July 18, 2026
NEW DELHI: The Supreme Court has issued notices to the Centre and the Punjab government on a public interest litigation (PIL) alleging failure by private schools in Punjab to implement provisions of the Right of Children to Free and Compulsory Education (RTE) Act for children from Economically Weaker Sections (EWS).The petition claimed that several recognised private schools in the state have either failed or refused to admit EWS students for years despite a statutory mandate requiring such admissions, resulting in the denial of their fundamental right to education.A bench comprising Chief Justice of India Surya Kant and Justice V. Mohana issued notices on the plea and sought responses from the concerned authorities.During the hearing, the bench advised the petitioner to undertake a comprehensive study to determine how many recognised private schools have complied with the law and how many have refused admissions to eligible EWS students.The matter is expected to come up for further hearing after responses are filed by the Centre and the Punjab government.(With inputs from ANI)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 MediaVideosExplained: How a Fringe Tripura Party Became Central to the TMC Rebellion and NDA’s Numbers GameRSS 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’ Charge123Photostories5 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

NEW DELHI: The Supreme Court has issued notices to the Centre and the Punjab government on a public interest litigation (PIL) alleging failure by private schools in Punjab to implement provisions of the Right of Children to Free and Compulsory Education (RTE) Act for children from Economically Weaker Sections (EWS).The petition claimed that several recognised private schools in the state have either failed or refused to admit EWS students for years despite a statutory mandate requiring such admissions, resulting in the denial of their fundamental right to education.A bench comprising Chief Justice of India Surya Kant and Justice V. Mohana issued notices on the plea and sought responses from the concerned authorities.During the hearing, the bench advised the petitioner to undertake a comprehensive study to determine how many recognised private schools have complied with the law and how many have refused admissions to eligible EWS students.The matter is expected to come up for further hearing after responses are filed by the Centre and the Punjab government.(With inputs from ANI)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 MediaVideosExplained: How a Fringe Tripura Party Became Central to the TMC Rebellion and NDA’s Numbers GameRSS 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’ Charge123Photostories5 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

Vamsikrishna01 mins mins

NEW DELHI: The Supreme Court has issued notices to the Centre and the Punjab government on a public interest litigation (PIL) alleging failure by private schools in Punjab to implement provisions of the Right of Children to Free and Compulsory Education (RTE) Act for children from Economically Weaker Sections (EWS).The petition claimed that several recognised…

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‘Unrest an American plot’: Khamenei blames Trump for protester’s deaths; issues big warning

‘Unrest an American plot’: Khamenei blames Trump for protester’s deaths; issues big warning

Vamsikrishna03 mins mins

Iran’s Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei has accused US President Donald Trump of being responsible for deaths and damage during Iran’s recent wave of protests, branding him a “criminal” and claiming Washington orchestrated the unrest.Speaking on Saturday, Khamenei said the United States and Trump personally were behind the demonstrations that swept the country and were…

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Taylor Swift and Travis Kelce’s wedding at Madison Square Garden to start soon – Details Inside

Taylor Swift and Travis Kelce’s wedding at Madison Square Garden to start soon – Details Inside

Vamsikrishna04 mins mins

Today is a fairytale.Taylor Swift and Travis Kelce’s wedding is fast approaching Friday at Madison Square Garden, where the couple’s closest friends and family – and several hundred more – are attending the elaborate event inside the iconic New York venue.Guest arrivals are well underway and Swifties were amassed outside, where the heat was harsh…

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No woman has entered this sacred mountain for 1,000 years: Inside Greece’s forbidden Mount Athos | World News

No woman has entered this sacred mountain for 1,000 years: Inside Greece’s forbidden Mount Athos | World News

Vamsikrishna04 mins mins

On a rugged peninsula in northern Greece lies one of Europe’s most unusual and secluded places. Known as Mount Athos, or the Holy Mountain, this autonomous monastic community has barred women from entering for more than 1,000 years. Home to centuries-old Orthodox monasteries, ancient manuscripts and a population made up almost entirely of monks, Mount…

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DHE Tripura DEEET result 2026 to be released today: Check time and steps to download scorecards here

DHE Tripura DEEET result 2026 to be released today: Check time and steps to download scorecards here

Vamsikrishna02 mins mins

The Higher Education Department of Tripura will publish the DEEET 2026 result on June 15 at 2 PM, marking a key milestone for diploma engineering aspirants. Candidates can check their scorecards online through the official portal. The result, based on the final answer key, will include marks obtained, rank secured, category, and qualification status. DEEET…

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Takes Control Of BMC For 1st Time, But Needs Shinde Sena For MajorityTakes Control Of BMC For 1st Time, But Needs Shinde Sena For Majority12 MUMBAI: For years, they’ve wanted it, now they have it. BJP is finally set to assume control of India’s richest civic body, Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC), and get its own mayor of Mumbai.After almost 30 years at the helm of BMC, the Thackerays have lost control of their last bastion of power to the Mahayuti alliance, led by former ally-turned-foe BJP, and erstwhile loyalist Eknath Shinde.On Friday, the Mahayuti crossed the halfway mark of 114 in the 227-member house, but not by much: BJP won 89 seats and Shinde’s Sena 29. In effect, BJP will need Shinde’s backing for big decisions. The Thackerays won 71, retaining many wards in the Marathi heartland. But it didn’t work in other urban centres, including Thane and Navi Mumbai. BJP secured 21.6% vote share followed by Sena (UBT) at 13.2%. Sena polled 5% and Congress 4.4%. On the face of it, Uddhav’s Sena UBT, dubbed “nakli” by the BJP brass, bagging twice the number of seats won by Eknath Shinde-led Shiv Sena may look like a moral victory for Uddhav. However, in the process, the Thackerays have been dislodged by BJP in the BMC. The BMC was not just any other civic body for the Thackerays. It was their citadel for decades. A nerve centre that provided them with all the needed resources and the patronage for organisational growth.This is why Uddhav joined hands with his estranged cousin, MNS chief Raj Thackeray, and they campaigned hard to save their fortress.Both recalled 1961 Samyukta Maharashtra movement in which their grandfather, the late Prabodhankar Thackeray, participated, and claimed BJP was planning to separate Mumbai from Maharashtra and merge it with Gujarat.CM Devendra Fadnavis, who led BJP’s campaign, repeatedly refuted the charge to ensure Thackerays’ Mumbai and Marathi “Asmita” (pride) and “Astitva” (existence) card did not stick this time.The Thackerays’ arguments about unemployment and neglect of “sons of the soil” were countered with a “Global Mumbai” narrative by Fadnavis. BJP also fielded over 90 Marathi candidates for the BMC and announced that the next mayor would be Marathi.Three years ago, BJP not only facilitated splits in Shiv Sena and NCP but sowed confusion among cadres and traditional voters as both factions claimed their brands’ legacies.”Many of our supporters were agitated when Ajit Pawar joined the Fadnavis govt after the NCP split. They questioned why we needed him. Hope they now understand our larger plan,” a BJP neta told TOI.BJP’s operation in western Maharashtra had been on since 2014, much before NCP split in 2023. Over the years, BJP cemented its presence in cooperative sugar mills, banks and milk unions – NCP’s backbone. Several Pawar loyalists and Congress netas who dominated the cooperative sector shifted to BJP, weakening Pawar’s base in the “sugar bowl”.Friday’s results underline that in the “new Maharashtra”, no brand is too big to fail.End of ArticleFollow Us On Social MediaVideosDevendra Fadnavis Says BJP Created History in Maharashtra Civic ElectionsDeloitte Partner Says Budget Must Fix GST Gaps, Cut Costs, Boost Domestic ManufacturingAs Iran Burns, India Flags Risk To 9,000 Indians, MEA Sets Record Straight On Chabahar Port Exit’North Indian Girls Face Curbs’: DMK MP Sparks Row; Trump Warns Iran of Brutal Action Over KillingsSC Stays FIRs Against ED, Issues Notice To Didi; Raj Thackeray’s Big Bombshell In Mumbai Civic PollsBJP-Alliance Sweeps BMC Polls, Thackeray Reunion Flops; Rahul Slams EC Over ‘Ink Mark’ RowBritish MP Bob Blackman Warns Of Hindu Killings In Bangladesh As Extremism Rises, Democracy FaltersRanchi ED Raid: Jharkhand HC Calls Police Action ‘Pre-Planned’, Orders Security BoostMumbai And Pune Verdict Shake Thackeray And Pawar Dynasties As Legacy Politics Faces Reality CheckPiyush Goyal Says Startup India Generated Over 21 Lakh Jobs, Credits PM Modi123PhotostoriesHow to make Moong Dal Chilla for breakfast5 warm Indian destinations above 25°C right now to escape the winter chillExclusive – Naagin 7’s Eisha Singh on bond with Priyanka Chahar Choudhary, Bigg Boss journey; says ‘It took a very long time to come out of it’5 lizards that look like real-life dragonsVande Bharat Sleeper Launch On January 17: How Is New Indian Railways Train Better Than Rajdhani? Top Features & Stunning PhotosHow to make Kerala Chicken Curry at home8 rare baby girl names with powerful meaningsKanjeevaram vs Banarasi silk: Which saree is best for your wedding day?Top 5 Southern Indian fish dishes that are full of flavours and traditionKaran Johar, Sanjay Dutt, Sunny Leone: Bollywood celebrities who welcomed parenthood with twins123Hot PicksMaharashtra Election ResultsBudget 2026Gold rate todayBank holiday todayBMC Election ResultsPublic holidays January 2026Bank Holidays JanuaryTop TrendingGracie HuntTravis KelceNBA Trade RumorsEdmonton OilersLinus UllmarkMaharashtra Civic Poll ResultsAustin Reaves Net WorthTua TagovailoaDana WhiteToto Wolff and Christian Horner Net Worth

Takes Control Of BMC For 1st Time, But Needs Shinde Sena For MajorityTakes Control Of BMC For 1st Time, But Needs Shinde Sena For Majority12 MUMBAI: For years, they’ve wanted it, now they have it. BJP is finally set to assume control of India’s richest civic body, Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC), and get its own mayor of Mumbai.After almost 30 years at the helm of BMC, the Thackerays have lost control of their last bastion of power to the Mahayuti alliance, led by former ally-turned-foe BJP, and erstwhile loyalist Eknath Shinde.On Friday, the Mahayuti crossed the halfway mark of 114 in the 227-member house, but not by much: BJP won 89 seats and Shinde’s Sena 29. In effect, BJP will need Shinde’s backing for big decisions. The Thackerays won 71, retaining many wards in the Marathi heartland. But it didn’t work in other urban centres, including Thane and Navi Mumbai. BJP secured 21.6% vote share followed by Sena (UBT) at 13.2%. Sena polled 5% and Congress 4.4%. On the face of it, Uddhav’s Sena UBT, dubbed “nakli” by the BJP brass, bagging twice the number of seats won by Eknath Shinde-led Shiv Sena may look like a moral victory for Uddhav. However, in the process, the Thackerays have been dislodged by BJP in the BMC. The BMC was not just any other civic body for the Thackerays. It was their citadel for decades. A nerve centre that provided them with all the needed resources and the patronage for organisational growth.This is why Uddhav joined hands with his estranged cousin, MNS chief Raj Thackeray, and they campaigned hard to save their fortress.Both recalled 1961 Samyukta Maharashtra movement in which their grandfather, the late Prabodhankar Thackeray, participated, and claimed BJP was planning to separate Mumbai from Maharashtra and merge it with Gujarat.CM Devendra Fadnavis, who led BJP’s campaign, repeatedly refuted the charge to ensure Thackerays’ Mumbai and Marathi “Asmita” (pride) and “Astitva” (existence) card did not stick this time.The Thackerays’ arguments about unemployment and neglect of “sons of the soil” were countered with a “Global Mumbai” narrative by Fadnavis. BJP also fielded over 90 Marathi candidates for the BMC and announced that the next mayor would be Marathi.Three years ago, BJP not only facilitated splits in Shiv Sena and NCP but sowed confusion among cadres and traditional voters as both factions claimed their brands’ legacies.”Many of our supporters were agitated when Ajit Pawar joined the Fadnavis govt after the NCP split. They questioned why we needed him. Hope they now understand our larger plan,” a BJP neta told TOI.BJP’s operation in western Maharashtra had been on since 2014, much before NCP split in 2023. Over the years, BJP cemented its presence in cooperative sugar mills, banks and milk unions – NCP’s backbone. Several Pawar loyalists and Congress netas who dominated the cooperative sector shifted to BJP, weakening Pawar’s base in the “sugar bowl”.Friday’s results underline that in the “new Maharashtra”, no brand is too big to fail.End of ArticleFollow Us On Social MediaVideosDevendra Fadnavis Says BJP Created History in Maharashtra Civic ElectionsDeloitte Partner Says Budget Must Fix GST Gaps, Cut Costs, Boost Domestic ManufacturingAs Iran Burns, India Flags Risk To 9,000 Indians, MEA Sets Record Straight On Chabahar Port Exit’North Indian Girls Face Curbs’: DMK MP Sparks Row; Trump Warns Iran of Brutal Action Over KillingsSC Stays FIRs Against ED, Issues Notice To Didi; Raj Thackeray’s Big Bombshell In Mumbai Civic PollsBJP-Alliance Sweeps BMC Polls, Thackeray Reunion Flops; Rahul Slams EC Over ‘Ink Mark’ RowBritish MP Bob Blackman Warns Of Hindu Killings In Bangladesh As Extremism Rises, Democracy FaltersRanchi ED Raid: Jharkhand HC Calls Police Action ‘Pre-Planned’, Orders Security BoostMumbai And Pune Verdict Shake Thackeray And Pawar Dynasties As Legacy Politics Faces Reality CheckPiyush Goyal Says Startup India Generated Over 21 Lakh Jobs, Credits PM Modi123PhotostoriesHow to make Moong Dal Chilla for breakfast5 warm Indian destinations above 25°C right now to escape the winter chillExclusive – Naagin 7’s Eisha Singh on bond with Priyanka Chahar Choudhary, Bigg Boss journey; says ‘It took a very long time to come out of it’5 lizards that look like real-life dragonsVande Bharat Sleeper Launch On January 17: How Is New Indian Railways Train Better Than Rajdhani? Top Features & Stunning PhotosHow to make Kerala Chicken Curry at home8 rare baby girl names with powerful meaningsKanjeevaram vs Banarasi silk: Which saree is best for your wedding day?Top 5 Southern Indian fish dishes that are full of flavours and traditionKaran Johar, Sanjay Dutt, Sunny Leone: Bollywood celebrities who welcomed parenthood with twins123Hot PicksMaharashtra Election ResultsBudget 2026Gold rate todayBank holiday todayBMC Election ResultsPublic holidays January 2026Bank Holidays JanuaryTop TrendingGracie HuntTravis KelceNBA Trade RumorsEdmonton OilersLinus UllmarkMaharashtra Civic Poll ResultsAustin Reaves Net WorthTua TagovailoaDana WhiteToto Wolff and Christian Horner Net Worth

Vamsikrishna03 mins mins

MUMBAI: For years, they’ve wanted it, now they have it. BJP is finally set to assume control of India’s richest civic body, Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC), and get its own mayor of Mumbai.After almost 30 years at the helm of BMC, the Thackerays have lost control of their last bastion of power to the Mahayuti…

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Why is Tekashi 6ix9ine being sent back to prison again? Judge refuses his plea to serve his sentence at home

Why is Tekashi 6ix9ine being sent back to prison again? Judge refuses his plea to serve his sentence at home

Vamsikrishna03 mins mins

Rapper Tekashi 6ix9ine, real name Daniel Hernandez, faces three months in jail for violating supervised release terms. Prosecutors cited repeated legal troubles, including drug use and assault, demonstrating a disregard for court orders. Despite his lawyer’s plea for house arrest due to his status as a cooperating witness, the judge denied the request, emphasizing the…

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Lisa Kudrow on 90s nostalgia, warns against rewriting history, and shares Phoebe’s imagined future

Lisa Kudrow on 90s nostalgia, warns against rewriting history, and shares Phoebe’s imagined future

Vamsikrishna03 mins mins

Lisa Kudrow, the beloved Phoebe Buffay from ‘Friends’, recently opened up about the wave of 90s nostalgia sweeping through pop culture. While she welcomes renewed interest from younger audiences discovering Friends, Kudrow cautions against overly polished retellings of the era that launched her career. At 62, she shared candid thoughts during an interview at the…

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Govt: Capex, developmental spending, subsidies to go on as planned

Govt: Capex, developmental spending, subsidies to go on as planned

Vamsikrishna02 mins mins

NEW DELHI: Govt Wednesday said it is going ahead with planned capital expenditure, developmental spend and subsidy payments, and no budget cuts were planned. Days after PM Narendra Modi’s calls for reducing non-essential spends such as overseas weddings, fuel consumption and fertiliser use, officials argued there was no plan for “austerity”, which usually suggests budget…

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MS Dhoni and Salman Khan are all smiles as they pose for photos at his Panvel farmhouse for his 60th birthday bash

MS Dhoni and Salman Khan are all smiles as they pose for photos at his Panvel farmhouse for his 60th birthday bash

Vamsikrishna03 mins mins

Bollywood superstar Salman Khan is celebrating his 60th birthday, and to help him ring in the special day, he called over his family, closest friends, and industry insiders for a bash at his Panvel farmhouse. Among the high-profile guestlist was none other than cricket legend MS Dhoni, who arrived for the festivities with his wife…

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Updated: Mar 31, 2026, 13:36 IST

Updated: Mar 31, 2026, 13:36 IST

Vamsikrishna03 mins mins

Vaibhav Sooryavanshi (Pic credit: IPL) NEW DELHI: A growing chorus of former cricketers is calling for teenage sensation Vaibhav Sooryavanshi to be fast-tracked into India’s T20 setup after his latest IPL heroics, even as voices of caution warn against rushing his rise.The 15-year-old lit up the Indian Premier League with a stunning 52 off 17…

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‘5 businesses registered in one house’: Viral video claims massive H-1B fraud, salaries over 0,000 per year

‘5 businesses registered in one house’: Viral video claims massive H-1B fraud, salaries over $100,000 per year

Vamsikrishna02 mins mins

A viral video circulating on X alleged a massive abuse of the H-1B visa programme, after a Texas home was shown as the registered address for multiple companies linked to foreign workers earning six-figure salaries.The narrator in the clip claimed there were multiple people in one single household generating huge incomes: “See how cute this…

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Scientists overturn a 30-year theory, finally explaining why gallium melts in your hand

Scientists overturn a 30-year theory, finally explaining why gallium melts in your hand

Vamsikrishna05 mins mins

Nearly 150 years after gallium was first discovered and added to the periodic table, scientists at the University of Auckland have uncovered previously unknown details about the metal’s atomic structure and behaviour, details that overturn an assumption that has shaped the field for more than three decades. Gallium was identified in 1875 by French chemist…

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Samantha Ruth Prabhu blushes as she confirms pregnancy at Maa Inti Bangaaram success meet: ‘I will have to take a small break’

Samantha Ruth Prabhu blushes as she confirms pregnancy at Maa Inti Bangaaram success meet: ‘I will have to take a small break’

Vamsikrishna02 mins mins

Samantha Ruth Prabhu blushes as she confirms pregnancy at Maa Inti Bangaaram success meet (Image credits: Instagram) Samantha Ruth Prabhu has confirmed that she is expecting her first child and will be taking a maternity break after completing her current professional commitments.Speaking to the media during the success meet of Maa Inti Bangaaram on Wednesday,…

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NEW DELHI: In four days of securing Kerala chief minister post, Congress leader VD Satheesan has found himself at the centre of a political storm that is not over policy or governance, but over his name.Congress leaders have now criticised its own CM for the name he chose to publicly use while taking his constitutional oaths.The row erupted after Satheesan used his full legal name, ‘Vadasseri Damodara Menon Satheesan’, while taking oath as chief minister on May 18 and again while taking oath as an MLA of the 16th Kerala legislative assembly on Thursday.What’s in the name?The controversy stems largely from the contrast with Satheesan’s earlier public political identity.When he took oath as an MLA in 2021, he had identified himself simply as ‘VD Satheesan’. This time, however, he chose to use the expanded version of his name at two high-profile constitutional ceremonies. ‘Menon’ surname belongs to the upper caste Nair community in Kerala.Satheesan was chosen for the top post by the Congress high command after the party won the recent assembly elections, wrestling power from Pinarayi Vijayan-led Left government after 10 years. After Satheesan’s move, critics within his own party argued that foregrounding a caste title sits uneasily with the party’s secular and inclusive image.According to PTI, some Congress insiders also felt there was a political “message” in the move, especially amid criticism from the BJP and the CPM over the Congress-led UDF’s engagement with the Indian Union Muslim League (IUML) and Jamaat-e-Islami.Some within the Congress interpret the use of surname Menon as an attempt to signal outreach towards sections of Hindu voters at a time when identity politics is becoming sharper in Kerala.Congress leader Jinto John in a post on Facebook, said that a Congress party that does not carry caste surnames is more inclusive. He wrote that he would use ‘Jinto John’ instead of ‘Thekkumkattil John Roman Catholic Jinto’, invoking the name of the community he belongs to. “My politics is also shaped by my convictions, a slightly left-leaning Congress consciousness,” he added.Similarly, another Congress leader, VR Anoop in a social media posting, suggested that the CM Satheesan should take more time to read Ambedkar. He argued that caste in Kerala continued to function as “social capital and social power”.Referring to Satheesan’s public image as a serious reader, Anoop wrote on social media: “Even amid the pressures of official responsibilities, since you find time for reading, you should also find more time to read Ambedkar.”The issue gained further attention because two influential Hindu community organisations, the Nair Service Society (NSS) and the SNDP Yogam, were reportedly not enthusiastic about Satheesan’s elevation as chief minister, PTI reported.Satheesan asks what’s wrong in it? Amid criticism from his own party leaders, Satheesan defended his decision and asked, “why is it wrong if I mention my father’s name?”Satheesan, however, strongly rejected suggestions that the move carried caste or political messaging.Addressing reporters after a cabinet meeting on Wednesday, the CM said he had intentionally used his full name to honour his late parents.”Why is it wrong if I mention my father’s name? Shouldn’t I remember him?” Satheesan asked, according to ANI.”That is my father’s name. I am sad that I couldn’t take my mother’s name too. Both of them passed before I became an MLA. I took my father’s name. It is common to do that,” he said.He further added: “Even in the passport, it is written like that. Since there was no option to tell my mother’s name, I remembered her in my mind. It is a matter of pride to speak my parents’ name.”The ‘Vande Mataram’ controversyAmid controversy over the use of surname, Satheesan’s oath ceremony as CM had also triggered a separate political debate after the full version of ‘Vande Mataram’ was rendered during the swearing-in of the new UDF cabinet.Satheesan later clarified that the government had no prior information that the complete version of the song would be played.”We did not know that Vande Mataram would be rendered in full. The instructions came from Lok Bhavan. We realised it only when it began being sung in its entirety while we were standing there,” he said on Wednesday, according to ANI.”It was not possible to interrupt it midway. Usually, only the national anthem is sung by the end of the event. Now this too is included. We had no prior information,” he added.The CPM, meanwhile criticised the move, saying rendering portions excluded by the Congress Working Committee in 1937 was “a wrong and inappropriate step”.”It was the Congress Working Committee itself that took the position that rendering all portions of Vande Mataram was not suitable for a plural society,” the CPM said in a statement.The party further stated: “No action that weakens a plural society should come from the side of the government. At a time when attempts to divide people on communal lines are becoming more active, no action that harms secularism should come from any side.”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 MediaVideosCJP X Account Withheld In India After Crossing 200K Followers In Just Four Days | WatchFIR Sought Against Rahul Gandhi Over ‘Traitors’ Remark On PM Modi, Amit ShahAir India Flight AI2651 Hits Tail During Landing, Aircraft Grounded For Inspection At BengaluruViral Cockroach Janta Party Overtakes Congress And BJP In Instagram Followers Race | WatchPulwama Mastermind Hamza Burhan Killed By Unknown Gunmen In Pakistan-Occupied Jammu And KashmirAbhishek Banerjee Gets Interim Relief From Arrest Over Alleged Amit Shah Remarks’Thin Line Between Defamation & Criticism’: Delhi HC On Raghav Chadha’s Personality Rights PleaPrashant Kishor Shifts To Patna Ashram, Targets Nitish Kumar For Son’s Bihar Cabinet PositionIndia At UN Accuses Pakistan Of ‘Barbaric’ Kabul Hospital Airstrike During RamadanIndia Pushes Nuclear Expansion And SMR Manufacturing In Major Talks With US Delegation123PhotostoriesCoconut water vs coconut milk: Which works better for summer hair growth?5 enchanting villages in England that are straight out of a fantasy landTamannaah Bhatia’s red silk midi dress and emerald choker are a total fashion winHow to grow spinach at home faster than you think: Simple step-by-step guide for beginnersPapaya or Papaya Chaat: Which gives lower sugar spike and how to eat the fruit right7 coolest small towns in India to escape the summer heat in 2026The best flowers, herbs, and vegetables to plant in June in AustraliaSuccess quote of the day by Bill Gates: “I choose a lazy person to do a hard job, because…”5 beautiful and popular aquarium fish for beginners5 gut health secrets behind India’s glowing skin obsession123Hot PicksBandra demolition driveIPL Schedule 2026Indian rupeeFalta VotingUK NET MigrationElon MuskTN Ministers ListTop TrendingTN Finance Minister Marie WilsonIPL Match TodayPappu SanaPM ModiHardik PandyaJEE Advanced Response SheetIPL Orange Cap 2026Conor McGregor Net WorthNEET UG Paper LeakWest Bengal Annapurna Yojana

NEW DELHI: In four days of securing Kerala chief minister post, Congress leader VD Satheesan has found himself at the centre of a political storm that is not over policy or governance, but over his name.Congress leaders have now criticised its own CM for the name he chose to publicly use while taking his constitutional oaths.The row erupted after Satheesan used his full legal name, ‘Vadasseri Damodara Menon Satheesan’, while taking oath as chief minister on May 18 and again while taking oath as an MLA of the 16th Kerala legislative assembly on Thursday.What’s in the name?The controversy stems largely from the contrast with Satheesan’s earlier public political identity.When he took oath as an MLA in 2021, he had identified himself simply as ‘VD Satheesan’. This time, however, he chose to use the expanded version of his name at two high-profile constitutional ceremonies. ‘Menon’ surname belongs to the upper caste Nair community in Kerala.Satheesan was chosen for the top post by the Congress high command after the party won the recent assembly elections, wrestling power from Pinarayi Vijayan-led Left government after 10 years. After Satheesan’s move, critics within his own party argued that foregrounding a caste title sits uneasily with the party’s secular and inclusive image.According to PTI, some Congress insiders also felt there was a political “message” in the move, especially amid criticism from the BJP and the CPM over the Congress-led UDF’s engagement with the Indian Union Muslim League (IUML) and Jamaat-e-Islami.Some within the Congress interpret the use of surname Menon as an attempt to signal outreach towards sections of Hindu voters at a time when identity politics is becoming sharper in Kerala.Congress leader Jinto John in a post on Facebook, said that a Congress party that does not carry caste surnames is more inclusive. He wrote that he would use ‘Jinto John’ instead of ‘Thekkumkattil John Roman Catholic Jinto’, invoking the name of the community he belongs to. “My politics is also shaped by my convictions, a slightly left-leaning Congress consciousness,” he added.Similarly, another Congress leader, VR Anoop in a social media posting, suggested that the CM Satheesan should take more time to read Ambedkar. He argued that caste in Kerala continued to function as “social capital and social power”.Referring to Satheesan’s public image as a serious reader, Anoop wrote on social media: “Even amid the pressures of official responsibilities, since you find time for reading, you should also find more time to read Ambedkar.”The issue gained further attention because two influential Hindu community organisations, the Nair Service Society (NSS) and the SNDP Yogam, were reportedly not enthusiastic about Satheesan’s elevation as chief minister, PTI reported.Satheesan asks what’s wrong in it? Amid criticism from his own party leaders, Satheesan defended his decision and asked, “why is it wrong if I mention my father’s name?”Satheesan, however, strongly rejected suggestions that the move carried caste or political messaging.Addressing reporters after a cabinet meeting on Wednesday, the CM said he had intentionally used his full name to honour his late parents.”Why is it wrong if I mention my father’s name? Shouldn’t I remember him?” Satheesan asked, according to ANI.”That is my father’s name. I am sad that I couldn’t take my mother’s name too. Both of them passed before I became an MLA. I took my father’s name. It is common to do that,” he said.He further added: “Even in the passport, it is written like that. Since there was no option to tell my mother’s name, I remembered her in my mind. It is a matter of pride to speak my parents’ name.”The ‘Vande Mataram’ controversyAmid controversy over the use of surname, Satheesan’s oath ceremony as CM had also triggered a separate political debate after the full version of ‘Vande Mataram’ was rendered during the swearing-in of the new UDF cabinet.Satheesan later clarified that the government had no prior information that the complete version of the song would be played.”We did not know that Vande Mataram would be rendered in full. The instructions came from Lok Bhavan. We realised it only when it began being sung in its entirety while we were standing there,” he said on Wednesday, according to ANI.”It was not possible to interrupt it midway. Usually, only the national anthem is sung by the end of the event. Now this too is included. We had no prior information,” he added.The CPM, meanwhile criticised the move, saying rendering portions excluded by the Congress Working Committee in 1937 was “a wrong and inappropriate step”.”It was the Congress Working Committee itself that took the position that rendering all portions of Vande Mataram was not suitable for a plural society,” the CPM said in a statement.The party further stated: “No action that weakens a plural society should come from the side of the government. At a time when attempts to divide people on communal lines are becoming more active, no action that harms secularism should come from any side.”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 MediaVideosCJP X Account Withheld In India After Crossing 200K Followers In Just Four Days | WatchFIR Sought Against Rahul Gandhi Over ‘Traitors’ Remark On PM Modi, Amit ShahAir India Flight AI2651 Hits Tail During Landing, Aircraft Grounded For Inspection At BengaluruViral Cockroach Janta Party Overtakes Congress And BJP In Instagram Followers Race | WatchPulwama Mastermind Hamza Burhan Killed By Unknown Gunmen In Pakistan-Occupied Jammu And KashmirAbhishek Banerjee Gets Interim Relief From Arrest Over Alleged Amit Shah Remarks’Thin Line Between Defamation & Criticism’: Delhi HC On Raghav Chadha’s Personality Rights PleaPrashant Kishor Shifts To Patna Ashram, Targets Nitish Kumar For Son’s Bihar Cabinet PositionIndia At UN Accuses Pakistan Of ‘Barbaric’ Kabul Hospital Airstrike During RamadanIndia Pushes Nuclear Expansion And SMR Manufacturing In Major Talks With US Delegation123PhotostoriesCoconut water vs coconut milk: Which works better for summer hair growth?5 enchanting villages in England that are straight out of a fantasy landTamannaah Bhatia’s red silk midi dress and emerald choker are a total fashion winHow to grow spinach at home faster than you think: Simple step-by-step guide for beginnersPapaya or Papaya Chaat: Which gives lower sugar spike and how to eat the fruit right7 coolest small towns in India to escape the summer heat in 2026The best flowers, herbs, and vegetables to plant in June in AustraliaSuccess quote of the day by Bill Gates: “I choose a lazy person to do a hard job, because…”5 beautiful and popular aquarium fish for beginners5 gut health secrets behind India’s glowing skin obsession123Hot PicksBandra demolition driveIPL Schedule 2026Indian rupeeFalta VotingUK NET MigrationElon MuskTN Ministers ListTop TrendingTN Finance Minister Marie WilsonIPL Match TodayPappu SanaPM ModiHardik PandyaJEE Advanced Response SheetIPL Orange Cap 2026Conor McGregor Net WorthNEET UG Paper LeakWest Bengal Annapurna Yojana

Vamsikrishna05 mins mins

NEW DELHI: In four days of securing Kerala chief minister post, Congress leader VD Satheesan has found himself at the centre of a political storm that is not over policy or governance, but over his name.Congress leaders have now criticised its own CM for the name he chose to publicly use while taking his constitutional…

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