VK News Today https://validator.w3.org/feed/docs/rss2.html Scientists are planting 30 million oysters in the Chesapeake Bay to restore water quality and marine life in one of America’s largest restoration projects Watch: Parts of Japan’s Kumamoto Castle walls collapse after 7.1-magnitude quake The pig that almost started a war: How a pig shot in 1859 turned a San Juan Island farm dispute into a 12-year Britain-America standoff BJP MP’s Gen Z-style praise for PM during anti-paper leak Bill debate NEW DELHI: The Bharatiya Janata Party Lok Sabha member Bansuri Swaraj on Tuesday used a Gen Z term to praise the steps taken by Prime Minister Narendra Modi against the paper leak. She said that the PM had “clocked it” with the anti-paper leak Bill, a term used by the younger generation to recognize a fact.Speaking in favour of the Bill during the debate, she said, “Borrowing Gen Z’s language, I would have to say that Modiji clocked it at providing this legislative solution”. Watch PM Modi Sets Up Exam Reform Task Force Under Infosys Co-Founder Nandan Nilekani After NEET Backlash”I am standing in support of the Public Examinations (Prevention of Unfair Means) Amendment Bill, 2026. This is a transformative amendment. Its necessity is not only evident, but it is also the demand of the present time. Bringing this amendment is proof of the sensitivity of Prime Minister Narendra Modi and his committed government. Speaker Sir, when a competitive examination is compromised, its impact is not limited to the candidate whose future is put at stake,” she added.The government has proposed amendments to the Public Examinations (Prevention of Unfair Means) Act to ensure time-bound investigations, speedy trials and tougher penalties for paper leaks and organised exam fraud.Prime Minister Narendra Modi announced on Sunday the formation of a high-powered task force, headed by Infosys co-founder Nandan Nilekani, to overhaul India’s examination system and make it more transparent, reliable and technology-driven.Addressing students through a video message, PM Modi said the Centre had already taken steps to curb exam malpractice by jailing those involved, setting up fast-track courts and proposing stricter legal provisions, but stressed that broader systemic reforms were now needed.He said the task force would recommend measures to strengthen the credibility of public examinations, with the government acting on its report at the earliest. The Nilekani-led panel will study the use of technology and suggest reforms to improve transparency, efficiency and trust in the conduct of public examinations.The move comes in the wake of recent controversies surrounding competitive examinations, including the NEET row, as the Centre seeks to restore confidence in the system.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 MediaVideosSupreme Court Backs Independent Probe Into Alleged Police Excesses During NEET Protests NationwideViral Screenshots Claim Facebook Restricted PM Modi’s Post In IndiaWangchuk Calls for “Humility” as CJP Celebration Videos Go Viral, Saurav Das Clarifies DebateFamilies Of 4 Injured Policemen Move SC Seeking Action Against CJP Protest ViolenceKhajuraho Airport Tops AAI Customer Satisfaction Survey Despite Having No Flights in July-AugustBihar Withdraws F.I.Rs Against NEET Protesters, Orders Release Of All Arrested In July 25 CasesPetrol Bomb Hurled At BJP Office In Sangrur, BJP Questions Punjab Law And OrderSonam Wangchuk’s Wife Slams BJP And Congress, Says Both Use ‘Identical Tactics’ Against CriticsBig Setback For Vijay Govt, Madras High Court Cancels Jobs Order For Karur Victims’ FamiliesKangana Ranaut Slams Gen Z-led CJP Protests, Calls Viral Protest Reels “Puke Inducing” Online123Photostories11 temples in India that offer the most delicious prasad5 longest urban beaches in the world: The second one is in IndiaFrom hardship to historic win atCommonwealth Games: The inspiring journey of Sharmila DhankarFrom Zendaya to Shakira, Drake and Cher: REASON why THESE celebrities use their FIRST NAME9 Meditation practices for your date of birth5 yellow-leaf plants to add glamour and luxury to your garden5 handloom fabrics that are dominating Indian fashion again in 202611 oldest and historic restaurants in Kolkata where every meal comes with a storyWhat happens when you line aluminium foil in your cutlery drawerExclusive – Laughter Chefs 3 winner Jannat Zubair on bond with Aly Goni, missing the show and journey; ‘Saying goodbye is definitely the hardest part’123Hot PicksH.C. VermaUddhav ThackerayMHT CET final merit listDelhi weatherWeather tomorrowe20 PetrolRajasthan Safai Karamchari recruitmentTN supplementary resultsSouth Korea KOSPI crashTop TrendingDelhi Red AlertNitin GadkariChhattisgarh MurderEknath Shinde New ProjectWeather TomorrowKhajuraho AirportDombivli Doctors Assault CaseChitrakoot Gang Rape CaseBengaluru Metro SuicideIB Officer Murder Case IIT Delhi develops Hindi version of music therapy to support speech recovery after stroke Sunny Deol breaks down at ‘Batwara 1947’ trailer launch as Shabana Azmi recalls scene that left her ‘stripped of any dignity’: ‘In that moment, Sunny became my son’ Sharmila Dhankar’s inspiring journey from hardship to historic win at Commonwealth Games After visiting Premanand Maharaj, Anushka Sharma and Virat Kohli buy a sea-facing luxury apartment at Versova in Mumbai worth Rs 18.29 crore | Hindi Movie News Quote of the day by Kobe Bryant: “I don’t want to be the next Michael Jordan, I only want to be…” – a timeless lesson on authenticity, self-belief and creating your own legacy | World News Lok Sabha is discussing the amendment to the anti-paper leak law NEW DELHI: The Lok Sabha on Tuesday took up for discussion the Centre’s proposed legislation to amend the anti-paper leak law, amid nationwide calls for tougher safeguards against examination fraud and wider education reforms following the NEET (UG) question paper leak in May.Union minister Jitendra Singh introduced the Public Examination (Prevention of Unfair Means) Amendment Bill, 2026, on Monday after the first week of Parliament’s Monsoon session, which began on July 20, was washed out amid large-scale student protests led by the Cockroach Janta Party (CJP). The demonstrations ultimately forced Dharmendra Pradhan to resign as education minister.No discussion on the Bill could take place during the first six days of the Monsoon session as the opposition remained firm on its demand for a government response to the police action against student protesters in the national capital and several other parts of the country. Following Dharmendra Pradhan’s resignation, Union minister Pralhad Joshi has been assigned additional charge of the Ministry of Education.Bill reaffirms govt’s commitment to safeguard students’ welfare: Jitendra SinghOpening the debate, Union minister Jitendra Singh described the proposed legislation as a “reaffirmation” of the government’s commitment to protecting students’ interests.Singh said the Bill seeks to amend the Public Examinations (Prevention of Unfair Means) Act, 2024, which he described as the first legislation of its kind in independent India.”The earlier Act and the amendment today are, in a way, a reaffirmation of this government’s deep commitment to safeguard the welfare of the students and the youth of this country,” he said.Calling it a “milestone legislation”, Singh added that the Bill also reflected Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s resolve “not to allow anyone to compromise with the future of the children of Mother India.”Cong condemns Delhi Police action on protestersOpening the debate for the opposition, Congress MP Gaurav Gogoi criticised the BJP for garlanding former education minister Dharmendra Pradhan, alleging that 21 students had died by suicide after the NEET (UG) examination was cancelled following the question paper leak.Pradhan, was welcomed by MPs of the BJP-led NDA with garlands when he arrived in Parliament on Monday, two days after stepping down.”21 children lost their lives; they committed suicide. The minister under whose watch 21 children lost their lives, when he resigned from his post and returned to the House yesterday, you garlanded him as if he had returned from a war against Pakistan,” Gogoi remarked.Gogoi also took a jibe at Prime Minister Narendra Modi over the Instagram reels he released for student protesters, saying the government had prioritised messaging over meaningful education reforms.”Today, the Prime Minister appears in Instagram reels. In the first Cabinet meeting, instead of having a comprehensive discussion on how to improve education and dismantle the paper-setting mafia, paper-solving mafia and the testing centre mafia, Prime Minister Modi simply said to focus more on Instagram,” Gogoi added.He also sought an explanation from the government over the alleged use of tear gas, pellet guns and lathi-charge against student protesters, including women.”Who ordered the use of tear gas, pellet guns, lathi-charge and assault on women? We want answers,” the Jorhat MPGet 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 MediaVideosViral Screenshots Claim Facebook Restricted PM Modi’s Post In IndiaWangchuk Calls for “Humility” as CJP Celebration Videos Go Viral, Saurav Das Clarifies DebateFamilies Of 4 Injured Policemen Move SC Seeking Action Against CJP Protest ViolenceKhajuraho Airport Tops AAI Customer Satisfaction Survey Despite Having No Flights in July-AugustBihar Withdraws F.I.Rs Against NEET Protesters, Orders Release Of All Arrested In July 25 CasesPetrol Bomb Hurled At BJP Office In Sangrur, BJP Questions Punjab Law And OrderSonam Wangchuk’s Wife Slams BJP And Congress, Says Both Use ‘Identical Tactics’ Against CriticsBig Setback For Vijay Govt, Madras High Court Cancels Jobs Order For Karur Victims’ FamiliesKangana Ranaut Slams Gen Z-led CJP Protests, Calls Viral Protest Reels “Puke Inducing” OnlineDelhi Fast Track Court Directs Prosecutor Appointment, Adjourns NEET Accused Bail Pleas Till Aug 3123PhotostoriesFrom hardship to historic win atCommonwealth Games: The inspiring journey of Sharmila DhankarFrom Zendaya to Shakira, Drake and Cher: REASON why THESE celebrities use their FIRST NAME9 Meditation practices for your date of birth5 yellow-leaf plants to add glamour and luxury to your garden5 handloom fabrics that are dominating Indian fashion again in 202611 oldest and historic restaurants in Kolkata where every meal comes with a storyWhat happens when you line aluminium foil in your cutlery drawerExclusive – Laughter Chefs 3 winner Jannat Zubair on bond with Aly Goni, missing the show and journey; ‘Saying goodbye is definitely the hardest part’7 Natural ways to protect your car from rats and mice6 food ingredients used in the US but banned in many parts of the world123Hot PicksH.C. VermaUddhav ThackerayMHT CET final merit listDelhi weatherWeather tomorrowe20 PetrolRajasthan Safai Karamchari recruitmentTN supplementary resultsSouth Korea KOSPI crashTop TrendingDelhi Red AlertNitin GadkariChhattisgarh MurderEknath Shinde New ProjectWeather TomorrowDombivli Doctors Assault CaseChitrakoot Gang Rape CaseKhajuraho AirportBengaluru Metro SuicideIB Officer Murder Case Delhi University opens ITEP admissions 2026: Check registration deadline, steps to apply ‘Flesh Impact’: Check out Dakota Johnson’s FIRST look as Marilyn Monroe Ganpati Special Trains 2026: Central Railway announces 246 Ganpati Special trains for Ganesh Chaturthi 2026: Check booking dates, routes and how to book tickets Are You Blessed by Mahadev? 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It’s a domestic issue”: Chilling details emerge from the Virginia incident involving Chiefs coach Eric Bieniemy NEW DELHI: Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Tuesday met members of parliament from Assam to review the state’s flood situation, as the deluge continued to affect more than 4.45 lakh people across six districts, leaving a total of 631 villages currently underwater.Sharing details of the meeting on X, the Prime Minister said the Centre was working closely with the Assam government to support relief efforts.”I pray for everyone’s safety and well-being”, the PM added.The meeting came as the flood situation in Assam’s Sivasagar district continued to remain severe, with floodwaters entering homes and submerging roads in Naujan village. Hundreds of families have been left struggling for shelter, food and access to safe drinking water even as relief operations intensified.According to the latest bulletin issued by the Assam state disaster management authority (ASDMA), the number of people affected by the floods has declined to 4.45 lakh from over 5.24 lakh reported earlier. Officials quoted by news agency ANI said no fresh fatalities were reported, keeping the overall death toll at 68.The affected districts include Sivasagar, Golaghat, Charaideo, Jorhat, Nagaon and Kamrup (Metropolitan), with Charaideo remaining the worst-hit district, where around 1.88 lakh people continue to be affected. Sivasagar follows with 1.44 lakh affected residents, while Jorhat has reported 74,458 people impacted.According to ASDMA’s Disaster Reporting and Information Management System, 631 villages across 21 revenue circles remain inundated.Officials said the Dhansiri (South) river was flowing above the danger level at Numaligarh in Golaghat district, while multiple agencies, including the National Disaster Response Force, State Disaster Response Force and civil defence personnel, continued rescue and relief operations.Authorities said 90 relief camps were operational, providing shelter to 28,695 displaced people, while another 94 relief distribution centres were supplying essential assistance.The floods have also affected agriculture, with 37,139.52 hectares of crop area remaining submerged. Officials said houses, roads and other public infrastructure had suffered damage across several affected districts.Meanwhile, Assam assembly Speaker Ranjeet Kumar Dass announced that all legislators, except those belonging to the Raijor Dal, would donate one month’s salary towards flood relief and rehabilitation.”Besides us, all Assembly secretariat staff will donate one day’s salary for the relief and rehabilitation of the victims.”Agriculture minister Pijush Hazarika welcomed the move, saying all Bharatiya Janata Party MLAs would also contribute one month’s salary to the relief effort.A five-member central team led by ministry of home affairs joint secretary (disaster management) M Ramachandrudu visited Sivasagar on Monday to assess the flood situation in Upper Assam. State ministers Keshab Mahanta and Bimal Borah accompanied the delegation during the review.Chief minister Himanta Biswa Sarma said power restoration was progressing as floodwaters receded.”Since this morning, the number of families without power has declined by another 25 per cent. As floodwaters continue to recede, power supply is being restored across more affected areas. I will continue to share regular updates and keep you posted until power is restored to every affected household.”Sarma also said the state had begun disinfection and fogging drives in flood-hit villages to prevent disease outbreaks as waters recede.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 MediaVideosWangchuk Calls for “Humility” as CJP Celebration Videos Go Viral, Saurav Das Clarifies DebateFamilies Of 4 Injured Policemen Move SC Seeking Action Against CJP Protest ViolenceKhajuraho Airport Tops AAI Customer Satisfaction Survey Despite Having No Flights in July-AugustBihar Withdraws F.I.Rs Against NEET Protesters, Orders Release Of All Arrested In July 25 CasesPetrol Bomb Hurled At BJP Office In Sangrur, BJP Questions Punjab Law And OrderSonam Wangchuk’s Wife Slams BJP And Congress, Says Both Use ‘Identical Tactics’ Against CriticsBig Setback For Vijay Govt, Madras High Court Cancels Jobs Order For Karur Victims’ FamiliesKangana Ranaut Slams Gen Z-led CJP Protests, Calls Viral Protest Reels “Puke Inducing” OnlineDelhi Fast Track Court Directs Prosecutor Appointment, Adjourns NEET Accused Bail Pleas Till Aug 3Delhi-Haridwar Highway Traffic Alert: Major Restrictions Announced Ahead of Kanwar Yatra 2026123Photostories11 oldest and historic restaurants in Kolkata where every meal comes with a storyWhat happens when you line aluminium foil in your cutlery drawerExclusive – Laughter Chefs 3 winner Jannat Zubair on bond with Aly Goni, missing the show and journey; ‘Saying goodbye is definitely the hardest part’7 Natural ways to protect your car from rats and mice6 food ingredients used in the US but banned in many parts of the worldIs your banana ripening too fast? Know why its happening and 5 simple ways to slow it down5 Must-try monsoon maintenance tips for a grand wooden entrance doorThe longevity revolution: Why people are investing in skin health earlier than ever beforeWhy Indians reach for curd after spicy food while Koreans choose completely different side dishes7 tall plants for the ultimate green vibe for your balcony123Hot PicksH.C. VermaBTEUP Even Semester resultMHT CET final merit listDelhi weatherWeather tomorrowRupaidiha border crossingOdisha schoolTN supplementary resultsCBSE 12 supplementary examTop TrendingDelhi WeatherStalker 2 Release DateChhattisgarh MurderE20 FuelCJP Parliament MarchNEET ProtestersBengaluru Woman HarassmentBengaluru Metro SuicideIB Officer Murder CaseWeather Tomorrow Can using E20 petrol lead to insurance claim rejection? What the government said TS ICET counselling 2026 schedule out: Check registration dates, eligibility and fee ‘Suddenly, a shoe came flying towards me’: Before ‘Company’, Vivek Oberoi reveals the humiliating incident that that humbled him and changed his acting career forever Billionaire Steve Wynn spent five years trying to sell his 27,000-square-foot Beverly Hills estate; the $135 million property finally sold for $47.75 million | Anglers had been reporting black skin patches among catfish in Vermont lake. Now scientists have found it’s a contagious cancer affecting 30% of their population How heatwave in Europe is making Europeans understand that why Americans’ ‘environment choice’ makes more sense Govt says Meta’s response on briefly deleted video of PM was not enough The Centre is not satisfied with Meta’s explanation that Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s Facebook post was removed “in error”, with government sources telling PTI that the issue is “far from settled” and warrants deeper discussions.According to the sources, Meta’s response is “not reasonable”, and the government will continue engaging with the company over the incident.The development comes after the ministry of electronics and information technology (MeitY) summoned Meta’s global head of public policy following the removal of the Prime Minister’s Facebook post. Meta had reportedly told govt that glitch in automated content filters caused the removal of video.The video, posted on July 23 during the Cockroach Janta Party-led student protests, featured PM Modi addressing the youth and promising stricter measures against examination paper leaks. It was briefly unavailable on Facebook before being restored.Responding to the controversy, a Meta spokesperson had said, “The content was removed in error and has since been restored.”The now-restored video featured Prime Minister Narendra Modi outlining the Centre’s response to the NEET-UG controversy and promising stricter measures to curb examination paper leaks.Addressing students, Modi said the government would strengthen the legal framework to tackle paper leak cases. “I have issued directions to departments to set up Fast-Track Courts,” Modi had said, adding that a draft legislation providing for stringent punishment and special courts to deal with paper leak cases would be discussed by the Cabinet before being introduced in Parliament.He also said the government had taken steps to ensure that the academic year of nearly 22 lakh students remained unaffected and reiterated that “nothing is more important than the welfare and future of our youth.”The video was released amid nationwide protests over alleged examination irregularities and paper leaks.The Centre later introduced the Public Examinations (Prevention of Unfair Means) Amendment Bill, 2026, proposing tougher penalties for offenders, including imprisonment of up to 10 years, higher fines and the creation of Special Fast-Track Courts for offences under the law.The agitation ended on July 25 after Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan resigned from the Cabinet. The government also reached an agreement with the Cockroach Janta Party (CJP) and activist Sonam Wangchuk to withdraw cases against protesters, prevent police action against demonstrators and introduce stronger anti-paper leak legislation.The controversy also dominated the ongoing Monsoon Session of Parliament, with the Opposition demanding Pradhan’s resignation and pressing for a detailed discussion on the NEET paper leak issue, leading to repeated disruptions in both Houses.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 MediaVideosWangchuk Calls for “Humility” as CJP Celebration Videos Go Viral, Saurav Das Clarifies DebateFamilies Of 4 Injured Policemen Move SC Seeking Action Against CJP Protest ViolenceKhajuraho Airport Tops AAI Customer Satisfaction Survey Despite Having No Flights in July-AugustBihar Withdraws F.I.Rs Against NEET Protesters, Orders Release Of All Arrested In July 25 CasesPetrol Bomb Hurled At BJP Office In Sangrur, BJP Questions Punjab Law And OrderSonam Wangchuk’s Wife Slams BJP And Congress, Says Both Use ‘Identical Tactics’ Against CriticsBig Setback For Vijay Govt, Madras High Court Cancels Jobs Order For Karur Victims’ FamiliesKangana Ranaut Slams Gen Z-led CJP Protests, Calls Viral Protest Reels “Puke Inducing” OnlineDelhi Fast Track Court Directs Prosecutor Appointment, Adjourns NEET Accused Bail Pleas Till Aug 3Delhi-Haridwar Highway Traffic Alert: Major Restrictions Announced Ahead of Kanwar Yatra 2026123Photostories5 handloom fabrics that are dominating Indian fashion again in 202611 oldest and historic restaurants in Kolkata where every meal comes with a storyWhat happens when you line aluminium foil in your cutlery drawerExclusive – Laughter Chefs 3 winner Jannat Zubair on bond with Aly Goni, missing the show and journey; ‘Saying goodbye is definitely the hardest part’7 Natural ways to protect your car from rats and mice6 food ingredients used in the US but banned in many parts of the worldIs your banana ripening too fast? Know why its happening and 5 simple ways to slow it down5 Must-try monsoon maintenance tips for a grand wooden entrance doorThe longevity revolution: Why people are investing in skin health earlier than ever beforeWhy Indians reach for curd after spicy food while Koreans choose completely different side dishes123Hot PicksH.C. VermaBTEUP Even Semester resultMHT CET final merit listDelhi weatherWeather tomorrowRupaidiha border crossingOdisha schoolTN supplementary resultsCBSE 12 supplementary examTop TrendingDelhi WeatherStalker 2 Release DateChhattisgarh MurderE20 FuelCJP Parliament MarchNEET ProtestersBengaluru Woman HarassmentBengaluru Metro SuicideIB Officer Murder CaseWeather Tomorrow Haryana ITI round 2 merit list 2026 released at admissions.itiharyana.gov.in: Direct link to download here Ranveer Singh’s funny response to woman flirting on set goes viral: ‘Main do bacche ka baap banne wala hoon’ Manali resort refused a Gurgaon tourist stay despite confirmed booking. He won ₹31,000 in court; here’s why every traveller should know this case Raghav Juyal reveals he was removed from a film on a hero’s demand: ‘Suddenly, the calls stopped coming from them’ | Workers building a dam uncovered stone structures in Angola; archaeologists cleared landmines and raced to excavate 15th-century burials before the site vanished File photo of Tamil Nadu chief minister Vijay NEW DELHI: Tamil Nadu chief minister C Joseph Vijay has written to Prime Minister Narendra Modi opposing Karnataka’s proposed Mekedatu dam across the Cauvery and challenging the Centre’s claim that the consent of lower riparian states is not expressly required under the Supreme Court’s 2018 judgment.Vijay’s letter came a day after Union minister of state for Jal Shakti Raj Bhushan Choudhary told the Rajya Sabha that the February 16, 2018 verdict contained no provision requiring Karnataka to secure the approval of Tamil Nadu, Kerala or Puducherry before constructing a structure across the Cauvery. The reply was given to a question raised by PMK MP Anbumani Ramadoss. Watch Why Tamil Nadu CM Vijay Is Engaging With PM Modi Despite Remaining BJP’s Biggest Critic”This disappointing reply from the Hon’ble Minister of State for Jal Shakti seems to have been made without taking into consideration the prevailing legal position and settled law with regard to the consent of the lower riparian states,” Vijay said in his letter.The Tamil Nadu chief minister cited the Supreme Court’s ruling in the Alamatti dam dispute between Karnataka and Andhra Pradesh to argue that the consent of downstream states was necessary for projects capable of affecting river flows.Citing the judgment, Vijay said: “Nor can Karnataka State be permitted to construct up to that height without the consent of all other riparian States as well as without the approval of the Central government.”He also referred to Clause XVIII of the Cauvery Water Disputes Tribunal’s final award, which preserves a state’s authority to regulate the use of water within its territory only when such action is not inconsistent with the tribunal’s order.Vijay argued that any project that could affect the regulated flow regime established under the award must therefore be examined for compliance with it.The Centre, in its Rajya Sabha reply, had relied on the same clause to say that the 2018 Supreme Court judgment did not specifically require Karnataka to obtain the consent of the other Cauvery basin states. It said states retained the authority to use water within their boundaries as long as their actions were not inconsistent with the tribunal’s directions.Tamil Nadu, however, maintained that the issue could not be decided merely by looking for an explicit consent clause in the 2018 verdict.In his letter, Vijay pointed to the tribunal’s directions concerning Kerala’s Pambar hydroelectric project, which involved only 0.1 TMC of consumptive use. The tribunal had directed Kerala and Tamil Nadu to jointly agree on the schedule of water releases to ensure that downstream irrigation was not adversely affected.According to Vijay, the direction showed that the tribunal had attached importance not only to annual water allocations but also to the coordinated regulation of releases affecting downstream states.He further cited Clause XI of the award, which, according to the letter, prohibits an upper riparian state from taking action affecting scheduled deliveries to downstream states except through mutual agreement and consultation with the regulatory authority.Clause XX, he said, recognises that changes to the award can be made only through an agreement among the party states.”Tamil Nadu is therefore of the considered opinion that the proposed Mekedatu Project cannot be evaluated merely as an engineering proposal,” Vijay wrote.He said the project’s legal permissibility must first be examined against the Cauvery tribunal’s final award, the Supreme Court’s February 2018 judgment and the rights of lower riparian states.The chief minister also pointed out that the Detailed Project Report submitted by Karnataka in 2019 had been returned by the Central Water Commission for revision to ensure compliance with the tribunal award and applicable guidelines.Tamil Nadu has consistently opposed Karnataka’s proposal to construct the balancing reservoir, arguing that it could affect the quantity and timing of Cauvery water reaching the downstream state.Karnataka maintains that the project is intended primarily to meet Bengaluru’s drinking-water requirements and generate hydroelectric power.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 MediaVideosWangchuk Calls for “Humility” as CJP Celebration Videos Go Viral, Saurav Das Clarifies DebateFamilies Of 4 Injured Policemen Move SC Seeking Action Against CJP Protest ViolenceKhajuraho Airport Tops AAI Customer Satisfaction Survey Despite Having No Flights in July-AugustBihar Withdraws F.I.Rs Against NEET Protesters, Orders Release Of All Arrested In July 25 CasesPetrol Bomb Hurled At BJP Office In Sangrur, BJP Questions Punjab Law And OrderSonam Wangchuk’s Wife Slams BJP And Congress, Says Both Use ‘Identical Tactics’ Against CriticsBig Setback For Vijay Govt, Madras High Court Cancels Jobs Order For Karur Victims’ FamiliesKangana Ranaut Slams Gen Z-led CJP Protests, Calls Viral Protest Reels “Puke Inducing” OnlineDelhi Fast Track Court Directs Prosecutor Appointment, Adjourns NEET Accused Bail Pleas Till Aug 3Delhi-Haridwar Highway Traffic Alert: Major Restrictions Announced Ahead of Kanwar Yatra 2026123Photostories11 oldest and historic restaurants in Kolkata where every meal comes with a storyWhat happens when you line aluminium foil in your cutlery drawerExclusive – Laughter Chefs 3 winner Jannat Zubair on bond with Aly Goni, missing the show and journey; ‘Saying goodbye is definitely the hardest part’7 Natural ways to protect your car from rats and mice6 food ingredients used in the US but banned in many parts of the worldIs your banana ripening too fast? Know why its happening and 5 simple ways to slow it down5 Must-try monsoon maintenance tips for a grand wooden entrance doorThe longevity revolution: Why people are investing in skin health earlier than ever beforeWhy Indians reach for curd after spicy food while Koreans choose completely different side dishes7 tall plants for the ultimate green vibe for your balcony123Hot PicksH.C. VermaBTEUP Even Semester resultMHT CET final merit listDelhi weatherWeather tomorrowRupaidiha border crossingOdisha schoolTN supplementary resultsCBSE 12 supplementary examTop TrendingDelhi WeatherStalker 2 Release DateChhattisgarh MurderE20 FuelCJP Parliament MarchNEET ProtestersBengaluru Woman HarassmentBengaluru Metro SuicideIB Officer Murder CaseWeather Tomorrow ‘Raayan’ star Dhanush recalls the birthday HE NEVER KNEW EXISTED until his sister told him: ‘She spent her own savings to buy chocolates’ This Chinese boy gained 15 kg in 3 months to save his father’s life; his story holds a powerful parenting lesson on raising compassionate children | ‘Red’ alert issued in Delhi as heavy rain lashes NCR, waterlogging in several areas Inside ‘Villa Skyfall’: James Bond-inspired $85M Florida mansion built to ‘make a billionaire’s jaw drop’, with hidden rooms and an Amazon rainforest-style spa Commonwealth Games 2026 Day 6 Live Updates: India look to build on Monday’s six-medal haul in Glasgow ‘Not a batter who can bowl off-spin… ‘: The Harbhajan Singh hand behind Saransh Jain’s India breakthrough Rajasthan Safai Karamchari recruitment 2026: Notification out for over 24,000 posts; applications begin August 15 ‘Jana Nayagan’ box office collections day 6 (Live): Thalapathy Vijay’s film earns Rs 98 lakh; India Net reaches Rs 135.88 Cr Happy Guru Purnima 2026: Wishes, Messages, Quotes, Images, Facebook & Whatsapp status