,399 days in office, making him India’s longest-serving democratically elected Prime Minister in consecutive terms. NDA leaders hailed his tenure, citing development initiatives, governance reforms and welfare programmes implemented over the past 12 years.Get the latest India news and live updates. Download the TOI App.End of ArticleFollow Us On Social MediaVideosAbhishek Banerjee Faces Six-Hour CID Interrogation In Bengal Signature Forgery CaseStone Shatters Window Of Shatabdi Express Near Firozabad; RSS Chief Mohan Bhagwat Was On BoardJaishankar Says US Asked India To Buy Russian Oil In 2022, Slams Double Standards Over Energy PolicyThree Killed As Massive Fire Breaks Out In Multi-Storey Residential Building In Delhi’s TughlakabadJaishankar Calls Out Europe’s ‘Double Standards’, Says European Weapons Have Been Used Against IndiaFalta Strongman Paraded In Shorts By Cops After Arrest In Falta | WatchAll 28 Chief Ministers Attend NITI Aayog Meeting, Marking End of Recent Boycott TrendKirti Azad Dismisses Exit Talks, Says Didi Will Fix Kalyan Banerjee Dispute | WatchCongress Sweeps Three Of Four Karnataka Rs Seats As Poll Ends Without ContestBJP Wins All Three MP Rajya Sabha Seats Unopposed After Congress Nominee Rejected123PhotostoriesLove Lessons Written in Your Birth Number7 home interior design styles influencing modern residential spacesKangana Ranaut continues her love affair with Indian handlooms in a stunning Patan Patola saree10 foods that help reduce bloating naturally in summer6 Fascinating plants that do not produce flowers but still thrive in natureInland Taipan changes colour with the seasons: Inside the strange and dramatic seasonal color change explainedIs your child carrying emotional baggage? 6 subtle signs and what parents can do to help10 beautiful baby girl names starting with the letter T“This will help prevent…and improve..” Why did Amit Shah praise this rice varietyShoaib Malik to Glenn Maxwell: 7 international cricketers who married Indian women123Hot Picks147000 Medical BillGulf of Oman attackFifa World Cup Opening CeremonyShakiraIndia Vs Afghanistan HighlightsVaibhav SooryavanshiSpaceX IPODelhi weatherIndustrial fuel banTop TrendingHaryana Gym Owner MurderBurari Nigerian Woman SuicideVijay ThalapathyFIFA World Cup 2026Census 2027CJP Lucknow ProtestCJP ProtestCBSE Class 10 Second Board ResultBengaluru Child DeathKarnataka Murder

Vamsikrishna 0