VK News Today https://validator.w3.org/feed/docs/rss2.html ‘Thudakkam’ box office collections day 2: Vismaya Mohanlal’s film grows 37.3%; India net reaches Rs 6.05 crore Moon Enters Gemini: These birth dates are set to receive long-awaited career, travel, and financial opportunities—Discover if your number is listed Latest Arunachal map shows 3 places illegally held by China Updated: Aug 09, 2026, 06:39 IST ‘GDN’ box office collection day 2: R. Madhavan’s film shows improvement; India net reaches Rs 1.46 crore Pisces Horoscope Today, August 9, 2026: Money can come through hidden or less visible channels MPs’ meet on delimitation a diversionary political drama: Kanimozhi ‘DC’ box office collections day 2: Lokesh Kanagaraj’s film jumps 52.3%; earns Rs 6.70 crore; worldwide gross reaches Rs 17.99 crore Aquarius Horoscope Today, August 9, 2026: This is one of your luckier money days Iran says deal on Strait of Hormuz is close but not enough to open the waterway ‘Jana Nayagan’ box office collection Day 17: Thalapathy Vijay’s film records 135% jump; earns Rs 2.35 crore Capricorn Horoscope Today, August 9, 2026: Speculative gains are possible today India ‘playing Hasina card’, says Bangladesh home minister Pradhan said he “suffered” because of Gen Z’s stubbornness but had come to realise that the new generation must be understood rather than resisted BHUBANESWAR: Former Union education minister Dharmendra Pradhan on Saturday described Gen Z as a force that cannot be ignored, saying he had told PM Narendra Modi that the responsibilities of an education minister were insignificant compared to the determination and aspirations of the country’s youth.Speaking in a light-hearted vein, the Sambalpur MP said he “suffered” because of Gen Z’s stubbornness but had come to realise that the new generation must be understood rather than resisted.Though some people tried to mislead Gen Z, Pradhan said, the ministerial position “was not at all a prestige issue for me”. Referring to around 20 crores in the 15-25 age group, Pradhan said, “If 20 crore youngsters become determined about something, my responsibility is nothing before their resolve,” adding that he tried to explain this reality to the PM, who later engaged directly with the youth. “Country’s interest is above all,” he said.The Sambalpur MP said every generation has produced youths who made sacrifices for the country.“Historically, it is the youth who have led change and offered sacrifices. They were the Gen Z of their times,” Pradhan said.Get the latest India News and Live updates. Download the TOI app.About the AuthorAshok PradhanAshok Pradhan is currently chief of bureau The Times of India in Bhubaneswar. He is an alumnus of the Indian Institute of Mass Communication, Dhenkanal (1999-2000).End of ArticleFollow Us On Social MediaVideosWATCH: Uttarakhand Innovator’s Electric Flying Vehicle Takes Maiden Test FlightUPI To Remain Free For Users, But Some Merchants May Face Nominal Fees In Future: GovtArunachal CM Rejects Chinese Encroachment As India Assigns Official Names To 27 Places‘If You Don’t Kill My Husband, I Will’: Telangana Man Uncovers Wife’s Shocking Chats With Lover‘Brahmins Joining BSP’: Mayawati SLAMS Akhilesh Yadav Over PDA’s ‘P Change’ From Pichhde To Pandit‘I Am Proud Of All Of You’: PM Modi’s Big Msg To Students At First Public Speech After CJP ProtestsKashmir Tourist Security To Get Major Upgrade With CCTV, Command Centres And Security AuditsUS Senate Passes Russia Sanctions Bill, India Faces Potential 100% Tariff Over Russian Oil Purchases’Did We Fail To Listen’: Tharoor Admits CJP Protest Resonated More Than Congress ‘Chhatron Ki Goonj’JPSC Protest Enters Day 14: Students Demand Exam Cancellation, CBI Probe After First Talks With Govt123PhotostoriesHow Sridevi turned the chiffon saree into Bollywood’s most iconic fashion statement10 unique baby girl names inspired by rare and lesser-known flowersFrom pig trotters to sprouting mushrooms: 5 bizarre luxury shoes breaking the internetOptical illusion personality test: What you spot first says everything about your hidden desiresRed or white patch in your mouth that won’t go away? Doctor explains the warning signs you should not ignore10 best monsoon snacks to enjoy on rainy daysFrom tiny forest jewels to giant river hunters: 12 kingfishers species to spot in IndiaDelhi must stay ahead of dengue this monsoon: Why rain, stagnant water and delayed diagnosis can turn a seasonal threat serious5 things stylish women always remove from their closetsDia Mirza’s mother’s maroon Banarasi saree is a generational love letter that fast fashion could never match123Hot PicksThailand School ShootingUPI TransactionsAsk Me AnythingJharkhand protestGurgaon rainNICL Assistant RecruitmentAnkur WarikooIndia Labour CodesGold rate todayTop TrendingJapanese Quote of the dayNagpur Rape CaseAbhijeet DipkeGujarat Mystery WellJPSC ProtestDelhi RainDelhi Wife MurderEknath ShindeTamil Nadu BudgetPraveen Nettaru Murder Case Bible Quote Today: “The Lord establishes his steps”—Why Proverbs 16:9 offers the ultimate spiritual comfort when your carefully made plans keep failing Trump forces US oil billionaire to exit Venezuela Ravindra Jadeja’s Kuldeep Yadav imitation leaves Gautam Gambhir in splits – Watch Sagittarius Horoscope Today, August 9, 2026: If you’re feeling love, now is the perfect occasion to share what you think US rejects China’s Scarborough Reef measures, backs Philippines in South China Sea dispute Virgo Horoscope Today, August 9, 2026: Career matters stand out strongly Agni-4 fills crucial gap between mid-range missile & ICBM, provides India strategic deterrence against China Rijiju, Rahul trade barbs over women’s quota bill rollout EPFO has dismissed these and said this transition was implemented with minimal disruption of services, and the temporary increase in pendency was due to moving to a new enterprise-wide platform NEW DELHI: Weeks after the rollout of the new centralised IT enabled system (CITES) early July by Employees’ Provident Fund Organisation (EPFO), which promised to enhance member convenience through faster automated claims settlements, field officials across the country have been “left to their own devices” to deal with the mounting claim pendencies as the new system faces strain, claimed the EPF Officers Association (EPFOA) in a letter to labour minister Mansukh Mandaviya.Contrary to expectations that the majority of claims would be settled in 2-3 days, EPFOA claims that “lakhs of auto claims were kept pending in the system for more than 20 days, with no explanation to either the field offices or to the members.”However, EPFO has dismissed these and said this transition was implemented with minimal disruption of services, and the temporary increase in pendency was due to moving to a new enterprise-wide platform.Get the latest India News and Live updates. Download the TOI app.End of ArticleFollow Us On Social MediaVideosWATCH: Uttarakhand Innovator’s Electric Flying Vehicle Takes Maiden Test FlightUPI To Remain Free For Users, But Some Merchants May Face Nominal Fees In Future: GovtArunachal CM Rejects Chinese Encroachment As India Assigns Official Names To 27 Places‘If You Don’t Kill My Husband, I Will’: Telangana Man Uncovers Wife’s Shocking Chats With Lover‘Brahmins Joining BSP’: Mayawati SLAMS Akhilesh Yadav Over PDA’s ‘P Change’ From Pichhde To Pandit‘I Am Proud Of All Of You’: PM Modi’s Big Msg To Students At First Public Speech After CJP ProtestsKashmir Tourist Security To Get Major Upgrade With CCTV, Command Centres And Security AuditsUS Senate Passes Russia Sanctions Bill, India Faces Potential 100% Tariff Over Russian Oil Purchases’Did We Fail To Listen’: Tharoor Admits CJP Protest Resonated More Than Congress ‘Chhatron Ki Goonj’JPSC Protest Enters Day 14: Students Demand Exam Cancellation, CBI Probe After First Talks With Govt123PhotostoriesHow Sridevi turned the chiffon saree into Bollywood’s most iconic fashion statement10 unique baby girl names inspired by rare and lesser-known flowersFrom pig trotters to sprouting mushrooms: 5 bizarre luxury shoes breaking the internetOptical illusion personality test: What you spot first says everything about your hidden desiresRed or white patch in your mouth that won’t go away? Doctor explains the warning signs you should not ignore10 best monsoon snacks to enjoy on rainy daysFrom tiny forest jewels to giant river hunters: 12 kingfishers species to spot in IndiaDelhi must stay ahead of dengue this monsoon: Why rain, stagnant water and delayed diagnosis can turn a seasonal threat serious5 things stylish women always remove from their closetsDia Mirza’s mother’s maroon Banarasi saree is a generational love letter that fast fashion could never match123Hot PicksThailand School ShootingUPI TransactionsAsk Me AnythingJharkhand protestGurgaon rainNICL Assistant RecruitmentAnkur WarikooIndia Labour CodesGold rate todayTop TrendingJapanese Quote of the dayNagpur Rape CaseAbhijeet DipkeGujarat Mystery WellJPSC ProtestDelhi RainDelhi Wife MurderEknath ShindeTamil Nadu BudgetPraveen Nettaru Murder Case Leo Horoscope Today, August 9, 2026: Invest with patience, and make time for one joyful outing with loved ones US Vice President JD Vance calls PM Modi to discuss boosting ties After bringing all crew members into the ‘citadel’, the master of the Golden Arsenal sought help from the Indian Navy, which responded swiftly to the distress call (Representative image) NEW DELHI: On July 1, an attack by pirates on an India-bound bulk carrier, Golden Arsenal, in the Gulf of Aden was foiled after the captain moved all crew members, including an Indian seafarer, into the vessel’s “citadel” and sought assistance from the Indian Navy.A citadel is a fortified safe room with essential supplies such as food and water, as well as communication equipment, where crew members can take refuge during a pirate attack. The pirates failed to breach the citadel and eventually fled the vessel.Sharing this incident at the National Port Security Conference this week, Captain Vikram Singh Manhas, deputy nautical adviser at DGMA (maritime regulator), urged all crew members and masters to remain vigilant and follow preventive measures prescribed under best management practices (BMP), amid a rise in piracy incidents.Four vessels are held hostage by Somali pirates at present, three of which have Indian crew members aboard.One of the vessels has one Indian seafarer, while the other two have five and 11 Indian crew, respectively.Highlighting the significance of prevention in such cases, Manhas said that once a vessel is held by pirates, everything is dependent upon the negotiations with the pirates and that the government is working to ensure the safe release of Indian seafarers.Join conversationView All Comments →Share your thoughts in the commentsInsightfulAgreeDisagreeSkepticalConcerningPromisingWorth ReadingBig DevelopmentPost CommentBe respectful · TOI community guidelinesIn the direction of ensuring their safety, the government is set to launch a dashboard on August 15 to track every Indian seafarer on any ship. Additionally, shipping and ports minister Sarbananda Sonowal Saturday launched e-Samudra, a digital platform integrating services for seafarers, shipping companies, ports and other maritime stakeholders, and said, “Every Indian seafarer must be safe, respected and supported as India strengthens its position as a global maritime power.”Get the latest India News and Live updates. Download the TOI app.End of ArticleFollow Us On Social MediaVideosWATCH: Uttarakhand Innovator’s Electric Flying Vehicle Takes Maiden Test FlightUPI To Remain Free For Users, But Some Merchants May Face Nominal Fees In Future: GovtArunachal CM Rejects Chinese Encroachment As India Assigns Official Names To 27 Places‘If You Don’t Kill My Husband, I Will’: Telangana Man Uncovers Wife’s Shocking Chats With Lover‘Brahmins Joining BSP’: Mayawati SLAMS Akhilesh Yadav Over PDA’s ‘P Change’ From Pichhde To Pandit‘I Am Proud Of All Of You’: PM Modi’s Big Msg To Students At First Public Speech After CJP ProtestsKashmir Tourist Security To Get Major Upgrade With CCTV, Command Centres And Security AuditsUS Senate Passes Russia Sanctions Bill, India Faces Potential 100% Tariff Over Russian Oil Purchases’Did We Fail To Listen’: Tharoor Admits CJP Protest Resonated More Than Congress ‘Chhatron Ki Goonj’JPSC Protest Enters Day 14: Students Demand Exam Cancellation, CBI Probe After First Talks With Govt123PhotostoriesHow Sridevi turned the chiffon saree into Bollywood’s most iconic fashion statement10 unique baby girl names inspired by rare and lesser-known flowersFrom pig trotters to sprouting mushrooms: 5 bizarre luxury shoes breaking the internetOptical illusion personality test: What you spot first says everything about your hidden desiresRed or white patch in your mouth that won’t go away? Doctor explains the warning signs you should not ignore10 best monsoon snacks to enjoy on rainy daysFrom tiny forest jewels to giant river hunters: 12 kingfishers species to spot in IndiaDelhi must stay ahead of dengue this monsoon: Why rain, stagnant water and delayed diagnosis can turn a seasonal threat serious5 things stylish women always remove from their closetsDia Mirza’s mother’s maroon Banarasi saree is a generational love letter that fast fashion could never match123Hot PicksThailand School ShootingUPI TransactionsAsk Me AnythingJharkhand protestGurgaon rainNICL Assistant RecruitmentAnkur WarikooIndia Labour CodesGold rate todayTop TrendingJapanese Quote of the dayNagpur Rape CaseAbhijeet DipkeGujarat Mystery WellJPSC ProtestDelhi RainDelhi Wife MurderEknath ShindeTamil Nadu BudgetPraveen Nettaru Murder Case Scorpio Horoscope Today, August 9, 2026: Students should stay grounded and not let one bad result spoil the whole day Government appoints 30 judges to high courts of Calcutta, MP, Karnataka, Madras The Airbus A320 with 145 people on board had encountered severe turbulence near Odisha and then suddenly dropped 300 feet. NEW DELHI: The captain operating Air India’s turbulence-hit Phuket-Delhi flight on Tuesday (Aug 4) reportedly tested positive in a psychoactive substances (dope) test conducted on arrival, according to multiple sources. The airline did not confirm or deny it, saying that while the tests were conducted, the results have not been shared with it.“We are aware that a post-flight screening test was conducted on the pilots in accordance with applicable protocols. However, the results of the test have not been shared with Air India, and we are therefore not in a position to comment on any findings,” an AI spokesperson said.Join conversationView All Comments →Share your thoughts in the commentsInsightfulAgreeDisagreeSkepticalConcerningPromisingWorth ReadingBig DevelopmentPost CommentBe respectful · TOI community guidelines“Air India undertakes regular drug testing of crew members in compliance with civil aviation regulations, independent of any specific flight or operational incident. We will continue to cooperate with the relevant authorities as required,” AI added.The Airbus A320 with 145 people on board had encountered severe turbulence near Odisha and then suddenly dropped 300 feet. On arrival in Delhi, 13 passengers and four crew members were hospitalised. Sources say the Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) is probing the case from all angles, including whether the handling of this turbulence event was correct. It is also probing whether the event happened due to weather or some other reason, the likely impact on the aircraft — like did it suffer hydraulic failure due to impact — and whether it should have flown all the way to Delhi after the episode and not diverted to some nearby airport like Varanasi or Lucknow.Pending investigation, the flight crew is taken off flying duty as per protocol. Hence, the pilots of this flight are also not flying currently.Get the latest India News and Live updates. Download the TOI app.End of ArticleFollow Us On Social MediaVideosWATCH: Uttarakhand Innovator’s Electric Flying Vehicle Takes Maiden Test FlightUPI To Remain Free For Users, But Some Merchants May Face Nominal Fees In Future: GovtArunachal CM Rejects Chinese Encroachment As India Assigns Official Names To 27 Places‘If You Don’t Kill My Husband, I Will’: Telangana Man Uncovers Wife’s Shocking Chats With Lover‘Brahmins Joining BSP’: Mayawati SLAMS Akhilesh Yadav Over PDA’s ‘P Change’ From Pichhde To Pandit‘I Am Proud Of All Of You’: PM Modi’s Big Msg To Students At First Public Speech After CJP ProtestsKashmir Tourist Security To Get Major Upgrade With CCTV, Command Centres And Security AuditsUS Senate Passes Russia Sanctions Bill, India Faces Potential 100% Tariff Over Russian Oil Purchases’Did We Fail To Listen’: Tharoor Admits CJP Protest Resonated More Than Congress ‘Chhatron Ki Goonj’JPSC Protest Enters Day 14: Students Demand Exam Cancellation, CBI Probe After First Talks With Govt123PhotostoriesHow Sridevi turned the chiffon saree into Bollywood’s most iconic fashion statement10 unique baby girl names inspired by rare and lesser-known flowersFrom pig trotters to sprouting mushrooms: 5 bizarre luxury shoes breaking the internetOptical illusion personality test: What you spot first says everything about your hidden desiresRed or white patch in your mouth that won’t go away? Doctor explains the warning signs you should not ignore10 best monsoon snacks to enjoy on rainy daysFrom tiny forest jewels to giant river hunters: 12 kingfishers species to spot in IndiaDelhi must stay ahead of dengue this monsoon: Why rain, stagnant water and delayed diagnosis can turn a seasonal threat serious5 things stylish women always remove from their closetsDia Mirza’s mother’s maroon Banarasi saree is a generational love letter that fast fashion could never match123Hot PicksThailand School ShootingUPI TransactionsAsk Me AnythingJharkhand protestGurgaon rainNICL Assistant RecruitmentAnkur WarikooIndia Labour CodesGold rate todayTop TrendingJapanese Quote of the dayNagpur Rape CaseAbhijeet DipkeGujarat Mystery WellJPSC ProtestDelhi RainDelhi Wife MurderEknath ShindeTamil Nadu BudgetPraveen Nettaru Murder Case Proposed MDR for UPI transactions will be nominal, says government The scorecard concludes that, on average, countries are “moving away” from the public education expenditure benchmarks of at least 4% of GDP or 15% of total public expenditure. NEW DELHI: India remains just above Unesco’s minimum GDP benchmark for education, but the sector’s share in government spending has slipped below the prescribed threshold. Education accounts for 4.1% of GDP but 14.2% of total public expenditure, down from 15.7% in 2015 and below the 15% benchmark, Unesco’s 2026 SDG 4 scorecard has shown.The funding picture assumes significance because India continues to lag on secondary school completion. Its latest lower secondary (Classes VI-VIII) completion rate is 86% as against its 99% national benchmark for 2025, while upper secondary (Classes IX-XII) completion rate is 51% as against 84%. Unesco classifies progress at both levels as slow.Under the Education 2030 framework, countries committed to spending 4-6% of GDP and/or 15-20% of public expenditure on education. The scorecard uses the lower thresholds as minimum benchmarks. India meets one. Its spending on education has remained at 4.1% of GDP since 2015, but its share of public expenditure has declined 1.5 percentage points to 14.2%.Among major emerging economies, China too meets one benchmark, at 4% of GDP (11.9% of public spending), while figures for Brazil are 5.6% and 12.9%. South Africa meets both, at 6% and 19.1%, while Indonesia, Bangladesh and Pakistan meet neither.The pattern is common among developed economies too: the US, UK, Germany and France meet the GDP threshold but not the public expenditure benchmark, while Sweden and Switzerland meet both.Unesco noted that richer countries tend to meet the GDP benchmark but not the public expenditure threshold because they raise more revenue, while education often accounts for a larger share of budgets in poorer countries.Latest data show 39 of 205 countries, or 19%, meeting both benchmarks, while 72, or 35%, meet neither. Another 64 countries, including India, spend above 4% of GDP but below 15% of public expenditure. Among high-income countries, 11% meet both benchmarks and 50% follow India’s pattern.India, however, has larger unmet schooling needs. Lower secondary completion has risen from 81% in 2015 to 86% but remains 13 percentage points below its 99% benchmark. Even Unesco’s “feasible” 2025 benchmark of 90% is four points above the latest rate.Join conversationView All Comments →Share your thoughts in the commentsInsightfulAgreeDisagreeSkepticalConcerningPromisingWorth ReadingBig DevelopmentPost CommentBe respectful · TOI community guidelinesThis is despite programmes operating at scale. Unesco’s India profile says Samagra Shiksha supports about 15.6 crore learners, while PM-Poshan covers around 11.8 crore children in 11.2 lakh government and aided schools. The trend is part of a broader global concern. The scorecard concludes that, on average, countries are “moving away” from the public education expenditure benchmarks of at least 4% of GDP or 15% of total public expenditure.Get the latest India News and Live updates. Download the TOI app.About the AuthorManash Pratim GohainManash Pratim Gohain is a seasoned journalist with over two decades at The Times of India, where he has built a rich body of work spanning education policy, politics, and governance. Renowned for his incisive coverage of the National Education Policy (NEP) 2020, accreditation reforms, and skilling initiatives, he has also reported on student politics, urban policy, and social movements. His political reportage—both reflective and news-driven—adds depth to his writing, bridging policy with public impact. Through his 2,500 articles and related outlets, he has emerged as a trusted voice in national discourse, particularly in linking education reform to broader societal change.Read MoreEnd of ArticleFollow Us On Social MediaVideosWATCH: Uttarakhand Innovator’s Electric Flying Vehicle Takes Maiden Test FlightUPI To Remain Free For Users, But Some Merchants May Face Nominal Fees In Future: GovtArunachal CM Rejects Chinese Encroachment As India Assigns Official Names To 27 Places‘If You Don’t Kill My Husband, I Will’: Telangana Man Uncovers Wife’s Shocking Chats With Lover‘Brahmins Joining BSP’: Mayawati SLAMS Akhilesh Yadav Over PDA’s ‘P Change’ From Pichhde To Pandit‘I Am Proud Of All Of You’: PM Modi’s Big Msg To Students At First Public Speech After CJP ProtestsKashmir Tourist Security To Get Major Upgrade With CCTV, Command Centres And Security AuditsUS Senate Passes Russia Sanctions Bill, India Faces Potential 100% Tariff Over Russian Oil Purchases’Did We Fail To Listen’: Tharoor Admits CJP Protest Resonated More Than Congress ‘Chhatron Ki Goonj’JPSC Protest Enters Day 14: Students Demand Exam Cancellation, CBI Probe After First Talks With Govt123PhotostoriesHow Sridevi turned the chiffon saree into Bollywood’s most iconic fashion statement10 unique baby girl names inspired by rare and lesser-known flowersFrom pig trotters to sprouting mushrooms: 5 bizarre luxury shoes breaking the internetOptical illusion personality test: What you spot first says everything about your hidden desiresRed or white patch in your mouth that won’t go away? Doctor explains the warning signs you should not ignore10 best monsoon snacks to enjoy on rainy daysFrom tiny forest jewels to giant river hunters: 12 kingfishers species to spot in IndiaDelhi must stay ahead of dengue this monsoon: Why rain, stagnant water and delayed diagnosis can turn a seasonal threat serious5 things stylish women always remove from their closetsDia Mirza’s mother’s maroon Banarasi saree is a generational love letter that fast fashion could never match123Hot PicksThailand School ShootingUPI TransactionsAsk Me AnythingJharkhand protestGurgaon rainNICL Assistant RecruitmentAnkur WarikooIndia Labour CodesGold rate todayTop TrendingJapanese Quote of the dayNagpur Rape CaseAbhijeet DipkeGujarat Mystery WellJPSC ProtestDelhi RainDelhi Wife MurderEknath ShindeTamil Nadu BudgetPraveen Nettaru Murder Case Gurgaon, Delhi under water: 10 videos that capture rain chaos Badal’s announcement conveyed the government’s efforts to realign the numbers in its favour this time round, after a similar exercise was defeated in the last session by a joint opposition, which has since been considerably weakened NEW DELHI: A day after his meeting with Prime Minister Narendra Modi, Akali Dal president Sukhbir Singh Badal on Saturday reversed his party’s earlier opposition to the rollout of the women’s reservation law from 2029 with an increase in the Lok Sabha’s strength by 50% and supported any fresh move to implement the two together, signalling the possibility of the govt reviving the Constitution amendment bill soon.Akali Dal had walked out of the BJP-led NDA government in September 2020, ending a 23-year-old alliance, due to the Centre’s passage of the three farm bills. DMK, another opponent being eyed by the government as a potential supporter of its renewed bid, snubbed governing TVK’s all-party meeting on delimitation. NDA is also banking on NCP(SP) to support the measure.Government likely to bring back delimitation bill, but timing not clear yetWhile Sukhbir Singh Badal’s party has only one MP — his wife Harsimrat is a Lok Sabha member — his announcement conveyed the government’s efforts to realign the numbers in its favour this time round, after a similar exercise was defeated in the last session by a joint opposition, which has since been considerably weakened.While DMK called it a diversionary tactic and wondered why CM Vijay did not summon the meeting on a pressing issue like the Mekedatu dam row, the party clearly did not want to be part of an exercise to frame delimitation as damaging to the interests of the state, with TVK ally Congress up in arms against it.Developments in governing BJP-led NDA and opposition camps are a clear indication that the government is bringing back the bill, which will need two-thirds support in Parliament. Its timing, however, remains uncertain, with a section of lawmakers being of the view that Parliament can be summoned after Independence Day to debate it.The ongoing monsoon session is scheduled to end on Aug 13, leaving the government with not much time to pursue its ambitious agenda that seeks to raise Lok Sabha’s maximum strength from the existing 550 to 850.Join conversationView All Comments →Share your thoughts in the commentsInsightfulAgreeDisagreeSkepticalConcerningPromisingWorth ReadingBig DevelopmentPost CommentBe respectful · TOI community guidelinesSukhbir demanded implementation of one-third reservation for women in Lok Sabha and state assemblies. He said, “SAD also demanded a fair and equitable delimitation.” Incidentally, his wife had made a fiery speech against a similar bill last time, flaying the government for linking reservation for women to delimitation.The changed political environment and the fact that the government may write into the new bill all the assurances it has made verbally may have persuaded his party and DMK to consider a rethink.NCP MP Supriya Sule had earlier suggested that if the bill proposes a rise in Lok Sabha seats of every state by an equal proportion, it would not create any problem, though she had added that they will be part of opposition consultations before making a final decision.Get the latest India News and Live updates. Download the TOI app.End of ArticleFollow Us On Social MediaVideosWATCH: Uttarakhand Innovator’s Electric Flying Vehicle Takes Maiden Test FlightUPI To Remain Free For Users, But Some Merchants May Face Nominal Fees In Future: GovtArunachal CM Rejects Chinese Encroachment As India Assigns Official Names To 27 Places‘If You Don’t Kill My Husband, I Will’: Telangana Man Uncovers Wife’s Shocking Chats With Lover‘Brahmins Joining BSP’: Mayawati SLAMS Akhilesh Yadav Over PDA’s ‘P Change’ From Pichhde To Pandit‘I Am Proud Of All Of You’: PM Modi’s Big Msg To Students At First Public Speech After CJP ProtestsKashmir Tourist Security To Get Major Upgrade With CCTV, Command Centres And Security AuditsUS Senate Passes Russia Sanctions Bill, India Faces Potential 100% Tariff Over Russian Oil Purchases’Did We Fail To Listen’: Tharoor Admits CJP Protest Resonated More Than Congress ‘Chhatron Ki Goonj’JPSC Protest Enters Day 14: Students Demand Exam Cancellation, CBI Probe After First Talks With Govt123PhotostoriesHow Sridevi turned the chiffon saree into Bollywood’s most iconic fashion statement10 unique baby girl names inspired by rare and lesser-known flowersFrom pig trotters to sprouting mushrooms: 5 bizarre luxury shoes breaking the internetOptical illusion personality test: What you spot first says everything about your hidden desiresRed or white patch in your mouth that won’t go away? Doctor explains the warning signs you should not ignore10 best monsoon snacks to enjoy on rainy daysFrom tiny forest jewels to giant river hunters: 12 kingfishers species to spot in IndiaDelhi must stay ahead of dengue this monsoon: Why rain, stagnant water and delayed diagnosis can turn a seasonal threat serious5 things stylish women always remove from their closetsDia Mirza’s mother’s maroon Banarasi saree is a generational love letter that fast fashion could never match123Hot PicksThailand School ShootingUPI TransactionsAsk Me AnythingJharkhand protestGurgaon rainNICL Assistant RecruitmentAnkur WarikooIndia Labour CodesGold rate todayTop TrendingJapanese Quote of the dayNagpur Rape CaseAbhijeet DipkeGujarat Mystery WellJPSC ProtestDelhi RainDelhi Wife MurderEknath ShindeTamil Nadu BudgetPraveen Nettaru Murder Case Libra Horoscope Today, August 9, 2026: Venus and Jupiter together can create confidence in money matters Nasa Perseverance rover finds Mars can have spring-like ground temperatures while the air above remains near freezing | Cancer Horoscope Today, August 9, 2026: Avoid taking every tone personally Elon Musk says Starship Flight 13 recovery ‘not looking good’ despite successful splashdown Gemini Horoscope Today, August 9, 2026: Business gains can come through practical work, not luck Hulk Hogan’s son Nick gives major family update one year after WWE legend’s death, spills beans on relationship with estranged sister, handling $5M+ worth assets and more Kash Patel plans Russia trip in October; Kremlin-friendly newspaper warns he better not come empty-handed if he has a favor to ask IN-SPACe moves to privatise operations of Rs 986 cr spaceport Quote of the day on love: ‘Find what you love and let it kill you’ Havildar Shere Thapa of the 2nd Battalion, Jammu & Kashmir Rifles, was credited with saving the Subansiri Valley during the 1962 Chinese aggression NEW DELHI: Sher-e-Thapa Memorial, set up in memory of 1962 China war hero Havildar Shere Thapa, is one of the 27 places in Arunachal that the Union government on Friday formally named by their standard names on the official Indian map.Havildar Shere Thapa of the 2nd Battalion, Jammu & Kashmir Rifles, was credited with saving the Subansiri Valley during the 1962 Chinese aggression. He was part of a team to delay the advance of the enemy. On Nov 18, 1962, undaunted by the advance of the Chinese troops, he continued to engage the enemy from his position despite his buddy succumbing to enemy action. The Chinese suffered heavy losses, and their advance was delayed by 72 hours. The Indian Army installed a memorial in his name.Another name, Jaswant Garh, which houses the memorial of Indian martyr Rifleman Jaswant Singh Rawat on Tawang Road, also figured in the list. Located at 10,000 feet on the highway to Tawang, it marks the site where he single-handedly fought Chinese forces for 72 hours during the 1962 war. The memorial has been built in honour of his extraordinary bravery at the Battle of Nuranang.Join conversationView All Comments →Share your thoughts in the commentsInsightfulAgreeDisagreeSkepticalConcerningPromisingWorth ReadingBig DevelopmentPost CommentBe respectful · TOI community guidelinesJairampur, an important logistics hub in Changlang district which is known as the gateway to the eastern border region supporting movements of security forces towards eastern Arunachal and the Myanmar frontier, also figures in the list. One of the most strategically important high-altitude passes, Thag La, where one of the opening battles between Indian and Chinese forces took place in 1962, has also been formally identified. The list also includes Bisa village and strategically important high-altitude mountain passes in the region: Dzo La, Riza La and Pukur La.By formally naming some of the places, famous for the memorials of the Army war heroes, the government is paying homage to bravehearts who laid down their lives fighting for India in the northeastern state.Get the latest India News and Live updates. Download the TOI app.End of ArticleFollow Us On Social MediaVideosWATCH: Uttarakhand Innovator’s Electric Flying Vehicle Takes Maiden Test FlightUPI To Remain Free For Users, But Some Merchants May Face Nominal Fees In Future: GovtArunachal CM Rejects Chinese Encroachment As India Assigns Official Names To 27 Places‘If You Don’t Kill My Husband, I Will’: Telangana Man Uncovers Wife’s Shocking Chats With Lover‘Brahmins Joining BSP’: Mayawati SLAMS Akhilesh Yadav Over PDA’s ‘P Change’ From Pichhde To Pandit‘I Am Proud Of All Of You’: PM Modi’s Big Msg To Students At First Public Speech After CJP ProtestsKashmir Tourist Security To Get Major Upgrade With CCTV, Command Centres And Security AuditsUS Senate Passes Russia Sanctions Bill, India Faces Potential 100% Tariff Over Russian Oil Purchases’Did We Fail To Listen’: Tharoor Admits CJP Protest Resonated More Than Congress ‘Chhatron Ki Goonj’JPSC Protest Enters Day 14: Students Demand Exam Cancellation, CBI Probe After First Talks With Govt123PhotostoriesHow Sridevi turned the chiffon saree into Bollywood’s most iconic fashion statement10 unique baby girl names inspired by rare and lesser-known flowersFrom pig trotters to sprouting mushrooms: 5 bizarre luxury shoes breaking the internetOptical illusion personality test: What you spot first says everything about your hidden desiresRed or white patch in your mouth that won’t go away? 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