VK News Today https://validator.w3.org/feed/docs/rss2.html Samay Raina donates Rs 10 lakh to Assam flood relief; CM Himanta Biswa Sarma thanks comedian, social media users urge FIR withdrawal China controls about 80% of the tungsten market; a Nevada company says it has found 1.78 million tonnes, but NASA is blocking mining on part of the site Indian man on death row in the US for killing wife, in-laws in 2019 seeks retrial, says his previous lawyers were bad Rahul Gandhi addresses the gathering during the ‘Chhatron Ki Goonj’ program, in Prayagraj, Uttar Pradesh. NEW DELHI: Congress leader Rahul Gandhi on Saturday described India’s youth as the country’s biggest strength, but said a lack of jobs, expensive education, paper leaks, poor access to credit and the growing use of AI were holding them back.Speaking at the ‘Chhatron Ki Goonj’ programme at KP Ground in Prayagraj, Rahul told the gathering, “You are power and pride of India; when I say this, I talk about every Indian citizen.” He said he wanted to speak about “dard (pain), data, and daulat (wealth)”, framing his address around the problems facing young Indians and the economic resources he believes should belong to them.Rahul said India’s nearly 40 crore young people were its “greatest strength”, adding that while there was much discussion about America, China and Russia, “India’s youth [are] unparalleled.” He argued that the country’s future would depend on the potential of its young population and the data they generate.He said artificial intelligence was also built on people’s data and argued that this data should be treated as an asset belonging to Indians. Rahul criticised the growing use of AI in discussions about employment, saying technological changes could further threaten jobs unless young people benefited from the economy being built around their data.Rahul also spoke about his connection to Prayagraj, describing the city as his family’s home and recalling its past as an important educational centre. He said Allahabad University had once been among the country’s best universities.Rahul said young Indians were being trapped in a “chakravyuh”, with education becoming increasingly expensive while degrees often failed to translate into jobs.“Today, education certificates have no meaning in India because they cannot give you job,” he said, arguing that students could spend years and large amounts of money on education without finding meaningful employment.Rahul said the problems extended across several routes into the workforce. “All doors of employment are closed in India,” he said, pointing to a decline in manufacturing, difficulties in securing loans, government-exam paper leaks and AI-driven job losses.“Decline in manufacturing, hard-to-come-by loans, paper leaks, AI replacing jobs – all this is hurting India’s youth,” Rahul said.He blamed demonetisation and GST for hurting small industries, alleged that banks were failing to provide adequate credit to small and medium businesses, and criticised the privatisation of public-sector companies. He also argued that AI could further reduce corporate employment while young Indians were increasingly pushed towards gig work.Rahul framed these problems as part of what he called the broader “system”, arguing that economic and political power had become concentrated among a small number of people. He linked this to his criticism of large corporations, the government and the RSS, alleging that they exercised disproportionate influence over India’s institutions.Join conversationView All Comments →Share your thoughts in the commentsInsightfulAgreeDisagreeSkepticalConcerningPromisingWorth ReadingBig DevelopmentPost CommentBe respectful · TOI community guidelinesRahul said recent student protests showed that young Indians were beginning to challenge the system. “Youths lit a light in darkness, and in doing so, changed the country,” he said.He urged young people to confront their fears without resorting to hatred or violence. “You cannot hate or be violent,” Rahul said, adding, “We will never resort to hatred or violence; will change the system with love and affection.”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 MediaVideosArunachal CM Rejects Chinese Encroachment As India Assigns Official Names To 27 Places‘If You Don’t Kill My Husband, I Will’: Telangana Man Uncovers Wife’s Shocking Chats With Lover‘Brahmins Joining BSP’: Mayawati SLAMS Akhilesh Yadav Over PDA’s ‘P Change’ From Pichhde To Pandit‘I Am Proud Of All Of You’: PM Modi’s Big Msg To Students At First Public Speech After CJP ProtestsKashmir Tourist Security To Get Major Upgrade With CCTV, Command Centres And Security AuditsUS Senate Passes Russia Sanctions Bill, India Faces Potential 100% Tariff Over Russian Oil Purchases’Did We Fail To Listen’: Tharoor Admits CJP Protest Resonated More Than Congress ‘Chhatron Ki Goonj’JPSC Protest Enters Day 14: Students Demand Exam Cancellation, CBI Probe After First Talks With GovtSonam Wangchuk Says Wife Sought Rahul Gandhi’s Help To End His 26-Day Hunger Strike At Jantar MantarOMCs Say E20 Petrol Meets Quality Standards After Nationwide Testing, Reject Contamination Claims123PhotostoriesFrom pig trotters to sprouting mushrooms: 5 bizarre luxury shoes breaking the internetOptical illusion personality test: What you spot first says everything about your hidden desiresRed or white patch in your mouth that won’t go away? 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India’s instant domestic help economy is expanding faster. As app-based platforms promise cleaners, cooks and household workers within minutes. However, the real contest here is no longer just about speed, convenience or pricing. It is increasingly about trust.A significant demographic of the service providers at these platforms and the consumers comprise of women.For years, domestic work in India has operated through informal neighbourhood networks, word-of-mouth referrals and personal recommendations. The new generation of platforms is attempting to formalise that ecosystem by adding identity verification, digital payments, ratings, training, insurance and customer support.But unlike food delivery or ride-hailing, these services involve something far more intimate: a stranger entering a private home.That has forced platforms to solve an unusually difficult problem. They must simultaneously protect women who enter unfamiliar homes for work and women who may be home alone when they invite those workers inside.The result is a rapidly evolving safety architecture built around background checks, restricted service hours, real-time monitoring, SOS systems, human escalation teams and, increasingly, AI-assisted risk detection.Formalising trust in an informal workforceIndia’s domestic work sector employs millions of workers, many of them women, and remains overwhelmingly informal. Instant domestic help platforms have created new income opportunities by offering structured onboarding, predictable payments and access to a larger customer base.But formalisation has also brought safety concerns into sharper focus.A spokesperson for Pronto shared the measures it takes to ensure transparency, saying that every worker completes criminal court record verification and police verification before joining the platform. Customers, too, verify their name, phone number and address through OTP authentication and must agree to a code of conduct before placing a booking.Pronto’s workers, for example, receive training before taking their first assignment, and that low customer ratings are investigated by trainers rather than triggering automatic deactivation.“Every hub we operate doubles as a training centre, and a professional takes her first booking only after she is trained, background-verified and dispatch-ready, a process that takes about four days,” the spokesperson said.Similarly, Snabbit, whose workforce consists entirely of women professionals, said it has built a multi-layered safety framework supported by a dedicated Trust & Safety team.A spokesperson said the system includes “mandatory KYC and background checks for all experts on the platform, verified customers, address-level traceability and controlled job allocation.”Safety vs surveillance divideThe sharpest divide between platforms and customers is emerging around body-worn cameras.Pronto has begun experimenting with optional recorded bookings designed to protect workers from false allegations in cases of disputes with customers.For many users, however, the presence of a camera inside a private home changes the nature of the interaction. “I know some platforms are starting to equip their workers with chest-mounted bodycams for transparency, and while I understand it protects the worker from false claims, it completely freaks me out as a customer,” a Delhi resident said.“My home is my private sanctuary. The idea of a stranger walking through my living room with an active lens, recording the exact layout of my home, my entrances, my exits, my personal belongings, and where my work setup or valuables are, feels like an extreme invasion of privacy.”Her concerns extend beyond the recording itself. “Where is that video footage stored? Who at the tech company has access to it? Could that footage leak or be hacked?” she said. “I would honestly think twice before booking a service that mandates live video recording inside my private space. There has to be a boundary between physical safety and digital surveillance.”Pronto, however, ensured that the sole mechanism of this process is to ensure safety and privacy.It said that additional video data is collected only on opt-in verified bookings. According to its spokesperson, customers choose the feature during booking and confirm it again when the worker arrives. The camera is tilted downward to capture only the work area, records no audio, blurs faces and personal information on the device itself, deletes raw footage immediately, and retains only an anonymised encrypted version for a limited review period and AI training.Safety by designOne of the most striking trends across the sector is that many safety measures are designed not around responding to incidents, but around preventing high-risk situations from arising in the first place.Several platforms have restricted service hours, particularly avoiding late-evening and night bookings when women workers may be required to enter unfamiliar homes after dark.Snabbit said its safety system monitors active jobs in real time and can identify anomalies that may require intervention. According to its spokesperson, “Active jobs are monitored in real time, with the dedicated Trust & Safety team supporting rapid escalation and incident response.”What women check before opening the doorFor many women, however, trust begins long before a worker arrives.A 24-year-old student in Jaipur said she has developed a consistent checklist before booking any on-demand domestic service. She checks whether the app displays a verified profile with a photograph, ID verification, ratings and reviews, and prefers platforms that offer real-time tracking and OTP-based service verification.“The first thing I check is whether the app shows a verified profile with a photo, ID verification, ratings, and reviews from other women,” she said. “Real-time tracking and an OTP-based start and end of the service also make me feel more comfortable.”Before the worker arrives, she follows a set of precautions that have become almost automatic. She keeps her phone fully charged, informs at least one friend that someone is coming over, avoids leaving valuables or personal documents in plain sight, and stays in a part of the house where she can easily monitor what is happening.“I usually make sure my phone is fully charged and I let at least one friend know that someone is coming over,” she said. “If it’s a longer service, I stay in a part of the house where I can easily see what’s happening.”She is also careful about digital privacy. “I prefer apps that mask phone numbers, and I never share extra details unless they’re necessary for the service,” she said. “I avoid mentioning that I live alone or discussing my schedule. Once the job is done, I’m careful not to continue communication outside the platform.”For her, safety is not just about preventing a crime; it is about minimising information that could make her vulnerable later.The rituals of being home aloneMinal, a 26-year-old professional in Delhi described a different set of habits that have emerged through repeated use of instant service platforms. While the agent is at home, she stays in the hall rather than a closed bedroom, keeps her phone in her hand, and deliberately leaves a pair of her partner’s or male flatmate’s shoes near the entrance.“I never sit in my bedroom with the door shut. I stay in the main living area, usually at the dining table with my laptop,” she said. “I also leave a pair of my male flatmate’s or partner’s shoes near the entryway. It’s a small mental trick, but it makes me feel less exposed.”She and two close friends have an informal safety protocol built around messaging apps.“I have a private WhatsApp group with two close friends. We have a tacit rule: whenever an instant maid or repair person is assigned, I drop the tracking link, their name, and a quick ‘Expected time: 45 mins,’” she said. “I don’t overthink it, but it gives me a safety net.”When asked what app features actually make her feel secure, she was sceptical of marketing labels.“Honestly, badges and ‘police verified’ tags on an app screen don’t mean much to me anymore. Anyone can upload a document,” she said. “What actually makes me feel safe is seeing a real-time, live selfie of the person taken right when they accept the job, matching the photo on their profile. Plus, knowing there’s a strict OTP entry system where they can’t start billing until I give them a code at the door.”Her distinction is important: she is less interested in historical verification and more interested in real-time authentication.The older customer’s definition of trustFor older users, digital verification often feels less persuasive than physical verification.Sarita, a 52-year-old homemaker in Delhi-NCR, said she places greater trust in tangible indicators such as uniforms, identity cards and residential security systems.“A professional now gets to share her version of events and any relevant information before a decision is taken, and we work to keep investigations balanced and transparent,” Pronto spokesperson said.That shift, from treating workers merely as service providers to treating them as rights-bearing participants in the platform ecosystem, may prove as important as any technological innovation.Join conversationView All Comments →Share your thoughts in the commentsInsightfulAgreeDisagreeSkepticalConcerningPromisingWorth ReadingBig DevelopmentPost CommentBe respectful · TOI community guidelinesThe next phase of trustAs instant domestic help services expand beyond metropolitan cities into smaller urban centres, safety may become the industry’s primary competitive differentiator.Speed is easy to advertise. Trust is harder to build.Women are asking for features that combine digital verification with human accountability: live identity confirmation, female-worker filters, trusted-contact notifications, residential gate integration, discreet exit mechanisms, neighbourhood-level reputation and transparent data governance.Platforms, meanwhile, are investing in training hubs, background verification, restricted service hours, SOS networks, counselling, insurance and AI-assisted monitoring.Get the latest India News and Live updates. Download the TOI app.End of ArticleFollow Us On Social MediaVideos‘If You Don’t Kill My Husband, I Will’: Telangana Man Uncovers Wife’s Shocking Chats With Lover‘Brahmins Joining BSP’: Mayawati SLAMS Akhilesh Yadav Over PDA’s ‘P Change’ From Pichhde To Pandit‘I Am Proud Of All Of You’: PM Modi’s Big Msg To Students At First Public Speech After CJP ProtestsKashmir Tourist Security To Get Major Upgrade With CCTV, Command Centres And Security AuditsUS Senate Passes Russia Sanctions Bill, India Faces Potential 100% Tariff Over Russian Oil Purchases’Did We Fail To Listen’: Tharoor Admits CJP Protest Resonated More Than Congress ‘Chhatron Ki Goonj’JPSC Protest Enters Day 14: Students Demand Exam Cancellation, CBI Probe After First Talks With GovtSonam Wangchuk Says Wife Sought Rahul Gandhi’s Help To End His 26-Day Hunger Strike At Jantar MantarOMCs Say E20 Petrol Meets Quality Standards After Nationwide Testing, Reject Contamination ClaimsNeha Bora Inked During Jharkhand Student Protest: AISA Alleges Political Attack, Accused Detained123PhotostoriesFrom pig trotters to sprouting mushrooms: 5 bizarre luxury shoes breaking the internetOptical illusion personality test: What you spot first says everything about your hidden desiresRed or white patch in your mouth that won’t go away? 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What this Delhi teenager did next is now helping 6,000 students | Goa’s ‘anywhere registration’ reform: What it means for buyers and sellers | ICE to provide body cameras, but policy allows footage release only in agency’s ‘best interests’ Representative image NEW DELHI: Bihar should withdraw its prohibition on alcohol as the ban has failed to reduce crimes against women and has been accompanied by a rise in illicit liquor and alternative intoxicants, according to a research paper by economic think tank National Council of Applied Economic Research (NCAER).The paper, titled ‘Macro Perspective of Bihar’s Development Achievements, Unfinished Agenda, and the Way Forward’, also said restoring liquor excise duty to pre-ban levels could increase the state’s own revenues by 14-15 per cent while reducing expenditure on enforcement and anti-smuggling operations.Prepared by a team of economists led by Ratna Sahay and presented at the India Policy Forum, the paper examined the economic and social impact of Bihar’s prohibition, introduced in April 2016.Ban failed to reduce crimes against women, says paperThe paper said the primary reasons for introducing prohibition were the belief that alcohol consumption contributed significantly to domestic violence and that households would redirect money previously spent on alcohol towards more productive uses.Women’s groups and activists had also strongly backed the ban, arguing that prohibition would reduce alcohol-related abuse.However, the NCAER researchers said available data now allows an assessment of whether those objectives were achieved.“We now have sufficient data and information to assess if the ban was effective. Reported crimes against women in Bihar have not declined following the introduction of prohibition. Instead, total reported crimes against women increased over the post-2016 period,” the paper said.According to the study, the available evidence does not show a broad-based reduction in crimes against women after prohibition. Instead, it said the ban coincided with concerns over the expansion of illicit liquor networks, enforcement difficulties and corruption.The paper also pointed to increased use of alternative intoxicants, including illicit drugs.“In tandem, there was a significant rise in illegal liquor trade leading to higher alcohol consumption, increased crime and corruption, and an increase in the use of alternative additive substances, such as illicit drugs,” it said.Prohibition has also hit state revenuesThe NCAER paper said Bihar suffered significant fiscal consequences after the ban. Before prohibition, excise duty on alcohol accounted for about 14 per cent of the state’s own revenues in the three years preceding the ban.At the same time, the government incurred higher expenditure on monitoring, enforcement and anti-smuggling operations, which the paper said added to fiscal pressures.The researchers argued that reinstating liquor excise duty at historical levels could help restore the contribution of the tax to around 14 per cent of state revenues.The paper concluded that the prohibition had not achieved its intended objectives and had instead coincided with higher reported crimes against women, loss of state revenue and increased enforcement expenditure.Education, health and jobs among Bihar’s prioritiesBeyond prohibition, the paper identified six interconnected areas that it said should form the core of Bihar’s development strategy: education, health, governance and law and order, flood mitigation, private-sector development and women’s empowerment.It said reforms in these areas were necessary to improve productivity, accelerate structural transformation and create better-quality jobs for Bihar’s young population.The study also examined the state’s public debt and fiscal sustainability, and assessed the financing required for different reform scenarios. It called for a combination of stronger own-revenue mobilisation, more efficient public spending, additional central government support and, where necessary, further borrowing.Join conversationView All Comments →Share your thoughts in the commentsInsightfulAgreeDisagreeSkepticalConcerningPromisingWorth ReadingBig DevelopmentPost CommentBe respectful · TOI community guidelinesThe paper noted that improvements in law and order had played an important role in Bihar’s economic recovery after 2005, when the state government under Nitish Kumar placed greater emphasis on policing, criminal prosecution, judicial reforms and administrative accountability.It also highlighted Bihar’s significance for India’s broader development goals, noting that the state is the country’s second most populous and remains its poorest.Bihar’s population is estimated at 13.2 crore in 2026, according to the paper, accounting for more than 9 per cent of India’s population. It noted that the state’s population is larger than that of all but 10 sovereign countries.Get the latest India News and Live updates. Download the TOI app.About the AuthorTOI News DeskThe TOI News Desk comprises a dedicated and tireless team of journalists who operate around the clock to deliver the most current and comprehensive news and updates to the readers of The Times of India worldwide. With an unwavering commitment to excellence in journalism, our team is at the forefront of gathering, verifying, and presenting breaking news, in-depth analysis, and insightful reports on a wide range of topics. The TOI News Desk is your trusted source for staying informed and connected to the ever-evolving global landscape, ensuring that our readers are equipped with the latest developments that matter most.”Read MoreEnd of ArticleFollow Us On Social MediaVideos‘If You Don’t Kill My Husband, I Will’: Telangana Man Uncovers Wife’s Shocking Chats With Lover‘Brahmins Joining BSP’: Mayawati SLAMS Akhilesh Yadav Over PDA’s ‘P Change’ From Pichhde To Pandit‘I Am Proud Of All Of You’: PM Modi’s Big Msg To Students At First Public Speech After CJP ProtestsKashmir Tourist Security To Get Major Upgrade With CCTV, Command Centres And Security AuditsUS Senate Passes Russia Sanctions Bill, India Faces Potential 100% Tariff Over Russian Oil Purchases’Did We Fail To Listen’: Tharoor Admits CJP Protest Resonated More Than Congress ‘Chhatron Ki Goonj’JPSC Protest Enters Day 14: Students Demand Exam Cancellation, CBI Probe After First Talks With GovtSonam Wangchuk Says Wife Sought Rahul Gandhi’s Help To End His 26-Day Hunger Strike At Jantar MantarOMCs Say E20 Petrol Meets Quality Standards After Nationwide Testing, Reject Contamination ClaimsNeha Bora Inked During Jharkhand Student Protest: AISA Alleges Political Attack, Accused Detained123PhotostoriesFrom pig trotters to sprouting mushrooms: 5 bizarre luxury shoes breaking the internetOptical illusion personality test: What you spot first says everything about your hidden desiresRed or white patch in your mouth that won’t go away? 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The Parliament passed the Registration of Births and Deaths (Amendment) Bill, 2026, amid a wider logjam that has repeatedly disrupted the Monsoon Session. The Rajya Sabha cleared the legislation on Tuesday by voice vote days after the Lok Sabha passed it on July 31 amid opposition protests without a debate.Both Houses witnessed repeated adjournments during the session, with several Bills being passed amid disruptions. The Monsoon Session began on July 20 and is scheduled to conclude on August 13.The new legislation focuses on a seemingly routine but important part of government records like registering births and deaths. A birth certificate records a person’s entry into the official system, while a death certificate formally records their departure.Together, these documents help establish identity, maintain public records and provide proof for a range of legal and administrative purposes. The amendment seeks to tighten the process when such events are reported long after they occur.What does the Bill change?Under the existing system, delayed registration already requires additional verification. If information about a birth or death is submitted after one year but within two years, the amended law will require an order from a district magistrate, sub-divisional magistrate or an executive magistrate authorised by the district magistrate.For cases reported more than two years after the event, the threshold becomes higher. The registration will require an order from a judicial magistrate of the First Class having jurisdiction over the place where the birth or death occurred.The magistrate will have to verify the correctness of the information before permitting registration. A prescribed fee will also have to be paid, according to a document released by the government.The amendment also updates the reference to an “Executive Magistrate” in the 1969 law to align it with the Bharatiya Nagarik Suraksha Sanhita, 2023, which replaced the earlier Code of Criminal Procedure.The government says the primary objective is to ensure that births and deaths are registered promptly and that delayed registrations are subjected to stronger scrutiny.The Registration of Births and Deaths Act makes registration mandatory. According to the government’s statement of objects and reasons, birth and death certificates provide legal identity and can be used as evidence of a person’s birth or death.The government argues that the integrity of these records is particularly important because birth certificates can be used for several official purposes, including processes involving identity and citizenship-related documentation.Tighter scrutiny of delayed registrations, it says, can help prevent fraudulent or questionable entries and improve the reliability of official records.BJP IT cell head Amit Malviya said, “The objective is straightforward: encourage timely registration, prevent fraudulent or dubious entries, and preserve the credibility of birth and death certificates, the foundational documents that establish a person’s legal identity.”The government has also pointed to a significant rise in registration rates over the past decade.Union minister of state for home Nityanand Rai said birth registration increased from 86.6% in 2014 to 99.1% in 2024, while death registration rose from 72.5% to 99.4% during the same period. He also said around 3.5 lakh registration centres have been established across the country.The government’s argument is that as registration coverage approaches universal levels, the focus must increasingly be on ensuring that the remaining delayed or questionable cases are properly verified.What is the significance of a birth certificate?A birth certificate is often the first formal document linking an individual to the state. It records details such as a person’s date and place of birth and can be required for a range of official purposes, including education, employment, passports and other government documentation.The government has also highlighted the role of birth records in establishing identity and in processes where proof of birth or citizenship-related documentation is required.That makes the accuracy of the registration system important beyond population statistics.A fraudulent birth certificate, for instance, could potentially affect records across several government systems. Similarly, failure to register deaths can leave outdated information in official databases.The government has also linked accurate death registration with keeping records, including electoral rolls, updated.What happened in the Parliament?The Lok Sabha passed the Bill on July 31 by voice vote amid opposition protests. Several opposition MPs entered the Well of the House demanding the presence of Union home minister Amit Shah, and the legislation was cleared without a debate.Parliamentary affairs minister Kiren Rijiju criticised the opposition for not participating in the proceedings and said the government wanted a discussion on the “important Bill”.“It is unfortunate. Please do not repeat this in the future. People who sent you to Parliament will seek answers from you,” Rijiju said, urging MPs to participate in debates rather than disrupt proceedings.The legislation was passed amid continued sloganeering, with the opposition MPs demanding the presence of Union home minister Amit Shah and his response on the “police action” against student protesters on July 20 at Jantar Mantar.The Rajya Sabha later took up the Bill amid similar disruptions.Moving the Bill in the Rajya Sabha, Rai said the government wanted every birth and death to be properly recorded. He said, “The country wants that anyone born in the country, it is important that he or she is registered. Anyone who has died, cannot continue to remain in the voter lists to benefit some parties.”Rai also linked the legislation to concerns over people who have died continuing to appear on electoral rolls.The country now wants to get rid of ghosts. There are govts in some states that look for an opportunity and welcome those (who were not born in India) and register their births who are not eligible to be registered here. Now, we will not allow this to happen.Union minister of state for home Nityanand RaiHe also cited the rise in registration rates as evidence of the government’s efforts to improve the system.Some NDA members supported the legislation. YSRCP member M R Reddy, AIADMK’s M Thambidurai and BRS member Ravi Chandra Vaddiraju backed the Bill. BJP member Biswajit Sinha, meanwhile, accused the Congress of opposing the legislation because it did not want proper registration of births and deaths.Sinha also referred to the Special Intensive Revision of electoral rolls in West Bengal, claiming that people who had died years earlier remained on voter lists.He alleged that some parties were helping illegal Bangladeshi and Pakistani infiltrators obtain birth registrations and voter identities, and said the proposed changes would help prevent such practices.Leader of opposition Mallikarjun Kharge said, “The prime minister and the home minister should come. we want discussion.”Despite the protests, the Bill was taken up for consideration and passage.Why did the opposition sayOpposition members did not reject the need for accurate birth and death records but questioned the practical implications of requiring a Judicial Magistrate of the First Class to approve registrations delayed by more than two years.UPPL member Pramod Boro said the objective of the Bill was important but questioned whether an administrative responsibility should be shifted to the judiciary.He warned that the provision could add to the workload of courts, increase costs and make registration more difficult for migrants, homeless people, poor families and those living in remote areas.BJD member Santrupt Misra also questioned why registrations are delayed in the first place. He suggested that the government should identify the reasons behind late registration and consider dedicated registration offices, particularly in tribal areas, to improve access.CPI(M) member V Sivadasan supported the need for proper registration but said the government should also focus on the circumstances surrounding deaths, including malnutrition and student deaths.Join conversationView All Comments →Share your thoughts in the commentsInsightfulAgreeDisagreeSkepticalConcerningPromisingWorth ReadingBig DevelopmentPost CommentBe respectful · TOI community guidelinesThe passage came amid a wider logjam in the Monsoon Session, with repeated adjournments in both Houses and several Bills being cleared amid disruptions.With Parliament having passed the Bill, the legislation will now go through the remaining constitutional process before coming into force. The Bill, therefore, seeks to strike a balance between two objectives: ensuring that births and deaths are recorded promptly, while subjecting unusually delayed registrations to greater scrutiny.Get the latest India News and Live updates. Download the TOI app.About the AuthorKanchan YadavKanchan Yadav is a writer at The Times of India, where she covers business, politics, international affairs and social issues. Her reporting also focuses on policy, governance and economic developments, with a close lens on how decisions in corridors of power affect everyday lives and community well-being.Read MoreEnd of ArticleFollow Us On Social MediaVideos‘Brahmins Joining BSP’: Mayawati SLAMS Akhilesh Yadav Over PDA’s ‘P Change’ From Pichhde To Pandit‘I Am Proud Of All Of You’: PM Modi’s Big Msg To Students At First Public Speech After CJP ProtestsKashmir Tourist Security To Get Major Upgrade With CCTV, Command Centres And Security AuditsUS Senate Passes Russia Sanctions Bill, India Faces Potential 100% Tariff Over Russian Oil Purchases’Did We Fail To Listen’: Tharoor Admits CJP Protest Resonated More Than Congress ‘Chhatron Ki Goonj’JPSC Protest Enters Day 14: Students Demand Exam Cancellation, CBI Probe After First Talks With GovtSonam Wangchuk Says Wife Sought Rahul Gandhi’s Help To End His 26-Day Hunger Strike At Jantar MantarOMCs Say E20 Petrol Meets Quality Standards After Nationwide Testing, Reject Contamination ClaimsNeha Bora Inked During Jharkhand Student Protest: AISA Alleges Political Attack, Accused DetainedJharkhand JPSC Protest: Hunger Striker Hospitalised After Four Days As Students Continue Agitation123PhotostoriesOptical illusion personality test: What you spot first says everything about your hidden desiresRed or white patch in your mouth that won’t go away? Doctor explains the warning signs you should not ignore10 best monsoon snacks to enjoy on rainy daysFrom tiny forest jewels to giant river hunters: 12 kingfishers species to spot in IndiaDelhi must stay ahead of dengue this monsoon: Why rain, stagnant water and delayed diagnosis can turn a seasonal threat serious5 things stylish women always remove from their closetsDia Mirza’s mother’s maroon Banarasi saree is a generational love letter that fast fashion could never match7 extraordinary animals travellers can see in some of Earth’s harshest placesYour liver can repair itself, but not forever: Doctor explains when early liver damage can be reversed and what happens if scarring progressesWhy do lifts have mirrors? The surprising reason behind this everyday feature123Hot PicksThailand School ShootingUPI TransactionsAsk Me AnythingJharkhand protestGurgaon rainNICL Assistant RecruitmentAnkur WarikooIndia Labour CodesGold rate todayTop TrendingJapanese Quote of the dayNagpur Rape CaseAbhijeet DipkeGujarat Mystery WellJPSC ProtestDelhi RainDelhi Wife MurderEknath ShindeTamil Nadu BudgetPraveen Nettaru Murder Case Tony Kakkar reacts to Guru Randhawa over ‘Fine Shyt’ backlash: ‘It would have been fun if we had trolled together’ 25 years in corporate life, now driving a cab: Man’s story of career setback goes viral | Scorpio, Weekly Horoscope, August 09 to August 15, 2026: A noticeable boost in positivity can be expected Lionel Messi’s father Jorge Messi dies after long illness US Democrats eye probes into Trump-linked firms over impeachment if they regain House control: Report Supriya Sule said foreign funding should not automatically be treated with suspicion NEW DELHI: NCP (SP) working president Supriya Sule on Saturday opposed the Foreign Contribution (Regulation) Amendment Bill, 2026 in its present form, urging the Centre either to withdraw the proposed legislation or refer it to a Joint Parliamentary Committee (JPC) for wider discussion.Sule, the Lok Sabha MP from Baramati, said all political parties should be given an opportunity to examine the contentious legislation before Parliament takes it up for consideration. She cautioned the government against rushing the bill through Parliament, amid reports that it could be discussed and passed next week.“We reject and disagree with the present form of the FCRA bill. If the government is not ready to withdraw the bill, then it should send it to a JPC. In a strong democracy, merely opposing something is not enough; we also have to sit together and discuss it,” she said.The proposed legislation seeks to establish a designated authority for the vesting, supervision, management and disposal of foreign contributions and assets in cases involving cancellation, surrender or expiry of an organisation’s FCRA registration.The bill also provides for provisional and permanent vesting of such assets.Critics have argued that the proposed changes could give the government greater control over organisations receiving foreign contributions.‘Foreign funding cannot always be viewed with suspicion’Sule said foreign funding should not automatically be treated with suspicion, arguing that overseas contributions can support legitimate work in areas such as healthcare and education.She said action should be taken if foreign funds are linked to illegal activities such as drug trafficking or terrorism, but questioned the rationale for viewing every foreign-funded organisation negatively.“There are organisations such as the Gates Foundation and USAID that have been doing good work for many years. Why should we look at every foreign-funded organisation with a bad eye?” she said.She also compared foreign funding with money sent home by Indians living abroad, arguing that the source of money alone should not determine whether it is viewed negatively.According to official figures, 13,520 entities received foreign remittances totalling Rs 55,741 crore between 2019 and 2022.As of July 15, 2026, there were 14,449 active FCRA registrations, while 22,498 registrations had been cancelled and 15,212 had expired.The FCRA regulates the receipt and utilisation of foreign contributions by NGOs, charitable institutions, educational bodies, religious trusts and other organisations.Sule backs youth protests, questions party symbol decisionsSule also commented on the ongoing protests by students, saying young people should not face such treatment while seeking education.“What happened at Jantar Mantar should not happen anywhere in the country. Our children want to study and this is happening to them. I read that ministers from Jharkhand have ordered an inquiry into it,” she said.She also backed Uddhav Thackeray in the dispute over the Shiv Sena’s name and election symbol, arguing that party organisations and constitutions should be considered while deciding control of political parties.On the NCP dispute, Sule said the legal battle remained unresolved and alleged that her party had been waiting for a hearing.“Sharad Pawar is the founder president of the NCP and injustice has been done to him. We have been asking for a date for a long time, but why are we not getting a date?” she said.Join conversationView All Comments →Share your thoughts in the commentsInsightfulAgreeDisagreeSkepticalConcerningPromisingWorth ReadingBig DevelopmentPost CommentBe respectful · TOI community guidelinesSule also criticised the Maharashtra government’s approach to farm loan waivers and called for political criticism to remain focused on issues rather than becoming personal.On the proposed delimitation legislation, Sule said it would be premature to comment before the bill was introduced. She added that the NCP (SP) would discuss the legislation with its alliance partners once it came before Parliament.Sule further said Prime Minister Narendra Modi had agreed to meet NCP (SP) MPs on Monday to discuss issues concerning their constituencies, amid the opposition’s contention that Parliament was not functioning properly.Get the latest India News and Live updates. Download the TOI app.About the AuthorTOI News DeskThe TOI News Desk comprises a dedicated and tireless team of journalists who operate around the clock to deliver the most current and comprehensive news and updates to the readers of The Times of India worldwide. With an unwavering commitment to excellence in journalism, our team is at the forefront of gathering, verifying, and presenting breaking news, in-depth analysis, and insightful reports on a wide range of topics. The TOI News Desk is your trusted source for staying informed and connected to the ever-evolving global landscape, ensuring that our readers are equipped with the latest developments that matter most.”Read MoreEnd of ArticleFollow Us On Social MediaVideos‘Brahmins Joining BSP’: Mayawati SLAMS Akhilesh Yadav Over PDA’s ‘P Change’ From Pichhde To Pandit‘I Am Proud Of All Of You’: PM Modi’s Big Msg To Students At First Public Speech After CJP ProtestsKashmir Tourist Security To Get Major Upgrade With CCTV, Command Centres And Security AuditsUS Senate Passes Russia Sanctions Bill, India Faces Potential 100% Tariff Over Russian Oil Purchases’Did We Fail To Listen’: Tharoor Admits CJP Protest Resonated More Than Congress ‘Chhatron Ki Goonj’JPSC Protest Enters Day 14: Students Demand Exam Cancellation, CBI Probe After First Talks With GovtSonam Wangchuk Says Wife Sought Rahul Gandhi’s Help To End His 26-Day Hunger Strike At Jantar MantarOMCs Say E20 Petrol Meets Quality Standards After Nationwide Testing, Reject Contamination ClaimsNeha Bora Inked During Jharkhand Student Protest: AISA Alleges Political Attack, Accused DetainedJharkhand JPSC Protest: Hunger Striker Hospitalised After Four Days As Students Continue Agitation123PhotostoriesOptical illusion personality test: What you spot first says everything about your hidden desiresRed or white patch in your mouth that won’t go away? Doctor explains the warning signs you should not ignore10 best monsoon snacks to enjoy on rainy daysFrom tiny forest jewels to giant river hunters: 12 kingfishers species to spot in IndiaDelhi must stay ahead of dengue this monsoon: Why rain, stagnant water and delayed diagnosis can turn a seasonal threat serious5 things stylish women always remove from their closetsDia Mirza’s mother’s maroon Banarasi saree is a generational love letter that fast fashion could never match7 extraordinary animals travellers can see in some of Earth’s harshest placesYour liver can repair itself, but not forever: Doctor explains when early liver damage can be reversed and what happens if scarring progressesWhy do lifts have mirrors? The surprising reason behind this everyday feature123Hot PicksThailand School ShootingUPI TransactionsAsk Me AnythingJharkhand protestGurgaon rainNICL Assistant RecruitmentAnkur WarikooIndia Labour CodesGold rate todayTop TrendingJapanese Quote of the dayNagpur Rape CaseAbhijeet DipkeGujarat Mystery WellJPSC ProtestDelhi RainDelhi Wife MurderEknath ShindeTamil Nadu BudgetPraveen Nettaru Murder Case Mrunal Thakur reacts to link-up rumours with 10 year younger cricketer Yashasvi Jaiswal: ‘Bro relax, show me ek sath kahan?’ Jorge Messi: The man who made Messi: 5 unforgettable parenting lessons every Indian parent can learn from Jorge Messi, who passed away today LeBron James’ wife Savannah reveals what happened after Hermès saleswoman turned her away in Italy Who is Sunder Katwala? Indian-origin writer appointed to UK community funding body | World News CJP’s success may have opened the door for the next big youth movement, but what issue can turn online anger into real-world action? India just witnessed the ‘reel’ generation make the ‘real’ world listen. July 2026 saw something Indian parents have dreamt of for years: Gen Z looked up from its screens. But it was for a cause. They turned memes into megaphones and forced the country to pay attention to exam reforms. In their own language, they ate and left no crumbs.Exam paper leaks weren’t new. Student protests weren’t either. What was different was how a “cockroach” remark snowballed into a meme, then into the Cockroach Janata Party, and eventually into a nationwide movement that dominated headlines.Now comes the bigger question: What other issues is India talking about?Eyes on JharkhandWhile the CJP protest has ended, the demand for a system overhaul has not. As Jantar Mantar went quiet, Jharkhand emerged as the new battleground as students demand accountability over JPSC-JSSC exam irregularities.Student leader Devendra Nath Mahto has been on a hunger strike since August 2, while protesters are seeking an independent probe and reforms in the recruitment process.E20Then there is E20, a policy that directly affects vehicle owners.The nationwide rollout of 20% ethanol-blended petrol has sparked a political and online debate over mileage, older vehicle compatibility and whether the Centre followed the phased roadmap laid out by NITI Aayog.After the NEET protests, calls for Union minister Nitin Gadkari’s resignation began circulating, while leaders including Arvind Kejriwal and Rahul Gandhi also raised the issue.Vivek Rajput, a CA at a top government firm, says that although he has never attended a protest, this might become his first. “If there is a protest over E20, I will definitely go. My vehicle’s mileage has gone down compared to before.”CJP spokesperson Ashutosh Ranka agrees that E20 deserves attention, but questions whether the government has adequately addressed concerns around its impact and benefits. “Obviously, E20 is an important issue that needs to be addressed. I don’t think the government has very scientifically backed data to suggest whether the vehicles would be impacted or not,” Ranka said.“Neither has there been any clarification on why the prices haven’t dropped as it was promised to us. So what exactly has ethanol E20 petrol achieved in the country? There is no sort of clarity on that.”Containers displayed as purported fuel samples are seen during an Indian Youth Congress (IYC) protest against E20 fuel policy (PTI)Lack of jobsIndia’s job crisis is particularly acute among its growing pool of educated young people. According to the State of Working India 2026 report, the number of young graduates rose nearly 13-fold from about 5 million in 1983 to 63 million in 2023, but graduate unemployment among those below 25 remains close to 40%. The number of unemployed graduates has also surged 16-fold, from less than 1 million to around 11 million over the same period. Government data points to continued pressure: youth unemployment among 15-29-year-olds reached 16.2% in June 2026, even as their labour force participation rate fell to 40.3%. The figures highlight a widening gap between the number of young people entering the workforce and the availability of secure, quality jobs.Also read: Inside India’s broken jobs market and why the ‘cockroaches’ are fed upAnger has also been growing over the increasing tax burden on common people. “As the finance minister, Nirmala Sitharaman is not giving enough tax benefits to salaried people. Under the old tax regime, at least people could save money and also save on taxes. Now, neither are we able to save, nor are we getting tax benefits,” said Rajput.Anti-reservation movementReservation Hatao Andolan (RHA) recently gained nearly 6 million followers on Instagram. “Backed by citizens who feel left behind by reservation politics and driven by merit. The brave earn respect through their character and perseverance. Only the cowardly and the cruel keep shouting about caste,” the Insta bio of the page reads.The page was formed in October last year and the first post was made in March this year. Since the CJP protest, the account became more active.RHA’s Insta page has gained significant followersBut quota has been a divisive issue in India. Unlike the paper-leak issue, which is an offence and affects students across categories, reservation is a constitutional policy rooted in questions of representation, historical disadvantage and unequal access — and does not attract a unified opinion.The merit debate also gets complicated when cut-offs enter the picture. In 2023, when the NEET-PG qualifying percentile was reduced to zero for all categories amid thousands of vacant seats, candidates who had fallen below the original cut-off became eligible for admission. General-category candidates accounted for the largest share of those admitted after the reduction — over 56%, compared with 26% OBC, 11% SC and 6% ST. The skew was sharper in private colleges, where General-category candidates accounted for around 70% of those who secured clinical specialities after the cut-off was lowered. The data does not suggest that General-category candidates were given a special concession; rather, it shows that they formed the largest share of those who benefited from the relaxation.Caste-based reservation in education has been part of India’s affirmative-action framework for decades. Before independence, several rulers and institutions had experimented with measures to uplift historically disadvantaged communities. After independence, the Constitution formally provided for reservation for Scheduled Castes and Scheduled Tribes, which was later expanded to other backward classes and, in a different form, economically weaker sections.Those advocating against the existing quota system argue that it compromises merit and should be replaced or reworked around economic disadvantage.CJP’s spokesperson Ashutosh Ranka brings focus on lack of jobsRHA has posted five broad demands:Income-based reservation: Under this, they demand that the reservation should purely be based on the income.One family, one reservation, one time: Under this, it demands that once a family has benefited from reservation, the next generation should compete on merit.Minimum standards for everyone: Under this, it demands that every exam should have minimum qualifying marks within 10-20% of the higher quota cut-off. If reserved seats fall vacant, it wants them allotted to the General category.No reservation politics: Under this, it demands:Political parties be barred from promising new or higher reservation quotas during elections.The 50% limit on caste-based reservation should not be breached.The sunset clause: Under this, it demands that no policy should run forever.Set a time-bound roadmap to improve government schools, teachers and educational infrastructure.As educational inequality reduces, reservation should be gradually phased out.Reservation should be reviewed every 10 years using updated socio-economic data.Reservation lists should be updated periodically, moving communities that have progressed to the General category.CJP spokesperson Ashutosh Ranka, however, believes the reservation debate itself risks taking attention away from a larger problem: the shortage of opportunities.“I think the reservation-hatao movement, I just don’t get the idea,” Ranka said. “The focus every time the debate is brought on reservation, that really means that people, there is a distraction from the broader issue.”For Ranka, that broader issue is jobs and seats. “There are only 2% of the jobs which are government jobs in this country, 98% of the jobs in this country are private sector jobs,” he said. “Why are there not enough jobs in this country? Why are there not enough government seats, medical seats, engineering seats in this country?”“Reservation, the topic of reservation is always a distraction on the broader structural issues which no one is ready to address. We need more jobs, we need more seats in colleges. That’s what people should be asking,” he said.Others, however, see reservation itself as the issue that needs to be challenged.The matter has gained even more attention after the UGC rules. The UGC equity regulations have also become a potential flashpoint, with the 2026 rules aimed at addressing discrimination in higher education.Members of Swarn Samaj and Brahman Parivar stage a protest against the UGC’s new caste-based equity rules at Hazratganj, in Lucknow, Uttar Pradesh in January (PTI)The Supreme Court stayed the regulations in January, citing ambiguities and the possibility of misuse, but the issue has resurfaced amid growing anti-reservation sentiment online and could emerge as another potential trigger for youth mobilisation.But whether online traction can become a street movement remains an open question.Rajput said his brother sent him the Reservation Hatao Andolan page on Instagram and he started following it only last week. He said there were 21 people on his team with eight or nine belonging to the General category while the others benefited from reservation.For Rajput, however, the online movement has not yet translated into a willingness to protest on the ground. That distinction could prove crucial. After all, CJP’s success was not simply about getting people to watch, like or share.But there is a counter-argument to the idea that reservation could become the next universal youth cause. Many SC/ST communities and other socially disadvantaged groups still lack equal access to quality education, particularly in rural areas where caste-based discrimination and social inequalities continue.So, unlike the paper-leak issue, where the grievance could unite students across categories, an anti-reservation movement begins with a built-in fault line.It may have the followers. It may have the slogans. It may even have people ready to take the fight to the streets. But whether it can replicate CJP’s cross-sectional appeal is another question altogether.PollutionDiwali is just a couple of months away. And, as predictable as the festival itself, the annual debate will return: to burn or not to burn crackers.But for Delhi-NCR, pollution is not just a seasonal social-media debate. When the air turns toxic, the Graded Response Action Plan (GRAP) kicks in, bringing curbs that can affect everything from construction and traffic to office timings and schools. A study by IITM-Pune and CAQM found that without GRAP, Delhi could see 60% more severe-AQI hours, while the measures could reduce PM2.5 levels by up to 42 µg/m³, depending on the stage.Anti-pollution protest: Protesters last year showing posters of Maoist commander Madvi Hidma, who was killed in an encounter (PTI)In Mumbai too, pollution has emerged as a growing urban challenge, with construction and road dust, vehicle emissions and industrial activity among the key contributors to poor air quality. Pollution spikes have become a recurring concern, with several parts of the city recording AQI levels above 200, raising concerns over prolonged exposure to harmful particulate matter such as PM2.5. The problem adds to the wider challenges of rapid urbanisation, infrastructure growth and increasing vehicular traffic in the city.So, could pollution become the next rallying point, or is an issue with no single villain simply too difficult to turn into a movement? “If there is a protest over pollution, I’ll go for that too. I think we can raise our voice over issues that directly affect us. I would even join a protest over taxes,” said Rajput.The logic is simple: if an issue hits your lungs, your wallet or your everyday life, it may be easier to turn outrage into action.So, what actually makes people protest?For Ratna Singh, CJP’s legal head, the answer isn’t simply the issue itself. It is how that issue is packaged, communicated and mobilised.She believes CJP gained momentum because it was a Gen Z protest around education — an issue that extends well beyond NEET aspirants to competitive-exam candidates, school and college students, graduates and young people looking for jobs.Education, she said, allowed both Gen Z and Gen Alpha — and even their parents — to relate to the movement. “A lot of people in the crowd, when they were coming, they were like, you know, my parents were not letting me be here. But now I’m here. So they’re also supporting,” Singh said.And then comes the part that may matter most for the next protest. “Something can trend on Instagram, but on ground, how you are planning it, how you are strategising it, that’s also important,” Singh said.She added that people may relate to an issue online but still not turn up physically. How organisers convey the importance of an issue — and how they plan to keep an agitation going — can determine whether it survives beyond a social-media trend.Why CJP clicked with India’s youth: Anger, accessibility and a platform to be heardThat is perhaps the biggest lesson from CJP.Going viral can get an issue noticed. Mobilising people can turn it into a movement.Join conversationView All Comments →Share your thoughts in the commentsInsightfulAgreeDisagreeSkepticalConcerningPromisingWorth ReadingBig DevelopmentPost CommentBe respectful · TOI community guidelinesSingh believes unemployment could be the next major youth issue. CJP is planning a nationwide “Kya Bolti Public” campaign in September to hear from young people across states about the problems they face.She said the organisation wants unemployment and education to become a more central part of the public conversation and wants to understand youth concerns and push for reforms. “With the success of Cockroach Janata Party, this wave has started, where people will come forward, people will talk about issues, people will also talk about unemployment and youth-related, youth-centric issues,” Singh said.Reservation has the Instagram audience. Pollution has the lived experience. E20 has the everyday grievance. Unemployment has the scale. But whichever issue wins the race will need to clear one final hurdle. It has to make people look up from their screens — and then actually leave them.Get the latest India News and Live updates. Download the TOI app.About the AuthorAastha JhaAastha Jha is a writer at The Times of India, covering politics. She also writes on business, global affairs, social issues, with a focus on policy, governance and their impact on everyday lives. Her work brings together reportage and analysis, tracking developments in India and abroad while examining the broader social and economic currents shaping public discourse.Read MoreEnd of ArticleFollow Us On Social MediaVideos‘Brahmins Joining BSP’: Mayawati SLAMS Akhilesh Yadav Over PDA’s ‘P Change’ From Pichhde To Pandit‘I Am Proud Of All Of You’: PM Modi’s Big Msg To Students At First Public Speech After CJP ProtestsKashmir Tourist Security To Get Major Upgrade With CCTV, Command Centres And Security AuditsUS Senate Passes Russia Sanctions Bill, India Faces Potential 100% Tariff Over Russian Oil Purchases’Did We Fail To Listen’: Tharoor Admits CJP Protest Resonated More Than Congress ‘Chhatron Ki Goonj’JPSC Protest Enters Day 14: Students Demand Exam Cancellation, CBI Probe After First Talks With GovtSonam Wangchuk Says Wife Sought Rahul Gandhi’s Help To End His 26-Day Hunger Strike At Jantar MantarOMCs Say E20 Petrol Meets Quality Standards After Nationwide Testing, Reject Contamination ClaimsNeha Bora Inked During Jharkhand Student Protest: AISA Alleges Political Attack, Accused DetainedJharkhand JPSC Protest: Hunger Striker Hospitalised After Four Days As Students Continue Agitation123PhotostoriesOptical illusion personality test: What you spot first says everything about your hidden desiresRed or white patch in your mouth that won’t go away? Doctor explains the warning signs you should not ignore10 best monsoon snacks to enjoy on rainy daysFrom tiny forest jewels to giant river hunters: 12 kingfishers species to spot in IndiaDelhi must stay ahead of dengue this monsoon: Why rain, stagnant water and delayed diagnosis can turn a seasonal threat serious5 things stylish women always remove from their closetsDia Mirza’s mother’s maroon Banarasi saree is a generational love letter that fast fashion could never match7 extraordinary animals travellers can see in some of Earth’s harshest placesYour liver can repair itself, but not forever: Doctor explains when early liver damage can be reversed and what happens if scarring progressesWhy do lifts have mirrors? The surprising reason behind this everyday feature123Hot PicksThailand School ShootingUPI TransactionsAsk Me AnythingJharkhand protestGurgaon rainNICL Assistant RecruitmentAnkur WarikooIndia Labour CodesGold rate todayTop TrendingJapanese Quote of the dayNagpur Rape CaseAbhijeet DipkeGujarat Mystery WellJPSC ProtestDelhi RainDelhi Wife MurderEknath ShindeTamil Nadu BudgetPraveen Nettaru Murder Case ‘Toxic’ trailer out now: Yash unleashes raw action and romance in Geetu Mohandas’ dark gangster drama In 2023, a Swedish couple moved into the dream home they built near Malmö; three years later, they left it behind for a $49,000 rural home in Japan Libra, Weekly Horoscope, August 09 to August 15, 2026: A balance of gains and challenges ‘Last time, we failed to open locker’: Masked men return to advocate’s house, loot over Rs 3 crore Flesh-eating bacteria kill 5 in Louisiana, health officials warn beachgoers as all cases are linked to seawater Ranchi: Demonstrators holding posters during an indefinite hunger strike as part of a protest against the Jharkhand government over alleged irregularities in the 14th JPSC examination, JSSC-CGL and other recruitment tests, demanding a CBI probe and reforms in the recruitment agencies, in Ranchi, Jharkhand. (PTI Photo) A delegation of the Cockroach Janta Party (CJP) arrived in Ranchi on Saturday to extend support to students protesting alleged irregularities in recruitment examinations conducted by the Jharkhand Public Service Commission (JPSC) and Jharkhand Staff Selection Commission (JSSC).CJP spokesperson Ashutosh Ranka said the party stood in “complete solidarity” with the protesting students and would provide them with all forms of support.“CJP stands in complete solidarity with the students of Jharkhand,” Ranka said in a post on X.He added that the delegation was travelling under the leadership of Mukallrounder and Akshay Shinde and would support the students during their ongoing agitation.’We fully support the students’Speaking to PTI, CJP national coordinator Mukesh said the party fully supports students protesting over alleged irregularities in JPSC and JSSC examinations and repeated paper leaks. “We stand with the students and will continue to support them,” he said, adding that the party would share its experience from the Jantar Mantar movement with the protesting students.“Our support may not be from the stage, but we are standing with them,” Mukesh said, asserting that the CJP would continue backing the students until there is transparency in recruitment examinations and paper leaks are stopped. “Till when will this continue to happen?” he asked.Students demand cancellation, CBI probeThe protests in Jharkhand have intensified following allegations of irregularities in recruitment examinations. Students have been demanding the cancellation of the 14th JPSC Combined Civil Services Preliminary Examination, a CBI probe into alleged irregularities in JPSC and JSSC-CGL examinations, and the release of OMR sheets and answer scripts.Join conversationView All Comments →Share your thoughts in the commentsInsightfulAgreeDisagreeSkepticalConcerningPromisingWorth ReadingBig DevelopmentPost CommentBe respectful · TOI community guidelinesStudent leader Devendra Nath Mahto has also been observing an indefinite hunger strike over the issue. On Wednesday, the fourth day of his fast, Mahto consumed water after climate activist Sonam Wangchuk urged him to do so during a video call, while maintaining that his agitation would continue until the government responds to the students’ demands.The Jharkhand government has said it is examining the allegations. CM Hemant Soren recently met Governor Santosh Kumar Gangwar and said the government would “soon take action” on the matter.Get the latest India News and Live updates. Download the TOI app.About the AuthorTOI News DeskThe TOI News Desk comprises a dedicated and tireless team of journalists who operate around the clock to deliver the most current and comprehensive news and updates to the readers of The Times of India worldwide. With an unwavering commitment to excellence in journalism, our team is at the forefront of gathering, verifying, and presenting breaking news, in-depth analysis, and insightful reports on a wide range of topics. The TOI News Desk is your trusted source for staying informed and connected to the ever-evolving global landscape, ensuring that our readers are equipped with the latest developments that matter most.”Read MoreEnd of ArticleFollow Us On Social MediaVideos‘Brahmins Joining BSP’: Mayawati SLAMS Akhilesh Yadav Over PDA’s ‘P Change’ From Pichhde To Pandit‘I Am Proud Of All Of You’: PM Modi’s Big Msg To Students At First Public Speech After CJP ProtestsKashmir Tourist Security To Get Major Upgrade With CCTV, Command Centres And Security AuditsUS Senate Passes Russia Sanctions Bill, India Faces Potential 100% Tariff Over Russian Oil Purchases’Did We Fail To Listen’: Tharoor Admits CJP Protest Resonated More Than Congress ‘Chhatron Ki Goonj’JPSC Protest Enters Day 14: Students Demand Exam Cancellation, CBI Probe After First Talks With GovtSonam Wangchuk Says Wife Sought Rahul Gandhi’s Help To End His 26-Day Hunger Strike At Jantar MantarOMCs Say E20 Petrol Meets Quality Standards After Nationwide Testing, Reject Contamination ClaimsNeha Bora Inked During Jharkhand Student Protest: AISA Alleges Political Attack, Accused DetainedJharkhand JPSC Protest: Hunger Striker Hospitalised After Four Days As Students Continue Agitation123PhotostoriesFrom tiny forest jewels to giant river hunters: 12 kingfishers species to spot in IndiaDelhi must stay ahead of dengue this monsoon: Why rain, stagnant water and delayed diagnosis can turn a seasonal threat serious5 things stylish women always remove from their closetsDia Mirza’s mother’s maroon Banarasi saree is a generational love letter that fast fashion could never match7 extraordinary animals travellers can see in some of Earth’s harshest placesYour liver can repair itself, but not forever: Doctor explains when early liver damage can be reversed and what happens if scarring progressesWhy do lifts have mirrors? 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Do these simple Shani Upay to overcome financial delays and unlock long-term career success India to recover ‘Green Boots’ climber’s body from Everest after 30 years: Report NEW DELHI: Tamil Nadu MPs on Saturday “unanimously” decided to oppose Centre’s Delimitation Bill after chief minister C Joseph Vijay chaired a meeting to discuss its likely impact on the state.Congress MP Karti Chidambaram said around 21 out of 57 Rajya Sabha and Lok Sabha MPs attended the meeting and agreed to resist any alteration in Tamil Nadu’s representation in Parliament.”The chief minister of Tamil Nadu had called for a meeting for all the MPs from Tamil Nadu from both the Lok Sabha and the Rajya Sabha. About 21 of us attended the meeting, and there was absolute unanimity that Tamil Nadu’s rights must be preserved. Our representation in Parliament can’t be diminished. Any kind of alteration and delimitation, either on the basis of population or on a proportionate increase, will be resisted,” Chidambaram said.”We want Parliament to be frozen at 543, and the distribution among the states to be preserved as it is, which means Tamil Nadu will have 39 members in a House of 543. We are clear in our unanimous opinion that a larger Parliament will be an ineffective Parliament, and Tamil Nadu will not be well served by a larger Parliament. So we want Parliament to be preserved at 543 with the same representation of 39 Lok Sabha MPs for Tamil Nadu,” he added.The meeting was boycotted by the DMK and AIADMK, which dismissed the deliberations as a “farce” and a “drama”.The meeting was held at Kalaivanar Arangam, a government-owned auditorium near the Secretariat.Senior DMK leader A Raja told reporters in Perambalur that it was “a farce, a laughable exercise”, arguing that the TVK government was deliberating on an issue about which it had no clarity.Meanwhile, AIADMK called the meeting a “hurriedly staged drama”, pointing out that no new delimitation Bill had been introduced in Parliament and there had been no official announcement on the exercise.While the Congress and other opposition parties have supported the Women’s Reservation Bill, they have opposed linking its implementation to the delimitation exercise. The opposition has demanded that women’s reservation be delinked from delimitation.Join conversationView All Comments →Share your thoughts in the commentsInsightfulAgreeDisagreeSkepticalConcerningPromisingWorth ReadingBig DevelopmentPost CommentBe respectful · TOI community guidelinesThe Nari Shakti Vandan Adhiniyam, 2023, was passed by both Houses of Parliament. However, its implementation has not moved forward after the Constitution (131st Amendment) Bill fell in the Lok Sabha on April 17, failing to secure the constitutionally required two-thirds majority of members present and voting.The Bill linked the implementation of 33 percent women’s reservation in legislatures to delimitation of Lok Sabha constituencies.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. 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