VK News Today https://validator.w3.org/feed/docs/rss2.html Who was Putri Andriani Juficha? Model and beauty queen dies at 25, death announced on her birthday Sagittarius, Weekly Horoscope, August 16 to August 22, 2026: Confident start gives way to uncertainty; patience required as challenges arise midweek Virginia State University shooting leaves 5 injured, 1 critical; campus lockdown lifted Food safety officials inspected 26 Bengaluru hotels on Friday. Thirty teams collected 35 food samples for laboratory analysis NEW DELHI: The food regulator failed to impose Rs 5.60 crore in penalties on 2,430 food businesses that either did not file or delayed filing mandatory annual returns, a CAG audit has found, raising questions over enforcement of basic food safety rules.An audit of the Food Safety and Standards Authority of India’s (FSSAI) Eastern Region office in Kolkata found that 1,018 food businesses did not submit their annual returns, while 1,412 filed them late during 2017-18 to 2022-23.These returns provide FSSAI with information on the quantities of food products manufactured, handled, imported or exported by licensed food businesses during the year. They have to be submitted by May 31. Businesses that miss the deadline are liable to pay a penalty of Rs 100 for each day of delay, subject to the prescribed limit.CAG estimated that Rs 5.60 crore in penalties should have been imposed on the 2,430 businesses. However, the audit found that FSSAI had not imposed the penalties. It also noted that none of the defaulters had their licence suspended or cancelled as of August 2023.Join conversationView All Comments →Share your thoughts in the commentsInsightfulAgreeDisagreeSkepticalConcerningPromisingWorth ReadingBig DevelopmentPost CommentBe respectful · TOI community guidelinesFollowing the audit, FSSAI said improvement notices had been issued to some defaulting food businesses and that notices would be issued again to all defaulters.Of the Rs 5.60 crore penalty identified by CAG, Rs 2.27 crore had been recovered, according to the report.The finding is significant because filing an annual return is a basic requirement for licensed food businesses. The audit has highlighted gaps in FSSAI’s monitoring and enforcement of this requirement.Get the latest India News and Live updates. Download the TOI app.About the AuthorAnuja JaiswalAnuja Jaiswal is a Senior Assistant Editor at The Times of India, with an impressive 18-year career in narrative journalism. She specializes in health and heritage reporting, expertly simplifying complex health information to make it engaging and understandable for readers. Her deep dives into heritage topics are well-researched, resulting in captivating narratives that resonate with her audience. Over the years, she has worked in Chandigarh, Chhattisgarh and West UP, gaining diverse on-ground experience that shapes her storytelling.Read MoreEnd of ArticleFollow Us On Social MediaVideosDid Congress Leaders Signal Stop? Viral Vande Mataram Video Sparks Political Firestorm In New DelhiIndia Signs ₹1,577 Crore Drone Deals As Army Powers Up Precision Strikes And Unmanned WarfareAjit Doval Breaks Silence On Operation Sindoor, Reveals PM Modi’s Immediate Response After PahalgamPM Modi From Red Fort: India’s Self-Reliance Push, Semiconductor Boom And Manufacturing SurgeRahul Gandhi, Kharge Skip Red Fort Event Again As Congress Flags Threats To Democratic InstitutionsPM Modi From Red Fort: India’s Self-Reliance Push, Semiconductor Boom And Manufacturing SurgePM Modi From Red Fort On 80th Independence Day: ‘India Must Dream Big And Move Forward’79 Years Of Freedom: What Do Indians Really Want From Their Country, Leaders And Democracy Now?NALSAR Row Erupts: CJI Raps BCI, As CJP Demands Resignation Of Bar Council Chief‘Why Rockets?’ Jaipur Residents Mock Potholes With Astronaut Protest After Monsoon Rains123Photostories10 baby girl names inspired by ancient flowersOptical illusion personality test: What you see first reveals your most irritating personality traitForget Medu Vada: 7 South Indian snacks that are worth a try with filter coffeeWhat happens when you rub lemon on dishes and cutlery? The real chemistry behind this kitchen hackMonsoon food poisoning: 7 everyday foods that can look safe but turn risky because of water, humidity and poor storageAbhishek Malhan’s luxurious mansion: A private swimming pool, home theatre, private lifts and moreTrisha Krishnan keeps it classic in a mustard saree as she attends CM Vijay’s first Independence Day ceremonyBigg Boss Tamil 10 ‘The Common Man’: From contestants to telecast time, here’s everything you need to knowRashtrapati Bhavan’s Independence Day At Home reception to serve these 7 dishes from 4 Indian statesIdli to Cheela: 9 ways to add sooji to daily breakfast123Hot PicksMartin Luther King JrRajasthan UCCDelhi trafficJharkhand protestEast Coast Railway GDCE recruitmentMP Class 10, 12 timetableIran warKarnataka bandhUP NEET UG counsellingTop TrendingOil Prices TodayIndiGo Fight CancelledDelhi High Court Bomb ThreatAmbala Sikh Community ProtestManan KumarVirender Singh BasoyaJP NaddaWeather TomorrowBengaluru RapidoAbhijeet Dipke Who is Pirojsha Godrej? Meet the 45-year-old taking over the Godrej empire Libra, Weekly Horoscope, August 16 to August 22, 2026: Your mood swings impact outlook; Keep calm and find support amidst challenges BWF World Championships: Beyond smashes, drops, the conditions could decide the winner In 1975, Chantal Doecke was evacuated from Vietnam to Australia as a newborn; 49 years later, a DNA test revealed the twin brother she never knew existed ‘What do you do?’Sounds like a simple question. But in India, the answer to this question determines your social status.Is there any scope?How much will you earn?What will people say?Some careers in India instantly earn respect. Others invite questions.So when a young person chooses a career, are they really choosing what they want or are they going for what society considers worth choosing?What are the top careers in India?A 2018 Global Education Census by Cambridge International, based on responses from nearly 20,000 teachers and students across the world, including 4,400 teachers and 3,800 students in India, found that medicine and engineering continued to dominate career ambitions.The survey found that 23% of Indian students wanted to become doctors or dentists, while an equal 23% aspired to become engineers. Another 16% wanted to become software engineers, the highest proportion for this career among all countries surveyed. The findings also showed India’s strong interest in scientific careers, with 8% of students saying they wanted to become scientists.Now, let’s figure out why that is so. What role do parents & society play?While some students choose these careers out of genuine interest, others pursue them under pressure from parents and society.Another 2020 study published in the Int J of Indian Culture and Business Management found that parents, peers and societal expectations significantly influence career choices among Indian youth.TOI also conducted a survey to understand how society perceives different professions and whether certain careers continue to command greater respect than others.75 % of respondents selected yes when asked if their relatives ever suggested them a ‘better’ careerAmong respondents from sectors including journalism, medicine and PR, we received 100% response in ‘yes’, agreeing that society accords greater respect to certain professions, with over 80 % respondents selecting both doctors, and IAS/IPS officers emerging as the most prestigious career choices, in second position was engineering.Around 74 % of them agreed that often-overlooked professions like nurse, police constable, mechanic, cab driver do not receive the same respect as traditionally prestigious careers in medicine and engineering.Somdeb Dhar Choudhury, one of the respondents and a PR consultant, said, “I grew up in an environment where engineering was considered the more conventional professional route. Many people in my extended family came from engineering backgrounds, and after Class 12, there was an expectation that I would follow a similar path.”When asked why he thinks PR receives less social recognition, he said, “In India, professions such as medicine, engineering and civil services have had a clearly understood social identity for generations. Families know what those careers involve, there is a visible educational path leading to them, and society has established benchmarks of success around them. PR operates very differently. Much of the work happens behind the scenes.”Is it affecting mental health?When asked if the respondents ever felt pressured to choose a career mainly because of its title or status, half of them responded with yes. More than half chose yes when asked if their relatives ever suggested they choose a particular career.Rashmi N, former Army public school counselor, while speaking to TOI, says, “Peer comparisons lead to self doubt and career indecisions. Falling behind in academics and comparing grades with peers may also trigger withdrawal from friends, low self esteem and or lack of interest to improve.”On the other hand psychologists say the pressure to choose a socially accepted career may not always be obvious.Explaining the same, a Delhi-based psychologist Radhika Goyal said, “when motivation is driven mainly by fear, fear of failure, criticism, comparison or disappointing the family, rather than genuine enthusiasm. A student may perform well but still experience burnout, frustration or disengagement.”Factors influencing parents’ decisions While parents may want the best for their children, it’s important to discuss what drives them to push certain careers over others.1. Job securityFor many Indian parents, a “good” career is still closely associated with stability, authority, financial security and social respect.Rashmi said that this may be because of job stability and authority.“Authority, financial stability & fame are the major factors influencing the perception of any career paths.”“For more affluent families, social status, community approval and family reputation can weigh heavily on career choices, while for families with fewer financial resources, immediate income and financial security may take precedence,” she said.2. Unfinished ambitions leading to societal comparisonsGoyal pointed to an often-overlooked factor: parents projecting their own unfinished ambitions or past experiences onto their children.“Parents may sometimes project their own unfinished ambitions, disappointments or experiences onto their children’s career choices, often with good intentions. A parent who could not pursue a particular career may believe they are protecting their child from the difficulties they experienced.”However, this dynamic appears to be changing among a newer generation of parents.Savita Sharma, a parent of a 24-year-old daughter working in an HR firm, said, “I believe my children are satisfied with my support.”When asked about the typical ‘Sharma ji ka beta’ comparison, she said that parents are becoming more mindful of how their children respond to such pressure.“This kind of comparison is reducing day by day.”Now, if you’ve had your parents’ support, overcome societal pressure and chosen a career based on your own dreams, are you truly happy with that choice?What happens when youth passion meets reality?1. PaycheckFor some young professionals, the pressure around career choices continues even after entering the workforce, with questions of money, job security and growth becoming important factors in deciding whether to stay or change paths.Aayushi, a journalist, while sharing her experience said, “I was satisfied with choosing a career outside the conventional mainstream, but was disappointed by the financial returns. I am satisfied in terms of doing something different from the generic league. But in terms of money, way too underwhelmed.”Join conversationView All Comments →Share your thoughts in the commentsInsightfulAgreeDisagreeSkepticalConcerningPromisingWorth ReadingBig DevelopmentPost CommentBe respectful · TOI community guidelinesShe also sometimes considered changing her career.Around 56% of respondents selected Low salary, lack of job security and growth as their main reasons to reject a career.2. Women face another layer of pressureA 2025 study published in the International Journal of Trends and Innovations in Business & Social Sciences found that women were more likely to change careers because of social expectations, especially after marriage, while men more often cited personal interests and changes in the job market.The gendered perception of careers can also influence how professions are valued.3. When your profession needs an explanationFor some professionals, however, the pressure is less about being forced to leave a career and more about constantly having to explain its worth.Somdeb recalled that this became apparent after he entered the industry. “If someone says they are a doctor, engineer or lawyer, people immediately understand the profession. In PR, you often have to explain what the job involves before people can understand its value. That lack of familiarity created more pressure for me than any direct opposition to my career choice.”Perhaps the real measure of progress is that there has been a shift, but still there is a long way to go.Get the latest India News and Live updates. Download the TOI app.End of ArticleFollow Us On Social MediaVideosDid Congress Leaders Signal Stop? Viral Vande Mataram Video Sparks Political Firestorm In New DelhiIndia Signs ₹1,577 Crore Drone Deals As Army Powers Up Precision Strikes And Unmanned WarfareAjit Doval Breaks Silence On Operation Sindoor, Reveals PM Modi’s Immediate Response After PahalgamPM Modi From Red Fort: India’s Self-Reliance Push, Semiconductor Boom And Manufacturing SurgeRahul Gandhi, Kharge Skip Red Fort Event Again As Congress Flags Threats To Democratic InstitutionsPM Modi From Red Fort: India’s Self-Reliance Push, Semiconductor Boom And Manufacturing SurgePM Modi From Red Fort On 80th Independence Day: ‘India Must Dream Big And Move Forward’79 Years Of Freedom: What Do Indians Really Want From Their Country, Leaders And Democracy Now?NALSAR Row Erupts: CJI Raps BCI, As CJP Demands Resignation Of Bar Council Chief‘Why Rockets?’ Jaipur Residents Mock Potholes With Astronaut Protest After Monsoon Rains123PhotostoriesWant a better relationship with your parents? 8 simple tips every teenager should try10 baby girl names inspired by ancient flowersOptical illusion personality test: What you see first reveals your most irritating personality traitForget Medu Vada: 7 South Indian snacks that are worth a try with filter coffeeWhat happens when you rub lemon on dishes and cutlery? The real chemistry behind this kitchen hackMonsoon food poisoning: 7 everyday foods that can look safe but turn risky because of water, humidity and poor storageAbhishek Malhan’s luxurious mansion: A private swimming pool, home theatre, private lifts and moreTrisha Krishnan keeps it classic in a mustard saree as she attends CM Vijay’s first Independence Day ceremonyBigg Boss Tamil 10 ‘The Common Man’: From contestants to telecast time, here’s everything you need to knowRashtrapati Bhavan’s Independence Day At Home reception to serve these 7 dishes from 4 Indian states123Hot PicksMartin Luther King JrRajasthan UCCDelhi trafficJharkhand protestEast Coast Railway GDCE recruitmentMP Class 10, 12 timetableIran warKarnataka bandhUP NEET UG counsellingTop TrendingOil Prices TodayIndiGo Fight CancelledDelhi High Court Bomb ThreatAmbala Sikh Community ProtestManan KumarVirender Singh BasoyaJP NaddaWeather TomorrowBengaluru RapidoAbhijeet Dipke Check eligibility, deadlines, and key rules Madras High Court grants anti-piracy injunction in favour of Aamir Khan backed Sunny Deol starrer ‘Batwara 1947,’ directs ISPs to block pirated copies Want a better relationship with your parents? 8 simple tips every teenager should try Scorpio, Weekly Horoscope, August 16 to August 22, 2026: Clarity in practical matters leads the week; underlying tensions hint at emotional care needed OpenAI’s 612-megawatt facility, ranked among the world’s biggest AI data centres, abandons plan to cool it with recycled water as … AIIMS-Rishikesh (File photo) NEW DELHI: AIIMS Rishikesh failed to recover Rs 1.78 crore in dues from a contractor and paid Rs 60.21 lakh in inadmissible nursing and dress allowances to College of Nursing faculty, a CAG audit has found.The institute awarded a three-year parking and traffic management contract in August 2019, with a monthly licence fee of Rs 9.015 lakh plus taxes. The contractor began defaulting from the start, but AIIMS did not act despite repeated payment failures. The contractor made only partial payments for about 2.5 years and left the hospital complex in October 2022 without clearing the dues.Join conversationView All Comments →Share your thoughts in the commentsInsightfulAgreeDisagreeSkepticalConcerningPromisingWorth ReadingBig DevelopmentPost CommentBe respectful · TOI community guidelinesCAG said this resulted in Rs 1.78 crore in unrealised dues. AIIMS later initiated legal action and moved to forfeit the contractor’s Rs 18 lakh security deposit, though it had not been forfeited as of July 2025.In a separate finding, CAG flagged Rs 60.21 lakh paid between April 2018 and March 2023 as nursing and dress allowances to College of Nursing faculty. The faculty were already receiving academic and resource-learning allowances and, according to the audit, their duties did not involve nursing patients or wearing uniforms.The Ministry subsequently directed 10 AIIMS, including Rishikesh, to discontinue nursing allowance for nursing-college faculty, saying the institutes had complied.Get the latest India News and Live updates. Download the TOI app.About the AuthorAnuja JaiswalAnuja Jaiswal is a Senior Assistant Editor at The Times of India, with an impressive 18-year career in narrative journalism. She specializes in health and heritage reporting, expertly simplifying complex health information to make it engaging and understandable for readers. Her deep dives into heritage topics are well-researched, resulting in captivating narratives that resonate with her audience. Over the years, she has worked in Chandigarh, Chhattisgarh and West UP, gaining diverse on-ground experience that shapes her storytelling.Read MoreEnd of ArticleFollow Us On Social MediaVideosDid Congress Leaders Signal Stop? Viral Vande Mataram Video Sparks Political Firestorm In New DelhiIndia Signs ₹1,577 Crore Drone Deals As Army Powers Up Precision Strikes And Unmanned WarfareAjit Doval Breaks Silence On Operation Sindoor, Reveals PM Modi’s Immediate Response After PahalgamPM Modi From Red Fort: India’s Self-Reliance Push, Semiconductor Boom And Manufacturing SurgeRahul Gandhi, Kharge Skip Red Fort Event Again As Congress Flags Threats To Democratic InstitutionsPM Modi From Red Fort: India’s Self-Reliance Push, Semiconductor Boom And Manufacturing SurgePM Modi From Red Fort On 80th Independence Day: ‘India Must Dream Big And Move Forward’79 Years Of Freedom: What Do Indians Really Want From Their Country, Leaders And Democracy Now?NALSAR Row Erupts: CJI Raps BCI, As CJP Demands Resignation Of Bar Council Chief‘Why Rockets?’ Jaipur Residents Mock Potholes With Astronaut Protest After Monsoon Rains123Photostories10 baby girl names inspired by ancient flowersOptical illusion personality test: What you see first reveals your most irritating personality traitForget Medu Vada: 7 South Indian snacks that are worth a try with filter coffeeWhat happens when you rub lemon on dishes and cutlery? The real chemistry behind this kitchen hackMonsoon food poisoning: 7 everyday foods that can look safe but turn risky because of water, humidity and poor storageAbhishek Malhan’s luxurious mansion: A private swimming pool, home theatre, private lifts and moreTrisha Krishnan keeps it classic in a mustard saree as she attends CM Vijay’s first Independence Day ceremonyBigg Boss Tamil 10 ‘The Common Man’: From contestants to telecast time, here’s everything you need to knowRashtrapati Bhavan’s Independence Day At Home reception to serve these 7 dishes from 4 Indian statesIdli to Cheela: 9 ways to add sooji to daily breakfast123Hot PicksMartin Luther King JrRajasthan UCCDelhi trafficJharkhand protestEast Coast Railway GDCE recruitmentMP Class 10, 12 timetableIran warKarnataka bandhUP NEET UG counsellingTop TrendingOil Prices TodayIndiGo Fight CancelledDelhi High Court Bomb ThreatAmbala Sikh Community ProtestManan KumarVirender Singh BasoyaJP NaddaWeather TomorrowBengaluru RapidoAbhijeet Dipke KL Rahul injury scare? India coach gives crucial update after batter retires hurt on Day 1 of Galle Test Shah Rukh Khan says there’s something special about being Indian as he drops Independence day wishes with PIC in white kurta: ‘May we do our little bit to make the country proud’ 10 baby girl names inspired by ancient flowers Harmanpreet Singh’s brace powers India to 3-1 win over Wales in FIH World Cup opener Indian couple in Ireland to return to Pune after 11 years, citing AI pressure and job stress Devdutt Padikkal’s 131 headlines India’s dominant Day 1 at 288/2 in Galle on Independence Day Applications open for 120 seats, check eligibility and fee Akshay Kumar removes shoes before holding National Flag during Independence Day 2026 celebration with Tiger Shroff, netizens praise his gesture – Watch Matthew McConaughey on what advice he gives his son as an actor; an important parenting lesson for modern parents Virgo, Weekly Horoscope, August 16 to August 22, 2026: Impatience and risky ventures could lead to trouble this week Doom! Board lowers the boom on Indian-American CEO who fired 900 employees over Zoom Devdutt Padikkal joins Virat Kohli in elite club after historic Independence Day ton vs Sri Lanka Veteran Bengali filmmaker Raja Sen admitted to SSKM hospital in critical condition as doctors keep him under close observation The ‘Water Warrior’ who has saved millions of litres by fixing leaking taps for free By 2060, discarded solar panels could total 297 to 402 million tonnes worldwide; recycling them could generate almost $1 trillion in economic benefits A ton of class! Devdutt Padikkal makes the long wait count US used dioxin-laden oil for dust control in a town with 2,000 residents, years later it spent $33.1 million for their relocation in order to protect their lives PM Modi unveiled a series of youth-focused initiatives; two powerful earthquakes killed at least 38 in Indonesia Prime Minister Narendra Modi announced AI training for one crore youth, free online coaching for competitive exams and a nationwide sports talent hunt, linking young Indians directly with the Viksit Bharat 2047 vision.A 6.8-magnitude earthquake struck northern Sumatra hours after a 7.7-magnitude quake hit eastern Indonesia, killing at least 38 people, triggering landslides, power outages, evacuations and ongoing rescue operations.A political controversy erupted after the BJP accused Sonia Gandhi of objecting to Vande Mataram during a Congress Independence Day event, while the Congress denied the allegation and said she sought a chair for Mallikarjun Kharge.CJP founder Abhijeet Dipke launched the ‘School Thik Karo’ campaign in Hingoli, calling for nationwide social audits of rural government schools and highlighting poor infrastructure, sanitation, water and classroom facilities.Omar Abdullah praised Sheikh Abdullah’s role during the 1947 tribal invasion, called for stronger federalism, opposed NEET and JEE for state institutions, and said Article 370’s abrogation altered Jammu and Kashmir’s trajectory.Here are the top 5 news updates for this evening:What PM Modi offered Gen Z on Independence DayIn his Independence Day address, Prime Minister Narendra Modi unveiled a series of youth-focused initiatives, including AI training for one crore young people, free online coaching for competitive examinations and a nationwide sports talent hunt for children aged 5-15.He positioned technology, manufacturing, entrepreneurship and skills as key drivers of India’s Viksit Bharat 2047 vision, urging young Indians to lead the country’s innovation and economic transformation. Read the full story hereAnother strong earthquake strikes Indonesia after 7.7 magnitude quakeIndonesia was struck by two major earthquakes on Saturday, with a 7.7-magnitude quake off the Flores coast killing at least 38 people and triggering landslides, power outages and evacuations, followed hours later by a 6.8-magnitude quake in northern Sumatra.Rescue teams continued searching for missing villagers as road blockages hampered access to the worst-hit areas and thousands of residents sought temporary shelter. Read the full story hereBJP says Sonia Gandhi tried to stop Vande Mataram at I-Day event; Congress hits backThe BJP accused Sonia Gandhi of objecting to the rendition of Vande Mataram during the Congress’s Independence Day programme at Indira Bhawan, citing a video from the event.The Congress rejected the allegation, saying the full version of the national song was sung and that Gandhi was only asking for a chair for party president Mallikarjun Kharge. The controversy comes after Parliament recently granted Vande Mataram status equal to the national anthem. Read the full story hereDipke’s 1st ‘School Thik Karo’ audit at Hingoli government schoolAbhijeet Dipke, founder of the Cockroach Janta Party, launched the ‘School Thik Karo’ campaign from his native village in Maharashtra’s Hingoli district, urging citizens to conduct social audits of government schools.Join conversationView All Comments →Share your thoughts in the commentsInsightfulAgreeDisagreeSkepticalConcerningPromisingWorth ReadingBig DevelopmentPost CommentBe respectful · TOI community guidelinesThe campaign seeks public reporting of deficiencies such as lack of drinking water, toilets, benches and electricity through videos and assessment forms, while encouraging village leaders to document and showcase improvements across rural schools. Read the full story herePoK would be protesting today to join J&K if Article 370 hadn’t been revoked: Omar AbdullahJammu and Kashmir chief minister Omar Abdullah invoked the National Conference’s 1947 slogan while praising Sheikh Abdullah for leading resistance against tribal invaders before Indian troops arrived. He also called for stronger federalism, restoration of J&K statehood, and greater autonomy for states in education, criticising NEET and JEE for undermining state powers.Omar further claimed that retaining Article 370 could have influenced sentiment in Pakistan-occupied Jammu and Kashmir. Read the full story hereGet 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 MediaVideosAjit Doval Breaks Silence On Operation Sindoor, Reveals PM Modi’s Immediate Response After PahalgamPM Modi From Red Fort: India’s Self-Reliance Push, Semiconductor Boom And Manufacturing SurgeRahul Gandhi, Kharge Skip Red Fort Event Again As Congress Flags Threats To Democratic InstitutionsPM Modi From Red Fort: India’s Self-Reliance Push, Semiconductor Boom And Manufacturing SurgePM Modi From Red Fort On 80th Independence Day: ‘India Must Dream Big And Move Forward’79 Years Of Freedom: What Do Indians Really Want From Their Country, Leaders And Democracy Now?NALSAR Row Erupts: CJI Raps BCI, As CJP Demands Resignation Of Bar Council Chief‘Why Rockets?’ Jaipur Residents Mock Potholes With Astronaut Protest After Monsoon RainsRajnath Singh Announces Rs 8.75 Lakh Crore Defence Modernisation Push on 80th Independence DayBomb Threat Email Targets Delhi Courts, Airport, Metro Ahead Of August 15; Security Checks Begin123PhotostoriesForget Medu Vada: 7 South Indian snacks that are worth a try with filter coffeeWhat happens when you rub lemon on dishes and cutlery? The real chemistry behind this kitchen hackMonsoon food poisoning: 7 everyday foods that can look safe but turn risky because of water, humidity and poor storageAbhishek Malhan’s luxurious mansion: A private swimming pool, home theatre, private lifts and moreTrisha Krishnan keeps it classic in a mustard saree as she attends CM Vijay’s first Independence Day ceremonyBigg Boss Tamil 10 ‘The Common Man’: From contestants to telecast time, here’s everything you need to knowRashtrapati Bhavan’s Independence Day At Home reception to serve these 7 dishes from 4 Indian statesIdli to Cheela: 9 ways to add sooji to daily breakfast7 quiet dog breeds that make great companions for familiesFrom lakeside retreats to Aravalli resorts: 5 luxury escapes in and around Delhi for the Independence Day weekend123Hot PicksMartin Luther King JrRajasthan UCCDelhi trafficJharkhand protestEast Coast Railway GDCE recruitmentMP Class 10, 12 timetableIran warKarnataka bandhUP NEET UG counsellingTop TrendingOil Prices TodayIndiGo Fight CancelledDelhi High Court Bomb ThreatAmbala Sikh Community ProtestManan KumarVirender Singh BasoyaJP NaddaWeather TomorrowBengaluru RapidoAbhijeet Dipke Revised schedule released for 3-year, 5-year law courses; check option form deadlines Aamir Khan, Kiran Rao look stressed, son Azad Rao cries while they are spotted outside a pet clinic in Mumbai, sparking concern over their cat’s health 5 habits that may be holding your child back Leo, Weekly Horoscope, August 16 to August 22, 2026: Pressure mounts early on; unexpected social connections enrich your life Lucknow-Delhi Tejas Express becomes India’s first privately branded train, to be called ‘Sprite’ Tejas Ukraine offers Black Sea shipping truce; Russia yet to respond : Report PM Modi said, ‘if this stays in front of me, I would not be able to address the citizens’,” the officer recalled. Former defence secretary RK Mathur has recalled how Prime Minister Narendra Modi insisted on removing the bulletproof glass barrier from the Red Fort before delivering his first Independence Day address as Prime Minister in 2014.Speaking about the episode, Mathur said he and the then Director of the Intelligence Bureau (IB) had briefed Modi about the security arrangements ahead of August 15. The officials had specifically discussed the bulletproof glass barrier placed in front of the Prime Minister.”Me and the Director of Intelligence Bureau (IB), went to PM Modi for a briefing before August 15 because it was his first Independence Day where he would address the country from the ramparts of the Red Fort (as the Prime Minister).””During that conversation we explained him (PM Modi) that there is a barrier in front of him which is the bulletproof glass. PM Modi said, ‘if this stays in front of me, I would not be able to address the citizens’,” he told news agency IANS.Mathur said security officials initially opposed removing the shield because of the risks involved. The location offers a wide view of the surrounding area, including buildings in Chandni Chowk, making security arrangements particularly sensitive.”From our side, this was naturally a security issue. As people know, the entire Chandni Chowk area is visible from there (Red Fort) where there are many buildings. That is why, from a security standpoint we urged the Prime Minister to rethink his decision. However, PM Modi clearly stated that if this (bulletproof shield) is not removed, he will not address.”The former defence secretary said the security team eventually agreed to Modi’s demand and removed the glass barrier just hours before the Independence Day ceremony.”Due to this, I and the director of IB changed our standpoint and decided to remove the bulletproof glass. This glass shield was then removed on the intervening night of August 14 and 15, at about 2 am,” Mathur added.The episode was recalled as Modi once again departed from established security protocol during the 80th Independence Day celebrations on Saturday, when he met schoolchildren, NCC cadets and ‘My Bharat’ volunteers at the Red Fort after his address.Join conversationView All Comments →Share your thoughts in the commentsInsightfulAgreeDisagreeSkepticalConcerningPromisingWorth ReadingBig DevelopmentPost CommentBe respectful · TOI community guidelinesDuring the interaction, a young girl approached Modi and bent down to touch his feet. As she did so, her cap slipped from her head and fell to the ground.Modi immediately bent down, picked up the cap and placed it back on the girl’s head. The gesture drew smiles and applause from the children and people around them.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 MediaVideosAjit Doval Breaks Silence On Operation Sindoor, Reveals PM Modi’s Immediate Response After PahalgamPM Modi From Red Fort: India’s Self-Reliance Push, Semiconductor Boom And Manufacturing SurgeRahul Gandhi, Kharge Skip Red Fort Event Again As Congress Flags Threats To Democratic InstitutionsPM Modi From Red Fort: India’s Self-Reliance Push, Semiconductor Boom And Manufacturing SurgePM Modi From Red Fort On 80th Independence Day: ‘India Must Dream Big And Move Forward’79 Years Of Freedom: What Do Indians Really Want From Their Country, Leaders And Democracy Now?NALSAR Row Erupts: CJI Raps BCI, As CJP Demands Resignation Of Bar Council Chief‘Why Rockets?’ Jaipur Residents Mock Potholes With Astronaut Protest After Monsoon RainsRajnath Singh Announces Rs 8.75 Lakh Crore Defence Modernisation Push on 80th Independence DayBomb Threat Email Targets Delhi Courts, Airport, Metro Ahead Of August 15; Security Checks Begin123PhotostoriesForget Medu Vada: 7 South Indian snacks that are worth a try with filter coffeeWhat happens when you rub lemon on dishes and cutlery? 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RBI’s new rules for lenders, defaulting borrowers explained ‘Vishwanath and Sons’ OTT release: When and where will Suriya and Mamitha Baiju starrer stream digitally after its theatrical run? Why people driving through the bridge over Lake Pontchartrain Causeway in Louisiana, sometimes get so scared that they have to call police midway ‘School Thik Karo’: Abhijeet Dipke’s 1st audit flags lack of basic amenities in Hingoli govt school – watch Father of four Derrick Moore jumped into a Myrtle Beach rip current to save a 10-year-old girl; she survived, but he was swept away Jammu and Kashmir chief minister Omar Abdullah NEW DELHI: Bharatiya Janata Party on Saturday slammed Jammu and Kashmir chief minister Omar Abdullah for criticising the abrogation of Article 370 during his Independence Day speech and accused him of creating an atmosphere of confusion in the Valley.Reacting to Omar’s speech, leader of opposition in Jammu and Kashmir assembly Sunil Sharma said that the abrogation of Article 370 in August 2019 strengthened the federal structure in Kashmir.”The chief minister’s speech was a bit regrettable. I would say this was an unfortunate and irresponsible speech because this is not a political stage. From this stage, there should be a speech for the unity, integrity and sovereignty of the country, a tribute to the soldiers, a tribute to the martyrs, and especially for the pride and honour of the Tricolour,” Sharma said.”I would like to tell the chief minister that it was after August 5, 2019, that this federal structure was strengthened. That is the reason why today every Kashmiri is humming Vande Mataram,” the LoP said, adding that the chief minister’s speech raises questions about what he wants to convey by “misusing this stage”.”The whole of India accepts that Jammu and Kashmir is an integral part of them. People here are a strength, a power of this country. Not just here, but also those people across (the Line of Control) under illegal occupation. We consider them also an integral part of us, and deem them our companions,” the LoP said.This comes after the chief minister, in his speech, referred to the protests in Pakistan-occupied Jammu and Kashmir and said that the people on the other side of the LoC would have been protesting to rejoin India if Article 370 had not been abrogated.He said that the situation in PoK vindicates the decision of National Conference founder Sheikh Muhammad Abdullah and his colleagues to fight the Pakistan-backed tribal invaders in 1947.“When I see the situation today across the border and across the LoC, I realise that the decision taken by our leaders 80 years ago for us was the right decision,” the chief minister said. “Those who raised the slogan ‘Hamalawar Khabardar’ were right and the sacrifices they made were right,” Omar said.“Today I remember people like Master Abdul Aziz, a leader of the National Conference, who was brutally killed in Muzaffarabad (PoK) to stop those very attackers, to stop the tribals, to stop those infiltrators,” Omar said. “Today, when we see the condition of that part of Jammu and Kashmir across the LoC, we feel sad, we feel worried. For my part, I feel that perhaps if our situation had not changed in 2019, the people of that part of Jammu and Kashmir would be protesting to rejoin us today,” Omar said.Join conversationView All Comments →Share your thoughts in the commentsInsightfulAgreeDisagreeSkepticalConcerningPromisingWorth ReadingBig DevelopmentPost CommentBe respectful · TOI community guidelines“That part of Jammu and Kashmir is ours. We consider those people as our own. No one is a stranger. No one is an outsider. Even today, as per the law of Jammu and Kashmir, seats are reserved for them in the Assembly of Jammu and Kashmir, with the hope that one day those people will be able to use these vacant seats,” Omar added.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 MediaVideosAjit Doval Breaks Silence On Operation Sindoor, Reveals PM Modi’s Immediate Response After PahalgamPM Modi From Red Fort: India’s Self-Reliance Push, Semiconductor Boom And Manufacturing SurgeRahul Gandhi, Kharge Skip Red Fort Event Again As Congress Flags Threats To Democratic InstitutionsPM Modi From Red Fort: India’s Self-Reliance Push, Semiconductor Boom And Manufacturing SurgePM Modi From Red Fort On 80th Independence Day: ‘India Must Dream Big And Move Forward’79 Years Of Freedom: What Do Indians Really Want From Their Country, Leaders And Democracy Now?NALSAR Row Erupts: CJI Raps BCI, As CJP Demands Resignation Of Bar Council Chief‘Why Rockets?’ Jaipur Residents Mock Potholes With Astronaut Protest After Monsoon RainsRajnath Singh Announces Rs 8.75 Lakh Crore Defence Modernisation Push on 80th Independence DayBomb Threat Email Targets Delhi Courts, Airport, Metro Ahead Of August 15; Security Checks Begin123PhotostoriesWhat happens when you rub lemon on dishes and cutlery? 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