August 16, 2026
Quote of the day by Neil Patrick Harris: “As I learned from chapters past, it’s important to try and stay in the chapter that you’re in, and enjoy it while it’s lasting,” when the ‘How I Met Your Mother’ star shared his secret to living fully in the present

Quote of the day by Neil Patrick Harris: “As I learned from chapters past, it’s important to try and stay in the chapter that you’re in, and enjoy it while it’s lasting,” when the ‘How I Met Your Mother’ star shared his secret to living fully in the present

Vamsikrishna05 mins mins

Neil Patrick Harris is everywhere right now. Earlier this year, he attended the Berlinale International Film Festival in Berlin to promote his film ‘Sunny Dancer,’ stepping onto the red carpet alongside co-stars Bella Ramsey and Este Haim. In May, he and his husband David Burtka were honoured at the Family Equality Gala with the Luminary…

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20 places to visit in Sikkim that look straight out of a Himalayan dream: From Zero Point’s snowfields to Yumthang’s flower-filled meadows |

20 places to visit in Sikkim that look straight out of a Himalayan dream: From Zero Point’s snowfields to Yumthang’s flower-filled meadows |

Vamsikrishna07 mins mins

Sikkim does not reveal itself all at once. Roads twist through forests, villages appear unexpectedly on mountain slopes, and distant snow peaks seem to shift with every bend. Despite being India’s second-smallest state, it contains an astonishing variety of landscapes. Monasteries stand above river valleys, glacial lakes sit beneath windswept ridges, and quiet towns offer…

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Elon Musk says becoming world’s first quadrillionaire is ‘not impossible’; says Moon and Mars factories must come first

Elon Musk says becoming world’s first quadrillionaire is ‘not impossible’; says Moon and Mars factories must come first

Vamsikrishna03 mins mins

SpaceX CEO Elon Musk has now suggested that reaching quadrillionaire status is “not impossible”, but he also said that such wealth would require factories on the Moon and Mars and a future economy measured in mass and energy rather than in dollars. Responding to a post shared on social media platform X (formerly known as…

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Mohsin Akhtar marries Nidhaa Bhatt: Who is Urmila Matondkar’s ex-husband? Know more about him here

Mohsin Akhtar marries Nidhaa Bhatt: Who is Urmila Matondkar’s ex-husband? Know more about him here

Vamsikrishna03 mins mins

Mohsin Akhtar is back in the spotlight after announcing his marriage to Nidhaa Bhatt, nearly two years after his separation from actress Urmila Matondkar. While many know him as Urmila’s former husband, Mohsin has built a diverse career spanning modelling, acting and business, carving out an identity beyond his personal life. Mohsin shared the news…

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Milky Way photography guide 2026: Best June stargazing tips, expert camera settings and dark-sky locations revealed

Milky Way photography guide 2026: Best June stargazing tips, expert camera settings and dark-sky locations revealed

Vamsikrishna05 mins mins

For a few precious months each year, the brightest and most photogenic region of the Milky Way rises high enough above the horizon to create one of nature’s most spectacular night-time displays. June marks the beginning of peak Milky Way season across much of the Northern Hemisphere, offering photographers their best opportunity to capture the…

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(Photo credit: X) NEW DELHI: The iconic “Dancing Girl” of Mohenjo-daro, one of the most celebrated artefacts of the Indus Valley Civilisation, appeared in an altered form in the NCERT’s new Class 9 arts textbook, with its traditionally bare torso visually covered, sparking debate over the representation.The 4,500-year-old bronze figurine, traditionally depicted with its bare torso visible, appears with shaded modifications in NCERT’s new Class 9 arts textbook Madhurima, obscuring anatomical details seen in the original sculpture.The image features in the opening chapter, History of Arts. Compared with photographs of the original artefact, the figurine’s upper body appears visually altered, drawing attention to how one of India’s best-known archaeological treasures is being presented to students.Notably, the same artefact appears in NCERT’s Class 6 Social Science textbook in a form much closer to the original bronze sculpture.What is the Dancing Girl?Discovered at Mohenjo-daro, the “Dancing Girl” is among the most celebrated artefacts of the Indus Valley Civilisation.The original bronze statuette stands just 10.5 cm tall and is noted for its naturalistic depiction. The figure is shown unclothed except for jewellery, including multiple bangles on one arm and a necklace, ANI reported.In the new textbook, however, the figurine appears in a darker shade, with parts of the torso visually covered compared to the original sculpture.The chapter identifies the “Dancing Girl” as a bronze figurine from Mohenjo-daro dating to around 2600 BCE. According to the textbook, the sculpture was created using the “lost-wax technique prevalent in West Bengal, Jharkhand, and Chhattisgarh.””This sculpture depicts a posture with one knee bent, one hand on the waist and a slightly lifted chin,” the textbook states.’Not age-appropriate’Michel Danino, who headed the textbook development committee for NCERT’s new Class 6 Social Science books, said he had earlier been informed that the Dancing Girl image was considered unsuitable for younger students.”This refers to our Grade 6 Social Science textbook. The reason I was given was that the image of the Dancing Girl was not age-appropriate. Our team disagreed; we even checked with teachers of class 6, and they told us there was never a problem with the Dancing Girl,” Danino told PTI.”The notion that nudity is inappropriate is, in my opinion, an obsolete Victorian view. Yet we speak of decolonising Indian education,” he added.Reacting to the modified image in the Class 9 arts textbook, he said he was initially taken aback. “If the Dancing Girl cannot figure as she is, and with proper dimensions, in a chapter on Indian art, then we have a serious problem,” he added.’Misrepresents the original artefact’Danino strongly criticised the alteration, arguing that it distorts the historical object. “The modification misrepresents the original artefact just as the Church’s addition of a fig leaf to Michelangelo’s statue of David in the Middle Ages misrepresented that beautiful work of art,” he said.”Unless this is clearly done to indicate the possible reconstruction of a partial artefact, altering such an image amounts to creating a fake artefact. It points to a serious lack of understanding of how historical artefacts are to be pictured,” Danino added.Discussing the figurine’s significance, he noted that archaeologists have long debated its meaning and context. However, he pointed out that the same akimbo posture has been found on at least two potsherds from the Harappan site of Bhirrana in Rajasthan, suggesting it carried “a precise cultural value, probably an artistic one.”NCERT reviewing the matterAccording to ANI, an NCERT official said the issue has been referred to the textbook development team for examination.”The matter has been referred to the textbook development team. They are looking into it. There is no specific reason. In the Grade 6 Social Science textbook, the Dancing Girl appears in its original form along with many other artefacts,” the official said.The Dancing Girl has previously been at the centre of debates over representation. In May 2023, Prime Minister Narendra Modi unveiled the mascot for the International Museum Expo at Delhi’s Pragati Maidan. The mascot was a modern adaptation of the Dancing Girl and was described by organisers as a contemporary interpretation of the ancient figure.However, the over five-foot-tall version drew criticism from historians and archaeologists because it significantly altered the appearance of the original artefact. While the ancient bronze figurine is dark in colour and largely unclothed except for jewellery, the expo mascot featured a fairer complexion and was dressed in a bright pink blouse and an off-white waistcoat.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 MediaVideosRSS Event Row: BJP Targets Kerala CM Over Remarks Against Vice-ChancellorsOver 500 Indian Sailors Stuck In Strait Of Hormuz For 107 Days As Maritime Crisis DeepensTMC Split Deepens: Sudip Bandyopadhyay Says Rebels Will Seek Trinamool Name And Symbol In JulyPunjab Elections Could Be Held In November This Year, Claims Kejriwal Amid Early Poll BuzzNoida International Airport Opens For Flights; Passengers Praise Faster AccessAbhishek Banerjee Writes To Speaker Om Birla Against Recognition Of Rebel TMC FactionIndia Eyes Local Production Of 114 Rafale Fighter Jets In Landmark France DealBritish Kashmiris protest outside UK Parliament over crackdown in PoJK by Pakistani forcesNirmala Sitharaman Rejects Karnataka Fund Bias Claims, Attacks Congress Over ‘Adani-Ambani’ ChargeRebel TMC MPs To Merge With Nationalist Citizens Party, Support NDA123Photostories5 snakes that love swimming pools and important checks to do before plunging in that cool blue hotel poolShe is in her 40s, but looks mid-20s: 5 things the woman quit for glowing skin and youthfulness5 easy ways to use neem for skin and wellness during summerWhich Surya mantra should you chant? find out based on your birth dateThe one habit that separates high achievers from the rest, according to popular Indian founder Dr. A Velumani6 common phrases used for gaslighting and how to respond, as per psychologistHollywood villians who moved us with their tragic pastsCurd vs hung curd vs Greek yogurt: What is the difference and which has more proteinWhy the Sahyadri mountains are among Maharashtra’s most spectacular travel destinationsThai love proverb of the day: “When in love, even boiled vegetable broth tastes sweet; when hating…”123Hot PicksIndia A vs Sri Lanka A live scoreAP Inter Supplementary ResultsNEET Admit CardMHT CET PCM ResultMahua MoitraBaba Milandas murderNoida airportStock Market LiveGold rate todayTop TrendingKerala HSCAP first allotment result 2026UPSC Prelims ResultNEET Admit Card 2026FIFA World Cup 2026Women T20 World CupNoida AirportIlia TopuriaCBSE 10th Second Board Result 2026Shreyanka PatilSpain vs Cabo Match Preview

(Photo credit: X) NEW DELHI: The iconic “Dancing Girl” of Mohenjo-daro, one of the most celebrated artefacts of the Indus Valley Civilisation, appeared in an altered form in the NCERT’s new Class 9 arts textbook, with its traditionally bare torso visually covered, sparking debate over the representation.The 4,500-year-old bronze figurine, traditionally depicted with its bare torso visible, appears with shaded modifications in NCERT’s new Class 9 arts textbook Madhurima, obscuring anatomical details seen in the original sculpture.The image features in the opening chapter, History of Arts. Compared with photographs of the original artefact, the figurine’s upper body appears visually altered, drawing attention to how one of India’s best-known archaeological treasures is being presented to students.Notably, the same artefact appears in NCERT’s Class 6 Social Science textbook in a form much closer to the original bronze sculpture.What is the Dancing Girl?Discovered at Mohenjo-daro, the “Dancing Girl” is among the most celebrated artefacts of the Indus Valley Civilisation.The original bronze statuette stands just 10.5 cm tall and is noted for its naturalistic depiction. The figure is shown unclothed except for jewellery, including multiple bangles on one arm and a necklace, ANI reported.In the new textbook, however, the figurine appears in a darker shade, with parts of the torso visually covered compared to the original sculpture.The chapter identifies the “Dancing Girl” as a bronze figurine from Mohenjo-daro dating to around 2600 BCE. According to the textbook, the sculpture was created using the “lost-wax technique prevalent in West Bengal, Jharkhand, and Chhattisgarh.””This sculpture depicts a posture with one knee bent, one hand on the waist and a slightly lifted chin,” the textbook states.’Not age-appropriate’Michel Danino, who headed the textbook development committee for NCERT’s new Class 6 Social Science books, said he had earlier been informed that the Dancing Girl image was considered unsuitable for younger students.”This refers to our Grade 6 Social Science textbook. The reason I was given was that the image of the Dancing Girl was not age-appropriate. Our team disagreed; we even checked with teachers of class 6, and they told us there was never a problem with the Dancing Girl,” Danino told PTI.”The notion that nudity is inappropriate is, in my opinion, an obsolete Victorian view. Yet we speak of decolonising Indian education,” he added.Reacting to the modified image in the Class 9 arts textbook, he said he was initially taken aback. “If the Dancing Girl cannot figure as she is, and with proper dimensions, in a chapter on Indian art, then we have a serious problem,” he added.’Misrepresents the original artefact’Danino strongly criticised the alteration, arguing that it distorts the historical object. “The modification misrepresents the original artefact just as the Church’s addition of a fig leaf to Michelangelo’s statue of David in the Middle Ages misrepresented that beautiful work of art,” he said.”Unless this is clearly done to indicate the possible reconstruction of a partial artefact, altering such an image amounts to creating a fake artefact. It points to a serious lack of understanding of how historical artefacts are to be pictured,” Danino added.Discussing the figurine’s significance, he noted that archaeologists have long debated its meaning and context. However, he pointed out that the same akimbo posture has been found on at least two potsherds from the Harappan site of Bhirrana in Rajasthan, suggesting it carried “a precise cultural value, probably an artistic one.”NCERT reviewing the matterAccording to ANI, an NCERT official said the issue has been referred to the textbook development team for examination.”The matter has been referred to the textbook development team. They are looking into it. There is no specific reason. In the Grade 6 Social Science textbook, the Dancing Girl appears in its original form along with many other artefacts,” the official said.The Dancing Girl has previously been at the centre of debates over representation. In May 2023, Prime Minister Narendra Modi unveiled the mascot for the International Museum Expo at Delhi’s Pragati Maidan. The mascot was a modern adaptation of the Dancing Girl and was described by organisers as a contemporary interpretation of the ancient figure.However, the over five-foot-tall version drew criticism from historians and archaeologists because it significantly altered the appearance of the original artefact. While the ancient bronze figurine is dark in colour and largely unclothed except for jewellery, the expo mascot featured a fairer complexion and was dressed in a bright pink blouse and an off-white waistcoat.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 MediaVideosRSS Event Row: BJP Targets Kerala CM Over Remarks Against Vice-ChancellorsOver 500 Indian Sailors Stuck In Strait Of Hormuz For 107 Days As Maritime Crisis DeepensTMC Split Deepens: Sudip Bandyopadhyay Says Rebels Will Seek Trinamool Name And Symbol In JulyPunjab Elections Could Be Held In November This Year, Claims Kejriwal Amid Early Poll BuzzNoida International Airport Opens For Flights; Passengers Praise Faster AccessAbhishek Banerjee Writes To Speaker Om Birla Against Recognition Of Rebel TMC FactionIndia Eyes Local Production Of 114 Rafale Fighter Jets In Landmark France DealBritish Kashmiris protest outside UK Parliament over crackdown in PoJK by Pakistani forcesNirmala Sitharaman Rejects Karnataka Fund Bias Claims, Attacks Congress Over ‘Adani-Ambani’ ChargeRebel TMC MPs To Merge With Nationalist Citizens Party, Support NDA123Photostories5 snakes that love swimming pools and important checks to do before plunging in that cool blue hotel poolShe is in her 40s, but looks mid-20s: 5 things the woman quit for glowing skin and youthfulness5 easy ways to use neem for skin and wellness during summerWhich Surya mantra should you chant? find out based on your birth dateThe one habit that separates high achievers from the rest, according to popular Indian founder Dr. A Velumani6 common phrases used for gaslighting and how to respond, as per psychologistHollywood villians who moved us with their tragic pastsCurd vs hung curd vs Greek yogurt: What is the difference and which has more proteinWhy the Sahyadri mountains are among Maharashtra’s most spectacular travel destinationsThai love proverb of the day: “When in love, even boiled vegetable broth tastes sweet; when hating…”123Hot PicksIndia A vs Sri Lanka A live scoreAP Inter Supplementary ResultsNEET Admit CardMHT CET PCM ResultMahua MoitraBaba Milandas murderNoida airportStock Market LiveGold rate todayTop TrendingKerala HSCAP first allotment result 2026UPSC Prelims ResultNEET Admit Card 2026FIFA World Cup 2026Women T20 World CupNoida AirportIlia TopuriaCBSE 10th Second Board Result 2026Shreyanka PatilSpain vs Cabo Match Preview

Vamsikrishna04 mins mins

NEW DELHI: The iconic “Dancing Girl” of Mohenjo-daro, one of the most celebrated artefacts of the Indus Valley Civilisation, appeared in an altered form in the NCERT’s new Class 9 arts textbook, with its traditionally bare torso visually covered, sparking debate over the representation.The 4,500-year-old bronze figurine, traditionally depicted with its bare torso visible, appears…

Read More
89% of students studying abroad are knocking on the doors of Indian employers: Is the work-abroad dream losing its shine?

89% of students studying abroad are knocking on the doors of Indian employers: Is the work-abroad dream losing its shine?

Vamsikrishna04 mins mins

The long-held belief that studying abroad naturally leads to a career overseas is facing a reality check. Fresh insights from Student Circus reveal an 89% surge in engagement with India-based job opportunities among students abroad between 2023 and 2024. As global immigration pathways become more uncertain and India’s corporate landscape expands, many internationally educated Indians…

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Why the Sahyadri mountains are among Maharashtra’s most spectacular travel destinations

Why the Sahyadri mountains are among Maharashtra’s most spectacular travel destinations

Vamsikrishna01 mins mins

Long before the forts were built, the landscape itself was born out of pure chaos. Millions of years ago, massive volcanic eruptions formed what geologists call the Deccan Traps. Over countless millennia, wind and water slowly eroded that volcanic rock, carving out the sheer basalt cliffs and flat-topped plateaus that make the Sahyadris so instantly…

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Kyiv cathedral hit by US-patriot missile? Russia denies strikes on Ukrainian Unesco site

Kyiv cathedral hit by US-patriot missile? Russia denies strikes on Ukrainian Unesco site

Vamsikrishna03 mins mins

NEW DELHI: Russia on Monday denied responsibility for damage to the historic Kyiv Pechersk Lavra monastery during its latest large-scale missile and drone assault on Ukraine, claiming the Unesco world heritage site was struck by a US-made Patriot air-defence missile rather than a Russian attack.The denial came after Ukrainian authorities accused Moscow of damaging the…

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SS Rajamouli’s ‘Varanasi’ facing budget issues? Mahesh Babu and Priyanka Chopra starrer hit by OTT hurdle: Reports

SS Rajamouli’s ‘Varanasi’ facing budget issues? Mahesh Babu and Priyanka Chopra starrer hit by OTT hurdle: Reports

Vamsikrishna02 mins mins

Director SS Rajamouli’s ambitious globe-trotting adventure film ‘Varanasi’, is back in the headlines over a viral rumour related to its huge Rs 1,400 crore budget.The film, which is one of the most expensive movies ever made in India, starring Mahesh Babu and Priyanka Chopra in lead roles, has reportedly hit a hurdle over its production…

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‘If Iran had a nuclear weapon…’: Trump calls Netanyahu ‘a very difficult guy’, says ‘Bibi’ should thank him

‘If Iran had a nuclear weapon…’: Trump calls Netanyahu ‘a very difficult guy’, says ‘Bibi’ should thank him

Vamsikrishna03 mins mins

Image credit: AP US President Donald Trump publicly criticised Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, describing him as a “very difficult guy”, while defending the newly announced US-Iran agreement and arguing that Israel should be grateful for Washington’s role in preventing Tehran from obtaining a nuclear weapon.Speaking to a New York Times reporter, Trump also praised…

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Uk Pm Keir Starmer Social Media Ban: UK PM Keir Starmer proposes social media ban for under-16s targeting TikTok, Instagram and Snapchat | World News

Uk Pm Keir Starmer Social Media Ban: UK PM Keir Starmer proposes social media ban for under-16s targeting TikTok, Instagram and Snapchat | World News

Vamsikrishna04 mins mins

Under-16s face social media ban as UK unveils tough new online rules / Image – file Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer announced that children under the age of 16 will be banned from using major social media platforms under what the government calls the most significant overhaul of online child safety rules in a generation.Unveiled…

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UP man arrested in Nepal with drugs concealed in undergarments | India News

UP man arrested in Nepal with drugs concealed in undergarments | India News

Vamsikrishna01 mins mins

An Indian national was arrested in Nepal’s Lumbini Province on Monday after police allegedly recovered narcotic drugs concealed inside his undergarments, according to Nepal Police.The arrested individual was identified as Mohmad Rijwan, 40, a resident of Uttar Pradesh in India. He was detained during a security check in Nepalgunj Sub-metropolitan City, police said in a…

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