August 7, 2026
NEW DELHI: PM Narendra Modi Wednesday said it was because of the “whole-of-govt” approach that the challenging task of holding a hassle-free NEET-UG retest could be completed, as he hailed the collective efforts of different ministries and departments for the June 21 exam’s smooth conduct.Modi made these remarks while chairing a cabinet meeting, where Union education minister Dharmendra Pradhan briefed ministers about the massive operation for the retest. TOI has learned Pradhan shared the responsibilities undertaken by ministries, state govts and departments and also highlighted how all came together for a “shared and coordinated effort”.To hold the retest, the Centre also roped in security and intelligence agencies as well as Indian Air Force to transport question papers. TNNGet the latest India news and live updates. Download the TOI App.End of ArticleFollow Us On Social MediaVideosTMC MP Mahua Moitra Clarifies After Praise For Suvendu Adhikari Sparks Political Buzz In BengalBengaluru Metro Breakdown Triggers Commuter Chaos As Stranded Passengers Climb Lorries”They Saved Their Goods And Left Us To Die”: Survivor’s Explosive Claims Rock Aliganj Fire ProbeMumbai Local Train Horror: 22-Year-Old Stabbed To Death After Door Dispute, Accused On The RunKolkata Warehouse Roof Collapse: 3 Dead, Several Injured, Rescue Ops UnderwayPM Modi Invited To Ayatollah Khamenei’s Funeral? Tehran Plans Massive Funeral For KhameneiLucknow Fire Horror: Demolition Order Revoked A Decade Ago, Illegal Building Claimed 15 LivesBJP Seeks Bhagwant Mann’s Arrest | Forensic Expert Alleges ₹10 Lakh Bribe To Fake Viral Video ReportIAF Set to Receive 1st Made-in-India C295 in September — Here’s What the Milestone Means’Papa, Save Me’: 10-Year-Old Abducted, Raped And Killed In Delhi; Chilling Details Emerge123PhotostoriesTaarak Mehta Ka Ooltah Chashmah: From mimicking Charlie Chaplin, having no work for 7-8 years to working with Dilip Joshi, SRK-Salman; Sharad Sankla aka Abdul gets candid about lifeNot just Usha Vance: 5 women in power who turned grey hair into a symbol of confidenceWeekend K-drama releases: From ‘Notes from the Last Row’ to ‘Agent Kim Reactivated’UK heatwave intensifies: UKHSA approved tips to keep your home coolAngiography and Angioplasty are not the same: Here’s what every heart patient should knowWarren Buffett’s unusual love life: The billionaire who stayed married while living with another womanRinging in your ears after a day in the sun? Doctor explains the surprising heatwave-tinnitus connection10 beautiful baby girl names inspired by ancient goddesses and their powerful meanings5 Kapoor couples who are setting serious marriage goalsRice water vs rosemary oil vs onion juice: Which viral hair growth hack actually works?123Hot PicksPunjab police admit cardDevina GahlotDonald Trump avenueMumbai rainsCBSE 12th revaluationBihar school timingsSpanish proverbAfghan proverbPortuguese proverbTop TrendingDelhi Rape MurderUS-Iran WarITR filing 2025-26FIFA World Cup 2026England vs Ghana FIFA World Cup ResultICAI CA Inter May resultLucknow coaching fireGold rate todayWho was Ketan AgarwalMumbai rain

NEW DELHI: PM Narendra Modi Wednesday said it was because of the “whole-of-govt” approach that the challenging task of holding a hassle-free NEET-UG retest could be completed, as he hailed the collective efforts of different ministries and departments for the June 21 exam’s smooth conduct.Modi made these remarks while chairing a cabinet meeting, where Union education minister Dharmendra Pradhan briefed ministers about the massive operation for the retest. TOI has learned Pradhan shared the responsibilities undertaken by ministries, state govts and departments and also highlighted how all came together for a “shared and coordinated effort”.To hold the retest, the Centre also roped in security and intelligence agencies as well as Indian Air Force to transport question papers. TNNGet the latest India news and live updates. Download the TOI App.End of ArticleFollow Us On Social MediaVideosTMC MP Mahua Moitra Clarifies After Praise For Suvendu Adhikari Sparks Political Buzz In BengalBengaluru Metro Breakdown Triggers Commuter Chaos As Stranded Passengers Climb Lorries”They Saved Their Goods And Left Us To Die”: Survivor’s Explosive Claims Rock Aliganj Fire ProbeMumbai Local Train Horror: 22-Year-Old Stabbed To Death After Door Dispute, Accused On The RunKolkata Warehouse Roof Collapse: 3 Dead, Several Injured, Rescue Ops UnderwayPM Modi Invited To Ayatollah Khamenei’s Funeral? Tehran Plans Massive Funeral For KhameneiLucknow Fire Horror: Demolition Order Revoked A Decade Ago, Illegal Building Claimed 15 LivesBJP Seeks Bhagwant Mann’s Arrest | Forensic Expert Alleges ₹10 Lakh Bribe To Fake Viral Video ReportIAF Set to Receive 1st Made-in-India C295 in September — Here’s What the Milestone Means’Papa, Save Me’: 10-Year-Old Abducted, Raped And Killed In Delhi; Chilling Details Emerge123PhotostoriesTaarak Mehta Ka Ooltah Chashmah: From mimicking Charlie Chaplin, having no work for 7-8 years to working with Dilip Joshi, SRK-Salman; Sharad Sankla aka Abdul gets candid about lifeNot just Usha Vance: 5 women in power who turned grey hair into a symbol of confidenceWeekend K-drama releases: From ‘Notes from the Last Row’ to ‘Agent Kim Reactivated’UK heatwave intensifies: UKHSA approved tips to keep your home coolAngiography and Angioplasty are not the same: Here’s what every heart patient should knowWarren Buffett’s unusual love life: The billionaire who stayed married while living with another womanRinging in your ears after a day in the sun? Doctor explains the surprising heatwave-tinnitus connection10 beautiful baby girl names inspired by ancient goddesses and their powerful meanings5 Kapoor couples who are setting serious marriage goalsRice water vs rosemary oil vs onion juice: Which viral hair growth hack actually works?123Hot PicksPunjab police admit cardDevina GahlotDonald Trump avenueMumbai rainsCBSE 12th revaluationBihar school timingsSpanish proverbAfghan proverbPortuguese proverbTop TrendingDelhi Rape MurderUS-Iran WarITR filing 2025-26FIFA World Cup 2026England vs Ghana FIFA World Cup ResultICAI CA Inter May resultLucknow coaching fireGold rate todayWho was Ketan AgarwalMumbai rain

Vamsikrishna01 mins mins

NEW DELHI: PM Narendra Modi Wednesday said it was because of the “whole-of-govt” approach that the challenging task of holding a hassle-free NEET-UG retest could be completed, as he hailed the collective efforts of different ministries and departments for the June 21 exam’s smooth conduct.Modi made these remarks while chairing a cabinet meeting, where Union…

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UBT MPs meet Birla, question rebels’ Shinde Sena merger NEW DELHI/MUMBAI: In a meeting with Lok Sabha Speaker Om Birla on Wednesday, Shiv Sena (UBT) said two-thirds of its MPs cannot join or merge with another party on their own, without the initiative of their original party, and urged him to uphold provisions of the Constitution’s 10th Schedule, commonly known as the anti-defection law. Birla is expected to make a decision before the monsoon session of Parliament, which normally begins in the second half of July, and is consulting legal experts and both sides. Two of the party’s remaining 3 LS MPs, Arvind Sawant and Anil Desai, met Birla, who had called them following their submission to him that they must be heard before he makes a decision on 6 of their colleagues joining the Shiv Sena headed by Eknath Shinde. “We have confidence the Speaker as a custodian of Parliament will ensure justice is done,” Desai told reporters after the meeting. He said only a party can decide on merging with another party, and two-thirds of its MPs are needed to approve such a decision. The MPs cannot join or merge with another party on their own, he added. “All this can’t happen through a quick fix. The Constitution and democratic conventions must be upheld and followed in letter and spirit. The Speaker heard us. We told him we are the original party, and that Shiv Sena (UBT) and its chief Uddhav Thackeray haven’t decided to merge with any party, and there is no such plan in the future. We were told the Speaker has got a letter from the rebel MPs, but (he) promised to act in a just manner within the framework of the Constitution. We have given a letter from Uddhav Thackeray to Birla too,” Desai said.Get the latest India news and live updates. Download the TOI App.End of ArticleFollow Us On Social MediaVideosTMC MP Mahua Moitra Clarifies After Praise For Suvendu Adhikari Sparks Political Buzz In BengalBengaluru Metro Breakdown Triggers Commuter Chaos As Stranded Passengers Climb Lorries”They Saved Their Goods And Left Us To Die”: Survivor’s Explosive Claims Rock Aliganj Fire ProbeMumbai Local Train Horror: 22-Year-Old Stabbed To Death After Door Dispute, Accused On The RunKolkata Warehouse Roof Collapse: 3 Dead, Several Injured, Rescue Ops UnderwayPM Modi Invited To Ayatollah Khamenei’s Funeral? Tehran Plans Massive Funeral For KhameneiLucknow Fire Horror: Demolition Order Revoked A Decade Ago, Illegal Building Claimed 15 LivesBJP Seeks Bhagwant Mann’s Arrest | Forensic Expert Alleges ₹10 Lakh Bribe To Fake Viral Video ReportIAF Set to Receive 1st Made-in-India C295 in September — Here’s What the Milestone Means’Papa, Save Me’: 10-Year-Old Abducted, Raped And Killed In Delhi; Chilling Details Emerge123PhotostoriesTaarak Mehta Ka Ooltah Chashmah: From mimicking Charlie Chaplin, having no work for 7-8 years to working with Dilip Joshi, SRK-Salman; Sharad Sankla aka Abdul gets candid about lifeNot just Usha Vance: 5 women in power who turned grey hair into a symbol of confidenceWeekend K-drama releases: From ‘Notes from the Last Row’ to ‘Agent Kim Reactivated’UK heatwave intensifies: UKHSA approved tips to keep your home coolAngiography and Angioplasty are not the same: Here’s what every heart patient should knowWarren Buffett’s unusual love life: The billionaire who stayed married while living with another womanRinging in your ears after a day in the sun? Doctor explains the surprising heatwave-tinnitus connection10 beautiful baby girl names inspired by ancient goddesses and their powerful meanings5 Kapoor couples who are setting serious marriage goalsRice water vs rosemary oil vs onion juice: Which viral hair growth hack actually works?123Hot PicksPunjab police admit cardDevina GahlotDonald Trump avenueMumbai rainsCBSE 12th revaluationBihar school timingsSpanish proverbAfghan proverbPortuguese proverbTop TrendingDelhi Rape MurderUS-Iran WarITR filing 2025-26FIFA World Cup 2026England vs Ghana FIFA World Cup ResultICAI CA Inter May resultLucknow coaching fireGold rate todayWho was Ketan AgarwalMumbai rain

UBT MPs meet Birla, question rebels’ Shinde Sena merger NEW DELHI/MUMBAI: In a meeting with Lok Sabha Speaker Om Birla on Wednesday, Shiv Sena (UBT) said two-thirds of its MPs cannot join or merge with another party on their own, without the initiative of their original party, and urged him to uphold provisions of the Constitution’s 10th Schedule, commonly known as the anti-defection law. Birla is expected to make a decision before the monsoon session of Parliament, which normally begins in the second half of July, and is consulting legal experts and both sides. Two of the party’s remaining 3 LS MPs, Arvind Sawant and Anil Desai, met Birla, who had called them following their submission to him that they must be heard before he makes a decision on 6 of their colleagues joining the Shiv Sena headed by Eknath Shinde. “We have confidence the Speaker as a custodian of Parliament will ensure justice is done,” Desai told reporters after the meeting. He said only a party can decide on merging with another party, and two-thirds of its MPs are needed to approve such a decision. The MPs cannot join or merge with another party on their own, he added. “All this can’t happen through a quick fix. The Constitution and democratic conventions must be upheld and followed in letter and spirit. The Speaker heard us. We told him we are the original party, and that Shiv Sena (UBT) and its chief Uddhav Thackeray haven’t decided to merge with any party, and there is no such plan in the future. We were told the Speaker has got a letter from the rebel MPs, but (he) promised to act in a just manner within the framework of the Constitution. We have given a letter from Uddhav Thackeray to Birla too,” Desai said.Get the latest India news and live updates. Download the TOI App.End of ArticleFollow Us On Social MediaVideosTMC MP Mahua Moitra Clarifies After Praise For Suvendu Adhikari Sparks Political Buzz In BengalBengaluru Metro Breakdown Triggers Commuter Chaos As Stranded Passengers Climb Lorries”They Saved Their Goods And Left Us To Die”: Survivor’s Explosive Claims Rock Aliganj Fire ProbeMumbai Local Train Horror: 22-Year-Old Stabbed To Death After Door Dispute, Accused On The RunKolkata Warehouse Roof Collapse: 3 Dead, Several Injured, Rescue Ops UnderwayPM Modi Invited To Ayatollah Khamenei’s Funeral? Tehran Plans Massive Funeral For KhameneiLucknow Fire Horror: Demolition Order Revoked A Decade Ago, Illegal Building Claimed 15 LivesBJP Seeks Bhagwant Mann’s Arrest | Forensic Expert Alleges ₹10 Lakh Bribe To Fake Viral Video ReportIAF Set to Receive 1st Made-in-India C295 in September — Here’s What the Milestone Means’Papa, Save Me’: 10-Year-Old Abducted, Raped And Killed In Delhi; Chilling Details Emerge123PhotostoriesTaarak Mehta Ka Ooltah Chashmah: From mimicking Charlie Chaplin, having no work for 7-8 years to working with Dilip Joshi, SRK-Salman; Sharad Sankla aka Abdul gets candid about lifeNot just Usha Vance: 5 women in power who turned grey hair into a symbol of confidenceWeekend K-drama releases: From ‘Notes from the Last Row’ to ‘Agent Kim Reactivated’UK heatwave intensifies: UKHSA approved tips to keep your home coolAngiography and Angioplasty are not the same: Here’s what every heart patient should knowWarren Buffett’s unusual love life: The billionaire who stayed married while living with another womanRinging in your ears after a day in the sun? Doctor explains the surprising heatwave-tinnitus connection10 beautiful baby girl names inspired by ancient goddesses and their powerful meanings5 Kapoor couples who are setting serious marriage goalsRice water vs rosemary oil vs onion juice: Which viral hair growth hack actually works?123Hot PicksPunjab police admit cardDevina GahlotDonald Trump avenueMumbai rainsCBSE 12th revaluationBihar school timingsSpanish proverbAfghan proverbPortuguese proverbTop TrendingDelhi Rape MurderUS-Iran WarITR filing 2025-26FIFA World Cup 2026England vs Ghana FIFA World Cup ResultICAI CA Inter May resultLucknow coaching fireGold rate todayWho was Ketan AgarwalMumbai rain

Vamsikrishna02 mins mins

UBT MPs meet Birla, question rebels’ Shinde Sena merger NEW DELHI/MUMBAI: In a meeting with Lok Sabha Speaker Om Birla on Wednesday, Shiv Sena (UBT) said two-thirds of its MPs cannot join or merge with another party on their own, without the initiative of their original party, and urged him to uphold provisions of the…

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Lionel Messi vs Cristiano Ronaldo net worth battle 2026: Who wins football’s richest player race?

Lionel Messi vs Cristiano Ronaldo net worth battle 2026: Who wins football’s richest player race?

Vamsikrishna03 mins mins

Lionel Messi vs. Cristiano Ronaldo (Getty Images) Cristiano Ronaldo and Lionel Messi have spent nearly two decades battling for football supremacy. This time, the contest is about money. Both legends have crossed the billionaire mark and stand among the richest athletes in the world. Their fortunes have surged through football contracts, sponsorships, business ventures, and…

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Representative image NEW DELHI: The French Revolution, the Russian Revolution and Nazism will no longer be part of the Class IX history syllabus. NCERT officials said these modern world history themes will be taken up in Class X as part of secondary-stage progression, while the new Class IX textbook will chart the story of early humans, the Harappan world and the ancient civilisations of Mesopotamia, Egypt and China.Titled ‘Understanding Society: India and Beyond, Part 1’, the new textbook marks one of the sharpest curricular shifts at the secondary stage. It replaces four books — India and the Contemporary World-I, Contemporary India-I, Democratic Politics-I and Economics — with an integrated two-part volume of 16 thematic chapters under National Curriculum Framework for School Education 2023. Class IX now begins with early humans, the beginnings of civilisation and the Harappan world. The book also changes the treatment of Indian history. A chapter on ‘State and Society up to 1000 CE’ brings in the Vedic age, the sixteen Mahajanapadas, duties of the king as discussed in the Arthashastra and the Mahabharata, the role of women in early India and the gurukul system. The emphasis is less on stand-alone political chronology and more on civilisational continuities, institutions and Indian Knowledge Systems.Geography, too, has been reframed. Instead of starting with India’s size, location, drainage and population, students now begin with the shaping of the earth’s surface, landforms, rivers and erosion, and disasters such as landslides. Climate change, the 2025 Punjab floods and an activity on mapping one’s carbon footprint enter the Class IX classroom more directly. In political science, older chapters on ‘What is Democracy?’ and constitutional design have given way in Class IX to broader modules on democracy and elections. The new book traces India’s democratic roots to ancient sabha and samiti assemblies and adds two notable elements: the 1975-77 Emergency, and a ‘Democracy and You’ section that casts students as participants.Economics moves away from the village-economy and poverty-led structure, opening with concepts such as scarcity, opportunity cost and demand and supply.NCERT sources have framed the overhaul as a shift towards learning that is “rooted in India” while “combined with a global outlook”. The Class IX books are being introduced in 2026-27, with revised Class X books to follow in 2027-28. Modern world history themes like the French and Russian revolutions and Nazism will no longer be part of NCERT’s Class 9 history syllabus and will move to Class 10. The new Class 9 textbook will feature ancient civilisations of India, Mesopotamia, Egypt and China.Get the latest India news and live updates. Download the TOI App.About the AuthorManash Pratim GohainManash Pratim Gohain is a seasoned journalist with over two decades at The Times of India, where he has built a rich body of work spanning education policy, politics, and governance. Renowned for his incisive coverage of the National Education Policy (NEP) 2020, accreditation reforms, and skilling initiatives, he has also reported on student politics, urban policy, and social movements. His political reportage—both reflective and news-driven—adds depth to his writing, bridging policy with public impact. Through his 2,500 articles and related outlets, he has emerged as a trusted voice in national discourse, particularly in linking education reform to broader societal change.Read MoreEnd of ArticleFollow Us On Social MediaVideosTMC MP Mahua Moitra Clarifies After Praise For Suvendu Adhikari Sparks Political Buzz In BengalBengaluru Metro Breakdown Triggers Commuter Chaos As Stranded Passengers Climb Lorries”They Saved Their Goods And Left Us To Die”: Survivor’s Explosive Claims Rock Aliganj Fire ProbeMumbai Local Train Horror: 22-Year-Old Stabbed To Death After Door Dispute, Accused On The RunKolkata Warehouse Roof Collapse: 3 Dead, Several Injured, Rescue Ops UnderwayPM Modi Invited To Ayatollah Khamenei’s Funeral? Tehran Plans Massive Funeral For KhameneiLucknow Fire Horror: Demolition Order Revoked A Decade Ago, Illegal Building Claimed 15 LivesBJP Seeks Bhagwant Mann’s Arrest | Forensic Expert Alleges ₹10 Lakh Bribe To Fake Viral Video ReportIAF Set to Receive 1st Made-in-India C295 in September — Here’s What the Milestone Means’Papa, Save Me’: 10-Year-Old Abducted, Raped And Killed In Delhi; Chilling Details Emerge123PhotostoriesTaarak Mehta Ka Ooltah Chashmah: From mimicking Charlie Chaplin, having no work for 7-8 years to working with Dilip Joshi, SRK-Salman; Sharad Sankla aka Abdul gets candid about lifeNot just Usha Vance: 5 women in power who turned grey hair into a symbol of confidenceWeekend K-drama releases: From ‘Notes from the Last Row’ to ‘Agent Kim Reactivated’UK heatwave intensifies: UKHSA approved tips to keep your home coolAngiography and Angioplasty are not the same: Here’s what every heart patient should knowWarren Buffett’s unusual love life: The billionaire who stayed married while living with another womanRinging in your ears after a day in the sun? Doctor explains the surprising heatwave-tinnitus connection10 beautiful baby girl names inspired by ancient goddesses and their powerful meanings5 Kapoor couples who are setting serious marriage goalsRice water vs rosemary oil vs onion juice: Which viral hair growth hack actually works?123Hot PicksPunjab police admit cardDevina GahlotDonald Trump avenueMumbai rainsCBSE 12th revaluationBihar school timingsSpanish proverbAfghan proverbPortuguese proverbTop TrendingDelhi Rape MurderUS-Iran WarITR filing 2025-26FIFA World Cup 2026England vs Ghana FIFA World Cup ResultICAI CA Inter May resultLucknow coaching fireGold rate todayWho was Ketan AgarwalMumbai rain

Representative image NEW DELHI: The French Revolution, the Russian Revolution and Nazism will no longer be part of the Class IX history syllabus. NCERT officials said these modern world history themes will be taken up in Class X as part of secondary-stage progression, while the new Class IX textbook will chart the story of early humans, the Harappan world and the ancient civilisations of Mesopotamia, Egypt and China.Titled ‘Understanding Society: India and Beyond, Part 1’, the new textbook marks one of the sharpest curricular shifts at the secondary stage. It replaces four books — India and the Contemporary World-I, Contemporary India-I, Democratic Politics-I and Economics — with an integrated two-part volume of 16 thematic chapters under National Curriculum Framework for School Education 2023. Class IX now begins with early humans, the beginnings of civilisation and the Harappan world. The book also changes the treatment of Indian history. A chapter on ‘State and Society up to 1000 CE’ brings in the Vedic age, the sixteen Mahajanapadas, duties of the king as discussed in the Arthashastra and the Mahabharata, the role of women in early India and the gurukul system. The emphasis is less on stand-alone political chronology and more on civilisational continuities, institutions and Indian Knowledge Systems.Geography, too, has been reframed. Instead of starting with India’s size, location, drainage and population, students now begin with the shaping of the earth’s surface, landforms, rivers and erosion, and disasters such as landslides. Climate change, the 2025 Punjab floods and an activity on mapping one’s carbon footprint enter the Class IX classroom more directly. In political science, older chapters on ‘What is Democracy?’ and constitutional design have given way in Class IX to broader modules on democracy and elections. The new book traces India’s democratic roots to ancient sabha and samiti assemblies and adds two notable elements: the 1975-77 Emergency, and a ‘Democracy and You’ section that casts students as participants.Economics moves away from the village-economy and poverty-led structure, opening with concepts such as scarcity, opportunity cost and demand and supply.NCERT sources have framed the overhaul as a shift towards learning that is “rooted in India” while “combined with a global outlook”. The Class IX books are being introduced in 2026-27, with revised Class X books to follow in 2027-28. Modern world history themes like the French and Russian revolutions and Nazism will no longer be part of NCERT’s Class 9 history syllabus and will move to Class 10. The new Class 9 textbook will feature ancient civilisations of India, Mesopotamia, Egypt and China.Get the latest India news and live updates. Download the TOI App.About the AuthorManash Pratim GohainManash Pratim Gohain is a seasoned journalist with over two decades at The Times of India, where he has built a rich body of work spanning education policy, politics, and governance. Renowned for his incisive coverage of the National Education Policy (NEP) 2020, accreditation reforms, and skilling initiatives, he has also reported on student politics, urban policy, and social movements. His political reportage—both reflective and news-driven—adds depth to his writing, bridging policy with public impact. Through his 2,500 articles and related outlets, he has emerged as a trusted voice in national discourse, particularly in linking education reform to broader societal change.Read MoreEnd of ArticleFollow Us On Social MediaVideosTMC MP Mahua Moitra Clarifies After Praise For Suvendu Adhikari Sparks Political Buzz In BengalBengaluru Metro Breakdown Triggers Commuter Chaos As Stranded Passengers Climb Lorries”They Saved Their Goods And Left Us To Die”: Survivor’s Explosive Claims Rock Aliganj Fire ProbeMumbai Local Train Horror: 22-Year-Old Stabbed To Death After Door Dispute, Accused On The RunKolkata Warehouse Roof Collapse: 3 Dead, Several Injured, Rescue Ops UnderwayPM Modi Invited To Ayatollah Khamenei’s Funeral? Tehran Plans Massive Funeral For KhameneiLucknow Fire Horror: Demolition Order Revoked A Decade Ago, Illegal Building Claimed 15 LivesBJP Seeks Bhagwant Mann’s Arrest | Forensic Expert Alleges ₹10 Lakh Bribe To Fake Viral Video ReportIAF Set to Receive 1st Made-in-India C295 in September — Here’s What the Milestone Means’Papa, Save Me’: 10-Year-Old Abducted, Raped And Killed In Delhi; Chilling Details Emerge123PhotostoriesTaarak Mehta Ka Ooltah Chashmah: From mimicking Charlie Chaplin, having no work for 7-8 years to working with Dilip Joshi, SRK-Salman; Sharad Sankla aka Abdul gets candid about lifeNot just Usha Vance: 5 women in power who turned grey hair into a symbol of confidenceWeekend K-drama releases: From ‘Notes from the Last Row’ to ‘Agent Kim Reactivated’UK heatwave intensifies: UKHSA approved tips to keep your home coolAngiography and Angioplasty are not the same: Here’s what every heart patient should knowWarren Buffett’s unusual love life: The billionaire who stayed married while living with another womanRinging in your ears after a day in the sun? Doctor explains the surprising heatwave-tinnitus connection10 beautiful baby girl names inspired by ancient goddesses and their powerful meanings5 Kapoor couples who are setting serious marriage goalsRice water vs rosemary oil vs onion juice: Which viral hair growth hack actually works?123Hot PicksPunjab police admit cardDevina GahlotDonald Trump avenueMumbai rainsCBSE 12th revaluationBihar school timingsSpanish proverbAfghan proverbPortuguese proverbTop TrendingDelhi Rape MurderUS-Iran WarITR filing 2025-26FIFA World Cup 2026England vs Ghana FIFA World Cup ResultICAI CA Inter May resultLucknow coaching fireGold rate todayWho was Ketan AgarwalMumbai rain

Vamsikrishna03 mins mins

NEW DELHI: The French Revolution, the Russian Revolution and Nazism will no longer be part of the Class IX history syllabus. NCERT officials said these modern world history themes will be taken up in Class X as part of secondary-stage progression, while the new Class IX textbook will chart the story of early humans, the…

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Priyanka Chopra compares her film careers; says she worked with all the best filmmakers in India but in Hollywood, ‘haven’t really done that as much’

Priyanka Chopra compares her film careers; says she worked with all the best filmmakers in India but in Hollywood, ‘haven’t really done that as much’

Vamsikrishna03 mins mins

Priyanka Chopra may be bagging some of the biggest films and web series in Hollywood right now, but the actress, in her latest chat, opened up about her ambitions.During a conversation at the Cannes Lions conference on Wednesday, Priyanka got candid about her evolving careers in India and Hollywood. Reflecting on the current entertainment landscape,…

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With ‘Protein Mess’, IIT-M seeks to add brawn to brains NEW DELHI: Fish curry, chicken yakhni pulao, paneer tikka and tossed soya chunks are now part of IIT-Madras’s effort to improve sporting performance. The institute has introduced a dedicated “Protein Mess”, backed by academic flexibility, fitness training and psychological conditioning for student-athletes.Described by IIT-M as the first such facility among the 23 IITs, the mess provides protein-rich meals designed in consultation with professional nutritionists. Its rotating menu also includes mutton rogan josh, egg bhurji, sprouts, dal makhani, sweet potato and chickpea sundal.The initiative is intended to support muscle recovery, endurance and sustained training. Ahead of Inter-IIT competitions, probable athletes and members of the institute contingent were given access to the specialised diet for three months, replacing nutrition support previously concentrated around a 15-day preparatory camp.Athletes paid half the cost, while the remaining amount was covered through institutional and alumni support. The institute, however, has not disclosed the number of beneficiaries, total subsidy or the protein and calorie content of individual meals.The dining initiative forms part of a wider support system for students representing IIT-M at tournaments. “To support student-athletes, IIT-Madras has introduced academic flexibility measures such as attendance relaxation for tournaments, makeup examinations for missed quizzes and end-of-semester examinations,” dean (students) Sathyanarayana N Gummadi said. The system also includes fitness training and psychological conditioning.Director V Kamakoti said sports and the arts promoted “teamwork, attention to detail, good health and good mental balance”, qualities needed for success in life.The institute has also created an admission pathway for accomplished sportspersons. It became the first IIT to introduce sports excellence admission in 2024-25, offering supernumerary undergraduate seats to candidates who qualify JEE Advanced and meet prescribed sporting criteria. Fourteen students joined IIT-M through this route during the 2024 and 2025 admission cycles.Since 2024, IIT-Madras has also incorporated recreational sports into the first-year curriculum, including athletics, volleyball, basketball and handball.Get the latest India news and live updates. Download the TOI App.About the AuthorManash Pratim GohainManash Pratim Gohain is a seasoned journalist with over two decades at The Times of India, where he has built a rich body of work spanning education policy, politics, and governance. Renowned for his incisive coverage of the National Education Policy (NEP) 2020, accreditation reforms, and skilling initiatives, he has also reported on student politics, urban policy, and social movements. His political reportage—both reflective and news-driven—adds depth to his writing, bridging policy with public impact. Through his 2,500 articles and related outlets, he has emerged as a trusted voice in national discourse, particularly in linking education reform to broader societal change.Read MoreEnd of ArticleFollow Us On Social MediaVideosTMC MP Mahua Moitra Clarifies After Praise For Suvendu Adhikari Sparks Political Buzz In BengalBengaluru Metro Breakdown Triggers Commuter Chaos As Stranded Passengers Climb Lorries”They Saved Their Goods And Left Us To Die”: Survivor’s Explosive Claims Rock Aliganj Fire ProbeMumbai Local Train Horror: 22-Year-Old Stabbed To Death After Door Dispute, Accused On The RunKolkata Warehouse Roof Collapse: 3 Dead, Several Injured, Rescue Ops UnderwayPM Modi Invited To Ayatollah Khamenei’s Funeral? Tehran Plans Massive Funeral For KhameneiLucknow Fire Horror: Demolition Order Revoked A Decade Ago, Illegal Building Claimed 15 LivesBJP Seeks Bhagwant Mann’s Arrest | Forensic Expert Alleges ₹10 Lakh Bribe To Fake Viral Video ReportIAF Set to Receive 1st Made-in-India C295 in September — Here’s What the Milestone Means’Papa, Save Me’: 10-Year-Old Abducted, Raped And Killed In Delhi; Chilling Details Emerge123PhotostoriesTaarak Mehta Ka Ooltah Chashmah: From mimicking Charlie Chaplin, having no work for 7-8 years to working with Dilip Joshi, SRK-Salman; Sharad Sankla aka Abdul gets candid about lifeNot just Usha Vance: 5 women in power who turned grey hair into a symbol of confidenceWeekend K-drama releases: From ‘Notes from the Last Row’ to ‘Agent Kim Reactivated’UK heatwave intensifies: UKHSA approved tips to keep your home coolAngiography and Angioplasty are not the same: Here’s what every heart patient should knowWarren Buffett’s unusual love life: The billionaire who stayed married while living with another womanRinging in your ears after a day in the sun? Doctor explains the surprising heatwave-tinnitus connection10 beautiful baby girl names inspired by ancient goddesses and their powerful meanings5 Kapoor couples who are setting serious marriage goalsRice water vs rosemary oil vs onion juice: Which viral hair growth hack actually works?123Hot PicksPunjab police admit cardDevina GahlotDonald Trump avenueMumbai rainsCBSE 12th revaluationBihar school timingsSpanish proverbAfghan proverbPortuguese proverbTop TrendingDelhi Rape MurderUS-Iran WarITR filing 2025-26FIFA World Cup 2026England vs Ghana FIFA World Cup ResultICAI CA Inter May resultLucknow coaching fireGold rate todayWho was Ketan AgarwalMumbai rain

With ‘Protein Mess’, IIT-M seeks to add brawn to brains NEW DELHI: Fish curry, chicken yakhni pulao, paneer tikka and tossed soya chunks are now part of IIT-Madras’s effort to improve sporting performance. The institute has introduced a dedicated “Protein Mess”, backed by academic flexibility, fitness training and psychological conditioning for student-athletes.Described by IIT-M as the first such facility among the 23 IITs, the mess provides protein-rich meals designed in consultation with professional nutritionists. Its rotating menu also includes mutton rogan josh, egg bhurji, sprouts, dal makhani, sweet potato and chickpea sundal.The initiative is intended to support muscle recovery, endurance and sustained training. Ahead of Inter-IIT competitions, probable athletes and members of the institute contingent were given access to the specialised diet for three months, replacing nutrition support previously concentrated around a 15-day preparatory camp.Athletes paid half the cost, while the remaining amount was covered through institutional and alumni support. The institute, however, has not disclosed the number of beneficiaries, total subsidy or the protein and calorie content of individual meals.The dining initiative forms part of a wider support system for students representing IIT-M at tournaments. “To support student-athletes, IIT-Madras has introduced academic flexibility measures such as attendance relaxation for tournaments, makeup examinations for missed quizzes and end-of-semester examinations,” dean (students) Sathyanarayana N Gummadi said. The system also includes fitness training and psychological conditioning.Director V Kamakoti said sports and the arts promoted “teamwork, attention to detail, good health and good mental balance”, qualities needed for success in life.The institute has also created an admission pathway for accomplished sportspersons. It became the first IIT to introduce sports excellence admission in 2024-25, offering supernumerary undergraduate seats to candidates who qualify JEE Advanced and meet prescribed sporting criteria. Fourteen students joined IIT-M through this route during the 2024 and 2025 admission cycles.Since 2024, IIT-Madras has also incorporated recreational sports into the first-year curriculum, including athletics, volleyball, basketball and handball.Get the latest India news and live updates. Download the TOI App.About the AuthorManash Pratim GohainManash Pratim Gohain is a seasoned journalist with over two decades at The Times of India, where he has built a rich body of work spanning education policy, politics, and governance. Renowned for his incisive coverage of the National Education Policy (NEP) 2020, accreditation reforms, and skilling initiatives, he has also reported on student politics, urban policy, and social movements. His political reportage—both reflective and news-driven—adds depth to his writing, bridging policy with public impact. Through his 2,500 articles and related outlets, he has emerged as a trusted voice in national discourse, particularly in linking education reform to broader societal change.Read MoreEnd of ArticleFollow Us On Social MediaVideosTMC MP Mahua Moitra Clarifies After Praise For Suvendu Adhikari Sparks Political Buzz In BengalBengaluru Metro Breakdown Triggers Commuter Chaos As Stranded Passengers Climb Lorries”They Saved Their Goods And Left Us To Die”: Survivor’s Explosive Claims Rock Aliganj Fire ProbeMumbai Local Train Horror: 22-Year-Old Stabbed To Death After Door Dispute, Accused On The RunKolkata Warehouse Roof Collapse: 3 Dead, Several Injured, Rescue Ops UnderwayPM Modi Invited To Ayatollah Khamenei’s Funeral? Tehran Plans Massive Funeral For KhameneiLucknow Fire Horror: Demolition Order Revoked A Decade Ago, Illegal Building Claimed 15 LivesBJP Seeks Bhagwant Mann’s Arrest | Forensic Expert Alleges ₹10 Lakh Bribe To Fake Viral Video ReportIAF Set to Receive 1st Made-in-India C295 in September — Here’s What the Milestone Means’Papa, Save Me’: 10-Year-Old Abducted, Raped And Killed In Delhi; Chilling Details Emerge123PhotostoriesTaarak Mehta Ka Ooltah Chashmah: From mimicking Charlie Chaplin, having no work for 7-8 years to working with Dilip Joshi, SRK-Salman; Sharad Sankla aka Abdul gets candid about lifeNot just Usha Vance: 5 women in power who turned grey hair into a symbol of confidenceWeekend K-drama releases: From ‘Notes from the Last Row’ to ‘Agent Kim Reactivated’UK heatwave intensifies: UKHSA approved tips to keep your home coolAngiography and Angioplasty are not the same: Here’s what every heart patient should knowWarren Buffett’s unusual love life: The billionaire who stayed married while living with another womanRinging in your ears after a day in the sun? Doctor explains the surprising heatwave-tinnitus connection10 beautiful baby girl names inspired by ancient goddesses and their powerful meanings5 Kapoor couples who are setting serious marriage goalsRice water vs rosemary oil vs onion juice: Which viral hair growth hack actually works?123Hot PicksPunjab police admit cardDevina GahlotDonald Trump avenueMumbai rainsCBSE 12th revaluationBihar school timingsSpanish proverbAfghan proverbPortuguese proverbTop TrendingDelhi Rape MurderUS-Iran WarITR filing 2025-26FIFA World Cup 2026England vs Ghana FIFA World Cup ResultICAI CA Inter May resultLucknow coaching fireGold rate todayWho was Ketan AgarwalMumbai rain

Vamsikrishna02 mins mins

With ‘Protein Mess’, IIT-M seeks to add brawn to brains NEW DELHI: Fish curry, chicken yakhni pulao, paneer tikka and tossed soya chunks are now part of IIT-Madras’s effort to improve sporting performance. The institute has introduced a dedicated “Protein Mess”, backed by academic flexibility, fitness training and psychological conditioning for student-athletes.Described by IIT-M as…

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Anushka Ranjan opens up about IVF journey with Aditya Seal, reveals taking 150 injections: ‘I thought something was wrong with me’

Anushka Ranjan opens up about IVF journey with Aditya Seal, reveals taking 150 injections: ‘I thought something was wrong with me’

Vamsikrishna06 mins mins

Anushka Ranjan opens up about IVF journey with Aditya Seal, reveals taking 150 injections (Image credits: Instagram) Anushka Ranjan has candidly spoken about her IVF journey, revealing the emotional and physical challenges she faced while trying to start a family with husband Aditya Seal.In a recent vlog, Anushka shared that she initially struggled with the…

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Grocer confesses to killing 8 men in 4 months, tested poison on dog first; eliminated neighbours over loans, land feuds and taunts

Grocer confesses to killing 8 men in 4 months, tested poison on dog first; eliminated neighbours over loans, land feuds and taunts

Vamsikrishna03 mins mins

A grocery store owner in Chhattisgarh has confessed to a chilling serial poisoning spree that claimed eight lives over four months RAIPUR: A 50-year-old grocery store owner in Chhattisgarh’s Balodabazar district has confessed to killing eight men over a span of four months, telling police he targeted neighbours and acquaintances over loans, land disputes, political…

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From Ranga-Billa to Jessica Lall, from Nithari to Nirbhaya: Why some crimes simply refuse to fade from memory

From Ranga-Billa to Jessica Lall, from Nithari to Nirbhaya: Why some crimes simply refuse to fade from memory

Vamsikrishna010 mins mins

​Why do the crime stories of Ranga-Billa, Jessica Lall, Nithari, Nirbhaya continue to evoke an immediate emotional response years after they were committed?​ The release of Raakh on Prime Video has brought back a question that resurfaces every time India revisits one of its most disturbing crimes through a film, a book, a documentary or…

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Taylor Swift-Travis Kelce wedding: Couple file permit for street closure, space for tents ahead of multi-day celebrations

Taylor Swift-Travis Kelce wedding: Couple file permit for street closure, space for tents ahead of multi-day celebrations

Vamsikrishna02 mins mins

The countdown to Taylor Swift and Travis Kelce’s wedding has officially begun!Amid speculation about their upcoming wedding, new reports indicate that a permit has been filed to close streets around Madison Square Garden during the first week of July.According to TMZ, sources with direct knowledge claim that a permit has been submitted to New York…

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BMC staffer falls into open drain during Mumbai Mayor’s inspection at flooded King Circle

BMC staffer falls into open drain during Mumbai Mayor’s inspection at flooded King Circle

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BMC staffer falls into flooded open drain during mayor’s inspection in Mumbai MUMBAI: Mumbai Mayor Ritu Tawde’s on-ground inspection of severe waterlogging in King Circle’s Gandhi Market area on Wednesday morning witnessed high drama when a BMC staffer fell waist-deep into an open drain a few feet away from where she was standing. While he…

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Dharmendra Pradhan NEW DELHI: Taking responsibility for the NEET-UG episode, which he said “should not have happened”, Union education minister Dharmendra Pradhan accused Rahul Gandhi of exploiting students’ anxiety for political gain and promised a “radical” overhaul of NTA, including moving NEET to computer-based testing (CBT) next year.In an interview to TOI, Pradhan said criticism was legitimate in a democracy, but “intent and timing matter”. He alleged Rahul “jumped in” on the Nagpur candidate’s complaint that he was allotted a centre in Abu Dhabi despite NTA having “proactively” rectified the issue, and blamed a Congress rally in Bengaluru for disrupting candidates’ movement to NEET centres. “Rahul Gandhi must apologise,” he said.The May 3 exam, he said, was cancelled after a whistleblower flagged a compromise to NTA, which alerted govt on May 7, and the matter was placed before PM Modi and the home minister, with the leadership resolving not to let any student’s interest be “compromised at the hands of education mafias”.You’ve accused the opposition of politicising exam co-ntroversies. Does opposing amount to politicising it?India is a democracy, and criticism is a citizen’s right – but intent and timing matter. Whatever happened should not have happened, and I hold myself responsible and answerable; it is also the department’s duty to fix it and bring the system back on track. We don’t fear criticism, we learn from it – that is our govt’s character. But these are young children, and nothing should raise their mental stress. Congress and the leader of the opposition were waiting to disrupt NEET, leaving nothing undone. In the Nagpur case, the student chose Abu Dhabi himself. NTA had no fault, yet rectified it proactively; but the father still attacked NTA publicly. And, within minutes, Rahul Gandhi jumped in. This nexus proves their role is to create anarchy, not act responsibly. They crossed all limits. In Bengaluru, their rally honouring party netas stopped many students reaching their exam centres. Rahul Gandhi must apologise unconditionally.You have also called Cockroach Janta Party a proxy. Whose proxy?Everyone knew what they wanted to do, their agenda. But that plan was not happening according to their expectation. Who joins them? The andolan jeevi, those who do not want the system to be built, those with a mindset of perennially disturbing the system, comes with them. They are the same old people, rejected in democracy. I am also a social worker. I too have come from the student movement and welcome criticism. If there is something to learn from it, I also meet people. But your objective is stunt-baazi.Did NTA insiders breach trust?CBI is investigating. Prima facie, some of NTA’s own people are involved – there is no doubt about that. But it would be inappropriate to comment further now. The inquiry will conclude very soon.NTA will be radically transformed into a transparent, accountable body, and its image repaired. The 22-23 lakh candidates who appear for NEET next year will move to CBT, just as JEE, UGC-NET, CSIR-NET and the ICAR entrance exams. NTA examines nearly 1 crore students every year. After eight years, reform is absolutely necessary, drawn from experience and wider consultation.Will NEET be held more than once a year and how big a challenge is it to move into CBT mode?It is open for discussion. The Radhakrishnan Committee, accountable to Supreme Court, made medium- and long-term recommendations. Through broader public consultation – involving students, teachers and opinion-makers – we will decide on multiple attempts and on decentralising the conduct of the exam, and convert the right suggestions into policy.What led to the cancellation of NEET-UG?NEET was held on May 3. On May 7, the whistleblower informed the NTA DG. The NTA DG brought that issue before me. We spoke to govt agencies concerned. It was found that there had been a compromise. It was placed before the PM and the home minister. The leadership decided that, keeping the future of the country’s children in mind, we will not allow even one good student’s interest to be compromised in the hands of the education mafia. We took the decision to cancel the exam.CBSE’s on-screen marking is another controversy.A student has every right to re-check and verify their own answer sheet. Prima facie, OSM was implemented in haste. The then-CBSE leadership should have listened to whistleblowers with greater sensitivity. CBSE will have to think through how to proceed, and consult parents, teachers and students.Cyberattacks have exposed vulnerabilities in the digital infrastructure of CBSE.The CBSE evaluation portal faced 30 lakh cyberattacks within minutes, but our system was robust and held. Our own agency, I4C, had warned that such disruption was possible. No system is accident-proof – I regard this as a one-time accident. We will fix it, not run from it. CERT-In and our IT teams will continue regular monitoring, because this is about the country’s digital infrastructure, not CBSE alone.How do you view whistleblowers?Whistleblowers have a role and should be valued, within decorum. In NTA, the alert was acted upon in time. CBSE’s leadership should have listened more sensitively. Even a three-line suggestion must not be ignored. Children, teachers, experts and opinion-makers must be heard, and the right suggestions converted into policy.Get the latest India news and live updates. Download the TOI App.About the AuthorManash Pratim GohainManash Pratim Gohain is a seasoned journalist with over two decades at The Times of India, where he has built a rich body of work spanning education policy, politics, and governance. Renowned for his incisive coverage of the National Education Policy (NEP) 2020, accreditation reforms, and skilling initiatives, he has also reported on student politics, urban policy, and social movements. His political reportage—both reflective and news-driven—adds depth to his writing, bridging policy with public impact. Through his 2,500 articles and related outlets, he has emerged as a trusted voice in national discourse, particularly in linking education reform to broader societal change.Read MoreEnd of ArticleFollow Us On Social MediaVideosTMC MP Mahua Moitra Clarifies After Praise For Suvendu Adhikari Sparks Political Buzz In BengalBengaluru Metro Breakdown Triggers Commuter Chaos As Stranded Passengers Climb Lorries”They Saved Their Goods And Left Us To Die”: Survivor’s Explosive Claims Rock Aliganj Fire ProbeMumbai Local Train Horror: 22-Year-Old Stabbed To Death After Door Dispute, Accused On The RunKolkata Warehouse Roof Collapse: 3 Dead, Several Injured, Rescue Ops UnderwayPM Modi Invited To Ayatollah Khamenei’s Funeral? Tehran Plans Massive Funeral For KhameneiLucknow Fire Horror: Demolition Order Revoked A Decade Ago, Illegal Building Claimed 15 LivesBJP Seeks Bhagwant Mann’s Arrest | Forensic Expert Alleges ₹10 Lakh Bribe To Fake Viral Video ReportIAF Set to Receive 1st Made-in-India C295 in September — Here’s What the Milestone Means’Papa, Save Me’: 10-Year-Old Abducted, Raped And Killed In Delhi; Chilling Details Emerge123PhotostoriesTaarak Mehta Ka Ooltah Chashmah: From mimicking Charlie Chaplin, having no work for 7-8 years to working with Dilip Joshi, SRK-Salman; Sharad Sankla aka Abdul gets candid about lifeNot just Usha Vance: 5 women in power who turned grey hair into a symbol of confidenceWeekend K-drama releases: From ‘Notes from the Last Row’ to ‘Agent Kim Reactivated’UK heatwave intensifies: UKHSA approved tips to keep your home coolAngiography and Angioplasty are not the same: Here’s what every heart patient should knowWarren Buffett’s unusual love life: The billionaire who stayed married while living with another womanRinging in your ears after a day in the sun? Doctor explains the surprising heatwave-tinnitus connection10 beautiful baby girl names inspired by ancient goddesses and their powerful meanings5 Kapoor couples who are setting serious marriage goalsRice water vs rosemary oil vs onion juice: Which viral hair growth hack actually works?123Hot PicksPunjab police admit cardDevina GahlotDonald Trump avenueMumbai rainsCBSE 12th revaluationBihar school timingsSpanish proverbAfghan proverbPortuguese proverbTop TrendingDelhi Rape MurderUS-Iran WarITR filing 2025-26FIFA World Cup 2026England vs Ghana FIFA World Cup ResultICAI CA Inter May resultLucknow coaching fireGold rate todayWho was Ketan AgarwalMumbai rain

Dharmendra Pradhan NEW DELHI: Taking responsibility for the NEET-UG episode, which he said “should not have happened”, Union education minister Dharmendra Pradhan accused Rahul Gandhi of exploiting students’ anxiety for political gain and promised a “radical” overhaul of NTA, including moving NEET to computer-based testing (CBT) next year.In an interview to TOI, Pradhan said criticism was legitimate in a democracy, but “intent and timing matter”. He alleged Rahul “jumped in” on the Nagpur candidate’s complaint that he was allotted a centre in Abu Dhabi despite NTA having “proactively” rectified the issue, and blamed a Congress rally in Bengaluru for disrupting candidates’ movement to NEET centres. “Rahul Gandhi must apologise,” he said.The May 3 exam, he said, was cancelled after a whistleblower flagged a compromise to NTA, which alerted govt on May 7, and the matter was placed before PM Modi and the home minister, with the leadership resolving not to let any student’s interest be “compromised at the hands of education mafias”.You’ve accused the opposition of politicising exam co-ntroversies. Does opposing amount to politicising it?India is a democracy, and criticism is a citizen’s right – but intent and timing matter. Whatever happened should not have happened, and I hold myself responsible and answerable; it is also the department’s duty to fix it and bring the system back on track. We don’t fear criticism, we learn from it – that is our govt’s character. But these are young children, and nothing should raise their mental stress. Congress and the leader of the opposition were waiting to disrupt NEET, leaving nothing undone. In the Nagpur case, the student chose Abu Dhabi himself. NTA had no fault, yet rectified it proactively; but the father still attacked NTA publicly. And, within minutes, Rahul Gandhi jumped in. This nexus proves their role is to create anarchy, not act responsibly. They crossed all limits. In Bengaluru, their rally honouring party netas stopped many students reaching their exam centres. Rahul Gandhi must apologise unconditionally.You have also called Cockroach Janta Party a proxy. Whose proxy?Everyone knew what they wanted to do, their agenda. But that plan was not happening according to their expectation. Who joins them? The andolan jeevi, those who do not want the system to be built, those with a mindset of perennially disturbing the system, comes with them. They are the same old people, rejected in democracy. I am also a social worker. I too have come from the student movement and welcome criticism. If there is something to learn from it, I also meet people. But your objective is stunt-baazi.Did NTA insiders breach trust?CBI is investigating. Prima facie, some of NTA’s own people are involved – there is no doubt about that. But it would be inappropriate to comment further now. The inquiry will conclude very soon.NTA will be radically transformed into a transparent, accountable body, and its image repaired. The 22-23 lakh candidates who appear for NEET next year will move to CBT, just as JEE, UGC-NET, CSIR-NET and the ICAR entrance exams. NTA examines nearly 1 crore students every year. After eight years, reform is absolutely necessary, drawn from experience and wider consultation.Will NEET be held more than once a year and how big a challenge is it to move into CBT mode?It is open for discussion. The Radhakrishnan Committee, accountable to Supreme Court, made medium- and long-term recommendations. Through broader public consultation – involving students, teachers and opinion-makers – we will decide on multiple attempts and on decentralising the conduct of the exam, and convert the right suggestions into policy.What led to the cancellation of NEET-UG?NEET was held on May 3. On May 7, the whistleblower informed the NTA DG. The NTA DG brought that issue before me. We spoke to govt agencies concerned. It was found that there had been a compromise. It was placed before the PM and the home minister. The leadership decided that, keeping the future of the country’s children in mind, we will not allow even one good student’s interest to be compromised in the hands of the education mafia. We took the decision to cancel the exam.CBSE’s on-screen marking is another controversy.A student has every right to re-check and verify their own answer sheet. Prima facie, OSM was implemented in haste. The then-CBSE leadership should have listened to whistleblowers with greater sensitivity. CBSE will have to think through how to proceed, and consult parents, teachers and students.Cyberattacks have exposed vulnerabilities in the digital infrastructure of CBSE.The CBSE evaluation portal faced 30 lakh cyberattacks within minutes, but our system was robust and held. Our own agency, I4C, had warned that such disruption was possible. No system is accident-proof – I regard this as a one-time accident. We will fix it, not run from it. CERT-In and our IT teams will continue regular monitoring, because this is about the country’s digital infrastructure, not CBSE alone.How do you view whistleblowers?Whistleblowers have a role and should be valued, within decorum. In NTA, the alert was acted upon in time. CBSE’s leadership should have listened more sensitively. Even a three-line suggestion must not be ignored. Children, teachers, experts and opinion-makers must be heard, and the right suggestions converted into policy.Get the latest India news and live updates. Download the TOI App.About the AuthorManash Pratim GohainManash Pratim Gohain is a seasoned journalist with over two decades at The Times of India, where he has built a rich body of work spanning education policy, politics, and governance. Renowned for his incisive coverage of the National Education Policy (NEP) 2020, accreditation reforms, and skilling initiatives, he has also reported on student politics, urban policy, and social movements. His political reportage—both reflective and news-driven—adds depth to his writing, bridging policy with public impact. Through his 2,500 articles and related outlets, he has emerged as a trusted voice in national discourse, particularly in linking education reform to broader societal change.Read MoreEnd of ArticleFollow Us On Social MediaVideosTMC MP Mahua Moitra Clarifies After Praise For Suvendu Adhikari Sparks Political Buzz In BengalBengaluru Metro Breakdown Triggers Commuter Chaos As Stranded Passengers Climb Lorries”They Saved Their Goods And Left Us To Die”: Survivor’s Explosive Claims Rock Aliganj Fire ProbeMumbai Local Train Horror: 22-Year-Old Stabbed To Death After Door Dispute, Accused On The RunKolkata Warehouse Roof Collapse: 3 Dead, Several Injured, Rescue Ops UnderwayPM Modi Invited To Ayatollah Khamenei’s Funeral? Tehran Plans Massive Funeral For KhameneiLucknow Fire Horror: Demolition Order Revoked A Decade Ago, Illegal Building Claimed 15 LivesBJP Seeks Bhagwant Mann’s Arrest | Forensic Expert Alleges ₹10 Lakh Bribe To Fake Viral Video ReportIAF Set to Receive 1st Made-in-India C295 in September — Here’s What the Milestone Means’Papa, Save Me’: 10-Year-Old Abducted, Raped And Killed In Delhi; Chilling Details Emerge123PhotostoriesTaarak Mehta Ka Ooltah Chashmah: From mimicking Charlie Chaplin, having no work for 7-8 years to working with Dilip Joshi, SRK-Salman; Sharad Sankla aka Abdul gets candid about lifeNot just Usha Vance: 5 women in power who turned grey hair into a symbol of confidenceWeekend K-drama releases: From ‘Notes from the Last Row’ to ‘Agent Kim Reactivated’UK heatwave intensifies: UKHSA approved tips to keep your home coolAngiography and Angioplasty are not the same: Here’s what every heart patient should knowWarren Buffett’s unusual love life: The billionaire who stayed married while living with another womanRinging in your ears after a day in the sun? Doctor explains the surprising heatwave-tinnitus connection10 beautiful baby girl names inspired by ancient goddesses and their powerful meanings5 Kapoor couples who are setting serious marriage goalsRice water vs rosemary oil vs onion juice: Which viral hair growth hack actually works?123Hot PicksPunjab police admit cardDevina GahlotDonald Trump avenueMumbai rainsCBSE 12th revaluationBihar school timingsSpanish proverbAfghan proverbPortuguese proverbTop TrendingDelhi Rape MurderUS-Iran WarITR filing 2025-26FIFA World Cup 2026England vs Ghana FIFA World Cup ResultICAI CA Inter May resultLucknow coaching fireGold rate todayWho was Ketan AgarwalMumbai rain

Vamsikrishna05 mins mins

NEW DELHI: Taking responsibility for the NEET-UG episode, which he said “should not have happened”, Union education minister Dharmendra Pradhan accused Rahul Gandhi of exploiting students’ anxiety for political gain and promised a “radical” overhaul of NTA, including moving NEET to computer-based testing (CBT) next year.In an interview to TOI, Pradhan said criticism was legitimate…

Read More