VK News Today https://validator.w3.org/feed/docs/rss2.html Quote of the day from Antonio Banderas: ‘I act on intuition… I will continue doing things the way I have done them my whole life,’ the ‘Zorro’ actor’s insightful look on life about how to trust yourself the most What you see first reveals if you’re a deep thinker or a natural problem-solver How Trump bypassed Iran’s negotiators and used Kurdistan’s Barzani to contact IRGC US deports Indian national Jashandeep Singh after ‘sexually motivated coercion’ conviction | World News Aug 17, 2026, 14:34 IST Wary of risks, Asian refiners want Saudi Aramco’s shipments to be picked outside Red Sea Raja Krishna Menon says Shahid Kapoor might NOT BE INTERESTED in doing Dingko Singh biopic now; Here’s why Anand Mahindra says, “How could this state not be on top of the travel bucket list?” as 5-year-old Yato Wangnao stuns the world with his National Anthem | Palm Signs for Career Growth: Why moving away or switching fields activates your hidden luck Would you eat ketchup that was made from algae but fulfilled your protein intake? Scientists have just created one and they want to see how much algae flavour people will tolerate BJP announces list of office bearers: Smriti Irani, Vasundhara Raje get key roles – check full list A town in the Netherlands will not let you live there unless you grow food on at least half of your land CID raided JSSC and Jharkhand cancelled 14th JPSC and backlog exams as protests entered 24th day with 6 on hunger strike – top developments NEW DELHI: The Jharkhand recruitment exam row intensified on Monday as the state CID raided the Jharkhand Staff Selection Commission (JSSC) office in Ranchi. Protesting job aspirants are also set to hold another round of talks with the state government. The agitation, led by the JPSC-JSSC Reforms Manch, has now continued on for 24 days, with protesters demanding a CBI probe into alleged irregularities and cancellation of the JSSC-CGL examination.CID raids JSSC officeThe Jharkhand CID on Monday began raids at the JSSC office in Ranchi as part of its investigation into alleged irregularities in various recruitment examinations.CID ADG Manoj Kaushik told PTI that the searches were being conducted in connection with the allegations. The state probe agency has so far arrested 20 people in the case, including former JPSC chairman L Khiangte.Fresh talks with protesting studentsA delegation of protesting JPSC-JSSC candidates was scheduled to meet the state government’s committee for another round of talks. This is the seventh round of discussions between the two sides, with earlier meetings failing to break the deadlock.The protesters have been demanding comprehensive reforms in the JPSC and JSSC recruitment systems, a CBI probe into alleged irregularities and cancellation of the JSSC-CGL examination. Six protesters continue to remain on hunger strike.Government says 14th JPSC, backlog exams will be cancelledJharkhand minister Dipika Pandey Singh said the government would cancel the 14th JPSC examination and backlog examinations.She also said the government would write to the Enforcement Directorate to investigate alleged financial misappropriation, while the CID probe would be monitored by the judiciary. Pandey said the government was committed to reforms aimed at safeguarding the future of students.Singh and Irfan Ansari said the government remained committed to addressing the students’ demands through dialogue.Ansari accused the BJP of attempting to “hijack” the student movement, while Pandey alleged that the opposition was using the protesters to target the state government. The BJP, meanwhile, has backed the students’ demand for a CBI probe and criticised the government’s handling of the agitation.Rahul Gandhi asks Soren to meet protestersCongress leader Rahul Gandhi has urged chief minister Hemant Soren to personally meet representatives of the protesting students and take steps to resolve their remaining concerns.In a letter dated August 14, Rahul described the students’ protest as peaceful and their demands as legitimate. He also backed the right to peaceful protest and said Congress stood with students raising concerns over paper leaks and irregularities in the education system.Congress is part of the ruling JMM-led alliance in Jharkhand.Also read: Rahul Gandhi writes to ally Hemant Soren over Jharkhand student protestsCongress backs students, urges quick resolutionJharkhand Congress in-charge K Raju said Rahul Gandhi and the party stood firmly with the protesting job aspirants and urged Soren to resolve the issue at the earliest.Raju said Congress leaders had met the chief minister and appealed to him to address the students’ concerns. He said the four-member committee appointed by Soren would hold another meeting with the protesters on Monday.Protesters remain firm on key demandsThe protesters have said they will not call off the agitation unless the government takes concrete action on their demands.The JPSC-JSSC Reforms Manch has also called for broader changes in the recruitment system. The protesters had earlier announced plans to gherao the chief minister’s residence on August 20 and appealed to students from across Jharkhand to gather in Ranchi.The agitation intensified on August 10 when thousands of job aspirants marched towards the Jharkhand Assembly in Ranchi. Police used lathi-charge, tear gas and water cannons to disperse protesters after they breached barricades, according to reports.The confrontation further escalated the standoff between the student groups and the state government.Join conversationView All Comments →Share your thoughts in the commentsInsightfulAgreeDisagreeSkepticalConcerningPromisingWorth ReadingBig DevelopmentPost CommentBe respectful · TOI community guidelinesThe agitation has now entered its 24th consecutive day, with six protesters still on hunger strike. The protesters have indicated that they will continue the stir unless the government’s assurances translate into concrete action.Student leader Devendra Mahto, who has now been on hunger-strike for 15 days, says he hopes that fresh rounds of talks with the state government would bring positive results.With the latest talks taking place against the backdrop of the CID raids and growing political pressure, Monday’s discussions could prove crucial in determining whether the prolonged standoff finally moves towards a resolution.Government announces recruitment reformsThe Jharkhand government has announced several measures aimed at making recruitment examinations more transparent and secure. These include a time-bound annual examination calendar, technology-secured examinations, timely publication of answer keys and OMR sheets, and multi-level accountability in the recruitment process.The government has also launched a consultation seeking suggestions from students, teachers, educationists and parents on reforms to the examination system.Get the latest India News and Live updates. Download the TOI app.About the AuthorTOI News DeskThe TOI News Desk comprises a dedicated and tireless team of journalists who operate around the clock to deliver the most current and comprehensive news and updates to the readers of The Times of India worldwide. With an unwavering commitment to excellence in journalism, our team is at the forefront of gathering, verifying, and presenting breaking news, in-depth analysis, and insightful reports on a wide range of topics. The TOI News Desk is your trusted source for staying informed and connected to the ever-evolving global landscape, ensuring that our readers are equipped with the latest developments that matter most.”Read MoreEnd of ArticleFollow Us On Social MediaVideos‘Personally Meet Students’: Rahul Gandhi Writes To CM Hemant Soren Over Jharkhand Protests7 Charred To Death, Several Injured In Fire At Hotel Near Tarapith Temple In Bengal’s Birbhum‘Electric Pole Fell’: 7 Women Dead, Many Injured In Stampede At Temple In Bihar’s Lakhisarai‘Only These…’: Rijiju Shares 3 Categories Of ‘Dimagi Naxals’ After Oppn’s Attack On PM Modi‘Process Vitiated…’: Bangladesh Links Tarique Rahman’s India Visit To Sheikh Hasina Extradition‘Will Never Be Forgiven’: Amit Shah Slams Sonia Gandhi; BJP Lodges Complaint Over Vande Mataram RowAir India Express Passenger Booked After Pistol Goes Off At Varanasi Airport During Security Check‘Derogatory’: PM Modi’s ‘Dimaagi Naxals’ Remark Triggers Row; Congress, CJP, Left Parties Hit BackActivist Devendra Mahto Stopped From Tiranga March As Jharkhand Student Protest Escalates On I-Day‘Came From The Top’: Mahua Moitra Alleges Late-Night Pressure, Seeks Speaker Om Birla’s Intervention123PhotostoriesOptical illusion personality test: What you see first reveals if you’re a deep thinker or a natural problem-solver5 investments that matter more than expensive toys for your child: From books to conversations, give them what money can’t buyGeorgina Rodríguez’s white Gucci skirt suit became the real showstopper at her wedding to Cristiano RonaldoFrom Himanshi Khurana to Rakhi Sawant: Bigg Boss contestants who claimed to experience paranormal activities inside the houseRaising boys differently: 4 things every Indian mother can normalise at home to help change societyShe thought it was gas after dinner for 2 years; tests finally revealed a serious heart problem, doctor explains8 protein-rich breakfast dishes you can make with kala chana6 signs your spices have lost their freshness and how to revive themCan you spray vinegar in your microwave? 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Here’s why this simple hack may come in handy | Maera Mishra Pregnancy Announcement: Bhagya Lakshmi fame Maera Mishra and husband Rajul Yadav announce pregnancy; actress flaunts baby bump ‘Vishwanth and Sons’ Box Office Collection Day 4 (Live): Suriya starrer sees decent Monday run; India net nears Rs 60 crore 10 germiest things in hospitals and doctor’s offices you should think twice before touching Where to Keep a Money Plant for Instant Wealth & Financial Growth According to Vastu Matrimonial site promised 100 matches, delivered 51; Kerala panel orders Rs 15,000 refund In 1997, a New Zealand teacher began planting a windswept coastal paddock with Year 9 students; 29 years later, 12,425 plants have turned it into native habitat NEW DELHI: The Supreme Court on Monday directed the special investigation team (SIT) to file a status report on the progress made in the Ram Temple donation theft probe and take the investigation to a logical conclusion.A bench CJI Surya Kant and justices Joymalya Bagchi and V Mohana asked the SIT to take the probe to a logical conclusion and objectively consider any suggestions made by the litigants.The bench said after examining the report of the SIT, the court may issue certain directions for reforms in the management of donations made by the devotees visiting the Ram temple.While hearing petitions in the case, the apex court told the litigants that the SIT would consider only suggestions aimed at ensuring transparency and qualitative improvement in the probe.On July 27, the top court took note of the setting up of the four-member SIT headed by IGP Kiran S to probe the alleged embezzlement of donations at the Ram temple.The bench observed that “remedial actions will have to be taken” and said steps would be taken to “ensure transparency”.Join conversationView All Comments →Share your thoughts in the commentsInsightfulAgreeDisagreeSkepticalConcerningPromisingWorth ReadingBig DevelopmentPost CommentBe respectful · TOI community guidelinesIt also directed the SIT to submit a status report within two weeks.On July 20, the bench had asked the Uttar Pradesh government to apprise it about the possibility of setting up an SIT to probe the alleged embezzlement of donations.Earlier, on July 13, the bench had directed the Uttar Pradesh Police to submit a status report on the matter.The court had also issued notice to the Shri Ram Janmabhoomi Teerth Kshetra Trust on pleas seeking a fair and time-bound probe into the alleged donation theft.The pleas were filed after allegations of irregularities in the management of temple donations surfaced. Several petitioners, including RJD MP Sudhakar Singh, have sought a CBI probe and forensic audit of the temple trust’s finances. PTIGet the latest India News and Live updates. Download the TOI app.About the AuthorTOI News DeskThe TOI News Desk comprises a dedicated and tireless team of journalists who operate around the clock to deliver the most current and comprehensive news and updates to the readers of The Times of India worldwide. With an unwavering commitment to excellence in journalism, our team is at the forefront of gathering, verifying, and presenting breaking news, in-depth analysis, and insightful reports on a wide range of topics. The TOI News Desk is your trusted source for staying informed and connected to the ever-evolving global landscape, ensuring that our readers are equipped with the latest developments that matter most.”Read MoreEnd of ArticleFollow Us On Social MediaVideos‘Personally Meet Students’: Rahul Gandhi Writes To CM Hemant Soren Over Jharkhand Protests7 Charred To Death, Several Injured In Fire At Hotel Near Tarapith Temple In Bengal’s Birbhum‘Electric Pole Fell’: 7 Women Dead, Many Injured In Stampede At Temple In Bihar’s Lakhisarai‘Only These…’: Rijiju Shares 3 Categories Of ‘Dimagi Naxals’ After Oppn’s Attack On PM Modi‘Process Vitiated…’: Bangladesh Links Tarique Rahman’s India Visit To Sheikh Hasina Extradition‘Will Never Be Forgiven’: Amit Shah Slams Sonia Gandhi; BJP Lodges Complaint Over Vande Mataram RowAir India Express Passenger Booked After Pistol Goes Off At Varanasi Airport During Security Check‘Derogatory’: PM Modi’s ‘Dimaagi Naxals’ Remark Triggers Row; Congress, CJP, Left Parties Hit BackActivist Devendra Mahto Stopped From Tiranga March As Jharkhand Student Protest Escalates On I-Day‘Came From The Top’: Mahua Moitra Alleges Late-Night Pressure, Seeks Speaker Om Birla’s Intervention123Photostories5 investments that matter more than expensive toys for your child: From books to conversations, give them what money can’t buyGeorgina Rodríguez’s white Gucci skirt suit became the real showstopper at her wedding to Cristiano RonaldoFrom Himanshi Khurana to Rakhi Sawant: Bigg Boss contestants who claimed to experience paranormal activities inside the houseRaising boys differently: 4 things every Indian mother can normalise at home to help change societyShe thought it was gas after dinner for 2 years; tests finally revealed a serious heart problem, doctor explains8 protein-rich breakfast dishes you can make with kala chana6 signs your spices have lost their freshness and how to revive themCan you spray vinegar in your microwave? 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It is important that people look forward to coming to work in the morning and enjoy working. 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Some barricades reportedly broke as the crowd surged, leaving several devotees injured.The injured were taken to Charak Hospital for treatment, while Ujjain Collector and Superintendent of Police reached the spot and took charge of the situation.However, the temple administration denied that any chaos or stampede had occurred inside the temple and said devotees were continuing to have darshan without disruption.Temple administration denies stampedeMahakal Temple administrator Pratham Kaushik told ANI that darshan at the Nagchandreshwar Temple was continuing smoothly despite the unusually large crowd.”On the occasion of Nag Panchami, darshan at Nag Chandreshwar Mandir at Shri Mahakaleshwar Mandir is continuously going on…So, it is important to clarify that no chaos or any such incident has occurred at the temple. All devotees are having darshan at the temple seamlessly. Due to Nag Panchami and Sawan Somvar today, a massive number of devotees had darshan today. Till 12 noon today, more than 6 lakh devotees had darshan of Bhagwan Nag Chandreshwar and more than 2 lakh devotees had darshan of Lord Shri Mahakaleshwar. All devotees have been provided every possible facilities by the temple administration. Darshan continues at the temple.”The temple administration said the large turnout was linked to Nag Panchami coinciding with Monday during the holy month of Shravan.The Nagchandreshwar Temple, located atop the Mahakaleshwar Temple, opens only once a year for 24 hours on the occasion of Nag Panchami. Thousands of devotees gather to seek the blessings of Lord Nagchandreshwar during the annual opening.Devotees report injuries near Harsiddhi ChaurahaWhile the temple administration denied any incident inside the temple, reports emerged of devotees being injured in the area around Harsiddhi Chauraha.A woman whose son was admitted to hospital told ANI that he was injured after being caught under a barricade while heading towards the temple.”This occurred at Harsiddhi Chauraha. He came under a barricade when he was going for a darshan at Nath Chandreshwar Mandir. A stampede had broken out there. Nobody helped him. Only one man carried him here…” she said.One of the injured, Sagar, said he had been waiting in the queue for several hours before the incident occurred.”I was in the queue at Mahakal Mandir for the darshan. After seven to eight hours, I reached Harsiddhi Chauraha. We stood there for two hours. The crowd was swelling and since it was time for the aarti, we were stopped there. Suddenly, the barricades were opened and a stampede broke out,” he said.Join conversationView All Comments →Share your thoughts in the commentsInsightfulAgreeDisagreeSkepticalConcerningPromisingWorth ReadingBig DevelopmentPost CommentBe respectful · TOI community guidelinesHe said he was trapped and injured after the barricades collapsed.”The tent fell, and all the barricades fell too. Both of my legs were caught under the barricade. One of my legs is fractured. The arrangements were really poor at the temple. Nobody helped me. Only one man came and helped me; he carried me to a health camp, from where I was taken away in an ambulance,” Sagar was quoted as saying by news agency ANI. Chaos was also reported near Bada Ganesh Temple, Neelkanth Square and along the route from Kark Raj Parking towards the Harsiddhi entrance.Officials subsequently reached the affected areas and worked to restore order as devotees continued to arrive at the temple complex.The incident occurred amid one of the year’s biggest religious gatherings in Ujjain, with the simultaneous observance of Nag Panchami and Sawan Somvar drawing lakhs of devotees to the Mahakaleshwar temple.Get the latest India News and Live updates. Download the TOI app.About the AuthorTOI News DeskThe TOI News Desk comprises a dedicated and tireless team of journalists who operate around the clock to deliver the most current and comprehensive news and updates to the readers of The Times of India worldwide. With an unwavering commitment to excellence in journalism, our team is at the forefront of gathering, verifying, and presenting breaking news, in-depth analysis, and insightful reports on a wide range of topics. The TOI News Desk is your trusted source for staying informed and connected to the ever-evolving global landscape, ensuring that our readers are equipped with the latest developments that matter most.”Read MoreEnd of ArticleFollow Us On Social MediaVideos7 Charred To Death, Several Injured In Fire At Hotel Near Tarapith Temple In Bengal’s Birbhum‘Electric Pole Fell’: 7 Women Dead, Many Injured In Stampede At Temple In Bihar’s Lakhisarai‘Only These…’: Rijiju Shares 3 Categories Of ‘Dimagi Naxals’ After Oppn’s Attack On PM Modi‘Process Vitiated…’: Bangladesh Links Tarique Rahman’s India Visit To Sheikh Hasina Extradition‘Will Never Be Forgiven’: Amit Shah Slams Sonia Gandhi; BJP Lodges Complaint Over Vande Mataram RowAir India Express Passenger Booked After Pistol Goes Off At Varanasi Airport During Security Check‘Derogatory’: PM Modi’s ‘Dimaagi Naxals’ Remark Triggers Row; Congress, CJP, Left Parties Hit BackActivist Devendra Mahto Stopped From Tiranga March As Jharkhand Student Protest Escalates On I-Day‘Came From The Top’: Mahua Moitra Alleges Late-Night Pressure, Seeks Speaker Om Birla’s InterventionDid Congress Leaders Signal Stop? 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