VK News Today https://validator.w3.org/feed/docs/rss2.html Tony Kakkar reacts to Guru Randhawa over ‘Fine Shyt’ backlash: ‘It would have been fun if we had trolled together’ 25 years in corporate life, now driving a cab: Man’s story of career setback goes viral | Scorpio, Weekly Horoscope, August 09 to August 15, 2026: A noticeable boost in positivity can be expected Lionel Messi’s father Jorge Messi dies after long illness US Democrats eye probes into Trump-linked firms over impeachment if they regain House control: Report Supriya Sule said foreign funding should not automatically be treated with suspicion NEW DELHI: NCP (SP) working president Supriya Sule on Saturday opposed the Foreign Contribution (Regulation) Amendment Bill, 2026 in its present form, urging the Centre either to withdraw the proposed legislation or refer it to a Joint Parliamentary Committee (JPC) for wider discussion.Sule, the Lok Sabha MP from Baramati, said all political parties should be given an opportunity to examine the contentious legislation before Parliament takes it up for consideration. She cautioned the government against rushing the bill through Parliament, amid reports that it could be discussed and passed next week.“We reject and disagree with the present form of the FCRA bill. If the government is not ready to withdraw the bill, then it should send it to a JPC. In a strong democracy, merely opposing something is not enough; we also have to sit together and discuss it,” she said.The proposed legislation seeks to establish a designated authority for the vesting, supervision, management and disposal of foreign contributions and assets in cases involving cancellation, surrender or expiry of an organisation’s FCRA registration.The bill also provides for provisional and permanent vesting of such assets.Critics have argued that the proposed changes could give the government greater control over organisations receiving foreign contributions.‘Foreign funding cannot always be viewed with suspicion’Sule said foreign funding should not automatically be treated with suspicion, arguing that overseas contributions can support legitimate work in areas such as healthcare and education.She said action should be taken if foreign funds are linked to illegal activities such as drug trafficking or terrorism, but questioned the rationale for viewing every foreign-funded organisation negatively.“There are organisations such as the Gates Foundation and USAID that have been doing good work for many years. Why should we look at every foreign-funded organisation with a bad eye?” she said.She also compared foreign funding with money sent home by Indians living abroad, arguing that the source of money alone should not determine whether it is viewed negatively.According to official figures, 13,520 entities received foreign remittances totalling Rs 55,741 crore between 2019 and 2022.As of July 15, 2026, there were 14,449 active FCRA registrations, while 22,498 registrations had been cancelled and 15,212 had expired.The FCRA regulates the receipt and utilisation of foreign contributions by NGOs, charitable institutions, educational bodies, religious trusts and other organisations.Sule backs youth protests, questions party symbol decisionsSule also commented on the ongoing protests by students, saying young people should not face such treatment while seeking education.“What happened at Jantar Mantar should not happen anywhere in the country. Our children want to study and this is happening to them. I read that ministers from Jharkhand have ordered an inquiry into it,” she said.She also backed Uddhav Thackeray in the dispute over the Shiv Sena’s name and election symbol, arguing that party organisations and constitutions should be considered while deciding control of political parties.On the NCP dispute, Sule said the legal battle remained unresolved and alleged that her party had been waiting for a hearing.“Sharad Pawar is the founder president of the NCP and injustice has been done to him. We have been asking for a date for a long time, but why are we not getting a date?” she said.Join conversationView All Comments →Share your thoughts in the commentsInsightfulAgreeDisagreeSkepticalConcerningPromisingWorth ReadingBig DevelopmentPost CommentBe respectful · TOI community guidelinesSule also criticised the Maharashtra government’s approach to farm loan waivers and called for political criticism to remain focused on issues rather than becoming personal.On the proposed delimitation legislation, Sule said it would be premature to comment before the bill was introduced. She added that the NCP (SP) would discuss the legislation with its alliance partners once it came before Parliament.Sule further said Prime Minister Narendra Modi had agreed to meet NCP (SP) MPs on Monday to discuss issues concerning their constituencies, amid the opposition’s contention that Parliament was not functioning properly.Get the latest India News and Live updates. Download the TOI app.About the AuthorTOI News DeskThe TOI News Desk comprises a dedicated and tireless team of journalists who operate around the clock to deliver the most current and comprehensive news and updates to the readers of The Times of India worldwide. With an unwavering commitment to excellence in journalism, our team is at the forefront of gathering, verifying, and presenting breaking news, in-depth analysis, and insightful reports on a wide range of topics. The TOI News Desk is your trusted source for staying informed and connected to the ever-evolving global landscape, ensuring that our readers are equipped with the latest developments that matter most.”Read MoreEnd of ArticleFollow Us On Social MediaVideos‘Brahmins Joining BSP’: Mayawati SLAMS Akhilesh Yadav Over PDA’s ‘P Change’ From Pichhde To Pandit‘I Am Proud Of All Of You’: PM Modi’s Big Msg To Students At First Public Speech After CJP ProtestsKashmir Tourist Security To Get Major Upgrade With CCTV, Command Centres And Security AuditsUS Senate Passes Russia Sanctions Bill, India Faces Potential 100% Tariff Over Russian Oil Purchases’Did We Fail To Listen’: Tharoor Admits CJP Protest Resonated More Than Congress ‘Chhatron Ki Goonj’JPSC Protest Enters Day 14: Students Demand Exam Cancellation, CBI Probe After First Talks With GovtSonam Wangchuk Says Wife Sought Rahul Gandhi’s Help To End His 26-Day Hunger Strike At Jantar MantarOMCs Say E20 Petrol Meets Quality Standards After Nationwide Testing, Reject Contamination ClaimsNeha Bora Inked During Jharkhand Student Protest: AISA Alleges Political Attack, Accused DetainedJharkhand JPSC Protest: Hunger Striker Hospitalised After Four Days As Students Continue Agitation123PhotostoriesOptical illusion personality test: What you spot first says everything about your hidden desiresRed or white patch in your mouth that won’t go away? 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The surprising reason behind this everyday feature123Hot PicksThailand School ShootingUPI TransactionsAsk Me AnythingJharkhand protestGurgaon rainNICL Assistant RecruitmentAnkur WarikooIndia Labour CodesGold rate todayTop TrendingJapanese Quote of the dayNagpur Rape CaseAbhijeet DipkeGujarat Mystery WellJPSC ProtestDelhi RainDelhi Wife MurderEknath ShindeTamil Nadu BudgetPraveen Nettaru Murder Case Mrunal Thakur reacts to link-up rumours with 10 year younger cricketer Yashasvi Jaiswal: ‘Bro relax, show me ek sath kahan?’ Jorge Messi: The man who made Messi: 5 unforgettable parenting lessons every Indian parent can learn from Jorge Messi, who passed away today LeBron James’ wife Savannah reveals what happened after Hermès saleswoman turned her away in Italy Who is Sunder Katwala? Indian-origin writer appointed to UK community funding body | World News CJP’s success may have opened the door for the next big youth movement, but what issue can turn online anger into real-world action? India just witnessed the ‘reel’ generation make the ‘real’ world listen. July 2026 saw something Indian parents have dreamt of for years: Gen Z looked up from its screens. But it was for a cause. They turned memes into megaphones and forced the country to pay attention to exam reforms. In their own language, they ate and left no crumbs.Exam paper leaks weren’t new. Student protests weren’t either. What was different was how a “cockroach” remark snowballed into a meme, then into the Cockroach Janata Party, and eventually into a nationwide movement that dominated headlines.Now comes the bigger question: What other issues is India talking about?Eyes on JharkhandWhile the CJP protest has ended, the demand for a system overhaul has not. As Jantar Mantar went quiet, Jharkhand emerged as the new battleground as students demand accountability over JPSC-JSSC exam irregularities.Student leader Devendra Nath Mahto has been on a hunger strike since August 2, while protesters are seeking an independent probe and reforms in the recruitment process.E20Then there is E20, a policy that directly affects vehicle owners.The nationwide rollout of 20% ethanol-blended petrol has sparked a political and online debate over mileage, older vehicle compatibility and whether the Centre followed the phased roadmap laid out by NITI Aayog.After the NEET protests, calls for Union minister Nitin Gadkari’s resignation began circulating, while leaders including Arvind Kejriwal and Rahul Gandhi also raised the issue.Vivek Rajput, a CA at a top government firm, says that although he has never attended a protest, this might become his first. “If there is a protest over E20, I will definitely go. My vehicle’s mileage has gone down compared to before.”CJP spokesperson Ashutosh Ranka agrees that E20 deserves attention, but questions whether the government has adequately addressed concerns around its impact and benefits. “Obviously, E20 is an important issue that needs to be addressed. I don’t think the government has very scientifically backed data to suggest whether the vehicles would be impacted or not,” Ranka said.“Neither has there been any clarification on why the prices haven’t dropped as it was promised to us. So what exactly has ethanol E20 petrol achieved in the country? There is no sort of clarity on that.”Containers displayed as purported fuel samples are seen during an Indian Youth Congress (IYC) protest against E20 fuel policy (PTI)Lack of jobsIndia’s job crisis is particularly acute among its growing pool of educated young people. According to the State of Working India 2026 report, the number of young graduates rose nearly 13-fold from about 5 million in 1983 to 63 million in 2023, but graduate unemployment among those below 25 remains close to 40%. The number of unemployed graduates has also surged 16-fold, from less than 1 million to around 11 million over the same period. Government data points to continued pressure: youth unemployment among 15-29-year-olds reached 16.2% in June 2026, even as their labour force participation rate fell to 40.3%. The figures highlight a widening gap between the number of young people entering the workforce and the availability of secure, quality jobs.Also read: Inside India’s broken jobs market and why the ‘cockroaches’ are fed upAnger has also been growing over the increasing tax burden on common people. “As the finance minister, Nirmala Sitharaman is not giving enough tax benefits to salaried people. Under the old tax regime, at least people could save money and also save on taxes. Now, neither are we able to save, nor are we getting tax benefits,” said Rajput.Anti-reservation movementReservation Hatao Andolan (RHA) recently gained nearly 6 million followers on Instagram. “Backed by citizens who feel left behind by reservation politics and driven by merit. The brave earn respect through their character and perseverance. Only the cowardly and the cruel keep shouting about caste,” the Insta bio of the page reads.The page was formed in October last year and the first post was made in March this year. Since the CJP protest, the account became more active.RHA’s Insta page has gained significant followersBut quota has been a divisive issue in India. Unlike the paper-leak issue, which is an offence and affects students across categories, reservation is a constitutional policy rooted in questions of representation, historical disadvantage and unequal access — and does not attract a unified opinion.The merit debate also gets complicated when cut-offs enter the picture. In 2023, when the NEET-PG qualifying percentile was reduced to zero for all categories amid thousands of vacant seats, candidates who had fallen below the original cut-off became eligible for admission. General-category candidates accounted for the largest share of those admitted after the reduction — over 56%, compared with 26% OBC, 11% SC and 6% ST. The skew was sharper in private colleges, where General-category candidates accounted for around 70% of those who secured clinical specialities after the cut-off was lowered. The data does not suggest that General-category candidates were given a special concession; rather, it shows that they formed the largest share of those who benefited from the relaxation.Caste-based reservation in education has been part of India’s affirmative-action framework for decades. Before independence, several rulers and institutions had experimented with measures to uplift historically disadvantaged communities. After independence, the Constitution formally provided for reservation for Scheduled Castes and Scheduled Tribes, which was later expanded to other backward classes and, in a different form, economically weaker sections.Those advocating against the existing quota system argue that it compromises merit and should be replaced or reworked around economic disadvantage.CJP’s spokesperson Ashutosh Ranka brings focus on lack of jobsRHA has posted five broad demands:Income-based reservation: Under this, they demand that the reservation should purely be based on the income.One family, one reservation, one time: Under this, it demands that once a family has benefited from reservation, the next generation should compete on merit.Minimum standards for everyone: Under this, it demands that every exam should have minimum qualifying marks within 10-20% of the higher quota cut-off. If reserved seats fall vacant, it wants them allotted to the General category.No reservation politics: Under this, it demands:Political parties be barred from promising new or higher reservation quotas during elections.The 50% limit on caste-based reservation should not be breached.The sunset clause: Under this, it demands that no policy should run forever.Set a time-bound roadmap to improve government schools, teachers and educational infrastructure.As educational inequality reduces, reservation should be gradually phased out.Reservation should be reviewed every 10 years using updated socio-economic data.Reservation lists should be updated periodically, moving communities that have progressed to the General category.CJP spokesperson Ashutosh Ranka, however, believes the reservation debate itself risks taking attention away from a larger problem: the shortage of opportunities.“I think the reservation-hatao movement, I just don’t get the idea,” Ranka said. “The focus every time the debate is brought on reservation, that really means that people, there is a distraction from the broader issue.”For Ranka, that broader issue is jobs and seats. “There are only 2% of the jobs which are government jobs in this country, 98% of the jobs in this country are private sector jobs,” he said. “Why are there not enough jobs in this country? Why are there not enough government seats, medical seats, engineering seats in this country?”“Reservation, the topic of reservation is always a distraction on the broader structural issues which no one is ready to address. We need more jobs, we need more seats in colleges. That’s what people should be asking,” he said.Others, however, see reservation itself as the issue that needs to be challenged.The matter has gained even more attention after the UGC rules. The UGC equity regulations have also become a potential flashpoint, with the 2026 rules aimed at addressing discrimination in higher education.Members of Swarn Samaj and Brahman Parivar stage a protest against the UGC’s new caste-based equity rules at Hazratganj, in Lucknow, Uttar Pradesh in January (PTI)The Supreme Court stayed the regulations in January, citing ambiguities and the possibility of misuse, but the issue has resurfaced amid growing anti-reservation sentiment online and could emerge as another potential trigger for youth mobilisation.But whether online traction can become a street movement remains an open question.Rajput said his brother sent him the Reservation Hatao Andolan page on Instagram and he started following it only last week. He said there were 21 people on his team with eight or nine belonging to the General category while the others benefited from reservation.For Rajput, however, the online movement has not yet translated into a willingness to protest on the ground. That distinction could prove crucial. After all, CJP’s success was not simply about getting people to watch, like or share.But there is a counter-argument to the idea that reservation could become the next universal youth cause. Many SC/ST communities and other socially disadvantaged groups still lack equal access to quality education, particularly in rural areas where caste-based discrimination and social inequalities continue.So, unlike the paper-leak issue, where the grievance could unite students across categories, an anti-reservation movement begins with a built-in fault line.It may have the followers. It may have the slogans. It may even have people ready to take the fight to the streets. But whether it can replicate CJP’s cross-sectional appeal is another question altogether.PollutionDiwali is just a couple of months away. And, as predictable as the festival itself, the annual debate will return: to burn or not to burn crackers.But for Delhi-NCR, pollution is not just a seasonal social-media debate. When the air turns toxic, the Graded Response Action Plan (GRAP) kicks in, bringing curbs that can affect everything from construction and traffic to office timings and schools. A study by IITM-Pune and CAQM found that without GRAP, Delhi could see 60% more severe-AQI hours, while the measures could reduce PM2.5 levels by up to 42 µg/m³, depending on the stage.Anti-pollution protest: Protesters last year showing posters of Maoist commander Madvi Hidma, who was killed in an encounter (PTI)In Mumbai too, pollution has emerged as a growing urban challenge, with construction and road dust, vehicle emissions and industrial activity among the key contributors to poor air quality. Pollution spikes have become a recurring concern, with several parts of the city recording AQI levels above 200, raising concerns over prolonged exposure to harmful particulate matter such as PM2.5. The problem adds to the wider challenges of rapid urbanisation, infrastructure growth and increasing vehicular traffic in the city.So, could pollution become the next rallying point, or is an issue with no single villain simply too difficult to turn into a movement? “If there is a protest over pollution, I’ll go for that too. I think we can raise our voice over issues that directly affect us. I would even join a protest over taxes,” said Rajput.The logic is simple: if an issue hits your lungs, your wallet or your everyday life, it may be easier to turn outrage into action.So, what actually makes people protest?For Ratna Singh, CJP’s legal head, the answer isn’t simply the issue itself. It is how that issue is packaged, communicated and mobilised.She believes CJP gained momentum because it was a Gen Z protest around education — an issue that extends well beyond NEET aspirants to competitive-exam candidates, school and college students, graduates and young people looking for jobs.Education, she said, allowed both Gen Z and Gen Alpha — and even their parents — to relate to the movement. “A lot of people in the crowd, when they were coming, they were like, you know, my parents were not letting me be here. But now I’m here. So they’re also supporting,” Singh said.And then comes the part that may matter most for the next protest. “Something can trend on Instagram, but on ground, how you are planning it, how you are strategising it, that’s also important,” Singh said.She added that people may relate to an issue online but still not turn up physically. How organisers convey the importance of an issue — and how they plan to keep an agitation going — can determine whether it survives beyond a social-media trend.Why CJP clicked with India’s youth: Anger, accessibility and a platform to be heardThat is perhaps the biggest lesson from CJP.Going viral can get an issue noticed. Mobilising people can turn it into a movement.Join conversationView All Comments →Share your thoughts in the commentsInsightfulAgreeDisagreeSkepticalConcerningPromisingWorth ReadingBig DevelopmentPost CommentBe respectful · TOI community guidelinesSingh believes unemployment could be the next major youth issue. CJP is planning a nationwide “Kya Bolti Public” campaign in September to hear from young people across states about the problems they face.She said the organisation wants unemployment and education to become a more central part of the public conversation and wants to understand youth concerns and push for reforms. “With the success of Cockroach Janata Party, this wave has started, where people will come forward, people will talk about issues, people will also talk about unemployment and youth-related, youth-centric issues,” Singh said.Reservation has the Instagram audience. Pollution has the lived experience. E20 has the everyday grievance. Unemployment has the scale. But whichever issue wins the race will need to clear one final hurdle. It has to make people look up from their screens — and then actually leave them.Get the latest India News and Live updates. Download the TOI app.About the AuthorAastha JhaAastha Jha is a writer at The Times of India, covering politics. She also writes on business, global affairs, social issues, with a focus on policy, governance and their impact on everyday lives. Her work brings together reportage and analysis, tracking developments in India and abroad while examining the broader social and economic currents shaping public discourse.Read MoreEnd of ArticleFollow Us On Social MediaVideos‘Brahmins Joining BSP’: Mayawati SLAMS Akhilesh Yadav Over PDA’s ‘P Change’ From Pichhde To Pandit‘I Am Proud Of All Of You’: PM Modi’s Big Msg To Students At First Public Speech After CJP ProtestsKashmir Tourist Security To Get Major Upgrade With CCTV, Command Centres And Security AuditsUS Senate Passes Russia Sanctions Bill, India Faces Potential 100% Tariff Over Russian Oil Purchases’Did We Fail To Listen’: Tharoor Admits CJP Protest Resonated More Than Congress ‘Chhatron Ki Goonj’JPSC Protest Enters Day 14: Students Demand Exam Cancellation, CBI Probe After First Talks With GovtSonam Wangchuk Says Wife Sought Rahul Gandhi’s Help To End His 26-Day Hunger Strike At Jantar MantarOMCs Say E20 Petrol Meets Quality Standards After Nationwide Testing, Reject Contamination ClaimsNeha Bora Inked During Jharkhand Student Protest: AISA Alleges Political Attack, Accused DetainedJharkhand JPSC Protest: Hunger Striker Hospitalised After Four Days As Students Continue Agitation123PhotostoriesOptical illusion personality test: What you spot first says everything about your hidden desiresRed or white patch in your mouth that won’t go away? 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The surprising reason behind this everyday feature123Hot PicksThailand School ShootingUPI TransactionsAsk Me AnythingJharkhand protestGurgaon rainNICL Assistant RecruitmentAnkur WarikooIndia Labour CodesGold rate todayTop TrendingJapanese Quote of the dayNagpur Rape CaseAbhijeet DipkeGujarat Mystery WellJPSC ProtestDelhi RainDelhi Wife MurderEknath ShindeTamil Nadu BudgetPraveen Nettaru Murder Case ‘Toxic’ trailer out now: Yash unleashes raw action and romance in Geetu Mohandas’ dark gangster drama In 2023, a Swedish couple moved into the dream home they built near Malmö; three years later, they left it behind for a $49,000 rural home in Japan Libra, Weekly Horoscope, August 09 to August 15, 2026: A balance of gains and challenges ‘Last time, we failed to open locker’: Masked men return to advocate’s house, loot over Rs 3 crore Flesh-eating bacteria kill 5 in Louisiana, health officials warn beachgoers as all cases are linked to seawater Ranchi: Demonstrators holding posters during an indefinite hunger strike as part of a protest against the Jharkhand government over alleged irregularities in the 14th JPSC examination, JSSC-CGL and other recruitment tests, demanding a CBI probe and reforms in the recruitment agencies, in Ranchi, Jharkhand. (PTI Photo) A delegation of the Cockroach Janta Party (CJP) arrived in Ranchi on Saturday to extend support to students protesting alleged irregularities in recruitment examinations conducted by the Jharkhand Public Service Commission (JPSC) and Jharkhand Staff Selection Commission (JSSC).CJP spokesperson Ashutosh Ranka said the party stood in “complete solidarity” with the protesting students and would provide them with all forms of support.“CJP stands in complete solidarity with the students of Jharkhand,” Ranka said in a post on X.He added that the delegation was travelling under the leadership of Mukallrounder and Akshay Shinde and would support the students during their ongoing agitation.’We fully support the students’Speaking to PTI, CJP national coordinator Mukesh said the party fully supports students protesting over alleged irregularities in JPSC and JSSC examinations and repeated paper leaks. “We stand with the students and will continue to support them,” he said, adding that the party would share its experience from the Jantar Mantar movement with the protesting students.“Our support may not be from the stage, but we are standing with them,” Mukesh said, asserting that the CJP would continue backing the students until there is transparency in recruitment examinations and paper leaks are stopped. “Till when will this continue to happen?” he asked.Students demand cancellation, CBI probeThe protests in Jharkhand have intensified following allegations of irregularities in recruitment examinations. Students have been demanding the cancellation of the 14th JPSC Combined Civil Services Preliminary Examination, a CBI probe into alleged irregularities in JPSC and JSSC-CGL examinations, and the release of OMR sheets and answer scripts.Join conversationView All Comments →Share your thoughts in the commentsInsightfulAgreeDisagreeSkepticalConcerningPromisingWorth ReadingBig DevelopmentPost CommentBe respectful · TOI community guidelinesStudent leader Devendra Nath Mahto has also been observing an indefinite hunger strike over the issue. On Wednesday, the fourth day of his fast, Mahto consumed water after climate activist Sonam Wangchuk urged him to do so during a video call, while maintaining that his agitation would continue until the government responds to the students’ demands.The Jharkhand government has said it is examining the allegations. CM Hemant Soren recently met Governor Santosh Kumar Gangwar and said the government would “soon take action” on the matter.Get the latest India News and Live updates. Download the TOI app.About the AuthorTOI News DeskThe TOI News Desk comprises a dedicated and tireless team of journalists who operate around the clock to deliver the most current and comprehensive news and updates to the readers of The Times of India worldwide. With an unwavering commitment to excellence in journalism, our team is at the forefront of gathering, verifying, and presenting breaking news, in-depth analysis, and insightful reports on a wide range of topics. The TOI News Desk is your trusted source for staying informed and connected to the ever-evolving global landscape, ensuring that our readers are equipped with the latest developments that matter most.”Read MoreEnd of ArticleFollow Us On Social MediaVideos‘Brahmins Joining BSP’: Mayawati SLAMS Akhilesh Yadav Over PDA’s ‘P Change’ From Pichhde To Pandit‘I Am Proud Of All Of You’: PM Modi’s Big Msg To Students At First Public Speech After CJP ProtestsKashmir Tourist Security To Get Major Upgrade With CCTV, Command Centres And Security AuditsUS Senate Passes Russia Sanctions Bill, India Faces Potential 100% Tariff Over Russian Oil Purchases’Did We Fail To Listen’: Tharoor Admits CJP Protest Resonated More Than Congress ‘Chhatron Ki Goonj’JPSC Protest Enters Day 14: Students Demand Exam Cancellation, CBI Probe After First Talks With GovtSonam Wangchuk Says Wife Sought Rahul Gandhi’s Help To End His 26-Day Hunger Strike At Jantar MantarOMCs Say E20 Petrol Meets Quality Standards After Nationwide Testing, Reject Contamination ClaimsNeha Bora Inked During Jharkhand Student Protest: AISA Alleges Political Attack, Accused DetainedJharkhand JPSC Protest: Hunger Striker Hospitalised After Four Days As Students Continue Agitation123PhotostoriesFrom tiny forest jewels to giant river hunters: 12 kingfishers species to spot in IndiaDelhi must stay ahead of dengue this monsoon: Why rain, stagnant water and delayed diagnosis can turn a seasonal threat serious5 things stylish women always remove from their closetsDia Mirza’s mother’s maroon Banarasi saree is a generational love letter that fast fashion could never match7 extraordinary animals travellers can see in some of Earth’s harshest placesYour liver can repair itself, but not forever: Doctor explains when early liver damage can be reversed and what happens if scarring progressesWhy do lifts have mirrors? 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Do these simple Shani Upay to overcome financial delays and unlock long-term career success India to recover ‘Green Boots’ climber’s body from Everest after 30 years: Report NEW DELHI: Tamil Nadu MPs on Saturday “unanimously” decided to oppose Centre’s Delimitation Bill after chief minister C Joseph Vijay chaired a meeting to discuss its likely impact on the state.Congress MP Karti Chidambaram said around 21 out of 57 Rajya Sabha and Lok Sabha MPs attended the meeting and agreed to resist any alteration in Tamil Nadu’s representation in Parliament.”The chief minister of Tamil Nadu had called for a meeting for all the MPs from Tamil Nadu from both the Lok Sabha and the Rajya Sabha. About 21 of us attended the meeting, and there was absolute unanimity that Tamil Nadu’s rights must be preserved. Our representation in Parliament can’t be diminished. Any kind of alteration and delimitation, either on the basis of population or on a proportionate increase, will be resisted,” Chidambaram said.”We want Parliament to be frozen at 543, and the distribution among the states to be preserved as it is, which means Tamil Nadu will have 39 members in a House of 543. We are clear in our unanimous opinion that a larger Parliament will be an ineffective Parliament, and Tamil Nadu will not be well served by a larger Parliament. So we want Parliament to be preserved at 543 with the same representation of 39 Lok Sabha MPs for Tamil Nadu,” he added.The meeting was boycotted by the DMK and AIADMK, which dismissed the deliberations as a “farce” and a “drama”.The meeting was held at Kalaivanar Arangam, a government-owned auditorium near the Secretariat.Senior DMK leader A Raja told reporters in Perambalur that it was “a farce, a laughable exercise”, arguing that the TVK government was deliberating on an issue about which it had no clarity.Meanwhile, AIADMK called the meeting a “hurriedly staged drama”, pointing out that no new delimitation Bill had been introduced in Parliament and there had been no official announcement on the exercise.While the Congress and other opposition parties have supported the Women’s Reservation Bill, they have opposed linking its implementation to the delimitation exercise. The opposition has demanded that women’s reservation be delinked from delimitation.Join conversationView All Comments →Share your thoughts in the commentsInsightfulAgreeDisagreeSkepticalConcerningPromisingWorth ReadingBig DevelopmentPost CommentBe respectful · TOI community guidelinesThe Nari Shakti Vandan Adhiniyam, 2023, was passed by both Houses of Parliament. However, its implementation has not moved forward after the Constitution (131st Amendment) Bill fell in the Lok Sabha on April 17, failing to secure the constitutionally required two-thirds majority of members present and voting.The Bill linked the implementation of 33 percent women’s reservation in legislatures to delimitation of Lok Sabha constituencies.Get the latest India News and Live updates. Download the TOI app.About the AuthorTOI News DeskThe TOI News Desk comprises a dedicated and tireless team of journalists who operate around the clock to deliver the most current and comprehensive news and updates to the readers of The Times of India worldwide. With an unwavering commitment to excellence in journalism, our team is at the forefront of gathering, verifying, and presenting breaking news, in-depth analysis, and insightful reports on a wide range of topics. The TOI News Desk is your trusted source for staying informed and connected to the ever-evolving global landscape, ensuring that our readers are equipped with the latest developments that matter most.”Read MoreEnd of ArticleFollow Us On Social MediaVideos‘Brahmins Joining BSP’: Mayawati SLAMS Akhilesh Yadav Over PDA’s ‘P Change’ From Pichhde To Pandit‘I Am Proud Of All Of You’: PM Modi’s Big Msg To Students At First Public Speech After CJP ProtestsKashmir Tourist Security To Get Major Upgrade With CCTV, Command Centres And Security AuditsUS Senate Passes Russia Sanctions Bill, India Faces Potential 100% Tariff Over Russian Oil Purchases’Did We Fail To Listen’: Tharoor Admits CJP Protest Resonated More Than Congress ‘Chhatron Ki Goonj’JPSC Protest Enters Day 14: Students Demand Exam Cancellation, CBI Probe After First Talks With GovtSonam Wangchuk Says Wife Sought Rahul Gandhi’s Help To End His 26-Day Hunger Strike At Jantar MantarOMCs Say E20 Petrol Meets Quality Standards After Nationwide Testing, Reject Contamination ClaimsNeha Bora Inked During Jharkhand Student Protest: AISA Alleges Political Attack, Accused DetainedJharkhand JPSC Protest: Hunger Striker Hospitalised After Four Days As Students Continue Agitation123PhotostoriesFrom tiny forest jewels to giant river hunters: 12 kingfishers species to spot in IndiaDelhi must stay ahead of dengue this monsoon: Why rain, stagnant water and delayed diagnosis can turn a seasonal threat serious5 things stylish women always remove from their closetsDia Mirza’s mother’s maroon Banarasi saree is a generational love letter that fast fashion could never match7 extraordinary animals travellers can see in some of Earth’s harshest placesYour liver can repair itself, but not forever: Doctor explains when early liver damage can be reversed and what happens if scarring progressesWhy do lifts have mirrors? 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Inside the Marigold Theory of relationships and why it is important in life Virgo, Weekly Horoscope, August 09 to August 15, 2026: Your desires may edge closer to reality this week ‘If you don’t kill my husband, I will’: Man uncovers wife’s chats with lover plotting his murder Quote of the day by Ian McKellen: ‘There is no system, length of time, or amount of force that can contain us once we decide to break free,’ all about Magneto’s wisdom about breaking free of your fears Chinese grandmother Liu Defang, 71, learnt to swim only after retiring; years later, she rescued a man in his 30s from a river Aug 08, 2026, 17:47 IST Mohanlal apologises after missing Sydney show due to visa issue: ‘I am helpless’ 10 best monsoon snacks to enjoy on rainy days Leo, Weekly Horoscope, August 09 to August 15, 2026: You may find yourself balancing finances ‘End this war’: Senate Democrats turn up heat on Donald Trump, seek end to ‘unauthorised’ Iran hostilities Utah wildfire: Helicopter carrying 2 crashes while fighting massive blaze, sparks new fire Tony Kakkar reacts to Guru Randhawa over ‘Fine Shyt’ backlash: ‘It would have been fun if we had trolled together’ Preity Zinta: ‘I want you to be the master of your destiny’: Preity Zinta’s father gave her this one lesson about education that every parent should teach their daughter ‘Army safeguarding territory’: Arunachal CM Pema Khandu rejects Chinese encroachment American entrepreneur says ‘I’m shocked but honestly not surprised’ as US plans to remove 60-day grace period for H-1Bs File photo: Vinayak Damodar Savarkar NEW DELHI: A political row has erupted in Kerala over a school quiz question that described Hindutva ideologue Vinayak Damodar Savarkar as the freedom fighter who received the “most severe punishment” from the British, prompting general education minister N Samsudheen to order an inquiry.The “Freedom Quiz” was conducted on August 6 for lower primary students in schools in the Kasaragod, Kumbla and Manjeshwar sub-districts, according to news agency PTI.The disputed question asked: “Who is the freedom fighter that received the most severe punishment from the British?” Savarkar was given as the answer.The minister’s office said Samsudheen has directed the director of general education to establish who prepared and conducted the quiz and take stringent action against those responsible.Education department says quiz was not authorisedAccording to the minister’s office, the quiz was not included in the activity calendar of either the Social Science Club or the General Education Department. Neither had authorised anyone to independently prepare the questions or conduct the competition.”The person who included the historically incorrect question holds a prejudiced view,” the minister’s office said, adding that the Education Director had been instructed to identify those responsible and take strict action.As per PTI, teachers associated with the Social Science Club had prepared the questionnaire.The controversy has since drawn criticism from the CPI(M) and Left-affiliated student and youth organisations, which accused the Congress-led UDF government of allowing what they described as a “Sangh Parivar agenda” to enter the education system.Pinarayi Vijayan accuses government of ‘colluding’ with RSSCPI(M) veteran and former Kerala chief minister Pinarayi Vijayan accused the UDF government of “colluding” with the RSS and alleged that efforts were being made to conceal Savarkar’s history and glorify him.Addressing a press conference in Kannur, Vijayan alleged that the Centre and the RSS were attempting to “rewrite history”. He also linked the controversy to the Centre’s efforts to implement its new education policy in Kerala.Former general education minister V Sivankutty also criticised the question, alleging that it was part of an attempt to “saffronise” Kerala’s general education sector and distort the history of India’s freedom struggle.Sivankutty demanded a comprehensive inquiry, strict action against those responsible and the withdrawal of the disputed question and answer. He also sought an apology from the General Education Department.Left groups, IUML leaders criticise questionSFI state secretary P S Sanjeev alleged that the quiz sought to portray Savarkar as a freedom fighter. In a social media post, he criticised the UDF government and alleged that the general education portfolio was being used to create space for the Sangh Parivar.Join conversationView All Comments →Share your thoughts in the commentsInsightfulAgreeDisagreeSkepticalConcerningPromisingWorth ReadingBig DevelopmentPost CommentBe respectful · TOI community guidelinesDYFI state secretary K Sanoj also criticised the government, saying there was no justification for a school quiz to contain a question that allegedly glorified Savarkar.Senior Indian Union Muslim League (IUML) leader and former minister M K Muneer said portraying Savarkar as a patriot was part of the RSS-BJP agenda.Muneer, however, said that if the question had indeed been included in the quiz, the matter should be seriously examined and those responsible identified, adding that it should not be treated lightly.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 MediaVideosKashmir Tourist Security To Get Major Upgrade With CCTV, Command Centres And Security AuditsUS Senate Passes Russia Sanctions Bill, India Faces Potential 100% Tariff Over Russian Oil Purchases’Did We Fail To Listen’: Tharoor Admits CJP Protest Resonated More Than Congress ‘Chhatron Ki Goonj’JPSC Protest Enters Day 14: Students Demand Exam Cancellation, CBI Probe After First Talks With GovtSonam Wangchuk Says Wife Sought Rahul Gandhi’s Help To End His 26-Day Hunger Strike At Jantar MantarOMCs Say E20 Petrol Meets Quality Standards After Nationwide Testing, Reject Contamination ClaimsNeha Bora Inked During Jharkhand Student Protest: AISA Alleges Political Attack, Accused DetainedJharkhand JPSC Protest: Hunger Striker Hospitalised After Four Days As Students Continue AgitationTamil Nadu CM Vijay’s Wife Sangeetha Withdraws Divorce Petition, Family Court Allows Withdrawal’Proof Of Corruption?’ JPSC Aspirant Makes Explosive Claims As Student Protests Intensify In Ranchi123PhotostoriesDelhi must stay ahead of dengue this monsoon: Why rain, stagnant water and delayed diagnosis can turn a seasonal threat serious5 things stylish women always remove from their closetsDia Mirza’s mother’s maroon Banarasi saree is a generational love letter that fast fashion could never match7 extraordinary animals travellers can see in some of Earth’s harshest placesYour liver can repair itself, but not forever: Doctor explains when early liver damage can be reversed and what happens if scarring progressesWhy do lifts have mirrors? The surprising reason behind this everyday feature5 traditional oils to mix with curry leaves for thicker, stronger, and longer hairManisha Rani’s approximately Rs 6 crore luxurious Mumbai home: A fancy walk-in closet, vanity and moreWhy do we light diyas? 5 spiritual meanings behind this everyday ritualKriti Sanon’s bridal era just went futuristic in Gaurav Gupta couture123Hot 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 Jemimah Rodrigues suffers hamstring injury, Asia Cup participation in doubt SSC JHT PST admit card 2026 out at sscer.org: Direct link to download hall ticket here Taylor Swift’s song ‘August’ removed from Donald Trump’s TikTok fireworks clip Cancer, Weekly Horoscope, August 09 to August 15, 2026: Diligent effort will bear fruit this week Under US government’s new proposed rule, H-1B visa workers would be required to leave US immediately and cannot change their status or employers unless USCIS … Mayawati accused Akhilesh Yadav’s SP of changing its PDA formula to attract Brahmin voters and gain electoral advantage.The Supreme Court criticised two Ghaziabad hospitals for allegedly denying treatment to a severely injured minor sexual-assault victim who later died.Shashi Tharoor said politicians must listen to young voters, calling Gen Z and Gen Alpha an increasingly important force in Indian politics and elections.MeitY has asked Meta to revamp its algorithms, strengthen content moderation and submit a roadmap to tackle deepfakes, propaganda and illegal content.A US-linked oil company has begun moving drilling equipment into Greenland’s Jameson Land without securing the required local approval, drawing a strong warning from Greenland authorities.Here are top 5 stories of the day’Changing colours like a chameleon’: Mayawati hits Akhilesh over ‘Pandit’ twist in SP’s PDA formulaBSP chief Mayawati on Saturday attacked the Samajwadi Party, alleging that it was changing its political stance for electoral gains after Akhilesh Yadav suggested that the “P” in the party’s PDA formula could also stand for “Pandit”. Mayawati claimed the move was aimed at attracting Brahmin voters amid growing support for the BSP among upper-caste communities.Read full story2 Ghaziabad hospitals that turned away child rape victim to give parents Rs 12 lakhThe Supreme Court on Friday expressed serious concern over alleged lapses by two Ghaziabad hospitals and police in handling a minor girl who was grievously injured in a sexual assault and later died. The hospitals offered to donate ₹12 lakh to the victim’s parents to settle potential criminal prosecution and compensation liability. The bench, headed by CJI Surya Kant, said the incident highlighted a gap between existing legal safeguards and their implementation on the ground.Read full story‘Rude wake-up call’: Shashi Tharoor on CJP protests, says Gen Z will be largest voting bloc in 2029Congress MP Shashi Tharoor said politicians must listen to and engage with young people, noting that Gen Z and Gen Alpha will play an increasingly important role in Indian politics. Referring to his visit to Jantar Mantar during the CJP protests, Tharoor said he went there only to hear the protesters’ concerns and did not deliver a speech. He said young voters are expected to form the largest single voting bloc in the 2029 Lok Sabha elections, making their concerns politically significant.Read full storyIT ministry asks Meta to revamp algorithms, submit roadmap to tackle deepfakesThe ministry of electronics and information technology (MeitY) has asked Meta to strengthen its algorithms and submit a compliance roadmap to curb deepfakes, propaganda, morphed images and other harmful or illegal content on its platforms. Officials also sought faster action on takedown requests from authorised agencies, greater compliance with data-localisation requirements and closer coordination with the government.Join conversationView All Comments →Share your thoughts in the commentsInsightfulAgreeDisagreeSkepticalConcerningPromisingWorth ReadingBig DevelopmentPost CommentBe respectful · TOI community guidelines The government has intensified scrutiny of Meta over deepfakes, Child Sexual Abuse Material (CSAM) and other harmful content.Read full storyGreenland issues ‘strong warning’ as Trump-linked US oil firm pushes ahead with Arctic drillingA Texas-based oil company, Greenland Energy, has started moving drilling equipment ashore in Greenland’s remote Jameson Land despite not yet receiving approval from local authorities, according to The Guardian. The company plans to explore the region for oil and claims the area could hold up to $1 trillion worth of crude, while Greenland has maintained a ban on new oil exploration licences since 2021. Authorities issued a “strong warning” and said all logistical operations must receive prior approval, although they have not ordered the equipment removed.Read full storyGet 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 MediaVideosKashmir Tourist Security To Get Major Upgrade With CCTV, Command Centres And Security AuditsUS Senate Passes Russia Sanctions Bill, India Faces Potential 100% Tariff Over Russian Oil Purchases’Did We Fail To Listen’: Tharoor Admits CJP Protest Resonated More Than Congress ‘Chhatron Ki Goonj’JPSC Protest Enters Day 14: Students Demand Exam Cancellation, CBI Probe After First Talks With GovtSonam Wangchuk Says Wife Sought Rahul Gandhi’s Help To End His 26-Day Hunger Strike At Jantar MantarOMCs Say E20 Petrol Meets Quality Standards After Nationwide Testing, Reject Contamination ClaimsNeha Bora Inked During Jharkhand Student Protest: AISA Alleges Political Attack, Accused DetainedJharkhand JPSC Protest: Hunger Striker Hospitalised After Four Days As Students Continue AgitationTamil Nadu CM Vijay’s Wife Sangeetha Withdraws Divorce Petition, Family Court Allows Withdrawal’Proof Of Corruption?’ JPSC Aspirant Makes Explosive Claims As Student Protests Intensify In Ranchi123Photostories5 things stylish women always remove from their closetsDia Mirza’s mother’s maroon Banarasi saree is a generational love letter that fast fashion could never match7 extraordinary animals travellers can see in some of Earth’s harshest placesYour liver can repair itself, but not forever: Doctor explains when early liver damage can be reversed and what happens if scarring progressesWhy do lifts have mirrors? The surprising reason behind this everyday feature5 traditional oils to mix with curry leaves for thicker, stronger, and longer hairManisha Rani’s approximately Rs 6 crore luxurious Mumbai home: A fancy walk-in closet, vanity and moreWhy do we light diyas? 5 spiritual meanings behind this everyday ritualKriti Sanon’s bridal era just went futuristic in Gaurav Gupta couture11 foods that are considered lucky around the world123Hot 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 Shubhang Hegde, Karan Lal impress Sourav Ganguly and Yuvraj Singh at Delhi Capitals’ Bengaluru trials Joseph Vijay’s son Jason Sanjay reveals Ajith’s special message before debuting with ‘Sigma’: “Don’t hesitate to ask me for any help’ Elon Musk on jobs that will soon become redundant and the ones that are likely to survive in the age of AI Gemini, Weekly Horoscope, August 09 to August 15, 2026: Relationships call for patience to avoid unnecessary conflicts