VK News Today https://validator.w3.org/feed/docs/rss2.html 7 everyday moments that shape your child’s future more than any parenting advice ever could Born with a complex heart condition, a 6-year-old signed with the Carolina Panthers for one day and scored a touchdown in an NFL stadium Only 4 companies? Critics say barring small companies from hiring H-1B for 1-2 years is not enough “Anyone who receives a madrassa education does not chant ‘Bharat Mata Ki Jai’,” said Keshav Prasad Maurya. NEW DELHI: Uttar Pradesh deputy chief minister Keshav Prasad Maurya on Tuesday triggered a political row after claiming that people educated in madrassas “develop a terrorist-like mindset”.His remarks drew sharp criticism from the Samajwadi Party and prompted a defence of madrassa education from religious leaders.Speaking to reporters at Vidhan Bhavan, Maurya alleged that madrassa students do not express patriotic slogans and linked their education to extremism.”Anyone who receives a madrassa education does not chant ‘Bharat Mata Ki Jai’ nor sing ‘Vande Mataram’, and develops a terrorist-like mindset,” he was quoted as saying by news agency PTI.The remarks were strongly criticised by senior Samajwadi Party leader Shivpal Yadav, who accused the BJP of harbouring extremists.”The BJP nurtures terrorists, and they are found right in their offices. The BJP provides training to all these terrorists, and they are found in their offices and homes,” Yadav said.Maurya’s statement also drew a response from Maulana Imam Maqbool, who runs a madrassa in Barabanki. He said madrassas provide both religious and modern education and rejected any attempt to associate them with Join conversationView All Comments →Share your thoughts in the commentsInsightfulAgreeDisagreeSkepticalConcerningPromisingWorth ReadingBig DevelopmentPost CommentBe respectful · TOI community guidelinesterrorism.According to Maqbool, students at madrassas study not only the Holy Quran but also subjects such as Urdu, Hindi, History, English, Science, Mathematics and Computer Studies.He said many madrassa graduates have gone on to become doctors and engineers and expressed hope that more students would join the civil services as IAS and IPS officers.Maqbool added that madrassas have always promoted patriotism, brotherhood and peace, describing it as unfortunate to link them with terrorism.He also said the Holy Quran teaches people not to speak ill of others or harbour negative thoughts against them.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 MediaVideosNHAI Forced Into U-Turn After Posting Wrong Pic Of Rajasthan’s NH-25; Project Director SuspendedUdhayanidhi Stalin Released Hours After Arrest Over ‘Double Meaning’ RemarkSC Extends Section 498A Protection To Women In Marriage-Like Live-In RelationshipsWhatsApp Puts Multiple Accounts Under Review, Users Locked Out As Company Admits Mistakes Can HappenUdhayanidhi Stalin Detained Over Trisha Row |FIR, Political Storm & “I’ll Face It Legally” ExplainedPulwama Man Held With Hand Grenade, Anti-National Posters After Kulgam Terror AttackHigh-Level Probe Ordered As Security Forces Launch Massive Valley-Wide Manhunt | WatchSC Clarifies ‘Criminal Antecedents’ Caveat;CJP Demands Immediate Withdrawal Of FIRs Against StudentsAssam Govt Launches Relief Package As Over 1.36 Lakh People Remain Flood Affected | WatchIndian Parl Panel Grills Meta Over PM Modi Video Takedown, Seeks Mark Zuckerberg’s Apology123PhotostoriesTamannaah Bhatia turns heads with 3 dramatically different looksBleeding gums may be warning you about more than your teeth: Doctor explains the link to heart disease, stroke and diabetesThe way you react today becomes your child’s inner voice tomorrow: 7 everyday moments that shape your child’s future more than any parenting advice ever could13 iconic ice creams from around the world every dessert lover should tryHow to talk to toddlers to nurture intelligence: Science-backed tips5 hair oils that may be making your dandruff worse5 signs your partner is falling out of love with you: What to watch for before it’s too lateFrom Collarwali to Charger: 5 legendary tigers of IndiaNot lemon, baking soda or detergent: This one ingredient can remove foul smell permanently from water bottles and lunch boxesThe 7 germiest things in your hotel room that most guests touch without thinking123Hot PicksCJP nationwide tourGold Rate TodayMJPRU resultBSE SensexRBI FD ruleManmohan Singh LiberhanKarnataka cabinet expansionUdhayanidhi StalinD Y PatilTop TrendingFaridabad MurderUdhayanidhi StalinPanchkula Army Captain Wife DeathPappu Yadav Slipper AttackPM ModiKarnataka Cabinet ExpansionTrisha KrishnanD Y Patil DeathBypoll Election Result 2026Shradha Singh Aug 04, 2026, 18:03 IST ‘Over 2000 samples tested’: Oil ministry dismisses fuel adulteration claims, says only 2 cases detected JNVST Class 6th registration deadline 2026 extended: Direct link to apply here NFL star Travis Kelce’s ‘New Heights’ podcast earns USD 35 million thanks to Taylor Swift “Once you’ve been raised by Asian parents, you need therapy for life”: Nvidia CEO Jensen Huang shares why constant criticism by parents made him humble; 5 parenting lessons to take home IAF seeks new high-power sniper rifle for its Garud special forces Ranch Fire: California’s Ranch Fire burned 459,123 acres in 53 days; eight years later, crews planted 71,000 seedlings across the scar in eight days Mamata Banerjee urges ECI to conclude inquiry, opposes further extension to Ritrabrata Banerjee NEW DELHI: Former West Bengal chief minister Mamata Banerjee on Tuesday accused the BJP of disrespecting Netaji Subhas Chandra Bose and urged people to protest against what she described as attacks on his legacy.Mamata’s remarks came a day after Netaji’s grandnephew Chandra Kumar Bose resigned from the TMC, saying he had become disillusioned with mainstream political parties and saw little difference between the BJP and the Mamata Banerjee-led party.During a Facebook Live session, Mamata said she was “deeply disappointed and heartbroken” by recent remarks made by BJP leaders about Netaji, arguing that any insult to the freedom fighter was an affront to the country as a whole.”I urge the people to come together and protest against the insult that is being meted out to Netaji,” she said.The immediate controversy followed remarks by BJP West Bengal president Samik Bhattacharya, who criticised the Forward Bloc, the party founded by Netaji, and described its members as “goons” while referring to Bose’s political differences with Hindutva ideologue Syama Prasad Mookerjee. The remarks drew criticism from opposition parties and members of Bose’s family.The BJP, however, has rejected the suggestion that the comments amounted to disrespect towards Netaji, maintaining that they were part of a political disagreement rather than an attack on his legacy.Mamata also used the Facebook Live address to raise several other political issues, including the treatment of young protesters who had demonstrated over alleged examination irregularities. She alleged that members of the Gen-Z movement had been branded “anti-national”, tortured and that their families had faced threats.Join conversationView All Comments →Share your thoughts in the commentsInsightfulAgreeDisagreeSkepticalConcerningPromisingWorth ReadingBig DevelopmentPost CommentBe respectful · TOI community guidelinesShe further claimed that thousands of TMC workers had been jailed in West Bengal following the elections, accusing the BJP of turning the state into a “mega prison”.Mamata also alleged that TMC MPs and MLAs were being pressured to join the BJP or face imprisonment. She questioned whether the police had any role in coercing elected representatives to switch political allegiance.Mamata also raised concerns over the ongoing census exercise in Bengal, alleging that political parties had not been involved in the process and expressing doubts over whether it would be conducted fairly.Get the latest India News and Live updates. Download the TOI app.End of ArticleFollow Us On Social MediaVideosUdhayanidhi Stalin Released Hours After Arrest Over ‘Double Meaning’ RemarkSC Extends Section 498A Protection To Women In Marriage-Like Live-In RelationshipsWhatsApp Puts Multiple Accounts Under Review, Users Locked Out As Company Admits Mistakes Can HappenUdhayanidhi Stalin Detained Over Trisha Row |FIR, Political Storm & “I’ll Face It Legally” ExplainedPulwama Man Held With Hand Grenade, Anti-National Posters After Kulgam Terror AttackHigh-Level Probe Ordered As Security Forces Launch Massive Valley-Wide Manhunt | WatchSC Clarifies ‘Criminal Antecedents’ Caveat;CJP Demands Immediate Withdrawal Of FIRs Against StudentsAssam Govt Launches Relief Package As Over 1.36 Lakh People Remain Flood Affected | WatchIndian Parl Panel Grills Meta Over PM Modi Video Takedown, Seeks Mark Zuckerberg’s ApologyBankipur Shock, Datia Loss: BJP Suffers Twin Setback, But Why Isn’t It Good News For Opposition?123PhotostoriesTamannaah Bhatia turns heads with 3 dramatically different looksBleeding gums may be warning you about more than your teeth: Doctor explains the link to heart disease, stroke and diabetesThe way you react today becomes your child’s inner voice tomorrow: 7 everyday moments that shape your child’s future more than any parenting advice ever could13 iconic ice creams from around the world every dessert lover should tryHow to talk to toddlers to nurture intelligence: Science-backed tips5 hair oils that may be making your dandruff worse5 signs your partner is falling out of love with you: What to watch for before it’s too lateFrom Collarwali to Charger: 5 legendary tigers of IndiaNot lemon, baking soda or detergent: This one ingredient can remove foul smell permanently from water bottles and lunch boxesThe 7 germiest things in your hotel room that most guests touch without thinking123Hot PicksCJP nationwide tourGold Rate TodayMJPRU resultBSE SensexRBI FD ruleManmohan Singh LiberhanKarnataka cabinet expansionUdhayanidhi StalinD Y PatilTop TrendingFaridabad MurderUdhayanidhi StalinPanchkula Army Captain Wife DeathPappu Yadav Slipper AttackPM ModiKarnataka Cabinet ExpansionTrisha KrishnanD Y Patil DeathBypoll Election Result 2026Shradha Singh Sshura Khan shares adorable post-surgery video of ‘favourite entertainer’ Arbaaz Khan singing and dancing with daughter in emotional birthday note: ‘You’ve made life happier, crazier, and definitely never boring’ Speech delays and modern parenting: Common habits that could affect your child’s language development | Drone hunters: How helicopters are becoming the battlefield’s new predator Scientists discover Greenland sharks can survive for centuries with functioning eyesight, overturning the long-held belief that they are blind Former Bangladesh PM Sheikh Hasina has been living in Delhi since August 5, 2025 (File photo/AP) NEW DELHI: The ministry of external affairs (MEA) on Tuesday said the government has no involvement in a proposed media event related to former Bangladesh Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina, stressing that it is being organised by a “private media entity” and that New Delhi does not endorse any views that may be expressed at the forum.The event is scheduled for Wednesday, on the second anniversary of Sheikh Hasina’s resignation as Bangladesh prime minister. She stepped down on August 5, 2024, following weeks of student-led protests and has been living in Delhi since then.”The interaction you refer to is being organised by a private media entity. The government has no involvement whatsoever in it. Neither does it endorse any views that may be expressed at the forum,” MEA spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal told reporters during a bi-weekly media briefing.His remarks came a day after Bangladesh’s state minister for foreign affairs, Shama Obaed Islam, asked New Delhi to clarify whether it supported the online meeting of the Awami League chief.“We are moving forward with India with a forward-looking approach. We don’t want it to be damaged, and I firmly believe that India doesn’t want it either. So, India has to clarify whether it is supporting it or not,” she said while addressing reporters at the ministry of foreign affairs in Dhaka.Join conversationView All Comments →Share your thoughts in the commentsInsightfulAgreeDisagreeSkepticalConcerningPromisingWorth ReadingBig DevelopmentPost CommentBe respectful · TOI community guidelinesThe issue was also discussed during a meeting between Bangladesh’s foreign affairs adviser Humayun Kabir and India’s newly appointed High Commissioner to Dhaka, Dinesh Trivedi, on Monday.The event at the Foreign Correspondents’ Club of South Asia in New Delhi will mark Sheikh Hasina’s first public appearance since her ouster. The former prime minister, who recently announced plans to return to Bangladesh by December, has been sentenced to death by an International Crimes Tribunal in Dhaka for “crimes against humanity” in connection with her government’s crackdown on student protesters.She has rejected the verdict, calling it political vendetta.Get the latest India News and Live updates. Download the TOI app.About the AuthorKaran ManralKaran Manral is a journalist at the Times of India. He covers politics, social issues, and international affairs, exploring stories that affect people’s everyday lives. He also writes explainers to make these stories easier for readers to follow.Read MoreEnd of ArticleFollow Us On Social MediaVideosUdhayanidhi Stalin Released Hours After Arrest Over ‘Double Meaning’ RemarkSC Extends Section 498A Protection To Women In Marriage-Like Live-In RelationshipsWhatsApp Puts Multiple Accounts Under Review, Users Locked Out As Company Admits Mistakes Can HappenUdhayanidhi Stalin Detained Over Trisha Row |FIR, Political Storm & “I’ll Face It Legally” ExplainedPulwama Man Held With Hand Grenade, Anti-National Posters After Kulgam Terror AttackHigh-Level Probe Ordered As Security Forces Launch Massive Valley-Wide Manhunt | WatchSC Clarifies ‘Criminal Antecedents’ Caveat;CJP Demands Immediate Withdrawal Of FIRs Against StudentsAssam Govt Launches Relief Package As Over 1.36 Lakh People Remain Flood Affected | WatchIndian Parl Panel Grills Meta Over PM Modi Video Takedown, Seeks Mark Zuckerberg’s ApologyBankipur Shock, Datia Loss: BJP Suffers Twin Setback, But Why Isn’t It Good News For Opposition?123PhotostoriesTamannaah Bhatia turns heads with 3 dramatically different looksBleeding gums may be warning you about more than your teeth: Doctor explains the link to heart disease, stroke and diabetesThe way you react today becomes your child’s inner voice tomorrow: 7 everyday moments that shape your child’s future more than any parenting advice ever could13 iconic ice creams from around the world every dessert lover should tryHow to talk to toddlers to nurture intelligence: Science-backed tips5 hair oils that may be making your dandruff worse5 signs your partner is falling out of love with you: What to watch for before it’s too lateFrom Collarwali to Charger: 5 legendary tigers of IndiaNot lemon, baking soda or detergent: This one ingredient can remove foul smell permanently from water bottles and lunch boxesThe 7 germiest things in your hotel room that most guests touch without thinking123Hot PicksCJP nationwide tourGold Rate TodayMJPRU resultBSE SensexRBI FD ruleManmohan Singh LiberhanKarnataka cabinet expansionUdhayanidhi StalinD Y PatilTop TrendingFaridabad MurderUdhayanidhi StalinPanchkula Army Captain Wife DeathPappu Yadav Slipper AttackPM ModiKarnataka Cabinet ExpansionTrisha KrishnanD Y Patil DeathBypoll Election Result 2026Shradha Singh ‘Never got the credit he deserved’: Sunil Gavaskar compares Ajinkya Rahane to Rahul Dravid Malaika Arora performs traditional puja after buying new Rs 28 lakh SUV, viral video divides social media 6 simple ways to protect your plants from heavy rain and strong monsoon winds | Watch: Guatemala on high alert as Fuego volcano erupts near capital North Carolina man worked 100-hour weeks for 58 years to save a bankrupt boat company, rejected a $400 million offer and gave it to charity | World News Supreme Court directs RBI (ANI image) The Supreme Court, on Tuesday, directed banks, financial intermediaries, regulators and law enforcement agencies to work together to curb the rising menace of “digital arrest” scams and improve the recovery of money lost to cyber fraud.Hearing a suo motu matter ‘In Re: Victims of Digital Arrest Related to Forged Documents’, the court called for a coordinated institutional response, including faster grievance redressal, stronger mechanisms to restore victims’ money and wider public awareness campaigns.The apex court directed the Reserve Bank of India (RBI) to formulate a Standard Operating Procedure (SOP) on mule accounts within four weeks, PTI cites.Mule accounts are bank accounts used by cybercriminals to receive, transfer or route money obtained through fraud. The court said stronger systems are needed to identify, freeze and prevent the misuse of such accounts.States directed to strengthen cyber fraud responseThe Supreme Court has also directed all states to operationalise cyber fraud grievance redressal and money restoration mechanisms so that complaints can be acted upon promptly and recovery efforts can begin without delay.Join conversationView All Comments →Share your thoughts in the commentsInsightfulAgreeDisagreeSkepticalConcerningPromisingWorth ReadingBig DevelopmentPost CommentBe respectful · TOI community guidelinesThe apex court directed the Centre to examine the feasibility of creating a shared liability and victim compensation framework for cyber fraud cases.The court also asked an Inter-Departmental Committee to consult banks and financial intermediaries on measures to tackle digital arrest scams. It said institutions must work together to detect fraudulent transactions early and improve the chances of recovering money for victims.The step comes a week after the Supreme Court suggested that the Centre consider formally defining ‘digital arrest’ as a separate offence under criminal law, with stringent penalties for those found guilty.Get the latest India News and Live updates. Download the TOI app.End of ArticleFollow Us On Social MediaVideosUdhayanidhi Stalin Released Hours After Arrest Over ‘Double Meaning’ RemarkSC Extends Section 498A Protection To Women In Marriage-Like Live-In RelationshipsWhatsApp Puts Multiple Accounts Under Review, Users Locked Out As Company Admits Mistakes Can HappenUdhayanidhi Stalin Detained Over Trisha Row |FIR, Political Storm & “I’ll Face It Legally” ExplainedPulwama Man Held With Hand Grenade, Anti-National Posters After Kulgam Terror AttackHigh-Level Probe Ordered As Security Forces Launch Massive Valley-Wide Manhunt | WatchSC Clarifies ‘Criminal Antecedents’ Caveat;CJP Demands Immediate Withdrawal Of FIRs Against StudentsAssam Govt Launches Relief Package As Over 1.36 Lakh People Remain Flood Affected | WatchIndian Parl Panel Grills Meta Over PM Modi Video Takedown, Seeks Mark Zuckerberg’s ApologyBankipur Shock, Datia Loss: BJP Suffers Twin Setback, But Why Isn’t It Good News For Opposition?123PhotostoriesTamannaah Bhatia turns heads with 3 dramatically different looksBleeding gums may be warning you about more than your teeth: Doctor explains the link to heart disease, stroke and diabetesThe way you react today becomes your child’s inner voice tomorrow: 7 everyday moments that shape your child’s future more than any parenting advice ever could13 iconic ice creams from around the world every dessert lover should tryHow to talk to toddlers to nurture intelligence: Science-backed tips5 hair oils that may be making your dandruff worse5 signs your partner is falling out of love with you: What to watch for before it’s too lateFrom Collarwali to Charger: 5 legendary tigers of IndiaNot lemon, baking soda or detergent: This one ingredient can remove foul smell permanently from water bottles and lunch boxesThe 7 germiest things in your hotel room that most guests touch without thinking123Hot PicksCJP nationwide tourGold Rate TodayMJPRU resultBSE SensexRBI FD ruleManmohan Singh LiberhanKarnataka cabinet expansionUdhayanidhi StalinD Y PatilTop TrendingFaridabad MurderUdhayanidhi StalinPanchkula Army Captain Wife DeathPappu Yadav Slipper AttackPM ModiKarnataka Cabinet ExpansionTrisha KrishnanD Y Patil DeathBypoll Election Result 2026Shradha Singh UP schools shut till August 12 as Kanwar Yatra brings traffic curbs across western districts ‘If you’ve worked in an Anurag Kashyap film, you must be a good actor’: Vedika Pinto on industry perception and how the director encouraged her to sign Vikrant Massey’s ‘Musafir Cafe’ How much does it cost to live in Sweden? Indian woman says monthly expenses can reach ₹2.5 lakh ‘Will do whatever is necessary for national interest’: India after Pakistan deploys 250 Chinese Howitzers Scientists tracked global forest photosynthesis for 20 years and found species-rich forests improved faster; biodiversity loss could reduce the trend by up to 17% by 2050 MEA spokersperson called the PoK polls ‘farce’ and slammed Pakistan to pay heed to the atrocities committed by the Pak establishment NEW DELHI: The Ministry of External Affairs on Tuesday slammed the recently conducted so-called local elections in Pakistan-occupied Jammu and Kashmir (PoK), calling them “a complete farce” and accusing Pakistani forces of using violence, blackouts, intimidation and repression against civilians.Addressing a media briefing, MEA spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal said, “The real happening is that of public protests and wanton killings by Pakistani forces. Such hollow exercises cannot hide reality.”Jaiswal claimed that at least 90 civilians had been killed since June during what he described as a continuing crackdown by the Pakistani establishment.“Since June this year, at least 90 civilians have lost their lives in the continuing crackdown,” he said. “The Pakistani Establishment has answered public discontent with bullets, blackouts, intimidation and repression, and now seeks to manufacture legitimacy through a hollow electoral exercise.”He urged the international community to hold Islamabad accountable, saying, “the world should see through the flimsy veneer of Pakistan’s hypocritical lecturing on human rights.”The comments followed protests and disruptions surrounding the PoK elections, with demonstrations reported across the region. Human rights and press freedom groups have also raised concerns over alleged state violence, restrictions on the media and internet shutdowns during the protests.Separately, the MEA called on Pakistan to take “decisive action” against cross-border terrorism while responding to a viral video showing Pakistan-based Lashkar-e-Taiba members claiming that 30-40 of their commanders had been killed and alleging that Indian agencies were behind the killings.Join conversationView All Comments →Share your thoughts in the commentsInsightfulAgreeDisagreeSkepticalConcerningPromisingWorth ReadingBig DevelopmentPost CommentBe respectful · TOI community guidelines“We continue to call upon all countries to take strong action against cross-border terrorism and those who promote it,” Jaiswal said.“We also call upon Pakistan to take decisive action against cross-border terrorism and dismantle the terrorist infrastructure operating from its soil,” he added.The remarks came amid heightened scrutiny of Pakistan’s handling of terrorism and its actions in Pakistan-occupied Jammu and Kashmir.Get the latest India News and Live updates. Download the TOI app.About the AuthorTrisha MahajanTrisha Mahajan is a journalist with The Times of India digital, with keen interest in covering business and corporate affairs. She also reports on key national and world developments and global news trends. A keen reader with a strong interest in storytelling that adds context, clarity, and depth to complex issues.Read MoreEnd of ArticleFollow Us On Social MediaVideosUdhayanidhi Stalin Released Hours After Arrest Over ‘Double Meaning’ RemarkSC Extends Section 498A Protection To Women In Marriage-Like Live-In RelationshipsWhatsApp Puts Multiple Accounts Under Review, Users Locked Out As Company Admits Mistakes Can HappenUdhayanidhi Stalin Detained Over Trisha Row |FIR, Political Storm & “I’ll Face It Legally” ExplainedPulwama Man Held With Hand Grenade, Anti-National Posters After Kulgam Terror AttackHigh-Level Probe Ordered As Security Forces Launch Massive Valley-Wide Manhunt | WatchSC Clarifies ‘Criminal Antecedents’ Caveat;CJP Demands Immediate Withdrawal Of FIRs Against StudentsAssam Govt Launches Relief Package As Over 1.36 Lakh People Remain Flood Affected | WatchIndian Parl Panel Grills Meta Over PM Modi Video Takedown, Seeks Mark Zuckerberg’s ApologyBankipur Shock, Datia Loss: BJP Suffers Twin Setback, But Why Isn’t It Good News For Opposition?123PhotostoriesTamannaah Bhatia turns heads with 3 dramatically different looksBleeding gums may be warning you about more than your teeth: Doctor explains the link to heart disease, stroke and diabetesThe way you react today becomes your child’s inner voice tomorrow: 7 everyday moments that shape your child’s future more than any parenting advice ever could13 iconic ice creams from around the world every dessert lover should tryHow to talk to toddlers to nurture intelligence: Science-backed tips5 hair oils that may be making your dandruff worse5 signs your partner is falling out of love with you: What to watch for before it’s too lateFrom Collarwali to Charger: 5 legendary tigers of IndiaNot lemon, baking soda or detergent: This one ingredient can remove foul smell permanently from water bottles and lunch boxesThe 7 germiest things in your hotel room that most guests touch without thinking123Hot PicksCJP nationwide tourGold Rate TodayMJPRU resultBSE SensexRBI FD ruleManmohan Singh LiberhanKarnataka cabinet expansionUdhayanidhi StalinD Y PatilTop TrendingFaridabad MurderUdhayanidhi StalinPanchkula Army Captain Wife DeathPappu Yadav Slipper AttackPM ModiKarnataka Cabinet ExpansionTrisha KrishnanD Y Patil DeathBypoll Election Result 2026Shradha Singh Aug 04, 2026, 17:13 IST Taylor Swift and Travis Kelce name their dog after a meaningful 1993 coming-of-age film Natural Ant Deterrents: How to protect your home from ants using simple natural ingredients | Scientists found slugs, beetles and crabs spread seeds for 186 plant species; one crab can swallow more than 1,000 in a night 26-year-old Champion boxer arrested after Scottish woman is discovered dead inside suitcase in Athens How a Scottish biotech company is turning whisky waste into a sustainable source of omega-3 NCP workers disrupted a press conference of Maharashtra Congress chief Harshvardhan Sapkal NEW DELHI: Nationalist Congress Party (NCP) workers disrupted a press conference held by Maharashtra Congress president Harshvardhan Sapkal on Tuesday, a day after the opposition party targeted NCP president and Maharashtra deputy chief minister Sunetra Pawar with the remark “gungi dudiya” (mute doll).A visual shared by news agency PTI showed NCP workers, led by party leader Suraj Chavan, entering Gandhi Bhawan, the Congress office in Mumbai, during the incident. They raised slogans of “Harshvardhan Sapkal maafi maango” (Harshvardhan Sapkal, apologise).Condemning the incident in a post on X, the Maharashtra Congress accused “NCP goons” of “attempting to spread terror.””Who is bringing disrepute to the NCP by harbouring goons in Mumbai and across the state? At whose behest did Suraj Chavan come to create a ruckus at Gandhi Bhavan? The NCP leadership needs to reflect on this,” the party said.”Deputy chief minister Sunetra Pawar may well assume the avatar of Goddess Durga to protect the interests of the people of Maharashtra, but the Congress party will never tolerate such hooliganism within our office. A befitting response will be given,” it warned.The incident took place after the Maharashtra Congress on Monday posted a video on X in which NCP leader Dhananjay Munde was seen allegedly shielding Sunetra Pawar from a journalist’s question about the law and order situation in Beed district. The post referred to her as “gungi gudiya.””Sunetra Pawar, how many more days will she remain a ‘gungi gudiya’?” the Congress stated in the post.Sunetra Pawar is the guardian minister of Beed district, where Walmik Karad, a close aide of Dhananjay Munde, is the prime accused in the murder of Santosh Deshmukh, a sarpanch (village head).Join conversationView All Comments →Share your thoughts in the commentsInsightfulAgreeDisagreeSkepticalConcerningPromisingWorth ReadingBig DevelopmentPost CommentBe respectful · TOI community guidelinesHitting back at the Congress, the NCP drew a parallel with former Prime Minister Indira Gandhi, who was described by the same moniker by senior Congress leaders.”While democracy allows differences of opinion and even sharp criticism of policies, language that demeans women does not befit any political party. Does this mean the Congress is now indirectly admitting that the criticism levelled against the late Indira Gandhi at the time was justified?” NCP spokesperson Umesh Patil asked.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 MediaVideosSC Extends Section 498A Protection To Women In Marriage-Like Live-In RelationshipsWhatsApp Puts Multiple Accounts Under Review, Users Locked Out As Company Admits Mistakes Can HappenUdhayanidhi Stalin Detained Over Trisha Row |FIR, Political Storm & “I’ll Face It Legally” ExplainedPulwama Man Held With Hand Grenade, Anti-National Posters After Kulgam Terror AttackHigh-Level Probe Ordered As Security Forces Launch Massive Valley-Wide Manhunt | WatchSC Clarifies ‘Criminal Antecedents’ Caveat;CJP Demands Immediate Withdrawal Of FIRs Against StudentsAssam Govt Launches Relief Package As Over 1.36 Lakh People Remain Flood Affected | WatchIndian Parl Panel Grills Meta Over PM Modi Video Takedown, Seeks Mark Zuckerberg’s ApologyBankipur Shock, Datia Loss: BJP Suffers Twin Setback, But Why Isn’t It Good News For Opposition?Bengal STF Busts Alleged JeM Module, Probe Points To Pak-Based Handlers And Intelligence Network123PhotostoriesTamannaah Bhatia turns heads with 3 dramatically different looksThe way you react today becomes your child’s inner voice tomorrow: 7 everyday moments that shape your child’s future more than any parenting advice ever could13 iconic ice creams from around the world every dessert lover should tryHow to talk to toddlers to nurture intelligence: Science-backed tips5 hair oils that may be making your dandruff worse5 signs your partner is falling out of love with you: What to watch for before it’s too lateFrom Collarwali to Charger: 5 legendary tigers of IndiaNot lemon, baking soda or detergent: This one ingredient can remove foul smell permanently from water bottles and lunch boxesThe 7 germiest things in your hotel room that most guests touch without thinkingThe most beautiful buildings in the world have been ranked and one is from India123Hot PicksCJP nationwide tourGold Rate TodayMJPRU resultBSE SensexRBI FD ruleManmohan Singh LiberhanKarnataka cabinet expansionUdhayanidhi StalinD Y PatilTop TrendingFaridabad MurderUdhayanidhi StalinPanchkula Army Captain Wife DeathPappu Yadav Slipper AttackPM ModiKarnataka Cabinet ExpansionTrisha KrishnanD Y Patil DeathBypoll Election Result 2026Shradha Singh ‘My remote job became a 115-km commute’: Employee’s career dilemma sparks debate on hybrid work Kelly Osbourne reportedly SLAMS ex Sid Wilson in Instagram outrage: ‘Leave me alone, let me heal’ Tamannaah Bhatia turns heads with 3 dramatically different looks Quote of the day by Stephen Hawking: “My expectations were reduced to zero when I was 21. Everything since then has been…” – a powerful lesson in resilience and gratitude ‘Resign, I’ll accept within minutes’: DK Shivakumar’s blunt warning to disgruntled Congress MLAs How Korea’s Haenyeo developed extraordinary cold resistance that lets them dive into near-freezing seas without oxygen tanks, even in their 70s | World News File photo: Jharkhand chief minister Hemant Soren (picture credit: PTI) NEW DELHI: Jharkhand chief minister Hemant Soren on Tuesday broke his silence amid the ongoing recruitment row, saying his government was examining the concerns of protesting job aspirants with “complete seriousness”.The cheif minister said the decisions would be taken “at the appropriate time” after all aspects of the alleged irregularities in recruitment examinations were scrutinised.The assurance came as hundreds of job aspirants, who have been holding an indefinite sit-in at Jaipal Singh Munda Stadium in Ranchi since July 29, intensified their agitation by demanding that the alleged irregularities in the Jharkhand Public Service Commission (JPSC) and other recruitment examinations be investigated by an independent panel of retired high court judges from outside the state.”With close scrutiny and complete seriousness, decisions addressing their demands and queries will be announced at the appropriate time. I am confident that the protesters will be reassured,” Soren told reporters in Ranchi, as per news agency PTI.Soren says probe is examining every aspectResponding to questions about the ongoing investigation, the chief minister said probe agencies were looking into every allegation related to the recruitment examinations.”The way the investigation team is active, wherever any kind of mistakes have happened or are happening, all those things are being thoroughly examined, and after everything comes out, the government’s decisions will also certainly come forward,” he said.The protesters, however, alleged that the JMM-led government was attempting to “whitewash” the issue by entrusting the investigation to the state CID. They had earlier demanded a CBI probe along with an investigation by the Enforcement Directorate (ED), claiming large-scale financial transactions were linked to the alleged recruitment scam.On Tuesday, they revised their demand, seeking an inquiry by an independent panel of retired high court judges from outside Jharkhand.”We have completely lost faith in the ongoing CID investigation,” job aspirant Vinay Mehta from Hazaribagh told PTI.He alleged that during the earlier JSSC-CGL paper leak investigation, the CID itself found that answers to 135 out of 150 questions had been leaked, with 120 questions matching the examination paper exactly, but claimed no meaningful action followed despite candidates submitting evidence.”Therefore, we demand that the investigation be handed over either to the CBI or to an independent body of retired High Court judges, excluding any judge from Jharkhand,” Mehta said.Raghubar Das backs CBI probe, urges talks with studentsFormer Jharkhand chief minister Raghubar Das also urged Soren to engage directly with the protesting students and consider their demand for a CBI investigation.Addressing a press conference in Jamshedpur, Das said he had written to the chief minister, requesting him to initiate dialogue with the agitating youths.”The students have not taken to the streets without reason. They are protesting against serious allegations of corruption and irregularities in recruitment examinations. The government should talk to them directly and ensure justice, including considering their demand for a CBI inquiry,” Das said.He said he had written the letter not as a former chief minister or with any political motive, but as someone who understood student movements, recalling that his own political journey began during the JP movement of 1974.Das also alleged that the protesting students were not being provided basic facilities such as tents, drinking water or healthcare despite their peaceful agitation. He warned that the protest could turn into a larger mass movement if the government failed to address their grievances.Drawing a comparison with the NEET paper leak case, Das said the Centre had acted swiftly by cancelling the examination, ordering a CBI probe and conducting a re-examination within days.He questioned why a similar approach was not being adopted in Jharkhand.Protest enters second weekThe indefinite sit-in by job aspirants entered its second week on Tuesday, with protesters reiterating that they would continue their peaceful agitation unless an independent probe was ordered.The protesters also announced that they would pay tribute to former Jharkhand chief minister Shibu Soren on his first death anniversary by marching to his residence.They have also warned of intensifying the agitation if their demands remain unmet, including a proposed gherao of the Jharkhand Assembly on August 10.The movement has received support from several organisations. On Monday, the state unit of the All India Students’ Association (AISA) staged a demonstration over the alleged recruitment scams and announced an Assembly march on August 7.On Sunday, the Cockroach Janta Party also extended support to the agitation, while one of the protest leaders, Devendra Nath Mahto, has been on an indefinite hunger strike since Sunday night, demanding a central agency probe into the alleged recruitment irregularities.Meanwhile, JMM MLA Kalpana Soren, wife of chief minister Hemant Soren, has said the state government is “very sensitive” to the concerns raised by the protesters and is working on ways to resolve the issue.CID investigation gathers paceThe CID has so far arrested 11 people in connection with the alleged irregularities in JPSC examinations.Join conversationView All Comments →Share your thoughts in the commentsInsightfulAgreeDisagreeSkepticalConcerningPromisingWorth ReadingBig DevelopmentPost CommentBe respectful · TOI community guidelinesThe commission has postponed the Combined Civil Services Mains Examination, which was originally scheduled from July 25 to 27, citing “unavoidable circumstances” amid mounting protests.The CID has also questioned former JPSC chairman L Khiangte four times since July 28 and conducted raids at 18 locations across Ranchi, Palamu, Hazaribagh, Bokaro and Dhanbad as part of its investigation into the alleged recruitment irregularities.Get the latest India News and Live updates. 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