August 29, 2026

Prime Minister Narendra Modi gestures as he boards the flight for Tashkent, Uzbekistan, in New Delhi NEW DELHI: Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Saturday embarked on a four-day visit to Uzbekistan and the Kyrgyz Republic, during which he will hold bilateral talks with Uzbek President Shavkat Mirziyoyev and attend the 26th Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO) Summit in Bishkek.PM Modi will be on a State Visit to Uzbekistan on August 29-30 at the invitation of Mirziyoyev before travelling to Bishkek for the SCO summit on August 31 and September 1.In his departure statement, the Prime Minister said the visit would focus on strengthening India’s strategic partnerships in Central Asia and deepening its ties with the region.Talks with Mirziyoyev in TashkentDuring his visit to Tashkent, PM Modi will hold delegation-level talks with President Mirziyoyev to further strengthen the India-Uzbekistan Strategic Partnership.The two leaders will review cooperation in trade and investment, digital connectivity, defence, energy, education and people-to-people ties, and set the agenda for future engagement.“I look forward to my discussions with President Mirziyoyev on further deepening our cooperation in trade and investment, digital connectivity, defence, energy, and on advancing our shared visions of Viksit Bharat and Yangi Uzbekistan,” PM Modi said.This will be PM Modi’s fourth visit to Uzbekistan.The Prime Minister is also scheduled to visit the Shastri Memorial and the Mahatma Gandhi Centre at the Tashkent State University of Oriental Studies.PM Modi described the two visits as a tribute to the “close cultural and people-to-people ties” between India and Uzbekistan.PM Modi to visit Bishkek for SCO summitFrom Tashkent, PM Modi will travel to Bishkek at the invitation of Kyrgyz President Sadyr Zhaparov to attend the 26th SCO Summit, which marks 25 years of the organisation.India has been a full and active member of the SCO since 2017.“I look forward to advancing India’s vision for the region, anchored in Security, Connectivity and Opportunity, and to working with fellow members for a region free from the scourge of terrorism, separatism and extremism, which continue to threaten peace and stability in our neighbourhood and beyond,” PM Modi said.The Prime Minister is expected to meet President Zhaparov and other SCO leaders and will also attend the opening ceremony of the 6th World Nomad Games.Putin, Xi among leaders expected at summitRussian President Vladimir Putin and Chinese President Xi Jinping are among the leaders expected to attend the two-day SCO summit in Bishkek.The summit will bring together leaders of the 10-member grouping, which includes Russia, China, India, Pakistan, Iran, four Central Asian countries and Belarus.Join conversationView All Comments →Share your thoughts in the commentsInsightfulAgreeDisagreeSkepticalConcerningPromisingWorth ReadingBig DevelopmentPost CommentBe respectful · TOI community guidelinesIranian President Masoud Pezeshkian and Pakistan Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif are also expected to participate in the plenary session.The SCO, which was founded with a focus on regional and economic cooperation, now has 15 dialogue partners and two observer countries, Afghanistan and Mongolia.PM Modi said he was confident that his visit would “strengthen India’s strategic partnerships in Central Asia, deepen our civilisational connect with the region, and advance our shared pursuit of peace, stability and prosperity.”Get the latest India News and Live updates. Download the TOI app.End of ArticleFollow Us On Social MediaVideosB Nagendra Quits Karnataka Cabinet Amid Valmiki Scam Allegations, Calls Charges Politically DrivenBlast Near Manipur BJP MLA’s House; CM Khemchand Singh Calls Attack ‘Barbaric’Fresh Threat To Kashmiri Pandits: Terror Group ULC Warns Over Reopening Exodus Cases | WatchUS Green Card Wait, USCIS Checks, UK Visas: How Immigration Rules Impact IndiansIndia Plans Javelin Missile Buy From US, Giving Infantry A Battle-Tested Tank-Killing Edge | Watch’Willing & Keen’: Penguin Random House Denies Dropping Sonia Gandhi’s Memoir Over Editorial ChangesGovt Taps EIL For Quality Checks On 5,000 Km Of Road Projects After Modi’s ‘4th-Party Audit’ Jibe469 Dead In Nepal Floods; 3 Bodies Found In Uttar Pradesh; Kathmandu Declines Foreign Rescue TeamsCongress Alleges ₹36,000 Crore ‘Sugar Scam’, Slams Modi Govt Over Festive Price RisePM Modi’s Central Asia Visit: SCO Summit, Uzbekistan Ties, Putin Meet In Focus123PhotostoriesNo non-stick pan? 5 easy steps to make iron tawa non-stick at homeLymphatic walking: 7 things to know about the viral social media fitness trend, and what the science really says10 vintage baby girl names that still sound fresh today2026 bridal colour trends: The wedding shades every bride will be wearing this yearJungkook style evolution: From bold eyeliner to quiet luxury, how BTS’ star transformed his fashion5 jewellery styling mistakes to avoid with traditional festive outfitsLock Upp 2 fame Akanksha Chamola’s luxurious Mumbai home: Elegant interiors, cosy living room and beautiful mandirH1N1 Or COVID-19? Symptoms may look the same, but the diagnosis can mean a very different treatment approachMakeup not lasting all day? Here’s why your base melts by noonThe ‘ick’ explained: 7 reasons attraction between partners can suddenly disappear (and how to bring the spark back)123Hot PicksNepal floodUGC NET June 2026 resultCNG Price HikeMumbai milk priceRRB NTPC UG CBT 2 examAnkit Baliyan murderSridhar VembuDelhi murderNEET PG 2026 admit cardTop TrendingSophie Cunningham CareerChandigarh MurderSamay RainaUdaipur HotelFlorida Car CrashUS Green Card HolderBengal HospitalTamil Nadu Son MurderElon MuskKanpur Aircraft Crash

Vamsikrishna03 mins mins
Prime Minister Narendra Modi gestures as he boards the flight for Tashkent, Uzbekistan, in New Delhi NEW DELHI: Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Saturday embarked on a four-day visit to Uzbekistan and the Kyrgyz Republic, during which he will hold bilateral talks with Uzbek President Shavkat Mirziyoyev and attend the 26th Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO) Summit in Bishkek.PM Modi will be on a State Visit to Uzbekistan on August 29-30 at the invitation of Mirziyoyev before travelling to Bishkek for the SCO summit on August 31 and September 1.In his departure statement, the Prime Minister said the visit would focus on strengthening India’s strategic partnerships in Central Asia and deepening its ties with the region.Talks with Mirziyoyev in TashkentDuring his visit to Tashkent, PM Modi will hold delegation-level talks with President Mirziyoyev to further strengthen the India-Uzbekistan Strategic Partnership.The two leaders will review cooperation in trade and investment, digital connectivity, defence, energy, education and people-to-people ties, and set the agenda for future engagement.“I look forward to my discussions with President Mirziyoyev on further deepening our cooperation in trade and investment, digital connectivity, defence, energy, and on advancing our shared visions of Viksit Bharat and Yangi Uzbekistan,” PM Modi said.This will be PM Modi’s fourth visit to Uzbekistan.The Prime Minister is also scheduled to visit the Shastri Memorial and the Mahatma Gandhi Centre at the Tashkent State University of Oriental Studies.PM Modi described the two visits as a tribute to the “close cultural and people-to-people ties” between India and Uzbekistan.PM Modi to visit Bishkek for SCO summitFrom Tashkent, PM Modi will travel to Bishkek at the invitation of Kyrgyz President Sadyr Zhaparov to attend the 26th SCO Summit, which marks 25 years of the organisation.India has been a full and active member of the SCO since 2017.“I look forward to advancing India’s vision for the region, anchored in Security, Connectivity and Opportunity, and to working with fellow members for a region free from the scourge of terrorism, separatism and extremism, which continue to threaten peace and stability in our neighbourhood and beyond,” PM Modi said.The Prime Minister is expected to meet President Zhaparov and other SCO leaders and will also attend the opening ceremony of the 6th World Nomad Games.Putin, Xi among leaders expected at summitRussian President Vladimir Putin and Chinese President Xi Jinping are among the leaders expected to attend the two-day SCO summit in Bishkek.The summit will bring together leaders of the 10-member grouping, which includes Russia, China, India, Pakistan, Iran, four Central Asian countries and Belarus.Join conversationView All Comments →Share your thoughts in the commentsInsightfulAgreeDisagreeSkepticalConcerningPromisingWorth ReadingBig DevelopmentPost CommentBe respectful · TOI community guidelinesIranian President Masoud Pezeshkian and Pakistan Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif are also expected to participate in the plenary session.The SCO, which was founded with a focus on regional and economic cooperation, now has 15 dialogue partners and two observer countries, Afghanistan and Mongolia.PM Modi said he was confident that his visit would “strengthen India’s strategic partnerships in Central Asia, deepen our civilisational connect with the region, and advance our shared pursuit of peace, stability and prosperity.”Get the latest India News and Live updates. Download the TOI app.End of ArticleFollow Us On Social MediaVideosB Nagendra Quits Karnataka Cabinet Amid Valmiki Scam Allegations, Calls Charges Politically DrivenBlast Near Manipur BJP MLA’s House; CM Khemchand Singh Calls Attack ‘Barbaric’Fresh Threat To Kashmiri Pandits: Terror Group ULC Warns Over Reopening Exodus Cases | WatchUS Green Card Wait, USCIS Checks, UK Visas: How Immigration Rules Impact IndiansIndia Plans Javelin Missile Buy From US, Giving Infantry A Battle-Tested Tank-Killing Edge | Watch’Willing & Keen’: Penguin Random House Denies Dropping Sonia Gandhi’s Memoir Over Editorial ChangesGovt Taps EIL For Quality Checks On 5,000 Km Of Road Projects After Modi’s ‘4th-Party Audit’ Jibe469 Dead In Nepal Floods; 3 Bodies Found In Uttar Pradesh; Kathmandu Declines Foreign Rescue TeamsCongress Alleges ₹36,000 Crore ‘Sugar Scam’, Slams Modi Govt Over Festive Price RisePM Modi’s Central Asia Visit: SCO Summit, Uzbekistan Ties, Putin Meet In Focus123PhotostoriesNo non-stick pan? 5 easy steps to make iron tawa non-stick at homeLymphatic walking: 7 things to know about the viral social media fitness trend, and what the science really says10 vintage baby girl names that still sound fresh today2026 bridal colour trends: The wedding shades every bride will be wearing this yearJungkook style evolution: From bold eyeliner to quiet luxury, how BTS’ star transformed his fashion5 jewellery styling mistakes to avoid with traditional festive outfitsLock Upp 2 fame Akanksha Chamola’s luxurious Mumbai home: Elegant interiors, cosy living room and beautiful mandirH1N1 Or COVID-19? Symptoms may look the same, but the diagnosis can mean a very different treatment approachMakeup not lasting all day? Here’s why your base melts by noonThe ‘ick’ explained: 7 reasons attraction between partners can suddenly disappear (and how to bring the spark back)123Hot PicksNepal floodUGC NET June 2026 resultCNG Price HikeMumbai milk priceRRB NTPC UG CBT 2 examAnkit Baliyan murderSridhar VembuDelhi murderNEET PG 2026 admit cardTop TrendingSophie Cunningham CareerChandigarh MurderSamay RainaUdaipur HotelFlorida Car CrashUS Green Card HolderBengal HospitalTamil Nadu Son MurderElon MuskKanpur Aircraft Crash


PM Modi begins four-day Uzbekistan, Kyrgyzstan visit for SCO summit; what's on agenda
Prime Minister Narendra Modi gestures as he boards the flight for Tashkent, Uzbekistan, in New Delhi

NEW DELHI: Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Saturday embarked on a four-day visit to Uzbekistan and the Kyrgyz Republic, during which he will hold bilateral talks with Uzbek President Shavkat Mirziyoyev and attend the 26th Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO) Summit in Bishkek.PM Modi will be on a State Visit to Uzbekistan on August 29-30 at the invitation of Mirziyoyev before travelling to Bishkek for the SCO summit on August 31 and September 1.In his departure statement, the Prime Minister said the visit would focus on strengthening India’s strategic partnerships in Central Asia and deepening its ties with the region.

Talks with Mirziyoyev in Tashkent

During his visit to Tashkent, PM Modi will hold delegation-level talks with President Mirziyoyev to further strengthen the India-Uzbekistan Strategic Partnership.The two leaders will review cooperation in trade and investment, digital connectivity, defence, energy, education and people-to-people ties, and set the agenda for future engagement.“I look forward to my discussions with President Mirziyoyev on further deepening our cooperation in trade and investment, digital connectivity, defence, energy, and on advancing our shared visions of Viksit Bharat and Yangi Uzbekistan,” PM Modi said.This will be PM Modi’s fourth visit to Uzbekistan.The Prime Minister is also scheduled to visit the Shastri Memorial and the Mahatma Gandhi Centre at the Tashkent State University of Oriental Studies.PM Modi described the two visits as a tribute to the “close cultural and people-to-people ties” between India and Uzbekistan.

PM Modi to visit Bishkek for SCO summit

From Tashkent, PM Modi will travel to Bishkek at the invitation of Kyrgyz President Sadyr Zhaparov to attend the 26th SCO Summit, which marks 25 years of the organisation.India has been a full and active member of the SCO since 2017.“I look forward to advancing India’s vision for the region, anchored in Security, Connectivity and Opportunity, and to working with fellow members for a region free from the scourge of terrorism, separatism and extremism, which continue to threaten peace and stability in our neighbourhood and beyond,” PM Modi said.The Prime Minister is expected to meet President Zhaparov and other SCO leaders and will also attend the opening ceremony of the 6th World Nomad Games.

Putin, Xi among leaders expected at summit

Russian President Vladimir Putin and Chinese President Xi Jinping are among the leaders expected to attend the two-day SCO summit in Bishkek.The summit will bring together leaders of the 10-member grouping, which includes Russia, China, India, Pakistan, Iran, four Central Asian countries and Belarus.

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RSS chief Mohan Bhagwat, second left, attends a program during his visit to the Iskcon Temple on its 60th anniversary, in New York, United States NEW DELHI: RSS chief Mohan Bhagwat visited the Iskcon temple in New York during his ongoing US tour, where he participated in a food distribution initiative for homeless people and spoke about the role of Krishna consciousness in overcoming conflicts and divisions.Bhagwat visited the temple at 26 Second Avenue, where the International Society for Krishna Consciousness (Iskcon) began in 1966.Speaking to news agency ANI, Gauranga Das, a Governing Body Commissioner of Iskcon, said the organisation now has 1,300 temples across 120 countries.“In 1966, Swami Prabhupada officially founded the International Society for Krishna Consciousness (Iskcon). We are standing at 26 2nd Avenue, the same place from where Iskcon began, and today we have 1300 temples across 120 countries,” he said.Gauranga Das said Swami Prabhupada was credited with taking Hindu Sanatana Dharma to different parts of the world.‘A matchless gift of Sri Krishna consciousness’Bhagwat penned a message during his visit, describing the venue as an inspiration and praising its contribution to spreading Krishna consciousness.“An inspiring venue which brought really a matchless gift of Sri Krishna consciousness to the world. I am humbled and surcharged with the feeling of pure sattvic love towards he who resides in everybody and everything. Heartiest thanks to all who arranged this inspiring event for me,” his message said.Gauranga Das said Bhagwat also spoke about how people could work together for global peace and harmony.In a post on X, he said Bhagwat offered a garland to Srila Prabhupada and inaugurated the distribution of the 100,000th meal under the Zero Hunger New York initiative at the Bhakti Center.Bhagwat speaks on conflicts and consciousnessAddressing devotees at the temple, Bhagwat spoke about the importance of consciousness in bringing people together despite conflicts and differences.“In today’s world, there are so many conflicts, so many dualities. The only thing that unites is consciousness. That consciousness is Krishna Consciousness – we are one and we have been having it through these dualities of this world with the strong understanding that though there are so many diversities, dualities, conflicts, really it is all Krishna,” Bhagwat said.Anuttama Dasa, minister of communications and governing body commissioner of Iskcon, also welcomed Bhagwat’s visit.“Mohan Bhagwat visited us and we are very grateful that he was here. A couple of weeks ago, Hema Malini was here. Both of them visited and we talked about how we can work together to try to promote God Consciousness and Krishna Consciousness values around the world,” he told ANI.Join conversationView All Comments →Share your thoughts in the commentsInsightfulAgreeDisagreeSkepticalConcerningPromisingWorth ReadingBig DevelopmentPost CommentBe respectful · TOI community guidelinesHe said Iskcon was seeking to promote an understanding of shared values at a time when the world was facing conflicts and polarisation.Madison Square Garden address nextBhagwat’s visit to the Iskcon temple comes ahead of his scheduled address to the Indian diaspora at Madison Square Garden on Saturday at the ‘Universal Oneness Celebration’, being organised as part of the RSS centenary-year programmes.The event is being organised by American Hindus for Engagement and Dialogue and is expected to bring together Hindu-American organisations and members of the Indian diaspora around themes including shared heritage, interfaith dialogue and unity.The RSS chief arrived in New York on Tuesday as part of a three-nation outreach tour covering the United States, Canada and the United Kingdom.Get the latest India News and Live updates. Download the TOI app.End of ArticleFollow Us On Social MediaVideosB Nagendra Quits Karnataka Cabinet Amid Valmiki Scam Allegations, Calls Charges Politically DrivenBlast Near Manipur BJP MLA’s House; CM Khemchand Singh Calls Attack ‘Barbaric’Fresh Threat To Kashmiri Pandits: Terror Group ULC Warns Over Reopening Exodus Cases | WatchUS Green Card Wait, USCIS Checks, UK Visas: How Immigration Rules Impact IndiansIndia Plans Javelin Missile Buy From US, Giving Infantry A Battle-Tested Tank-Killing Edge | Watch’Willing & Keen’: Penguin Random House Denies Dropping Sonia Gandhi’s Memoir Over Editorial ChangesGovt Taps EIL For Quality Checks On 5,000 Km Of Road Projects After Modi’s ‘4th-Party Audit’ Jibe469 Dead In Nepal Floods; 3 Bodies Found In Uttar Pradesh; Kathmandu Declines Foreign Rescue TeamsCongress Alleges ₹36,000 Crore ‘Sugar Scam’, Slams Modi Govt Over Festive Price RisePM Modi’s Central Asia Visit: SCO Summit, Uzbekistan Ties, Putin Meet In Focus123PhotostoriesTalking but not dating? 5 signs this connection may be stuck3 simple tips to turn frizzy hair into gorgeous curlsHeart attack in women: 7 things to know as new definition promises better careNo non-stick pan? 5 easy steps to make iron tawa non-stick at homeLymphatic walking: 7 things to know about the viral social media fitness trend, and what the science really says10 vintage baby girl names that still sound fresh today2026 bridal colour trends: The wedding shades every bride will be wearing this yearJungkook style evolution: From bold eyeliner to quiet luxury, how BTS’ star transformed his fashion5 jewellery styling mistakes to avoid with traditional festive outfitsLock Upp 2 fame Akanksha Chamola’s luxurious Mumbai home: Elegant interiors, cosy living room and beautiful mandir123Hot PicksNepal floodUGC NET June 2026 resultCNG Price HikeMumbai milk priceRRB NTPC UG CBT 2 examAnkit Baliyan murderSridhar VembuDelhi murderInflation dataTop TrendingSophie Cunningham CareerChandigarh MurderSamay RainaUdaipur HotelFlorida Car CrashUS Green Card HolderBengal HospitalTamil Nadu Son MurderElon MuskKanpur Aircraft Crash

RSS chief Mohan Bhagwat, second left, attends a program during his visit to the Iskcon Temple on its 60th anniversary, in New York, United States NEW DELHI: RSS chief Mohan Bhagwat visited the Iskcon temple in New York during his ongoing US tour, where he participated in a food distribution initiative for homeless people and spoke about the role of Krishna consciousness in overcoming conflicts and divisions.Bhagwat visited the temple at 26 Second Avenue, where the International Society for Krishna Consciousness (Iskcon) began in 1966.Speaking to news agency ANI, Gauranga Das, a Governing Body Commissioner of Iskcon, said the organisation now has 1,300 temples across 120 countries.“In 1966, Swami Prabhupada officially founded the International Society for Krishna Consciousness (Iskcon). We are standing at 26 2nd Avenue, the same place from where Iskcon began, and today we have 1300 temples across 120 countries,” he said.Gauranga Das said Swami Prabhupada was credited with taking Hindu Sanatana Dharma to different parts of the world.‘A matchless gift of Sri Krishna consciousness’Bhagwat penned a message during his visit, describing the venue as an inspiration and praising its contribution to spreading Krishna consciousness.“An inspiring venue which brought really a matchless gift of Sri Krishna consciousness to the world. I am humbled and surcharged with the feeling of pure sattvic love towards he who resides in everybody and everything. Heartiest thanks to all who arranged this inspiring event for me,” his message said.Gauranga Das said Bhagwat also spoke about how people could work together for global peace and harmony.In a post on X, he said Bhagwat offered a garland to Srila Prabhupada and inaugurated the distribution of the 100,000th meal under the Zero Hunger New York initiative at the Bhakti Center.Bhagwat speaks on conflicts and consciousnessAddressing devotees at the temple, Bhagwat spoke about the importance of consciousness in bringing people together despite conflicts and differences.“In today’s world, there are so many conflicts, so many dualities. The only thing that unites is consciousness. That consciousness is Krishna Consciousness – we are one and we have been having it through these dualities of this world with the strong understanding that though there are so many diversities, dualities, conflicts, really it is all Krishna,” Bhagwat said.Anuttama Dasa, minister of communications and governing body commissioner of Iskcon, also welcomed Bhagwat’s visit.“Mohan Bhagwat visited us and we are very grateful that he was here. A couple of weeks ago, Hema Malini was here. Both of them visited and we talked about how we can work together to try to promote God Consciousness and Krishna Consciousness values around the world,” he told ANI.Join conversationView All Comments →Share your thoughts in the commentsInsightfulAgreeDisagreeSkepticalConcerningPromisingWorth ReadingBig DevelopmentPost CommentBe respectful · TOI community guidelinesHe said Iskcon was seeking to promote an understanding of shared values at a time when the world was facing conflicts and polarisation.Madison Square Garden address nextBhagwat’s visit to the Iskcon temple comes ahead of his scheduled address to the Indian diaspora at Madison Square Garden on Saturday at the ‘Universal Oneness Celebration’, being organised as part of the RSS centenary-year programmes.The event is being organised by American Hindus for Engagement and Dialogue and is expected to bring together Hindu-American organisations and members of the Indian diaspora around themes including shared heritage, interfaith dialogue and unity.The RSS chief arrived in New York on Tuesday as part of a three-nation outreach tour covering the United States, Canada and the United Kingdom.Get the latest India News and Live updates. Download the TOI app.End of ArticleFollow Us On Social MediaVideosB Nagendra Quits Karnataka Cabinet Amid Valmiki Scam Allegations, Calls Charges Politically DrivenBlast Near Manipur BJP MLA’s House; CM Khemchand Singh Calls Attack ‘Barbaric’Fresh Threat To Kashmiri Pandits: Terror Group ULC Warns Over Reopening Exodus Cases | WatchUS Green Card Wait, USCIS Checks, UK Visas: How Immigration Rules Impact IndiansIndia Plans Javelin Missile Buy From US, Giving Infantry A Battle-Tested Tank-Killing Edge | Watch’Willing & Keen’: Penguin Random House Denies Dropping Sonia Gandhi’s Memoir Over Editorial ChangesGovt Taps EIL For Quality Checks On 5,000 Km Of Road Projects After Modi’s ‘4th-Party Audit’ Jibe469 Dead In Nepal Floods; 3 Bodies Found In Uttar Pradesh; Kathmandu Declines Foreign Rescue TeamsCongress Alleges ₹36,000 Crore ‘Sugar Scam’, Slams Modi Govt Over Festive Price RisePM Modi’s Central Asia Visit: SCO Summit, Uzbekistan Ties, Putin Meet In Focus123PhotostoriesTalking but not dating? 5 signs this connection may be stuck3 simple tips to turn frizzy hair into gorgeous curlsHeart attack in women: 7 things to know as new definition promises better careNo non-stick pan? 5 easy steps to make iron tawa non-stick at homeLymphatic walking: 7 things to know about the viral social media fitness trend, and what the science really says10 vintage baby girl names that still sound fresh today2026 bridal colour trends: The wedding shades every bride will be wearing this yearJungkook style evolution: From bold eyeliner to quiet luxury, how BTS’ star transformed his fashion5 jewellery styling mistakes to avoid with traditional festive outfitsLock Upp 2 fame Akanksha Chamola’s luxurious Mumbai home: Elegant interiors, cosy living room and beautiful mandir123Hot PicksNepal floodUGC NET June 2026 resultCNG Price HikeMumbai milk priceRRB NTPC UG CBT 2 examAnkit Baliyan murderSridhar VembuDelhi murderInflation dataTop TrendingSophie Cunningham CareerChandigarh MurderSamay RainaUdaipur HotelFlorida Car CrashUS Green Card HolderBengal HospitalTamil Nadu Son MurderElon MuskKanpur Aircraft Crash

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File photo: Army personnel continue to remain vigilant and guard the borders of the country across the LoC Security forces along the Line of Control (LoC) in Jammu and Kashmir have been put on high alert after fresh aerial activity originating from across the border was detected in the Rajouri sector.According to inputs from Army sources cited by news agency ANI, an unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) from Pakistan was detected at around 8:05 pm on Friday.The drone was spotted hovering over the general area of Behrooti, which falls under the operational area of responsibility of the 22 Jammu and Kashmir Rifles (22 JAK RIF).Drone tracked towards Mangalnar-Dabrote axisMilitary personnel tracked the UAV as it manoeuvred towards the Mangalnar-Dabrote axis.Alert troops immediately logged the intrusion, following which the entire forward sector was placed under tight aerial and ground surveillance.Security forces have also intensified search operations in adjoining forward areas to check for any possible dropping of contraband or arms.Monitoring along the border remains active, and further official updates are awaited.Similar drone sightings reported along borderThe latest incident comes amid heightened security concerns along the India-Pakistan border and follows other suspected drone sightings reported in Jammu and Kashmir in recent weeks.Earlier this month, security forces launched a search operation after a suspected Pakistani drone was spotted over forward villages along the International Border in Jammu and Kashmir’s Kathua district.The BSF and Jammu and Kashmir Police conducted searches to ensure that no weapons, explosives or other material had been dropped.A suspected Pakistani drone was also spotted in Rajouri’s Sunderbani sector last month, after which security forces carried out a search operation but found nothing suspicious.Join conversationView All Comments →Share your thoughts in the commentsInsightfulAgreeDisagreeSkepticalConcerningPromisingWorth ReadingBig DevelopmentPost CommentBe respectful · TOI community guidelinesEarlier in June, Army personnel opened fire after spotting a Pakistani drone over forward posts in the Balakote sector of Poonch, forcing it to retreat towards Pakistan-occupied Kashmir.Notably, the latest incident also comes days after an unusual increase in Turkish military transport flights to Pakistan raised concerns in Indian defence circles.Open-source flight trackers recorded a surge in Turkish C-130 Hercules and A400M aircraft flights between August 19 and 21, with the planes landing at Pakistani air bases, including Nur Khan, Masroor and Murid.There was speculation in defence circles that the flights may have carried military hardware, including unmanned aerial systems and air-defence equipment, although neither Pakistan nor Turkey officially confirmed the nature or cargo of the operations.The latest Rajouri incident comes as security forces continue to maintain heightened surveillance along forward areas of Jammu and Kashmir.Get the latest India News and Live updates. Download the TOI app.End of ArticleFollow Us On Social MediaVideosB Nagendra Quits Karnataka Cabinet Amid Valmiki Scam Allegations, Calls Charges Politically DrivenBlast Near Manipur BJP MLA’s House; CM Khemchand Singh Calls Attack ‘Barbaric’Fresh Threat To Kashmiri Pandits: Terror Group ULC Warns Over Reopening Exodus Cases | WatchUS Green Card Wait, USCIS Checks, UK Visas: How Immigration Rules Impact IndiansIndia Plans Javelin Missile Buy From US, Giving Infantry A Battle-Tested Tank-Killing Edge | Watch’Willing & Keen’: Penguin Random House Denies Dropping Sonia Gandhi’s Memoir Over Editorial ChangesGovt Taps EIL For Quality Checks On 5,000 Km Of Road Projects After Modi’s ‘4th-Party Audit’ Jibe469 Dead In Nepal Floods; 3 Bodies Found In Uttar Pradesh; Kathmandu Declines Foreign Rescue TeamsCongress Alleges ₹36,000 Crore ‘Sugar Scam’, Slams Modi Govt Over Festive Price RisePM Modi’s Central Asia Visit: SCO Summit, Uzbekistan Ties, Putin Meet In Focus123PhotostoriesLymphatic walking: 7 things to know about the viral social media fitness trend, and what the science really says10 vintage baby girl names that still sound fresh today2026 bridal colour trends: The wedding shades every bride will be wearing this yearJungkook style evolution: From bold eyeliner to quiet luxury, how BTS’ star transformed his fashion5 jewellery styling mistakes to avoid with traditional festive outfitsLock Upp 2 fame Akanksha Chamola’s luxurious Mumbai home: Elegant interiors, cosy living room and beautiful mandirH1N1 Or COVID-19? Symptoms may look the same, but the diagnosis can mean a very different treatment approachMakeup not lasting all day? Here’s why your base melts by noonThe ‘ick’ explained: 7 reasons attraction between partners can suddenly disappear (and how to bring the spark back)5 reasons people pull away even when they have feelings123Hot PicksNepal floodUPTET Result 2026Sunny LeoneKerala name changeRRB NTPC UG CBT 2 examAnkit Baliyan murderSridhar VembuDelhi murderNEET PG 2026 admit cardTop TrendingAnkit Balyan MurderChandigarh MurderSamay RainaUdaipur HotelFlorida Car CrashUS Green Card HolderBengal HospitalTamil Nadu Son MurderElon MuskKanpur Aircraft Crash

File photo: Army personnel continue to remain vigilant and guard the borders of the country across the LoC Security forces along the Line of Control (LoC) in Jammu and Kashmir have been put on high alert after fresh aerial activity originating from across the border was detected in the Rajouri sector.According to inputs from Army sources cited by news agency ANI, an unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) from Pakistan was detected at around 8:05 pm on Friday.The drone was spotted hovering over the general area of Behrooti, which falls under the operational area of responsibility of the 22 Jammu and Kashmir Rifles (22 JAK RIF).Drone tracked towards Mangalnar-Dabrote axisMilitary personnel tracked the UAV as it manoeuvred towards the Mangalnar-Dabrote axis.Alert troops immediately logged the intrusion, following which the entire forward sector was placed under tight aerial and ground surveillance.Security forces have also intensified search operations in adjoining forward areas to check for any possible dropping of contraband or arms.Monitoring along the border remains active, and further official updates are awaited.Similar drone sightings reported along borderThe latest incident comes amid heightened security concerns along the India-Pakistan border and follows other suspected drone sightings reported in Jammu and Kashmir in recent weeks.Earlier this month, security forces launched a search operation after a suspected Pakistani drone was spotted over forward villages along the International Border in Jammu and Kashmir’s Kathua district.The BSF and Jammu and Kashmir Police conducted searches to ensure that no weapons, explosives or other material had been dropped.A suspected Pakistani drone was also spotted in Rajouri’s Sunderbani sector last month, after which security forces carried out a search operation but found nothing suspicious.Join conversationView All Comments →Share your thoughts in the commentsInsightfulAgreeDisagreeSkepticalConcerningPromisingWorth ReadingBig DevelopmentPost CommentBe respectful · TOI community guidelinesEarlier in June, Army personnel opened fire after spotting a Pakistani drone over forward posts in the Balakote sector of Poonch, forcing it to retreat towards Pakistan-occupied Kashmir.Notably, the latest incident also comes days after an unusual increase in Turkish military transport flights to Pakistan raised concerns in Indian defence circles.Open-source flight trackers recorded a surge in Turkish C-130 Hercules and A400M aircraft flights between August 19 and 21, with the planes landing at Pakistani air bases, including Nur Khan, Masroor and Murid.There was speculation in defence circles that the flights may have carried military hardware, including unmanned aerial systems and air-defence equipment, although neither Pakistan nor Turkey officially confirmed the nature or cargo of the operations.The latest Rajouri incident comes as security forces continue to maintain heightened surveillance along forward areas of Jammu and Kashmir.Get the latest India News and Live updates. Download the TOI app.End of ArticleFollow Us On Social MediaVideosB Nagendra Quits Karnataka Cabinet Amid Valmiki Scam Allegations, Calls Charges Politically DrivenBlast Near Manipur BJP MLA’s House; CM Khemchand Singh Calls Attack ‘Barbaric’Fresh Threat To Kashmiri Pandits: Terror Group ULC Warns Over Reopening Exodus Cases | WatchUS Green Card Wait, USCIS Checks, UK Visas: How Immigration Rules Impact IndiansIndia Plans Javelin Missile Buy From US, Giving Infantry A Battle-Tested Tank-Killing Edge | Watch’Willing & Keen’: Penguin Random House Denies Dropping Sonia Gandhi’s Memoir Over Editorial ChangesGovt Taps EIL For Quality Checks On 5,000 Km Of Road Projects After Modi’s ‘4th-Party Audit’ Jibe469 Dead In Nepal Floods; 3 Bodies Found In Uttar Pradesh; Kathmandu Declines Foreign Rescue TeamsCongress Alleges ₹36,000 Crore ‘Sugar Scam’, Slams Modi Govt Over Festive Price RisePM Modi’s Central Asia Visit: SCO Summit, Uzbekistan Ties, Putin Meet In Focus123PhotostoriesLymphatic walking: 7 things to know about the viral social media fitness trend, and what the science really says10 vintage baby girl names that still sound fresh today2026 bridal colour trends: The wedding shades every bride will be wearing this yearJungkook style evolution: From bold eyeliner to quiet luxury, how BTS’ star transformed his fashion5 jewellery styling mistakes to avoid with traditional festive outfitsLock Upp 2 fame Akanksha Chamola’s luxurious Mumbai home: Elegant interiors, cosy living room and beautiful mandirH1N1 Or COVID-19? Symptoms may look the same, but the diagnosis can mean a very different treatment approachMakeup not lasting all day? Here’s why your base melts by noonThe ‘ick’ explained: 7 reasons attraction between partners can suddenly disappear (and how to bring the spark back)5 reasons people pull away even when they have feelings123Hot PicksNepal floodUPTET Result 2026Sunny LeoneKerala name changeRRB NTPC UG CBT 2 examAnkit Baliyan murderSridhar VembuDelhi murderNEET PG 2026 admit cardTop TrendingAnkit Balyan MurderChandigarh MurderSamay RainaUdaipur HotelFlorida Car CrashUS Green Card HolderBengal HospitalTamil Nadu Son MurderElon MuskKanpur Aircraft Crash

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Controversy erupts as Penguin Random House India reportedly pulls out of Sonia Gandhi memoir deal, Congress calls it “murder of democracy.” NEW DELHI: A controversy has erupted over the Indian publication of Sonia Gandhi’s memoir ‘Belonging’, with Penguin Random House India (PRHI) reportedly pulling out of the deal following differences with the former Congress president over certain suggested edits.Calling it a “murder of democracy”, Congress functionary Ashok Gehlot alleged that “pressure was put on Penguin India to remove the portions related to Narendra Modi, RSS and China’s occupation of Indian territory during Modi’s rule”.Penguin, for its part, issued a carefully worded statement saying: “PRHI is not the publisher of ‘Belonging’ in India. Any suggestion that PRHI decided not to publish it because the author declined editorial changes does not accurately reflect the circumstances.” The publishing house, however, defended its “prerogative and responsibility” to fact-check manuscripts and make recommendations to authors. It also said it remained “willing and keen” to publish the book. Earlier this year, PRHI stopped the distribution of cartoonist Joe Sacco’s ‘The Once and Future Riot’, on the Muzaffarnagar riots.Interestingly, the US publisher of the memoir, Alfred A Knopf, is also a division of Penguin Random House. The international launch of ‘Belonging: A Journey in Love’, featuring a photo of a young Sonia on its cover, is scheduled for Nov 10. There is a question mark over who the Indian rights of ‘Belonging’ belong to, but the buzz is that HarperCollins may bag them.Join conversationView All Comments →Share your thoughts in the commentsInsightfulAgreeDisagreeSkepticalConcerningPromisingWorth ReadingBig DevelopmentPost CommentBe respectful · TOI community guidelinesGehlot also questioned why PRHI wanted changes to the Indian edition if Knopf was ready to publish the book worldwide in its original form. “What is the reason or what pressure is there that what is being published across the world cannot be published in India?” he asked. “Why is this truth being hidden from the people of India? Will the Modi govt alter even the facts by pressuring publishers?” he added.Gehlot said the integrity and dignity with which Sonia had served the country were exemplary. “Suppressing the book of a person of such stature, a senior leader of the nation, and former leader of the opposition, is tantamount to the murder of freedom of expression,” he said.Deputy leader of the opposition in Lok Sabha Gaurav Gogoi said, “No doubt there are those in the BJP govt who have now become afraid of a book being read by the people of India.”Congress, from its official social media handle to frontal organisations such as Seva Dal, lashed out at what it called the BJP’s attempt to sabotage the book of a senior national figure.Get the latest India News and Live updates. Download the TOI app.Here are more Raksha Bandhan wishes, Bhadra kaal and Shubh Muhurat from The Times of India.End of ArticleFollow Us On Social MediaVideosB Nagendra Quits Karnataka Cabinet Amid Valmiki Scam Allegations, Calls Charges Politically DrivenBlast Near Manipur BJP MLA’s House; CM Khemchand Singh Calls Attack ‘Barbaric’Fresh Threat To Kashmiri Pandits: Terror Group ULC Warns Over Reopening Exodus Cases | WatchUS Green Card Wait, USCIS Checks, UK Visas: How Immigration Rules Impact IndiansIndia Plans Javelin Missile Buy From US, Giving Infantry A Battle-Tested Tank-Killing Edge | Watch’Willing & Keen’: Penguin Random House Denies Dropping Sonia Gandhi’s Memoir Over Editorial ChangesGovt Taps EIL For Quality Checks On 5,000 Km Of Road Projects After Modi’s ‘4th-Party Audit’ Jibe469 Dead In Nepal Floods; 3 Bodies Found In Uttar Pradesh; Kathmandu Declines Foreign Rescue TeamsCongress Alleges ₹36,000 Crore ‘Sugar Scam’, Slams Modi Govt Over Festive Price RisePM Modi’s Central Asia Visit: SCO Summit, Uzbekistan Ties, Putin Meet In Focus123Photostories10 vintage baby girl names that still sound fresh todayJungkook style evolution: From bold eyeliner to quiet luxury, how BTS’ star transformed his fashion5 jewellery styling mistakes to avoid with traditional festive outfitsLock Upp 2 fame Akanksha Chamola’s luxurious Mumbai home: Elegant interiors, cosy living room and beautiful mandirH1N1 Or COVID-19? Symptoms may look the same, but the diagnosis can mean a very different treatment approachMakeup not lasting all day? Here’s why your base melts by noonThe ‘ick’ explained: 7 reasons attraction between partners can suddenly disappear (and how to bring the spark back)5 reasons people pull away even when they have feelings7 signs you like the idea of a romantic relationship more than your partnerCuff too tight, legs crossed or talking? Cardiologist reveals 5 home BP mistakes that can alter readings123Hot PicksNepal floodUPTET Result 2026Sunny LeoneKerala name changeRRB NTPC UG CBT 2 examAnkit Baliyan murderSridhar VembuDelhi murderNEET PG 2026 admit cardTop TrendingAnkit Balyan MurderChandigarh MurderSamay RainaUdaipur HotelFlorida Car CrashUS Green Card HolderBengal HospitalTamil Nadu Son MurderElon MuskKanpur Aircraft Crash

Controversy erupts as Penguin Random House India reportedly pulls out of Sonia Gandhi memoir deal, Congress calls it “murder of democracy.” NEW DELHI: A controversy has erupted over the Indian publication of Sonia Gandhi’s memoir ‘Belonging’, with Penguin Random House India (PRHI) reportedly pulling out of the deal following differences with the former Congress president over certain suggested edits.Calling it a “murder of democracy”, Congress functionary Ashok Gehlot alleged that “pressure was put on Penguin India to remove the portions related to Narendra Modi, RSS and China’s occupation of Indian territory during Modi’s rule”.Penguin, for its part, issued a carefully worded statement saying: “PRHI is not the publisher of ‘Belonging’ in India. Any suggestion that PRHI decided not to publish it because the author declined editorial changes does not accurately reflect the circumstances.” The publishing house, however, defended its “prerogative and responsibility” to fact-check manuscripts and make recommendations to authors. It also said it remained “willing and keen” to publish the book. Earlier this year, PRHI stopped the distribution of cartoonist Joe Sacco’s ‘The Once and Future Riot’, on the Muzaffarnagar riots.Interestingly, the US publisher of the memoir, Alfred A Knopf, is also a division of Penguin Random House. The international launch of ‘Belonging: A Journey in Love’, featuring a photo of a young Sonia on its cover, is scheduled for Nov 10. There is a question mark over who the Indian rights of ‘Belonging’ belong to, but the buzz is that HarperCollins may bag them.Join conversationView All Comments →Share your thoughts in the commentsInsightfulAgreeDisagreeSkepticalConcerningPromisingWorth ReadingBig DevelopmentPost CommentBe respectful · TOI community guidelinesGehlot also questioned why PRHI wanted changes to the Indian edition if Knopf was ready to publish the book worldwide in its original form. “What is the reason or what pressure is there that what is being published across the world cannot be published in India?” he asked. “Why is this truth being hidden from the people of India? Will the Modi govt alter even the facts by pressuring publishers?” he added.Gehlot said the integrity and dignity with which Sonia had served the country were exemplary. “Suppressing the book of a person of such stature, a senior leader of the nation, and former leader of the opposition, is tantamount to the murder of freedom of expression,” he said.Deputy leader of the opposition in Lok Sabha Gaurav Gogoi said, “No doubt there are those in the BJP govt who have now become afraid of a book being read by the people of India.”Congress, from its official social media handle to frontal organisations such as Seva Dal, lashed out at what it called the BJP’s attempt to sabotage the book of a senior national figure.Get the latest India News and Live updates. Download the TOI app.Here are more Raksha Bandhan wishes, Bhadra kaal and Shubh Muhurat from The Times of India.End of ArticleFollow Us On Social MediaVideosB Nagendra Quits Karnataka Cabinet Amid Valmiki Scam Allegations, Calls Charges Politically DrivenBlast Near Manipur BJP MLA’s House; CM Khemchand Singh Calls Attack ‘Barbaric’Fresh Threat To Kashmiri Pandits: Terror Group ULC Warns Over Reopening Exodus Cases | WatchUS Green Card Wait, USCIS Checks, UK Visas: How Immigration Rules Impact IndiansIndia Plans Javelin Missile Buy From US, Giving Infantry A Battle-Tested Tank-Killing Edge | Watch’Willing & Keen’: Penguin Random House Denies Dropping Sonia Gandhi’s Memoir Over Editorial ChangesGovt Taps EIL For Quality Checks On 5,000 Km Of Road Projects After Modi’s ‘4th-Party Audit’ Jibe469 Dead In Nepal Floods; 3 Bodies Found In Uttar Pradesh; Kathmandu Declines Foreign Rescue TeamsCongress Alleges ₹36,000 Crore ‘Sugar Scam’, Slams Modi Govt Over Festive Price RisePM Modi’s Central Asia Visit: SCO Summit, Uzbekistan Ties, Putin Meet In Focus123Photostories10 vintage baby girl names that still sound fresh todayJungkook style evolution: From bold eyeliner to quiet luxury, how BTS’ star transformed his fashion5 jewellery styling mistakes to avoid with traditional festive outfitsLock Upp 2 fame Akanksha Chamola’s luxurious Mumbai home: Elegant interiors, cosy living room and beautiful mandirH1N1 Or COVID-19? Symptoms may look the same, but the diagnosis can mean a very different treatment approachMakeup not lasting all day? Here’s why your base melts by noonThe ‘ick’ explained: 7 reasons attraction between partners can suddenly disappear (and how to bring the spark back)5 reasons people pull away even when they have feelings7 signs you like the idea of a romantic relationship more than your partnerCuff too tight, legs crossed or talking? Cardiologist reveals 5 home BP mistakes that can alter readings123Hot PicksNepal floodUPTET Result 2026Sunny LeoneKerala name changeRRB NTPC UG CBT 2 examAnkit Baliyan murderSridhar VembuDelhi murderNEET PG 2026 admit cardTop TrendingAnkit Balyan MurderChandigarh MurderSamay RainaUdaipur HotelFlorida Car CrashUS Green Card HolderBengal HospitalTamil Nadu Son MurderElon MuskKanpur Aircraft Crash

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The panel, headed by Infosys co-founder Nandan Nilekani, was announced by PM Modi last month. NEW DELHI: The high-powered task force set up by Centre to overhaul India’s public examination system opened a nationwide consultation on Friday, seeking suggestions from students, parents, teachers and other stakeholders on making high-stakes tests more secure, transparent and student-friendly.The panel, headed by Infosys co-founder and technology expert Nandan Nilekani, was announced by Prime Minister Narendra Modi last month amid heightened scrutiny of the examination system following NEET-UG paper leak controversy and youth protests over alleged lapses in the test’s conduct.The announcement had come a day after Centre accepted the demands raised by the youth-led CJP, whose protests over NEET leak included calls for then education minister Dharmendra Pradhan’s resignation and withdrawal of FIRs against protesters. “The High-Powered Task Force (HPTF) on Reforms in Public Examinations wants to hear from students, parents, teachers — every citizen,” a senior official said on Friday.The task force’s mandate “to examine and recommend comprehensive reforms relating to conduct, security, design and governance of public examinations, including examinations conducted by National Testing Agency (NTA), the ministry of personnel said. HPTF, which seeks “to benefit from the experience, knowledge and perspectives of stakeholders”, said the suggestions may dwell on the conduct and security of public exams as well as the examination design and assessment methodology.Stakeholders may give inputs on better governance, accountability and institutional arrangements; as also systems to prevent, detect and redress examination malpractices, the ministry said. The public consultation will remain open till Sept 13, with citizens allowed to send suggestions through WhatsApp, a dedicated website, email and a toll-free number.Officials said the task force is examining reforms across the examination chain — from institutional processes and question-paper security to use of technology and strengthening of examination infrastructure.It will also look at measures to improve accessibility and inclusion, while factoring in student well-being during the examination process.“The objective is to develop a public examination system that is robust, secure, transparent, equitable and future-ready,” the official said. The exercise assumes significance after repeated controversies surrounding national-level entrance and eligibility examinations raised questions over paper security, examination management and the ability of testing agencies to respond quickly to irregularities.Join conversationView All Comments →Share your thoughts in the commentsInsightfulAgreeDisagreeSkepticalConcerningPromisingWorth ReadingBig DevelopmentPost CommentBe respectful · TOI community guidelines Apart from Nilekani, the task force includes former Isro chairperson S Somanath, former Intelligence bureau director Tapan Deka, IIT Madras director V Kamakoti, former education secretary Anita Karwal and logistics expert Amrit Lal Meena.The panel is expected to recommend both immediate safeguards and longer-term structural changes in the way public examinations are designed, administered and secured.Get the latest India News and Live updates. Download the TOI app.Here are more Raksha Bandhan wishes, Bhadra kaal and Shubh Muhurat from The Times of India.About the AuthorBharti JainBharti Jain is senior editor with The Times of India, New Delhi. She has been writing on security matters since 1996. Having covered the Union home ministry, security agencies, Election Commission and the ‘prime’ political beat, the Congress, for The Economic Times all these years, she moved to TOI in August 2012. Her repertoire of news stories delves into the whole gamut of issues related to terrorism and internal strife, besides probing strategic affairs in India’s neighbourhood.Read MoreEnd of ArticleFollow Us On Social MediaVideosB Nagendra Quits Karnataka Cabinet Amid Valmiki Scam Allegations, Calls Charges Politically DrivenBlast Near Manipur BJP MLA’s House; CM Khemchand Singh Calls Attack ‘Barbaric’Fresh Threat To Kashmiri Pandits: Terror Group ULC Warns Over Reopening Exodus Cases | WatchUS Green Card Wait, USCIS Checks, UK Visas: How Immigration Rules Impact IndiansIndia Plans Javelin Missile Buy From US, Giving Infantry A Battle-Tested Tank-Killing Edge | Watch’Willing & Keen’: Penguin Random House Denies Dropping Sonia Gandhi’s Memoir Over Editorial ChangesGovt Taps EIL For Quality Checks On 5,000 Km Of Road Projects After Modi’s ‘4th-Party Audit’ Jibe469 Dead In Nepal Floods; 3 Bodies Found In Uttar Pradesh; Kathmandu Declines Foreign Rescue TeamsCongress Alleges ₹36,000 Crore ‘Sugar Scam’, Slams Modi Govt Over Festive Price RisePM Modi’s Central Asia Visit: SCO Summit, Uzbekistan Ties, Putin Meet In Focus123Photostories10 vintage baby girl names that still sound fresh todayJungkook style evolution: From bold eyeliner to quiet luxury, how BTS’ star transformed his fashion5 jewellery styling mistakes to avoid with traditional festive outfitsLock Upp 2 fame Akanksha Chamola’s luxurious Mumbai home: Elegant interiors, cosy living room and beautiful mandirH1N1 Or COVID-19? Symptoms may look the same, but the diagnosis can mean a very different treatment approachMakeup not lasting all day? Here’s why your base melts by noonThe ‘ick’ explained: 7 reasons attraction between partners can suddenly disappear (and how to bring the spark back)5 reasons people pull away even when they have feelings7 signs you like the idea of a romantic relationship more than your partnerCuff too tight, legs crossed or talking? Cardiologist reveals 5 home BP mistakes that can alter readings123Hot PicksNepal floodUPTET Result 2026Sunny LeoneKerala name changeRRB NTPC UG CBT 2 examAnkit Baliyan murderSridhar VembuDelhi murderNEET PG 2026 admit cardTop TrendingAnkit Balyan MurderChandigarh MurderSamay RainaUdaipur HotelFlorida Car CrashUS Green Card HolderBengal HospitalTamil Nadu Son MurderElon MuskKanpur Aircraft Crash

The panel, headed by Infosys co-founder Nandan Nilekani, was announced by PM Modi last month. NEW DELHI: The high-powered task force set up by Centre to overhaul India’s public examination system opened a nationwide consultation on Friday, seeking suggestions from students, parents, teachers and other stakeholders on making high-stakes tests more secure, transparent and student-friendly.The panel, headed by Infosys co-founder and technology expert Nandan Nilekani, was announced by Prime Minister Narendra Modi last month amid heightened scrutiny of the examination system following NEET-UG paper leak controversy and youth protests over alleged lapses in the test’s conduct.The announcement had come a day after Centre accepted the demands raised by the youth-led CJP, whose protests over NEET leak included calls for then education minister Dharmendra Pradhan’s resignation and withdrawal of FIRs against protesters. “The High-Powered Task Force (HPTF) on Reforms in Public Examinations wants to hear from students, parents, teachers — every citizen,” a senior official said on Friday.The task force’s mandate “to examine and recommend comprehensive reforms relating to conduct, security, design and governance of public examinations, including examinations conducted by National Testing Agency (NTA), the ministry of personnel said. HPTF, which seeks “to benefit from the experience, knowledge and perspectives of stakeholders”, said the suggestions may dwell on the conduct and security of public exams as well as the examination design and assessment methodology.Stakeholders may give inputs on better governance, accountability and institutional arrangements; as also systems to prevent, detect and redress examination malpractices, the ministry said. The public consultation will remain open till Sept 13, with citizens allowed to send suggestions through WhatsApp, a dedicated website, email and a toll-free number.Officials said the task force is examining reforms across the examination chain — from institutional processes and question-paper security to use of technology and strengthening of examination infrastructure.It will also look at measures to improve accessibility and inclusion, while factoring in student well-being during the examination process.“The objective is to develop a public examination system that is robust, secure, transparent, equitable and future-ready,” the official said. The exercise assumes significance after repeated controversies surrounding national-level entrance and eligibility examinations raised questions over paper security, examination management and the ability of testing agencies to respond quickly to irregularities.Join conversationView All Comments →Share your thoughts in the commentsInsightfulAgreeDisagreeSkepticalConcerningPromisingWorth ReadingBig DevelopmentPost CommentBe respectful · TOI community guidelines Apart from Nilekani, the task force includes former Isro chairperson S Somanath, former Intelligence bureau director Tapan Deka, IIT Madras director V Kamakoti, former education secretary Anita Karwal and logistics expert Amrit Lal Meena.The panel is expected to recommend both immediate safeguards and longer-term structural changes in the way public examinations are designed, administered and secured.Get the latest India News and Live updates. Download the TOI app.Here are more Raksha Bandhan wishes, Bhadra kaal and Shubh Muhurat from The Times of India.About the AuthorBharti JainBharti Jain is senior editor with The Times of India, New Delhi. She has been writing on security matters since 1996. Having covered the Union home ministry, security agencies, Election Commission and the ‘prime’ political beat, the Congress, for The Economic Times all these years, she moved to TOI in August 2012. Her repertoire of news stories delves into the whole gamut of issues related to terrorism and internal strife, besides probing strategic affairs in India’s neighbourhood.Read MoreEnd of ArticleFollow Us On Social MediaVideosB Nagendra Quits Karnataka Cabinet Amid Valmiki Scam Allegations, Calls Charges Politically DrivenBlast Near Manipur BJP MLA’s House; CM Khemchand Singh Calls Attack ‘Barbaric’Fresh Threat To Kashmiri Pandits: Terror Group ULC Warns Over Reopening Exodus Cases | WatchUS Green Card Wait, USCIS Checks, UK Visas: How Immigration Rules Impact IndiansIndia Plans Javelin Missile Buy From US, Giving Infantry A Battle-Tested Tank-Killing Edge | Watch’Willing & Keen’: Penguin Random House Denies Dropping Sonia Gandhi’s Memoir Over Editorial ChangesGovt Taps EIL For Quality Checks On 5,000 Km Of Road Projects After Modi’s ‘4th-Party Audit’ Jibe469 Dead In Nepal Floods; 3 Bodies Found In Uttar Pradesh; Kathmandu Declines Foreign Rescue TeamsCongress Alleges ₹36,000 Crore ‘Sugar Scam’, Slams Modi Govt Over Festive Price RisePM Modi’s Central Asia Visit: SCO Summit, Uzbekistan Ties, Putin Meet In Focus123Photostories10 vintage baby girl names that still sound fresh todayJungkook style evolution: From bold eyeliner to quiet luxury, how BTS’ star transformed his fashion5 jewellery styling mistakes to avoid with traditional festive outfitsLock Upp 2 fame Akanksha Chamola’s luxurious Mumbai home: Elegant interiors, cosy living room and beautiful mandirH1N1 Or COVID-19? Symptoms may look the same, but the diagnosis can mean a very different treatment approachMakeup not lasting all day? Here’s why your base melts by noonThe ‘ick’ explained: 7 reasons attraction between partners can suddenly disappear (and how to bring the spark back)5 reasons people pull away even when they have feelings7 signs you like the idea of a romantic relationship more than your partnerCuff too tight, legs crossed or talking? Cardiologist reveals 5 home BP mistakes that can alter readings123Hot PicksNepal floodUPTET Result 2026Sunny LeoneKerala name changeRRB NTPC UG CBT 2 examAnkit Baliyan murderSridhar VembuDelhi murderNEET PG 2026 admit cardTop TrendingAnkit Balyan MurderChandigarh MurderSamay RainaUdaipur HotelFlorida Car CrashUS Green Card HolderBengal HospitalTamil Nadu Son MurderElon MuskKanpur Aircraft Crash

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