VK News Today https://validator.w3.org/feed/docs/rss2.html Scientists studied animal bones in South Australia’s underwater caves; those near light carried algae marks while bones in total darkness remained remarkably pristine From Typhoon Dim-sum to frogs and snakes: Asia’s cyclones feature unusual names Ishowspeed: Esports Awards 2026 Streamer of the Year nominees revealed as IShowSpeed eyes third straight win NEW DELHI: Rahul Gandhi went from Parliament to Gotham, at least on Instagram, when a playful Batman question landed in his Gen Z-focused “Ask Me Anything” session on Thursday. Asked if he was the masked superhero, the Leader of Opposition in the Lok Sabha delivered a tongue-in-cheek reply that quickly caught social media’s attention.Gandhi launched the AMA session on Instagram, inviting young people to question him on subjects ranging from student protests and education to politics and philosophy. Sharing the initiative on X, Gandhi wrote, “Students, Gen-Z — I’m here to listen. Ask me anything on Instagram, and I’ll answer as many questions as I can.”Among the questions was an interesting one, “Are you Batman?” Gandhi appeared to embrace the long-running social media meme comparing him with the fictional superhero.“Let’s just say that no one has ever seen me and Batman in the same room together,” Gandhi replied.The Congress subsequently shared video clips of several answers from the session. Gandhi also posted a video of himself standing in the rain with The Dark Knight theme playing in the background, adding to the Batman reference that quickly drew attention online.Gandhi’s Gen Z outreach comes as political leaders increasingly turn to social media to connect with younger audiences. Prime Minister Narendra Modi has also stepped up his Instagram engagement, from sharing a selfie video addressing “friends” to inviting people to share videos featuring their favourite handloom products, including “GRWM” (Get Ready With Me) videos. RSS chief Mohan Bhagwat also backed students on Thursday and said, “I feel this new generation, Gen Z, Gen Alpha, they are more honest than our existing generation.”Rahul’s ‘AMA’ session also touched on the ongoing student protests in Jharkhand over alleged irregularities in recruitment examinations. Asked about the protests, Gandhi said the country’s education system had failed students.“The student protests that are happening in the country are against the education system. I have stated it clearly, in Kota, Dehradun and will say it in Allahabad, that our education system has collapsed, it is unaffordable and oppressive.”Join conversationView All Comments →Share your thoughts in the commentsInsightfulAgreeDisagreeSkepticalConcerningPromisingWorth ReadingBig DevelopmentPost CommentBe respectful · TOI community guidelinesHe added, “Every government, be it the central government, Congress government or Jharkhand government, should listen to what students are saying and take action to change the education system.”The Jharkhand protests, which began on July 25 under the banner of the JPSC-JSSC Reforms Manch, had entered their 13th day on Thursday, with six demonstrators reportedly on hunger strike.Gandhi was also asked about young women fighting for their right to education. “India’s women are our strength, our biggest asset and frankly I do not appreciate the way women are treated in society, the way our education system treats our women and the way our corporate system treats our women,” he said.On his favourite BJP politician, Gandhi named former Punjab chief minister Captain Amarinder Singh, saying, “I get along with him, he is cool. He is an expert on military history. Hello, uncle Amarinder.”Get the latest India News and Live updates. Download the TOI app.About the AuthorSubhadra SrivastavaSubhadra Srivastava is a journalist with The Times of India, covering geopolitics, international and national affairs. With over three years of experience, she focuses on national and global developments, conflict, diplomacy and their impact on India. Her work combines breaking news with in-depth analysis, offering readers context and clarity on the stories shaping the world.Read MoreEnd of ArticleFollow Us On Social MediaVideosCentre Opposes Creamy Layer For SC-ST Quota, Says Discrimination Goes Beyond Economic StatusIAF’s : Bhawana Kanth Earns ‘Top Gun’ Title, Shivani Sehrawat Becomes Army Chief’s ADC’Cancel Exams, Take Action’: Jharkhand LoP Babulal Marandi Slams Soren Govt, Backs Student ProtestsContent Creator Ayush Rana On Jharkhand Protest Funding, Viral Videos, Dhoni’s Silence & More‘Gen Z Protesters Are Not Anti-National’: RSS’ Mohan Bhagwat Says ‘Protest Is A Way Of Dialogue’Jharkhand’s ‘Sonam Wangchuk 2.0′ Devendra Nath Mahato Enters Day 5 Of Indefinite Hunger Strike Fast’Not Enemies’: Rijiju Meets Rahul Gandhi Over Sansad Logjam, Reacts To Amit Shah Statement DemandAtiq Ahmed’s Youngest Son Abaan Dies In Jhansi Road Accident, Conflicting Accounts Emerge Over Crash‘Youth Wants CJP To Become Political Party’: Dipke, Saurav Das Announce ‘Kya Bolti Public’ CampaignBombay HC Convicts Tehelka Founder Tarun Tejpal In 2013 Sexual Assault Case; Reverses 2021 Acquittal123PhotostoriesWant your toddler to talk more? Try these simple speech-building strategiesBigg Boss Malayalam 8: Celebrities who can shine in the show10 foods Nepalese families eat on a regular basisHow to store fresh pudina without a refrigerator: 7 easy and practical hacks that actually workWhy cloves work so well in the kitchen: 6 smart hacks you didn’t knowWhy pink eye cases spike every monsoon: Eye doctor explains how humid weather helps infections spread and the mistakes that can put your vision at riskThe person most likely to motivate you, according to your birth date12 iconic sandwiches everyone should try at least onceWearing flat, cushion-less slippers at home all day? Doctor says this everyday habit could trigger months of heel pain5 things couples naturally stop doing when they feel completely comfortable with each other123Hot PicksThailand School ShootingUPI TransactionsAsk Me AnythingJharkhand protestGurgaon rainNICL Assistant RecruitmentAnkur WarikooIndia Labour CodesGold rate todayTop TrendingCockroach Janta PartyNagpur Rape CaseAbhijeet DipkeGujarat Mystery WellJPSC ProtestDelhi RainDelhi Wife MurderEknath ShindeTamil Nadu BudgetPraveen Nettaru Murder Case Blunder! KL Rahul’s dropped catch proves costly for India in Colombo – WATCH ‘We missed you!’: Adam Sandler announces ‘Grown Ups 3’ shoot with original cast reunion featuring Chris Rock, Kevin James and more In 2016, Biologists at Rutgers University discovered that the globe skimmer dragonfly is the world’s longest-distance flying insect ‘Want to meet Suvendu-babu’: Bengal man climbs lamp post, performs pull-ups, stunts for 40 minutes In 1831, an underwater volcano created a new Mediterranean island. Britain, France and the Kingdom of the Two Sicilies claimed it before it vanished | World News NEW DELHI: Congress leader Basavaraj Horatti on Friday tendered his resignation as Chairman of the Karnataka Legislative Council.Asked about the reason behind his decision, Horatti said, “I was asked to resign, so I tendered my resignation.””I don’t know why they (the Congress government) asked me to resign,” he 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 MediaVideosCentre Opposes Creamy Layer For SC-ST Quota, Says Discrimination Goes Beyond Economic StatusIAF’s : Bhawana Kanth Earns ‘Top Gun’ Title, Shivani Sehrawat Becomes Army Chief’s ADC’Cancel Exams, Take Action’: Jharkhand LoP Babulal Marandi Slams Soren Govt, Backs Student ProtestsContent Creator Ayush Rana On Jharkhand Protest Funding, Viral Videos, Dhoni’s Silence & More‘Gen Z Protesters Are Not Anti-National’: RSS’ Mohan Bhagwat Says ‘Protest Is A Way Of Dialogue’Jharkhand’s ‘Sonam Wangchuk 2.0′ Devendra Nath Mahato Enters Day 5 Of Indefinite Hunger Strike Fast’Not Enemies’: Rijiju Meets Rahul Gandhi Over Sansad Logjam, Reacts To Amit Shah Statement DemandAtiq Ahmed’s Youngest Son Abaan Dies In Jhansi Road Accident, Conflicting Accounts Emerge Over Crash‘Youth Wants CJP To Become Political Party’: Dipke, Saurav Das Announce ‘Kya Bolti Public’ CampaignBombay HC Convicts Tehelka Founder Tarun Tejpal In 2013 Sexual Assault Case; Reverses 2021 Acquittal123PhotostoriesBigg Boss Malayalam 8: Celebrities who can shine in the show10 foods Nepalese families eat on a regular basisHow to store fresh pudina without a refrigerator: 7 easy and practical hacks that actually workWhy cloves work so well in the kitchen: 6 smart hacks you didn’t knowWhy pink eye cases spike every monsoon: Eye doctor explains how humid weather helps infections spread and the mistakes that can put your vision at riskThe person most likely to motivate you, according to your birth date12 iconic sandwiches everyone should try at least onceWearing flat, cushion-less slippers at home all day? Doctor says this everyday habit could trigger months of heel pain5 things couples naturally stop doing when they feel completely comfortable with each otherKahaani Ghar Ghar Kii actress Tina Parekh ditched designer lehenga and lavish venue; opted for a simple wedding surrounded by family in an ashram123Hot PicksThailand School ShootingUPI TransactionsAsk Me AnythingJharkhand protestGurgaon rainNICL Assistant RecruitmentAnkur WarikooIndia Labour CodesGold rate todayTop TrendingCockroach Janta PartyNagpur Rape CaseAbhijeet DipkeGujarat Mystery WellJPSC ProtestDelhi RainDelhi Wife MurderEknath ShindeTamil Nadu BudgetPraveen Nettaru Murder Case ‘Jana Nayagan’ box office collection Day 16 [Live]: Vijay and Pooja Hegde starrer slows down after crossing Rs 200 crore India gross; eyes Rs 188 crore India net by weekend Spiritual leader Gauranga Das says the most valuable employees don’t complain, they bring solutions | Scientists develop a new way to detect hidden water ice on the Moon using seismic waves Man yells at woman for sleeping on seat, whips out belt to hit her in Mumbai local A new island has emerged in Alaska after a glacier melted away: Nasa images reveal a stark sign of climate change From clean water to prosthetics: Meet the six IIT Madras professors whose life-changing research earned the prestigious ANRF J.C. Bose Grant Amid Ranbir Kapoor and Sai Pallavi’s ‘Ramayana’, Ameesha Patel reacts to fan casting her as Sita opposite Hrithik Roshan in ‘Ramayana’: ‘Advance bookings would be on fire’ Divyanka Tripathi: “No one talks about the pain and guilt”: Divyanka Tripathi opens up about breastfeeding struggles after welcoming twins; what every new mother should know about breastfeeding Scientists discover humans and mice may use the same hidden brain system to recognise smells Governor of the state, Elon Musk wants tech companies to move their headquarters to, has halted data center approvals; says ‘prove’ this first Inside Rob Zombie’s former $6.5 million Origami House with glass walls, waterfalls and a koi sanctuary Aug 07, 2026, 13:38 IST Gold price prediction: Buy on dips the right strategy for gold right now? Check August 7, 2026 outlook Gareth Edwards backs out of the ‘Jurassic World Rebirth’ sequel: Makers on the lookout for new director How to keep onions fresh for longer: 6 storage tips that help prevent sprouting | Kamika Ekadashi 2026: When is Kamika Ekadashi? Check date, puja rituals and significance Google warns Blackstone, Bridgewater, Bain Capital, KKR, TPG, Moody’s targeted by hackers through phone calls; shares hacker used for attack Quote of the day by James Earl Jones: ‘One of the hardest things in life is having words in your heart that you can’t utter’, a look into ‘Darth Vader’s journey and hardships Agni-IV: Why the 4,000km nuclear-capable missile is essential for India This 6,000-km-long underground city stretching from Portugal to Italy is built by Argentine ants across the coasts of four European countries Updated: Aug 07, 2026, 13:05 IST NICL Assistant Recruitment 2026 registration closes today for 500 posts; check vacancies, exam schedule and eligibility Preeti Simoes breaks silence on being labelled Kapil Sharma’s ex-girlfriend: ‘It is very frustrating’ Why some eggs have dark orange yolks and what they really reveal ‘They don’t need a certificate from you’: Priyanka hits back at RSS chief Bhagwat’s Gen Z outreach Aug 07, 2026, 12:49 IST Jharkhand Polytechnic result 2026 declared at jceceb.jharkhand.gov.in: Direct link to download scorecards here Jude Anthany Joseph wanted Mohanlal’s wife Suchitra in ‘Thudakkam’: ‘Chechi backed out at the last minute’ Is Donald Trump wearing a new wig? His Las Vegas appearance sparks fresh hair debate online | Scientists in China create a self-healing dress from living fungus that repairs its own tears and biodegrades naturally Any post against PM Modi to be deleted in three hours: Arvind Kejriwal on new social media law Jharkhand assembly adjourned amid BJP uproar over job exam irregularities Opposition BJP MLAs disrupted proceedings of the Jharkhand Assembly over alleged irregularities in a job examination, with several legislators entering the well of the House in protest.Proceedings of the Jharkhand Assembly were adjourned till 12.30 pm amid an uproar by the BJP MLAs.During the proceedings, BJP leader Babulal Marandi demanded a CBI probe into the alleged irregularities under a court-monitored panel.Opposition MLAs raised placards and shouted slogans, including “stop selling students’ future” and “recommend a CBI probe into irregularities in JPSC examination”, targeting the JMM-led government.BJP chief whip Naveen Jaiswal alleged that the CID probe into the suspected job exam scam had been initiated to “cover up the issues”.”It is an eyewash. The youth doesn’t have faith in the CID probe. The protesters will get justice only when a CBI team probes into the irregularities raised by the protesters,” Jaiswal said, as cited by PTI.The protest over alleged irregularities in recruitment examinations in Jharkhand entered its 14th day on Friday, with six demonstrators continuing their hunger strike. Meanwhile, two student unions announced plans to march to the state Assembly, which is currently in session, during the day.The demonstrators have been demanding the cancellation of the 14th Jharkhand PSC Civil Services Examination and an independent probe into the alleged irregularities in the recruitment test, either by the CBI or by a panel of retired High Court judges from outside the state.Join conversationView All Comments →Share your thoughts in the commentsInsightfulAgreeDisagreeSkepticalConcerningPromisingWorth ReadingBig DevelopmentPost CommentBe respectful · TOI community guidelinesThey have also called for comprehensive reforms in the Jharkhand Public Service Commission (JPSC) and the Jharkhand Staff Selection Commission (JSSC).The protest began on July 25 at Jaipal Singh Munda Stadium under the banner of the JPSC-JSSC Reforms Manch and has since emerged as one of the biggest student-led movements in the state in recent years.The CID has so far arrested 19 people in connection with the alleged irregularities in the job examination.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 MediaVideosCentre Opposes Creamy Layer For SC-ST Quota, Says Discrimination Goes Beyond Economic StatusIAF’s : Bhawana Kanth Earns ‘Top Gun’ Title, Shivani Sehrawat Becomes Army Chief’s ADC’Cancel Exams, Take Action’: Jharkhand LoP Babulal Marandi Slams Soren Govt, Backs Student ProtestsContent Creator Ayush Rana On Jharkhand Protest Funding, Viral Videos, Dhoni’s Silence & More‘Gen Z Protesters Are Not Anti-National’: RSS’ Mohan Bhagwat Says ‘Protest Is A Way Of Dialogue’Jharkhand’s ‘Sonam Wangchuk 2.0′ Devendra Nath Mahato Enters Day 5 Of Indefinite Hunger Strike Fast’Not Enemies’: Rijiju Meets Rahul Gandhi Over Sansad Logjam, Reacts To Amit Shah Statement DemandAtiq Ahmed’s Youngest Son Abaan Dies In Jhansi Road Accident, Conflicting Accounts Emerge Over Crash‘Youth Wants CJP To Become Political Party’: Dipke, Saurav Das Announce ‘Kya Bolti Public’ CampaignBombay HC Convicts Tehelka Founder Tarun Tejpal In 2013 Sexual Assault Case; Reverses 2021 Acquittal123PhotostoriesHow to store fresh pudina without a refrigerator: 7 easy and practical hacks that actually workWhy cloves work so well in the kitchen: 6 smart hacks you didn’t knowWhy pink eye cases spike every monsoon: Eye doctor explains how humid weather helps infections spread and the mistakes that can put your vision at riskThe person most likely to motivate you, according to your birth date12 iconic sandwiches everyone should try at least onceWearing flat, cushion-less slippers at home all day? Doctor says this everyday habit could trigger months of heel pain5 things couples naturally stop doing when they feel completely comfortable with each otherKahaani Ghar Ghar Kii actress Tina Parekh ditched designer lehenga and lavish venue; opted for a simple wedding surrounded by family in an ashram8 traditional varieties of South Indian idlis that are perfect for breakfastRakul Preet Singh and Jackky Bhagnani look straight out of modern-day ‘Ramayan’ in regal Gopi Vaid ensembles123Hot PicksThailand School ShootingUPI TransactionsAsk Me AnythingJharkhand protestGurgaon rainNICL Assistant RecruitmentAnkur WarikooIndia Labour CodesGold rate todayTop TrendingCockroach Janta PartyNagpur Rape CaseAbhijeet DipkeTasmac Liquor Online PurchaseJPSC ProtestNagpur Rape CaseDelhi Wife MurderAkhilesh YadavTamil Nadu BudgetPraveen Nettaru Murder Case Pakistan all-rounder Hamza Nazar banned for two years over misleading visa information SSC CHT admit card 2025 likely to be released today at ssc.gov.in: Check complete details here Sayeed Quadri credits Emraan Hashmi for giving his lyrics life, ‘Awaarapan 2 ke gaano mein bhi woh hi khushboo hai’ Rice water for plants: 7 plants that grow well with this simple kitchen leftover | Meet Millie Pradawong, the 14-year-old Virginia student using machine learning and CRISPR to make microalgae produce more biofuel Jharkhand JPSC-JSSC stir: Student shifted to hospital after health worsens as agitation enters day 14 A well in Gujarat’s Morbi has been shaking continuously with rippling water; experts are still trying to understand why Govt bars firms filing fake drug data from seeking fresh approvals. (Photo: IANS) NEW DELHI: In a major crackdown on regulatory fraud in the pharmaceutical sector, the Centre has amended the Drugs Rules, 1945 to empower drug regulators to temporarily debar companies that submit fake or fabricated data while seeking approvals for drugs and related licences.Under the amended rules notified by the Union health ministry on Thursday, applicants found submitting fabricated data will not only face rejection of their applications or cancellation of existing licences, but can also be barred from filing fresh applications before the concerned licensing authority, whether at the Centre or in the states, for a specified period. The action will be taken only after issuing a show-cause notice, and affected applicants will have the right to appeal.The new provision will apply to all applications filed under the Drugs Rules, 1945, and is aimed at deterring companies from submitting false scientific data to secure regulatory approvals.The ministry said regulatory decisions on the quality, safety and efficacy of medicines are based on scientific data submitted by applicants. Fabricated data undermines the integrity of the approval process, raises questions about the quality of medicines and can pose serious risks to public health. Join conversationView All Comments →Share your thoughts in the commentsInsightfulAgreeDisagreeSkepticalConcerningPromisingWorth ReadingBig DevelopmentPost CommentBe respectful · TOI community guidelinesThe amendment is intended to strengthen accountability and ensure that drug approvals are backed by reliable scientific evidence.Officials said the amendment is part of the government’s broader effort to align India’s drug regulatory framework with global best practices by promoting ethical compliance while taking stricter action against companies that indulge in malpractice.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 MediaVideosCentre Opposes Creamy Layer For SC-ST Quota, Says Discrimination Goes Beyond Economic StatusIAF’s : Bhawana Kanth Earns ‘Top Gun’ Title, Shivani Sehrawat Becomes Army Chief’s ADC’Cancel Exams, Take Action’: Jharkhand LoP Babulal Marandi Slams Soren Govt, Backs Student ProtestsContent Creator Ayush Rana On Jharkhand Protest Funding, Viral Videos, Dhoni’s Silence & More‘Gen Z Protesters Are Not Anti-National’: RSS’ Mohan Bhagwat Says ‘Protest Is A Way Of Dialogue’Jharkhand’s ‘Sonam Wangchuk 2.0′ Devendra Nath Mahato Enters Day 5 Of Indefinite Hunger Strike Fast’Not Enemies’: Rijiju Meets Rahul Gandhi Over Sansad Logjam, Reacts To Amit Shah Statement DemandAtiq Ahmed’s Youngest Son Abaan Dies In Jhansi Road Accident, Conflicting Accounts Emerge Over Crash‘Youth Wants CJP To Become Political Party’: Dipke, Saurav Das Announce ‘Kya Bolti Public’ CampaignBombay HC Convicts Tehelka Founder Tarun Tejpal In 2013 Sexual Assault Case; Reverses 2021 Acquittal123PhotostoriesHow to store fresh pudina without a refrigerator: 7 easy and practical hacks that actually workWhy cloves work so well in the kitchen: 6 smart hacks you didn’t knowWhy pink eye cases spike every monsoon: Eye doctor explains how humid weather helps infections spread and the mistakes that can put your vision at riskThe person most likely to motivate you, according to your birth date12 iconic sandwiches everyone should try at least onceWearing flat, cushion-less slippers at home all day? Doctor says this everyday habit could trigger months of heel pain5 things couples naturally stop doing when they feel completely comfortable with each otherKahaani Ghar Ghar Kii actress Tina Parekh ditched designer lehenga and lavish venue; opted for a simple wedding surrounded by family in an ashram8 traditional varieties of South Indian idlis that are perfect for breakfastRakul Preet Singh and Jackky Bhagnani look straight out of modern-day ‘Ramayan’ in regal Gopi Vaid ensembles123Hot PicksThailand School ShootingUPI TransactionsAsk Me AnythingJharkhand protestGurgaon rainNICL Assistant RecruitmentAnkur WarikooIndia Labour CodesGold rate todayTop TrendingCockroach Janta PartyNagpur Rape CaseAbhijeet DipkeGujarat Mystery WellJPSC ProtestNagpur Rape CaseDelhi Wife MurderAkhilesh YadavTamil Nadu BudgetPraveen Nettaru Murder Case