VK News Today https://validator.w3.org/feed/docs/rss2.html Bald Eagle, who nature lovers have been watching via an online livestream for over 10 years, dies; death comes weeks after fight with two other eagles Bull sharks in Fiji repeatedly meet at the same reef, and scientists found they slightly prefer spending time with relatives Gold price prediction today: Should you chase rally or buy gold on dips? Check August 11, 2026 outlook Goa Board SSC, HSSC date sheet 2027 released: Class 10 exams from March 15, Class 12 from February 8 Honey Singh calls Badshah ‘meri nalayak aulaad’ after old clip resurfaces on bonus episode of Samay Raina’s show ‘India’s Got Latent’ Bhakti Local: Mumbai local turns into ‘bhakti’ local as a bhajan mandali marks 21 years of its devotional journey aboard local trains in the city Scientists fitted Australian magpies with GPS trackers, but the birds quickly learned to remove them for each other As ‘Demis Hassabis wanted to LEAVE Google alongside Jeff Dean’ speculations go viral; Hassabis shares his message to employees in a long LinkedIn post 2,300-year-old beer, well preserved inside an ancient bronze bottle containing nearly a gallon of liquid with more than 2,400 chemical compounds, was discovered by archaeologists Aug 11, 2026, 11:37 IST Rupee slips 8 paise against US dollar as crude prices continue to rise Kartik Aaryan to join final Mumbai schedule of Kabir Khan’s Tajamul Islam biopic shoot this week – Report Meet the farmer who grows flowers for Chanel: How a family farm keeps the brand’s most valuable fragrance alive Aries Horoscope Today, August 11, 2026: Work moves, but study needs more discipline today Quote of the day by Benjamin Franklin: “What is more valuable than gold? Diamonds. Than diamonds? Virtue.” Rain lashes parts of Delhi-NCR; IMD issues yellow alert In 1965, a couple began counting pigeons in Queensland. Three years later, numbers fell from 4,692 to 1,451, beginning a 60-year conservation story Aug 11, 2026, 10:53 IST ‘House of the Dragon Season 3’: From Helaena to Lord Ormund, all the main characters who died in the latest series Taurus Horoscope Today, August 11, 2026: Don’t put fresh money into a new scheme today Typhoon Dolphin batters China: Hundreds of flights cancelled, lakhs evacuated as floods hit east Nasa’s New Horizons reached Arrokoth in 2019, revealing a frozen world that preserves clues to the early solar system PM Modi, Shah lead NDA’s ‘Mangal Milan’ meet NDA MPs on Tuesday greeted Prime Minister Narendra Modi with the Tricolour and slogans of “Vande Mataram” and “Bharat Mata Ki Jai” as he arrived at the venue of the ruling coalition’s weekly parliamentary party meeting at the Parliament House complex.The meeting, “Mangal Milan”, was attended by Union ministers, NDA leaders and MPs from the coalition’s constituent parties.Following the “Mangal Milan” meeting, NDA MPs marched towards Parliament to protest the Opposition’s continued disruption of the ongoing Monsoon Session over Union Home Minister Amit Shah’s remarks on police action against student protesters during the Jantar Mantar protest.Meanwhile, Union Parliamentary Affairs Minister Kiren Rijiju criticised Leader of Opposition Rahul Gandhi, saying he should not “run away” from Parliament now that Union Home Minister Amit Shah is ready to respond to his questions.In a social media post, Rijiju said Gandhi had been seeking a response from Shah for several days. He added that since Shah was now prepared to address the questions in detail, the Congress leader should remain present in Parliament and participate in the discussion.Join conversationView All Comments →Share your thoughts in the commentsInsightfulAgreeDisagreeSkepticalConcerningPromisingWorth ReadingBig DevelopmentPost CommentBe respectful · TOI community guidelines”Rahul Gandhi demanded a response from Home Minister Shri Amit Shah ji for days. Now that the Home Minister is ready to answer every point in detail, he must not run away,” Rijiju said.Rijiju’s remarks came amid an ongoing confrontation between the government and the Opposition over the recent student protests and police action against demonstrators. The issue has led to repeated disruptions in Parliament, with the Opposition demanding answers from the government and Rahul Gandhi seeking a response from Shah.The government has now agreed to a debate on the issue, with Shah expected to respond to the concerns raised by the Opposition.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 MediaVideosAmit Shah To Speak On Student Protest Crackdown; Rahul Says ‘Not Interested In Fantasy Convos’CJP Core Committee Dispute: Two Youths On Hunger Strike In Abhijit Dipke’s Hometown Hospitalised‘Only Dialogue Can Solve This’: Rahul Gandhi Backs Peaceful Jharkhand Student Protest | WatchJharkhand Students Storm Assembly Gates Amid Tear Gas, Lathicharge As ED Probe Intensifies Exam RowBihar Man Posed As IAS Officer, Claimed Doval Link; Police Seize Tesla, SUV And Imported Liquor’Mujhe Narendra Naam Se Nafrat Ho Gayi Hai’: PM Modi Interacts With India’s CWG Champions | Watch109 Years Later, MP Man Gets U.K. Response On War Loan ClaimSupriya Sule Says No Politics In PM Modi Meet As NCP-SP MPs Raise Maharashtra’s Key Demands‘Hitting Us On Head, Face’: Police Lathi-Charge Students During Assembly Gherao March In JharkhandModi Govt Going Slow On FCRA Bill To Woo Stalin’s DMK, Sharad Pawar’s NCP-SP For Delimitation?123Photostories10 surprising foods you can cook in an air fryer (that aren’t fries or nuggets)Psychology explains why being ignored hurts more than being rejectedFrom loyalty to alertness: 7 low-maintenance dog breeds for homeownersYour body needs more than sleep: 6 pillars of wellness that impact your energy and mood5 yoga positions that can undo hours of sitting“Everything is in a state of flux”: Sadhguru explains why these two times of day are special for yogaWhen Ankita Lokhande Recalled Her Pavitra Rishta Days: From not going home for 3 months, taking showers on set to washing and rewearing the same undergarmentsPrincess Diana to Grace Kelly: Popular fashion muses behind luxury’s most iconic handbags”… served non-stop with coconut chutney and a tub of…”: Vicky Kaushal on his go-to me-time meal beyond parathas; recipes inside10 beautiful baby names that mean “blessing from God”123Hot PicksMumbai rainNEET PG city intimation slipSlovenia Indian embassyJharkhand protestWeather AhmedabadAjit DovalIran warDelhi rainUP scholarshipTop TrendingCJPGurgaon Businessman Wife ArrestBengaluru Missing TechieBlinkit MumbaiHarbhajan SinghPune-Bengaluru Highway AccidentAssam Floods DeathsAbhijeet DipkeTarun TejpalShakeel Noorani Aug 11, 2026, 10:58 IST Top stocks to buy today: Stock market recommendations for August 11, 2026 – check list ‘Arasan back in action’: Silambarasan TR and Vetri Maaran’s film resumes shooting as Kalaippuli S Thanu shares BTS update 10 surprising foods you can cook in an air fryer (that aren’t fries or nuggets) Surya Grahan August 2026: Spiritual practices you can do to remain positive during Solar Eclipse White House is upset with Sam Altman’s OpenAI and reason is appointment of the executive who Pentagon AI chief Emil Michael called AI world’s ‘supreme village idiot’ Australia census asks about sexual orientation, gender for first time Sonia hails former PM Manmohan Singh after SC clean chit NEW DELHI: Days after the Supreme Court gave former prime minister Manmohan Singh a clean chit in the coal block allocation case, senior Congress leader Sonia Gandhi on Tuesday invoked former PM’s legacy and attacked the Narendra Modi government.Sonia said Singh’s record of integrity and accountability was in stark contrast to the way the Modi government has functioned. She said history would remember Singh as a quiet, gentle but “highly consequential prime minister.”Taking a dig at Prime Minister Narendra Modi, Sonia said that since he is currently “forgiving” students who attacked him, he could also use the opportunity to forgive himself for his “undignified slander” against Singh.The Congress parliamentary party chairperson said the Supreme Court judgment ended what she described as one of the most tragic episodes in public discourse — the “witch-hunt against Dr Singh, a man of the most remarkable probity and integrity.””The lobby against him was coordinated and well-organised, with actors stretching from the bureaucracy to the media, the judiciary, civil society, and most certainly to the RSS and BJP. Today, their bogus crusade has come to its inevitable conclusion of nothingness. Dr Singh has been vindicated on every count,” Sonia said in an article published in The Indian Express.Sonia said July 29, 2026, was an important but largely unacknowledged date in India’s recent political history. On that day, the Supreme Court upheld the CBI’s clean chit to Singh in the alleged coal block allocation scam.She also pointed out that the Supreme Court criticised the trial court for rejecting the CBI’s closure reports and making adverse remarks against Singh without any “compelling reason”.Sonia said Singh’s record of integrity and accountability stood in contrast to what she called as the Modi government’s “misuse of agencies” such as the Enforcement Directorate (ED) and the CBI.”Its purpose has been to exert pressure on politicians. Leaders are either silenced through coercion or cynically folded into the BJP or, in some remarkable instances, rewarded with ministerial positions as well.”When credible accusations of corruption emerge, the Modi government simply brushes them aside. Corrupt when you’re in the Opposition, suddenly clean when you jump ship!” Sonia said.Sonia also said it was not a coincidence that Modi was among the most vocal critics of Singh.”His snide and atrocious remarks in the Rajya Sabha on February 8, 2017, that only Dr Singh knew ‘the art of bathing with a raincoat on’, will go down as the lowest point of our parliamentary history,” former Congress president said.”Introspection, like charity, must begin from home. Ultimately, the attack on Dr Singh was motivated by a desperate desire to shift the public conversation and narrative away from his outstanding governance record,” she added.Sonia highlighted Singh’s economic record, saying his government brought major economic changes, high growth rates and a rise in consumption and private investment.She said India also showed resilience during the 2008 global financial crisis.”Let us not forget that in spite of the reworking of how the growth of India’s GDP is calculated, the 10 years of the UPA government saw higher economic growth than the past 12 years, resulting in millions being pulled out of poverty,” Sonia said.She also highlighted several welfare and social justice initiatives introduced during Singh’s tenure.According to Sonia, the Manmohan Singh government delivered the constitutional promise of the Right to Education and expanded OBC reservation in centrally funded higher education institutions, including the IITs and IIMs.”The Forest Rights Act recognised the ancestral rights of our Adivasi and forest-dwelling communities, after a decades-long struggle. The MGNREGA, recently demolished by the Modi government, was the most powerful social security intervention set up anywhere,” she said.Sonia also cited the National Food Security Act, 2013, as another major achievement of Singh’s government. The law guaranteed access to basic food rations for crores of families.She said civil society became stronger during Singh’s tenure and people could protest against the government and prime minister.Sonia also claimed that Singh regularly remained accountable to Parliament and the media through more than 100 unscripted press conferences.”And of course, we cannot forget that the landmark and path-breaking Indo-US nuclear deal, which overturned decades of nuclear discrimination against and denial towards India and marked our arrival on the global stage, was possible because of his political courage and sustained initiative,” she said.Sonia said the allegations against Singh’s integrity had now been exposed as baseless and that his record was increasingly being recognised as a period of economic, political and social progress.”We all certainly regret that he is not here to see this day and to guide the nation with his wisdom. But it is a solace to us all that his prophetic prediction of January 2014 is becoming increasingly self-evident with every passing day.Join conversationView All Comments →Share your thoughts in the commentsInsightfulAgreeDisagreeSkepticalConcerningPromisingWorth ReadingBig DevelopmentPost CommentBe respectful · TOI community guidelines”History will indeed remember him kindly as a quiet, gentle but a most consequential prime minister,” Sonia said.Her remarks came after the Supreme Court closed the criminal case against Singh by setting aside a summoning order against him.Singh, who died on December 27, 2024, now stands formally acquitted in the high-profile criminal case.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 MediaVideosAmit Shah To Speak On Student Protest Crackdown; Rahul Says ‘Not Interested In Fantasy Convos’CJP Core Committee Dispute: Two Youths On Hunger Strike In Abhijit Dipke’s Hometown Hospitalised‘Only Dialogue Can Solve This’: Rahul Gandhi Backs Peaceful Jharkhand Student Protest | WatchJharkhand Students Storm Assembly Gates Amid Tear Gas, Lathicharge As ED Probe Intensifies Exam RowBihar Man Posed As IAS Officer, Claimed Doval Link; Police Seize Tesla, SUV And Imported Liquor’Mujhe Narendra Naam Se Nafrat Ho Gayi Hai’: PM Modi Interacts With India’s CWG Champions | Watch109 Years Later, MP Man Gets U.K. Response On War Loan ClaimSupriya Sule Says No Politics In PM Modi Meet As NCP-SP MPs Raise Maharashtra’s Key Demands‘Hitting Us On Head, Face’: Police Lathi-Charge Students During Assembly Gherao March In JharkhandModi Govt Going Slow On FCRA Bill To Woo Stalin’s DMK, Sharad Pawar’s NCP-SP For Delimitation?123PhotostoriesPsychology explains why being ignored hurts more than being rejectedFrom loyalty to alertness: 7 low-maintenance dog breeds for homeownersYour body needs more than sleep: 6 pillars of wellness that impact your energy and mood5 yoga positions that can undo hours of sitting“Everything is in a state of flux”: Sadhguru explains why these two times of day are special for yogaWhen Ankita Lokhande Recalled Her Pavitra Rishta Days: From not going home for 3 months, taking showers on set to washing and rewearing the same undergarmentsPrincess Diana to Grace Kelly: Popular fashion muses behind luxury’s most iconic handbags”… served non-stop with coconut chutney and a tub of…”: Vicky Kaushal on his go-to me-time meal beyond parathas; recipes inside10 beautiful baby names that mean “blessing from God”Optical illusions and personality test: What you spot first reveals your hidden personality traits123Hot PicksMumbai rainNEET PG city intimation slipSlovenia Indian embassyJharkhand protestWeather AhmedabadAjit DovalIran warDelhi rainUP scholarshipTop TrendingCJPGurgaon Businessman Wife ArrestBengaluru Missing TechieBlinkit MumbaiHarbhajan SinghPune-Bengaluru Highway AccidentAssam Floods DeathsAbhijeet DipkeTarun TejpalShakeel Noorani Updated: Aug 11, 2026, 10:24 IST $500 billion AI boom: Nvidia, Wall Street giants join hands for chip, data centre push Satyajeet Puri recalls when the audience boycotted Amitabh Bachchan: ‘People blacked his movie posters’ Ludwig Van Beethoven: Quote of the day by Ludwig van Beethoven: “Don’t only practice your art, but force your way into its secrets; art deserves that, for it and knowledge can raise man to the divine” Yeida to launch 2 residential plot schemes near Noida airport during Navratri The BJP has called a statewide bandh in Jharkhand to protest alleged police force against students. NEW DELHI: Normal life was affected in parts of Jharkhand on Tuesday as the BJP enforced a statewide bandh over police action against job aspirants during their march to the state assembly, while an Enforcement Directorate probe and the arrest of a former JPSC chairperson added a new dimension to the recruitment exam controversy.Most schools and business establishments remained closed, while vehicular movement was thin in Ranchi and several other cities. The bandh, announced from 8 am to midnight, was called by the BJP to protest the use of water cannons, tear gas and batons against students during Monday’s assembly march. Essential services were kept outside its purview.BJP calls bandh over police actionBJP state president Aditya Sahu described the police action as “atrocities” against students and accused the JMM-led government of using force instead of addressing their grievances. The party has backed demands for an independent probe into alleged irregularities in recruitment examinations conducted by the Jharkhand Public Service Commission (JPSC) and Jharkhand Staff Selection Commission (JSSC).The Akhil Bharatiya Vidyarthi Parishad has also condemned the alleged police action and announced a ‘Vidhan Sabha March’ from the old assembly building to the new assembly premises.The bandh followed a tense day in Ranchi when thousands of aspirants breached multiple barricades while marching towards the assembly, where the monsoon session was underway. Police used water cannons and tear gas near Jagannathpur Temple before resorting to a lathi-charge after protesters crossed the final barricade and reached Gate No 1.Students allege brutal crackdownStudent leaders alleged that the protest was peaceful until police action began in the evening. Ravinder Pasawan said students from all 24 districts had gathered and waited until 5 pm for the government to respond to their demands.”But suddenly, force was used. Some of our companions were injured. The administration did its job; before that, they were quite cooperative, but in the evening, they lost their cool. Many of our colleagues, including women students, were injured. It was also seen that media personnel were pushed and shoved. We remain firm on our demands. We appeal to the Honourable Chief Minister that we are all students; please accept our demands, as they are all logical. Our indefinite protest will continue until the Jharkhand government accepts them,” Pasawan said.Another student leader, Piyush, claimed nearly 50,000 aspirants had participated in what he described as a “historic” march. He said the students remained independent of political parties and would continue their indefinite protest.Police, however, said 14 personnel were injured during the protests and that CCTV footage would be examined to identify those involved in stone pelting and disruption.ED launches money laundering probeThe controversy escalated further on Monday after the Enforcement Directorate launched a money laundering investigation into alleged irregularities in multiple recruitment examinations, particularly the JSSC-CGL examination.The Jharkhand CID also arrested former JPSC chairperson L Khiangte in connection with the alleged irregularities. His arrest took the number of people apprehended in the case to 20.Khiangte, a 1988-batch IAS officer and former Jharkhand chief secretary, was appointed JPSC chairperson in February last year and resigned on July 22. The CID had earlier searched 18 locations across Ranchi, Palamu, Hazaribagh, Bokaro and Dhanbad.The state government has agreed to cancel the 14th JPSC examination and backlog examinations conducted in 2023 and 2025. Higher and Technical Education Minister Sudivya Kumar said the government had also agreed to the ED probe after evidence of financial irregularities emerged.Students demand CBI investigationThe protesters have been agitating since July 25, demanding cancellation of the JSSC-CGL examination, a CBI probe into alleged irregularities and comprehensive reforms in the JPSC and JSSC.They have also sought cancellation of several recruitment examinations, including the 14th Jharkhand PSC Civil Services Examination, and an independent investigation either by the CBI or a panel of retired high court judges from outside Jharkhand.On the JSSC-CGL examination, Kumar said the state government could not order its cancellation because it was conducted under court monitoring. The government has proposed a committee headed by a retired high court judge to oversee the CID investigation, but protesters have rejected the proposal.The government has also proposed reforms to the standard operating procedures of the JPSC and JSSC, with inputs from IIT-ISM Dhanbad, IIM-Ranchi and XLRI Jamshedpur.Hunger strike leader’s health worsensJLKM leader Devendra Nath Mahto, who has been on hunger strike for nine days over the issue, was admitted to Ranchi Sadar Hospital after his blood sugar level dropped “drastically”. Doctors described his condition as critical.Mahto joined Monday’s march in an ambulance and later addressed protesters while lying on a stretcher. His supporters alleged that he was injured during the police action.Earlier, Mahto had said, “Attempts were made to stop us. Barricades of barbed wire were erected. Water cannons were used. Tear gas was deployed. Lathi charges were carried out, leaving people injured. Yet, we did not raise a single slogan against the government. We did not engage in any political rhetoric or utter a single obscene word. The only flag present was the Tricolour.”He also questioned the credibility of any investigation, saying, “Exams are conducted with candidates sitting in places like Nepal. What faith can one have in the investigation?”Soren seeks dialogue amid political rowChief minister Hemant Soren urged students to resolve their grievances through “dialogue and trust”, while saying their demands would be examined with “utmost seriousness and sensitivity”.Join conversationView All Comments →Share your thoughts in the commentsInsightfulAgreeDisagreeSkepticalConcerningPromisingWorth ReadingBig DevelopmentPost CommentBe respectful · TOI community guidelinesSoren also accused opposition leaders of attempting to mislead students for political gains and said the government wanted to make the examination system more transparent, technology-enabled, secure and accountable.Congress leader Rahul Gandhi condemned the police action, saying peaceful protests should not be met with violence.”Students have a right to peaceful protest, and only dialogue can yield solutions,” the Congress leader said, urging the Jharkhand government to resolve their grievances at the earliest.His remarks drew a response from the BJP, which accused Gandhi of double standards because the Congress is part of the JMM-led ruling coalition in Jharkhand.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 MediaVideosAmit Shah To Speak On Student Protest Crackdown; Rahul Says ‘Not Interested In Fantasy Convos’CJP Core Committee Dispute: Two Youths On Hunger Strike In Abhijit Dipke’s Hometown Hospitalised‘Only Dialogue Can Solve This’: Rahul Gandhi Backs Peaceful Jharkhand Student Protest | WatchJharkhand Students Storm Assembly Gates Amid Tear Gas, Lathicharge As ED Probe Intensifies Exam RowBihar Man Posed As IAS Officer, Claimed Doval Link; Police Seize Tesla, SUV And Imported Liquor’Mujhe Narendra Naam Se Nafrat Ho Gayi Hai’: PM Modi Interacts With India’s CWG Champions | Watch109 Years Later, MP Man Gets U.K. Response On War Loan ClaimSupriya Sule Says No Politics In PM Modi Meet As NCP-SP MPs Raise Maharashtra’s Key Demands‘Hitting Us On Head, Face’: Police Lathi-Charge Students During Assembly Gherao March In JharkhandModi Govt Going Slow On FCRA Bill To Woo Stalin’s DMK, Sharad Pawar’s NCP-SP For Delimitation?123PhotostoriesPsychology explains why being ignored hurts more than being rejectedFrom loyalty to alertness: 7 low-maintenance dog breeds for homeownersYour body needs more than sleep: 6 pillars of wellness that impact your energy and mood5 yoga positions that can undo hours of sitting“Everything is in a state of flux”: Sadhguru explains why these two times of day are special for yogaWhen Ankita Lokhande Recalled Her Pavitra Rishta Days: From not going home for 3 months, taking showers on set to washing and rewearing the same undergarmentsPrincess Diana to Grace Kelly: Popular fashion muses behind luxury’s most iconic handbags”… served non-stop with coconut chutney and a tub of…”: Vicky Kaushal on his go-to me-time meal beyond parathas; recipes inside10 beautiful baby names that mean “blessing from God”Optical illusions and personality test: What you spot first reveals your hidden personality traits123Hot PicksMumbai rainNEET PG city intimation slipSlovenia Indian embassyJharkhand protestWeather AhmedabadAjit DovalIran warAtiq Ahmed sonAssam floodsTop TrendingAhmedabad Rape CaseSurat PG Medical Student SuicideEthanol BlendingTN Cauvery Water DisputeAtiq Ahmed SonHyderabad Hit and Run CaseAssam Floods DeathsAbhijeet DipkeTarun TejpalShakeel Noorani UP scholarship 2026-27: Class 9 to 12 registration starts today at scholarship.up.gov.in; check key dates and details RJ Balaji explains the ‘Karuppu’ climax and the inspiration it took from ‘Kantara’: ‘I wondered why we should not do something similar with a deity’ Don’t bin your old T-shirts: 6 easy DIY ideas to give them a new life Woman left paralysed after treatment; consumer court orders hospital, doctors to pay Rs 15 lakh Aug 11, 2026, 09:54 IST ‘Performance was not the reason’: Kaif questions Sarfaraz’s exile, backs him over Jurel for Sri Lanka Tests Preity Zinta reveals her kids recognise Amitabh Bachchan through his ‘Mr Natwarlal’ songs: ‘Mere bacche aapka woh ganna sunte hain’ Rug Placement Tips: Can a rug make a small room look bigger? Designer reveals the trick that works | Watch: Buildings crumble, debris rains down as 7.4-magnitude quake hits Colombia Sam Pitroda backs Jharkhand student protests NEW DELHI: Congress leader Sam Pitroda on Monday backed protesting students in Jharkhand as an agitation over alleged irregularities in JPSC and JSSC recruitment examinations intensified in Ranchi. Criticising the government’s use of lathis, tear gas and water cannons, Pitroda called for “reform, accountability and compassion” as the protests entered their 18th day.The development comes as the Jharkhand students’ ‘Vidhan Sabha gherao’ march in Ranchi on Monday saw police use lathis and water cannons to disperse protesters. The march was organised over alleged irregularities in examinations conducted by the Jharkhand Public Service Commission (JPSC) and Jharkhand Staff Selection Commission (JSSC).The protesters are demanding, among other measures, the cancellation of the JSSC-Combined Graduate Level (CGL) examination, a Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) probe into alleged irregularities and reforms in the recruitment process.In a series of posts on X, the Indian Overseas Congress (IOC) global chairman said the grievances of young people should be addressed through dialogue.”The images from Ranchi disturb me deeply”, he wrote.Pitroda said students should not be met with force, calling them India’s future and expressing solidarity with Jharkhand’s youth.In another post, Pitroda said, “Democracy requires governments to create space for peaceful dissent, dialogue and resolution.”Pitroda’s remarks came after Congress leader Rahul Gandhi also condemned the police action and called for dialogue with the protesting students, urging the Jharkhand government to address their grievances. The Hemant Soren-led Jharkhand government is run by a JMM-led coalition in which the Congress is a partner.Pitroda also said the protesting youth deserved to be heard respectfully and urged authorities to address their concerns over fair examinations, transparent recruitment, employment opportunities and their prospects for the future.”These are not unreasonable demands. India owes its youth a system they can trust”, he added in the postHe further said the concerns of students needed to be viewed in the context of the sacrifices made by their families.”Behind every protesting student is a family that has sacrificed – often for years for education and the hope of a job.Pitroda criticised the JMM-led Jharkhand government over the handling of recruitment and examination-related grievances, saying delays in recruitment and failures in examinations risk eroding young people’s trust in the system. He called for “reform, accountability and compassion” in addressing their concerns.Calling India’s youth its “greatest assets”, Pitroda said the country’s demographic dividend could turn into frustration if education does not translate into opportunities and examinations fail to inspire confidence.”We must redesign education, assessment and employment systems for this generation — not punish them for demanding change,” he said.On Monday, police and protesters clashed during the march outside the Jharkhand Assembly. Police resorted to at least three rounds of lathicharge, while tear gas shells and water cannons were also used to disperse demonstrators.Injured protester alleged that police began the lathicharge without warning.The police have, however, given a different account of the events. Ranchi deputy commissioner Manjunath Bhajantri said a stone was thrown at a police jawan and alleged that some “anti-social elements” attempted to provoke police and officials during the protest.Addressing a press conference, Bhajantri said the police had exercised restraint throughout the demonstration and used “mild force” only after a situation arose in which a jawan’s life was allegedly at risk.Ranchi City SP Paras Rana said most students were peaceful but alleged that a section of protesters damaged barricades and pelted stones.The protest also affected Jharkhand Loktantrik Krantikari Morcha (JLKM) leader Devendra Nath Mahto, who was admitted to Sadar Hospital in Ranchi after taking part in the march.Mahto had been on hunger strike for nine days at Jaipal Singh Munda Stadium before joining the ‘Vidhan Sabha Gherao’ march despite his deteriorating health. He was later admitted to hospital.The police action drew criticism from political leaders across party lines. On Monday, Congress leader Rahul Gandhi also condemned the police action and called for dialogue with the protesting students.Join conversationView All Comments →Share your thoughts in the commentsInsightfulAgreeDisagreeSkepticalConcerningPromisingWorth ReadingBig DevelopmentPost CommentBe respectful · TOI community guidelines”The use of force against students protesting in Jharkhand is wrong. Students have a right to peaceful protest, and only dialogue can yield solutions,” Rahul Gandhi said in a post on X, on Monday.He further urged the Jharkhand government to address the students’ grievances.”The Jharkhand government must continue to hear these students out and resolve their issues immediately,” he added.The JPSC and JSSC examinations have been at the centre of protests by aspirants over alleged irregularities. Separately, the Enforcement Directorate (ED) has registered an Enforcement Case Information Report under the Prevention of Money Laundering Act in connection with alleged irregularities in JPSC examinations.Get the latest India News and Live updates. Download the TOI app.About the AuthorTOI World DeskAt TOI World Desk, our dedicated team of seasoned journalists and passionate writers tirelessly sifts through the vast tapestry of global events to bring you the latest news and diverse perspectives round the clock. With an unwavering commitment to accuracy, depth, and timeliness, we strive to keep you informed about the ever-evolving world, delivering a nuanced understanding of international affairs to our readers. Join us on a journey across continents as we unravel the stories that shape our interconnected world.Read MoreEnd of ArticleFollow Us On Social MediaVideosCJP Core Committee Dispute: Two Youths On Hunger Strike In Abhijit Dipke’s Hometown Hospitalised‘Only Dialogue Can Solve This’: Rahul Gandhi Backs Peaceful Jharkhand Student Protest | WatchJharkhand Students Storm Assembly Gates Amid Tear Gas, Lathicharge As ED Probe Intensifies Exam RowBihar Man Posed As IAS Officer, Claimed Doval Link; Police Seize Tesla, SUV And Imported Liquor’Mujhe Narendra Naam Se Nafrat Ho Gayi Hai’: PM Modi Interacts With India’s CWG Champions | Watch109 Years Later, MP Man Gets U.K. Response On War Loan ClaimSupriya Sule Says No Politics In PM Modi Meet As NCP-SP MPs Raise Maharashtra’s Key Demands‘Hitting Us On Head, Face’: Police Lathi-Charge Students During Assembly Gherao March In JharkhandModi Govt Going Slow On FCRA Bill To Woo Stalin’s DMK, Sharad Pawar’s NCP-SP For Delimitation?Jharkhand Showdown: Protesters Set To Gherao State Assembly; Demand JSSC-CGL Cancellation, CBI Probe123Photostories5 yoga positions that can undo hours of sitting“Everything is in a state of flux”: Sadhguru explains why these two times of day are special for yogaWhen Ankita Lokhande Recalled Her Pavitra Rishta Days: From not going home for 3 months, taking showers on set to washing and rewearing the same undergarmentsPrincess Diana to Grace Kelly: Popular fashion muses behind luxury’s most iconic handbags”… served non-stop with coconut chutney and a tub of…”: Vicky Kaushal on his go-to me-time meal beyond parathas; recipes inside10 beautiful baby names that mean “blessing from God”Optical illusions and personality test: What you spot first reveals your hidden personality traitsWhat happens when you consume Tulsi leaves daily? Sadhguru and Hansaji on its benefits, traditional uses and what science says7 Teacup dog breeds that are perfect for apartment living in IndiaEnd your day on a calmer note with these 5 simple evening rituals123Hot PicksMumbai rainNEET PG city intimation slipSlovenia Indian embassyJharkhand protestWeather AhmedabadAjit DovalIran warAtiq Ahmed sonAssam floodsTop TrendingAhmedabad Rape CaseSurat PG Medical Student SuicideEthanol BlendingTN Cauvery Water DisputeAtiq Ahmed SonHyderabad Hit and Run CaseAssam Floods DeathsAbhijeet DipkeTarun TejpalShakeel Noorani Emraan Hashmi net worth: Rs 105 crore fee, luxury homes and cars – All about the ‘Awarapan 2’ actor’s empire Anthropic has an important message for Claude users: Starting August 14, auto mode will be the default … CJP announces nationwide campaign to improve government schools on August 15. NEW DELHI: Cockroach Janta Party (CJP) founder Abhijeet Dipke has announced a nationwide campaign to improve government schools in villages, seeking to address the “neglect of rural educational infrastructure”.The campaign will be launched on August 15, with the CJP calling on citizens, parents and village leaders to work together to improve basic facilities in government schools.Dipke said he would launch the initiative from his village in Hingoli, Maharashtra, by approaching the village head and requesting him to take steps to improve government schools there.“The coming 15th August is our 80th Independence Day. But, if anything has been neglected or ignored the most in the last 80 years, it is the government schools in our villages,” Dipke said on Monday.“We have made a new Parliament, a new PM house. Why have we not been able to build new schools in our villages? Do we not consider the children of farmers and labourers the future of our country?” he asked.Dipke said children in villages continue to face difficulties in accessing schools and basic facilities such as drinking water and toilets.“Even today, village children have to walk a long distance to go to school. After going there, they don’t find water or toilet facilities,” he said, highlighting the difficulties faced by girls in particular.“I feel that on this 15th August, if we should pay attention to anything, if we should make a new start, we should start by improving our government schools,” he said.The ‘Sarpanch Challenge’As part of the campaign, the CJP has appealed to sarpanches across the country to take up the task of improving government schools in their respective villages.Dipke said he would personally approach the village head in Hingoli and urged other sarpanches to do the same in their villages.The organisation has termed the initiative the “Sarpanch Challenge”, under which it plans to publicly recognise village heads who improve their schools by sharing before-and-after photographs on its social media platforms and giving credit to the sarpanches concerned.“We will give you credit so that after seeing you, after seeing the schools that you have improved, many other village heads also start improving schools in their villages,” Dipke said.The CJP has also called for a citizen-led social audit of government schools.Parents whose children study in government schools have been asked to visit the institutions and check basic facilities, including electricity, clean drinking water, functional washrooms and mid-day meals.“You go to your children’s schools and see if basic facilities are available. See if there is electricity, water… Do your children get washroom facilities? Do they get mid-day meals?” Dipke said.He urged parents to record videos if basic facilities were unavailable. The CJP said it would soon issue a printable audit form through which citizens could record the facilities available at their children’s schools and those that were missing.The form will be shared through links on campaign videos on the CJP’s official social media platforms and completed forms and video evidence can be emailed to the organisation.The campaign aims to ensure that children of farmers and wage labourers studying in village schools have access to facilities comparable to those available to children in cities.“If not, you make videos of it. Because your children’s schooling should be good. That is your fundamental right,” Dipke said.“Let us all make a promise to the children who live in villages that we will improve their schools. Together, we can do this,” he said, concluding his video with the message, “Real India lives in villages”.CJP backs Jharkhand protestsIn a separate video, Dipke also extended his support to Jharkhand student leader Devendra Nath Mahto, who was hospitalised after his health deteriorated during a hunger strike over alleged irregularities in recruitment examinations.Calling the alleged police action against protesters “cruel and inhuman”, Dipke drew a parallel with student protests at Delhi’s Jantar Mantar. “Be it Jantar Mantar or Jharkhand, such police brutality against students is cruel and inhuman,” he said.“CJP stands firmly with Devendra bhai and his struggle. He is a true hero. We salute his courage and strength!” he added.Mahto has been at the centre of the ongoing JPSC-JSSC agitation in Ranchi over alleged irregularities in recruitment examinations. He had been on an indefinite hunger strike and joined the students’ Vidhan Sabha gherao march on Monday, arriving at the protest in an ambulance as his health deteriorated.Join conversationView All Comments →Share your thoughts in the commentsInsightfulAgreeDisagreeSkepticalConcerningPromisingWorth ReadingBig DevelopmentPost CommentBe respectful · TOI community guidelinesThe CJP, which began as an online satirical platform, later took its campaign to the streets. Its 36-day agitation at Delhi’s Jantar Mantar against examination irregularities was called off on July 25 following the resignation of then Union education minister Dharmendra Pradhan.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 MediaVideosCJP Core Committee Dispute: Two Youths On Hunger Strike In Abhijit Dipke’s Hometown Hospitalised‘Only Dialogue Can Solve This’: Rahul Gandhi Backs Peaceful Jharkhand Student Protest | WatchJharkhand Students Storm Assembly Gates Amid Tear Gas, Lathicharge As ED Probe Intensifies Exam RowBihar Man Posed As IAS Officer, Claimed Doval Link; Police Seize Tesla, SUV And Imported Liquor’Mujhe Narendra Naam Se Nafrat Ho Gayi Hai’: PM Modi Interacts With India’s CWG Champions | Watch109 Years Later, MP Man Gets U.K. Response On War Loan ClaimSupriya Sule Says No Politics In PM Modi Meet As NCP-SP MPs Raise Maharashtra’s Key Demands‘Hitting Us On Head, Face’: Police Lathi-Charge Students During Assembly Gherao March In JharkhandModi Govt Going Slow On FCRA Bill To Woo Stalin’s DMK, Sharad Pawar’s NCP-SP For Delimitation?Jharkhand Showdown: Protesters Set To Gherao State Assembly; Demand JSSC-CGL Cancellation, CBI Probe123Photostories5 yoga positions that can undo hours of sitting“Everything is in a state of flux”: Sadhguru explains why these two times of day are special for yogaWhen Ankita Lokhande Recalled Her Pavitra Rishta Days: From not going home for 3 months, taking showers on set to washing and rewearing the same undergarmentsPrincess Diana to Grace Kelly: Popular fashion muses behind luxury’s most iconic handbags”… served non-stop with coconut chutney and a tub of…”: Vicky Kaushal on his go-to me-time meal beyond parathas; recipes inside10 beautiful baby names that mean “blessing from God”Optical illusions and personality test: What you spot first reveals your hidden personality traitsWhat happens when you consume Tulsi leaves daily? Sadhguru and Hansaji on its benefits, traditional uses and what science says7 Teacup dog breeds that are perfect for apartment living in IndiaEnd your day on a calmer note with these 5 simple evening rituals123Hot PicksMumbai rainNEET PG city intimation slipSlovenia Indian embassyJharkhand protestWeather AhmedabadAjit DovalIran warAtiq Ahmed sonAssam floodsTop TrendingAhmedabad Rape CaseSurat PG Medical Student SuicideEthanol BlendingTN Cauvery Water DisputeAtiq Ahmed SonHyderabad Hit and Run CaseAssam Floods DeathsAbhijeet DipkeTarun TejpalShakeel Noorani