VK News Today https://validator.w3.org/feed/docs/rss2.html India eases rupee trade rules, provides exporters alternative to dollar settlements; what it means Separated by Hamas in Oct 7 attack, Israeli couple reunites to marry 10 months after engagement Pakistani singer Mustafa Zahid’s emotional note on ‘Awarapan 2’ honouring his legacy: ‘Received what I wanted, dignity and love’ Exclusive – Ohanna Shivanand aka Shilpa Anand reveals why she quit Dill Mill Gayye; says she was “indirectly made to leave by the show’s producer Siddharth P Malhotra” Atlanta Waffle House cook’s rap praising the chain topped 1 million TikTok views; weeks later, he says he was fired after 20 years with the company NEW DELHI: Meghalaya chief minister Conrad Sangma on Thursday spoke to his Assam counterpart Himanta Biswa Sarma over the violence reported in Shillong after attacks on people from Assam during a students’ rally.In a social media post, Sangma said that they had agreed to work together to normalise the situation. He said designated cabinet ministers from both states will take the discussions forward and explore ways to restore peace.”Spoke with the Hon’ble chief minister of Assam, Dr. Himanta Biswa Sarma ji regarding the unfortunate violence in Shillong on 19th August and the reactions that have followed, which have affected the common people and commuters of both States,” Meghalaya CM Sangma said.”We have agreed to work together, as always, to normalise the situation. Designated cabinet ministers from both States will meet to take the discussions forward and explore ways to restore peace, trust and normalcy. Appeal to citizens of both States to maintain peace, harmony and restraint. Meghalaya and Assam share deep bonds, and we must work together to protect them,” he added.Meanwhile, Himanta labelled Assam and Meghalaya as “sister states” and said that he conveyed Assam’s concerns over the recent violence in Shillong.”I also conveyed to Shri Conrad Sangma Assam’s concern over the recent incidents in Shillong, particularly those involving Assam-registered vehicles. Hon’ble minister for border protection Shri Atul Bora has been asked to coordinate closely with the authorities in Meghalaya and work towards ensuring that peace and normalcy prevail between our two States,” Himanta said.”Assam and Meghalaya are sister states, bound by deep historical, cultural and people-to-people ties. Mutual respect, restraint and sensitivity must guide us at all times. We must do everything within our power to preserve the harmony, friendship and goodwill that have long defined the relationship between our people,” he added.Violence broke out during a Khasi Students’ Union (KSU) rally in Shillong on Wednesday, with several people reportedly injured and vehicles damaged. The incidents triggered reactions in Assam, with transport workers demanding action over the alleged attacks.The bike rally passed through various parts of Shillong, during which at least 31 vehicles were damaged, while at least two government vehicles were set ablaze, East Khasi Hills Superintendent of Police Vivek Syiem said.As tension continued along the Assam-Meghalaya border, protesters disrupted the movement of Meghalaya-bound vehicles at Jorabat. Meanwhile, Guwahati-based cab operators also blocked National Highway-27 for vehicles from Meghalaya.Join conversationView All Comments →Share your thoughts in the commentsInsightfulAgreeDisagreeSkepticalConcerningPromisingWorth ReadingBig DevelopmentPost CommentBe respectful · TOI community guidelinesThe SP said three KSU leaders were booked under various provisions of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita in connection with damage to public property, assaults and other offences during the rally.The arrests came hours after the KSU leaders addressed a press briefing, where they denied that members of the organisation were involved in the vandalism and arson during the rally.The KSU leaders alleged that “people with vested interests” had sneaked into the rally with the intention of derailing the KSU’s demands.Get the latest India News and Live updates. Download the TOI app.About the AuthorRohitashwa RanjanRohitashwa Ranjan is a digital journalist with The Times of India, where he decodes Indian politics as a carefully staged production with scripts, subtext and everything behind. His stories track elections, party dynamics and the things that often are buried beneath the headlines. When not parsing vote shares or alliances, he is usually reading between the lines, where the real story tends to reside.Read MoreEnd of ArticleFollow Us On Social MediaVideosJharkhand High Court Stays Soren Govt’s Order To Cancel JPSC Exams, AppointmentsKangana Vs Ramdev: BJP MP Fires Back After Yoga Guru Questions Her Past And Controversial Remarks’Not Mahatma Gandhi’s Congress’: FULL Vande Mataram Rejected At INC Events, BJP Doubts ‘Loyalty’US Body Opposes Mohan Bhagwat’s Visit, Seeks Sanctions on RSS Members Over Religious Freedom ClaimsDJB Tender Scam Row: AAP Questions Why Raghav Chadha Was Never Questioned By InvestigatorsMaharashtra’s Power Shift: Fadnavis Can Now Reverse Ministerial Decisions In Public InterestIndia Removes Pakistan Mission Barricades After Islamabad Move, Tensions Rise Over Kashmir RemarksModi Govt’s Gen-Z Outreach: One Union Minister To Visit One University Daily‘Fuel For Free’: Chandigarh’s ‘Petrol Langar’ Turns Chaotic, Leaves People Fuming‘No Respect For Court’: Arrest Warrant Against Mahua Moitra In Hate Speech Case123PhotostoriesHow much walking can reverse the health risks of sitting for 8 hours a day? Doctor explains what your body needsWhy does homemade curd turn slimy during monsoon and 3 ways to prevent itThe history of the white shirt: How a simple staple became the ultimate fashion icon10 enchanting baby girl names inspired by fantasy, mythology and folkloreSugar price hike by Rs 8 per kg: 9 natural Indian sweeteners and how to use themOptical illusion personality test: The first thing you spot reveals what’s coming next in your lifeIs apple cider vinegar good for your hair? Benefits, side effects, and the right way to use it10 One Piece characters who have lived for more than a 100 yearsWhy does reheated rice sometimes become hard and dry? 4 ways to bring it back to lifeWhy are gold borders vital in Indian sarees?123Hot PicksLily HooperConnor McDavidGTU results 2026Pennsylvania plane crashOil export IndiaFaceless assessmentRSS sanctionZepto internshipPakistan High CommissionTop TrendingHyderabad MurderPakistan High CommissionTwisha SharmaKarnataka MurderKerala MurderAbhijeet DipkeSukesh ChandrashekharRahul GandhiBengaluru RapidoBen Gvir US stock market today: Wall Street drops as Walmart, bond yields drag it lower ‘His English was terrible’: Mumbai founder reveals why he hired the candidate who became his best employee Massachusetts police officer accused of using Flock cameras to track her ex-girlfriend; department suspends entire system after her plate was searched a ‘concerning’ number of times Help us: 4 Indian-origin teens from New Jersey call 911 during Mount Lafayette hike; they will have to pay a hefty fine for ‘unprepared’ adventure Updated: Aug 20, 2026, 20:56 IST Government allows duty-free imports of 1 million tons of raw sugar, signals price relief Rajkumar Santoshi addresses whether ‘Awarapan 2’ clash affected ‘Batwara 1947’ box office: ‘Their film has been appreciated by the people’ Bengaluru cancer centre begins using Karnataka’s first Elekta Unity MR-Linac, combining real-time MRI with radiation delivery so doctors can adapt treatment while a tumour is being targeted In 1916, a Texas woman left six acres of riverbank for the public; her governor son later added 250 acres and the tiny gift helped create Texas’ first state park Pakistani Donkeys: Why Pakistan’s donkeys are becoming valuable in China: What is driving a surprising demand for the humble animal Vijay also raised the issue of inter-state river disputes at the meeting. NEW DELHI: Tamil Nadu chief minister Joseph Vijay on Thursday raised concerns over the proposed Delimitation Bill, 2026, saying southern states could lose their share of representation in Parliament if seats are redistributed mainly according to population.Speaking at the 31st meeting of the Southern Zonal Council chaired by Union home minister Amit Shah, Vijay, who is also the council’s vice-chairman, sought an assurance from the Centre that states which have successfully stabilised their populations would not be penalised through a reduction in their parliamentary representation.He said the issue had become particularly important as the freeze on the allocation of Lok Sabha seats based on the 1971 Census nears its end.”As the freeze on the allocation of Lok Sabha seats based on the 1971 Census approaches its end and the Delimitation Bill, 2026, is considered, there is a genuine and shared concern across the Southern States that delimitation based predominantly on populations may diminish our collective voice in Parliament,” he said.Vijay argued that southern states had achieved population control while also making progress in human development and economic growth. He said these achievements should not result in the states receiving less political representation.”The Southern States have been at the forefront of population stabilisation, human development, and economic growth. These achievements reflect the successful implementation of national priorities and should not result in a reduction of our representation. Public policy must not inadvertently penalise States for fulfilling national objectives,” he said.He called for a legislative guarantee to ensure that the proportion of parliamentary seats held by any state would not fall because of its success in controlling population growth.”I therefore, urge the Union Government to provide a clear legislative assurance that no State will suffer a reduction in its percentage of representation in Parliament on account of its success in population stabilisation. Such an approach would uphold the principles of equity, preserve the federal balance envisioned by our Constitution, and reinforce the confidence of all States in our democratic institutions,” he added.Southern states’ delimitation concernSouthern states, particularly Tamil Nadu and Kerala, have for years raised concerns about a population-based delimitation exercise.Their argument is that these states followed national family planning and population control policies more successfully over the past five decades. As a result, their populations have grown at a slower rate than those of several northern states.Vijay also raised the issue of inter-state river disputes, with particular focus on the long-running Cauvery dispute between Tamil Nadu and Karnataka.He said cooperation between states was important but must go hand in hand with compliance with court orders and decisions of statutory bodies.”Water is fundamental to the lives, Agriculture and livelihoods of millions, and the management of interstate rivers demands both cooperation and unwavering respect for the rule of law. First, the legitimate rights of lower riparian States and the livelihoods that depend on assured river flows must be fully protected. Second, the judgments of the Supreme Court, the awards of duly constituted tribunals, and the statutory mechanisms established for river management must be implemented in letter and spirit,” he said.Vijay seeks compliance with Cauvery water ordersReferring specifically to the Cauvery dispute, Vijay said decisions taken by the Supreme Court and the Cauvery Water Management Authority must be implemented without delay.”The timely implementation of the Supreme Court’s judgment and the decisions of the Cauvery Water Management Authority remains essential,” he said.The Cauvery Water Management Authority had directed Karnataka to release 12,000 cusecs of water a day to Tamil Nadu at Biligundlu from 8 am on August 12 for 15 days. The Supreme Court has also directed the Karnataka government to ensure compliance with the order.Tamil Nadu renews demand to replace NEET for state quotaVijay also reiterated Tamil Nadu’s opposition to the National Eligibility cum Entrance Test, or NEET, saying the examination places rural and disadvantaged students at a disadvantage.”Tamil Nadu has consistently maintained that the National Eligibility cum Entrance Test (NEET) places students from rural backgrounds and socially and economically disadvantaged communities at a distinct disadvantage, undermining the State’s long-standing model of inclusive access based on school education,” he said.Join conversationView All Comments →Share your thoughts in the commentsInsightfulAgreeDisagreeSkepticalConcerningPromisingWorth ReadingBig DevelopmentPost CommentBe respectful · TOI community guidelinesHe asked the Centre to allow Tamil Nadu to use Class XII marks to fill medical seats reserved under the state quota.”I urge the Union Government to permit Tamil Nadu to fill all seats under the State quota in MBBS, BDS, and AYUSH courses solely based on Class XII marks, in keeping with the State’s proven and equitable admission system,” he said.Call for tighter checks on online medicines and narcoticsVijay also called for stronger regulation of the online sale of prescription medicines and greater coordination between states to tackle the illegal drug trade and substance abuse.”I urge the Government of India to strengthen the regulatory framework governing the online sale of prescription medicines, ensure stricter enforcement against their unauthorised sale, and review the existing legal framework to effectively address emerging substance abuse among youth,” he said.Get the latest India News and Live updates. Download the TOI app.About the AuthorRajeev SinghRajeev Singh is a Digital Content Producer with The Times of India. He covers politics, policies, defence, and conflicts for readers curious to know their implications. He loves digging into legal maxims and political trivia. On off days, when not turning pages or learning русский, he lives in the reverie of “what ifs” and “how abouts.”Read MoreEnd of ArticleFollow Us On Social MediaVideosJharkhand High Court Stays Soren Govt’s Order To Cancel JPSC Exams, AppointmentsKangana Vs Ramdev: BJP MP Fires Back After Yoga Guru Questions Her Past And Controversial Remarks’Not Mahatma Gandhi’s Congress’: FULL Vande Mataram Rejected At INC Events, BJP Doubts ‘Loyalty’US Body Opposes Mohan Bhagwat’s Visit, Seeks Sanctions on RSS Members Over Religious Freedom ClaimsDJB Tender Scam Row: AAP Questions Why Raghav Chadha Was Never Questioned By InvestigatorsMaharashtra’s Power Shift: Fadnavis Can Now Reverse Ministerial Decisions In Public InterestIndia Removes Pakistan Mission Barricades After Islamabad Move, Tensions Rise Over Kashmir RemarksModi Govt’s Gen-Z Outreach: One Union Minister To Visit One University Daily‘Fuel For Free’: Chandigarh’s ‘Petrol Langar’ Turns Chaotic, Leaves People Fuming‘No Respect For Court’: Arrest Warrant Against Mahua Moitra In Hate Speech Case123PhotostoriesWhy does homemade curd turn slimy during monsoon and 3 ways to prevent itThe history of the white shirt: How a simple staple became the ultimate fashion icon10 enchanting baby girl names inspired by fantasy, mythology and folkloreSugar price hike by Rs 8 per kg: 9 natural Indian sweeteners and how to use themOptical illusion personality test: The first thing you spot reveals what’s coming next in your lifeIs apple cider vinegar good for your hair? Benefits, side effects, and the right way to use it10 One Piece characters who have lived for more than a 100 yearsWhy does reheated rice sometimes become hard and dry? 4 ways to bring it back to lifeWhy are gold borders vital in Indian sarees?Exercising daily for a fitter you? Hidden heart problems that can surface when endurance exercise pushes you too hard123Hot PicksLily HooperConnor McDavidGTU results 2026Pennsylvania plane crashOil export IndiaFaceless assessmentRSS sanctionZepto internshipPakistan High CommissionTop TrendingHyderabad MurderPakistan High CommissionTwisha SharmaKarnataka MurderKerala MurderAbhijeet DipkeSukesh ChandrashekharRahul GandhiBengaluru RapidoBen Gvir Rajkumar Santoshi on whether Sunny Deol’s Muslim character damaged ‘Batwara 1947’ at box office: ‘We had thought about it’ Archeologists discovered 2.5 kilometres of ancient hidden roads near Machu Picchu using lasers Chandigarh was built as a planned city. So why does it keep sinking in the rain? US education department’s Controversial Guidance on Racial Disparities in Student Discipline | World News Yo Yo Honey Singh says a ‘Big’ music label has been troubling him: ‘Itna tang kiya hai na mere ko, Bholenath dekh raha hai’ ‘I bought 2 houses at 24’: Indian founder says her kids may struggle to own a home | 6-year-old student slapped over homework, dies after collapsing in teacher’s lap 19-year-old illegal immigrant in US kills co-worker after ‘intimate relationship’; police say he tried to burn body Bobby Deol’s ‘Bandar’ gets OTT release date: Here’s where you can watch Anurag Kashyap’s directorial The first thing you spot reveals what’s coming next in your life Gangster Vinod Panu shot dead outside Haryana court; 14 rounds fired, 1 attacker caught Ghent University: Nathan Cofnas, who exposed Cambridge professor Jason Arday’s plagiarism, suspended by Ghent University | World News Screengrab from the video posted by Nitin Nabin NEW DELHI: Bharatiya Janata Party on Thursday demanded that Congress and Samajwadi Party provide proof or issue a public apology for claiming that saffron party president Nitin Nabin consumed non-vegetarian food during the ongoing Hindu holy month of Sawan.In a social media post on X, BJP said that Nabin, during his visit to Andhra Pradesh, ate 100 percent vegetarian local dishes, including raw jackfruit curry.Slamming the opposition, BJP said that the accusation stems from the “lack of awareness about South Indian cuisine.””If you have made an allegation, provide proof, or apologise! During his Andhra Pradesh visit, BJP national president Shri Nitin Nabin ate traditional local 100 percent vegetarian dishes, including raw jackfruit curry (Panasa Mukkalu),” BJP said.”However, Congress, Samajwadi Party and their ecosystem are spreading false claims, without verification, that the food was non-vegetarian. The opposition’s claim, which stems from a lack of awareness about South Indian cuisine, was exposed within a few hours. Now the direct question: Provide proof of the allegation or publicly apologise to the country. Politics should be based on truth, not lies!” it added.This comes after Congress and Samajwadi Party took a swipe at Nabin over a video showing him and other party leaders having a meal at a recent event in Andhra Pradesh. The opposition parties claimed that the leaders were seen eating non-vegetarian food.In a social media post on X, Chhattisgarh Congress had shared the video and said, “Sanatan on the face, values in speeches… the rest is evident from BJP’s conduct.”Join conversationView All Comments →Share your thoughts in the commentsInsightfulAgreeDisagreeSkepticalConcerningPromisingWorth ReadingBig DevelopmentPost CommentBe respectful · TOI community guidelinesSamajwadi Party also shared the video and accused Nitin Nabin of “mocking the country’s Hindu majority.””During the month of Sawan, and that too on Monday and Tuesday, you are eating meat, BJP president? Ram Ram Ram, this is a grave sin. Such an act is completely wrong,” Samajwadi Party had said.”You are acting completely against Indian culture, civilisation and traditions, and are trying to mock the country’s Hindu majority,” it added.On Monday, Nitin Nabin had posted a video where he was seen eating with BJP leaders of Andhra Pradesh.”Earlier today, I had the pleasure of enjoying authentic Andhra cuisine with my fellow party karyakartas,” he said.Get the latest India News and Live updates. Download the TOI app.About the AuthorRohitashwa RanjanRohitashwa Ranjan is a digital journalist with The Times of India, where he decodes Indian politics as a carefully staged production with scripts, subtext and everything behind. His stories track elections, party dynamics and the things that often are buried beneath the headlines. When not parsing vote shares or alliances, he is usually reading between the lines, where the real story tends to reside.Read MoreEnd of ArticleFollow Us On Social MediaVideosKangana Vs Ramdev: BJP MP Fires Back After Yoga Guru Questions Her Past And Controversial Remarks’Not Mahatma Gandhi’s Congress’: FULL Vande Mataram Rejected At INC Events, BJP Doubts ‘Loyalty’US Body Opposes Mohan Bhagwat’s Visit, Seeks Sanctions on RSS Members Over Religious Freedom ClaimsDJB Tender Scam Row: AAP Questions Why Raghav Chadha Was Never Questioned By InvestigatorsMaharashtra’s Power Shift: Fadnavis Can Now Reverse Ministerial Decisions In Public InterestIndia Removes Pakistan Mission Barricades After Islamabad Move, Tensions Rise Over Kashmir RemarksModi Govt’s Gen-Z Outreach: One Union Minister To Visit One University Daily‘Fuel For Free’: Chandigarh’s ‘Petrol Langar’ Turns Chaotic, Leaves People Fuming‘No Respect For Court’: Arrest Warrant Against Mahua Moitra In Hate Speech CaseUS Envoy Calls J&K ‘Important Part Of India’ During 1st Kashmir Visit After Article 370 Abrogation123Photostories10 One Piece characters who have lived for more than a 100 yearsWhy does reheated rice sometimes become hard and dry? 4 ways to bring it back to lifeWhy are gold borders vital in Indian sarees?Exercising daily for a fitter you? Hidden heart problems that can surface when endurance exercise pushes you too hardIndoor plant leaves turning brown despite enough sunlight? Hidden problems could be the real causePooja Hegde’s New York-style streak just got dangerous in this shimmery corset saree10 foods mentioned in manga that you can actually eat5 natural ways to keep mosquitoes away from your homeGenuine care or love bombing? 7 signs to spot the red flags early in a relationshipWhich type of milk has the most protein? 7 milk varieties compared123Hot PicksLily HooperConnor McDavidGTU results 2026Pennsylvania plane crashOil export IndiaFaceless assessmentRSS sanctionZepto internshipPakistan High CommissionTop TrendingHyderabad MurderPakistan High CommissionTwisha SharmaKarnataka MurderKerala MurderAbhijeet DipkeSukesh ChandrashekharRahul GandhiBengaluru RapidoBen Gvir Kevin Macdonald on Pep Guardiola docu-series ‘A Beautiful Obsession’: ‘I wanted to call it ‘Winning and Losing’, but Manchester City didn’t want the word ‘Losing” 10 enchanting baby girl names inspired by fantasy, mythology and folklore Amit Shah hails South’s development in CMs meet, cites 3 pillars of progress Estranged brother says Natalie Harp is delusionally obsessed with Donald Trump; President’s son reacts NEW DELHI: The Centre on Thursday decided to set up a bench of high court of Jammu and Kashmir in Ladakh.In a post on X, Union home minister Amit Shah said the government is “fully committed” to the all-round development of Ladakh and claimed that the decision will enhance access to justice to citizens living in remote areas.”The Union cabinet, under the leadership of the PM Shri Narendra Modi Ji, has decided to set up a bench of the high court of Jammu and Kashmir in Ladakh,” Shah said.”This will significantly enhance access to justice for citizens living in remote areas of Ladakh by reducing the time required to avail themselves of the legal services they are entitled to. The Govt is fully committed to the all-round development of Ladakh and to ensuring constitutional safeguards,” he added.Get the latest India News and Live updates. Download the TOI app.About the AuthorRohitashwa RanjanRohitashwa Ranjan is a digital journalist with The Times of India, where he decodes Indian politics as a carefully staged production with scripts, subtext and everything behind. His stories track elections, party dynamics and the things that often are buried beneath the headlines. When not parsing vote shares or alliances, he is usually reading between the lines, where the real story tends to reside.Read MoreEnd of ArticleFollow Us On Social MediaVideosKangana Vs Ramdev: BJP MP Fires Back After Yoga Guru Questions Her Past And Controversial Remarks’Not Mahatma Gandhi’s Congress’: FULL Vande Mataram Rejected At INC Events, BJP Doubts ‘Loyalty’US Body Opposes Mohan Bhagwat’s Visit, Seeks Sanctions on RSS Members Over Religious Freedom ClaimsDJB Tender Scam Row: AAP Questions Why Raghav Chadha Was Never Questioned By InvestigatorsMaharashtra’s Power Shift: Fadnavis Can Now Reverse Ministerial Decisions In Public InterestIndia Removes Pakistan Mission Barricades After Islamabad Move, Tensions Rise Over Kashmir RemarksModi Govt’s Gen-Z Outreach: One Union Minister To Visit One University Daily‘Fuel For Free’: Chandigarh’s ‘Petrol Langar’ Turns Chaotic, Leaves People Fuming‘No Respect For Court’: Arrest Warrant Against Mahua Moitra In Hate Speech CaseUS Envoy Calls J&K ‘Important Part Of India’ During 1st Kashmir Visit After Article 370 Abrogation123Photostories10 enchanting baby girl names inspired by fantasy, mythology and folkloreSugar price hike by Rs 8 per kg: 9 natural Indian sweeteners and how to use themOptical illusion personality test: The first thing you spot reveals what’s coming next in your lifeIs apple cider vinegar good for your hair? Benefits, side effects, and the right way to use it10 One Piece characters who have lived for more than a 100 yearsWhy does reheated rice sometimes become hard and dry? 4 ways to bring it back to lifeWhy are gold borders vital in Indian sarees?Exercising daily for a fitter you? Hidden heart problems that can surface when endurance exercise pushes you too hardIndoor plant leaves turning brown despite enough sunlight? Hidden problems could be the real causePooja Hegde’s New York-style streak just got dangerous in this shimmery corset saree123Hot PicksLily HooperConnor McDavidGTU results 2026Pennsylvania plane crashOil export IndiaFaceless assessmentRSS sanctionZepto internshipPakistan High CommissionTop TrendingHyderabad MurderPakistan High CommissionTwisha SharmaKarnataka MurderKerala MurderAbhijeet DipkeSukesh ChandrashekharRahul GandhiBengaluru RapidoBen Gvir ‘Jailer 2’ song ‘Ala Bolelo’ promo upsets Kerala fans over Malayalam pronunciation: ‘Hire a lyric writer and singer who knows Malayalam’ ​Genuine care or love bombing? 7 signs to spot the red flags early in a relationship​ Scientists discovered four snakes curled together in a burrow for 38 million years as the volcanic ash preserved their remarkable fossils Battle for UP’s ‘Aadhi Aabadi’: Why parties are wooing women voters like never before ahead of 2027 polls Quote of the day by George Washington: “Associate yourself with Men of good Quality if you Esteem your own Reputation; for ‘tis better to…” | World News Additionally, report reveals US used secret corridor to pass tankers through Hormuz despite Iran closure; India, Japan sign maritime security pact Jharkhand High Court stayed the government’s order cancelling the 11th and 13th JPSC exams and appointments, amid protests over recruitment irregularities and demands for a CBI probe.The US military has secretly guided commercial tankers through a southern Strait of Hormuz channel, enabling nearly 10 million barrels of oil to reach global markets daily despite Iran’s closure.The Supreme Court named a five-member panel headed by former judge Justice R Subhash Reddy to examine allegations of excessive force against students during the July 20 NEET protest.Rajnath Singh and Japan’s Shinjirō Koizumi signed a maritime security cooperation pact, strengthening defence ties through information sharing, HADR, joint exercises, shipbuilding and defence technology cooperation.Cheteshwar Pujara has urged India to prioritise Manav Suthar’s Test development over chasing IPL opportunities after the spinner’s impressive two-Test start.Here are the top 5 updates from the dayJharkhand HC stays Soren govt’s JPSC cancellation ordersThe Jharkhand High Court on Thursday stayed the state government’s decision to cancel the 11th and 13th JPSC examinations and related appointments. The move follows student protests over alleged recruitment irregularities.The government had also cancelled the JSSC-CGL exam and recruitment tests conducted by TDPL since 2014, while forming a committee to recommend reforms. Candidates who cleared JSSC-CGL have separately protested the cancellation. Read the full storyHow US used secret corridor to pass tankers despite Iran closureThe US military has secretly helped commercial tankers navigate the Strait of Hormuz, enabling 15–20 vessels to cross the waterway each night under American guidance. The operation has allowed nearly 10 million barrels of oil a day to reach global markets despite the Iran war.US officials said weakened Iranian surveillance enabled the corridor, while American fighter jets have protected vessels from drone and missile attacks. Read the full storySC sets up 5-member panel to probe excessive use of force by cops on NEET protestorsThe Supreme Court on Thursday named a five-member committee headed by former SC judge Justice R Subhash Reddy to examine allegations of excessive force against students during the July 20 NEET paper leak protest.The panel will investigate claims involving pellet guns, electric batons, lathi charges and tear gas, as well as alleged violence against women, police surveillance, crowd-control measures, medical aid and compensation. Read the full storyIndia, Japan signs maritime security pactDefence minister Rajnath Singh and Japanese counterpart Shinjirō Koizumi held talks in New Delhi and signed a maritime security cooperation agreement.Join conversationView All Comments →Share your thoughts in the commentsInsightfulAgreeDisagreeSkepticalConcerningPromisingWorth ReadingBig DevelopmentPost CommentBe respectful · TOI community guidelinesThe pact covers maritime domain awareness, information sharing and humanitarian assistance. Both sides also discussed mine countermeasures, joint shipbuilding, defence R&D, expanded military exercises and the Indo-Pacific Logistics Network, as India and Japan seek to deepen their strategic partnership amid growing regional security concerns. Read the full storyCheteshwar Pujara advices Manav Suthar to not ‘chase IPL’Manav Suthar’s impressive start to Test cricket has drawn comparisons with Ravindra Jadeja, but Cheteshwar Pujara has urged India to protect the young spinner’s red-ball development. Suthar has taken 15 wickets in two Tests, including 10 in Galle against Sri Lanka.Pujara said Suthar should not alter his natural, flighted bowling merely to pursue IPL opportunities, though he can play the tournament if selected. Read the full storyGet 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 MediaVideosKangana Vs Ramdev: BJP MP Fires Back After Yoga Guru Questions Her Past And Controversial Remarks’Not Mahatma Gandhi’s Congress’: FULL Vande Mataram Rejected At INC Events, BJP Doubts ‘Loyalty’US Body Opposes Mohan Bhagwat’s Visit, Seeks Sanctions on RSS Members Over Religious Freedom ClaimsDJB Tender Scam Row: AAP Questions Why Raghav Chadha Was Never Questioned By InvestigatorsMaharashtra’s Power Shift: Fadnavis Can Now Reverse Ministerial Decisions In Public InterestIndia Removes Pakistan Mission Barricades After Islamabad Move, Tensions Rise Over Kashmir RemarksModi Govt’s Gen-Z Outreach: One Union Minister To Visit One University Daily‘Fuel For Free’: Chandigarh’s ‘Petrol Langar’ Turns Chaotic, Leaves People Fuming‘No Respect For Court’: Arrest Warrant Against Mahua Moitra In Hate Speech CaseUS Envoy Calls J&K ‘Important Part Of India’ During 1st Kashmir Visit After Article 370 Abrogation123Photostories10 One Piece characters who have lived for more than a 100 yearsWhy does reheated rice sometimes become hard and dry? 4 ways to bring it back to lifeWhy are gold borders vital in Indian sarees?Exercising daily for a fitter you? Hidden heart problems that can surface when endurance exercise pushes you too hardIndoor plant leaves turning brown despite enough sunlight? Hidden problems could be the real causePooja Hegde’s New York-style streak just got dangerous in this shimmery corset saree10 foods mentioned in manga that you can actually eat5 natural ways to keep mosquitoes away from your homeGenuine care or love bombing? 7 signs to spot the red flags early in a relationshipWhich type of milk has the most protein? 7 milk varieties compared123Hot PicksLily HooperConnor McDavidGTU results 2026Pennsylvania plane crashOil export IndiaFaceless assessmentRSS sanctionZepto internshipPakistan High CommissionTop TrendingHyderabad MurderPakistan High CommissionTwisha SharmaKarnataka MurderKerala MurderAbhijeet DipkeSukesh ChandrashekharRahul GandhiBengaluru RapidoBen Gvir Trump’s new H-1B visa reality for Indians: Unpredictable costs, tougher odds, greater risks When Govinda recalled his mother Nirmala Ahuja’s warning: ‘You’ll beg if you betray Sunita’ Heavy rain triggers road washout on Mussoorie-Kempty Highway in Uttarakhand, traffic severely disrupted near Dimta Band: What tourists need to know NASA is offering up to $500,000 for new technology to measure Earth’s extremely thin upper atmosphere and improve predictions of how space weather changes satellite orbits Seoul’s Arctic shipping test with Russia angers Europe seeking to isolate Moscow Built in 1913, this 177-foot steam tug survived two world wars but sank after hitting a German mine in 1945; drought has now exposed its wreck in Serbia Aug 20, 2026, 18:25 IST Shubman Gill’s eye for talent: How a Mohali youngster’s life changed after one net session ‘You were my first crush’: Sunidhi Chauhan’s confession got Amitabh Bachchan’s heartwinning reply, leaves the singer blush- Watch