VK News Today https://validator.w3.org/feed/docs/rss2.html New study suggests many dinosaurs may have died within hours, not months, after the asteroid struck Earth No further action against CJP protesters, Delhi govt says; criminal antecedents excluded 4 migrants die attempting to cross English Channel on overloaded ‘taxi boats’ . Lok Sabha passes Vande Mataram Bill amid opposition protests over NEET paper leak and alleged police action on students.Over 200 academicians write to Priyanka Gandhi, objecting to her remarks on IIT Madras director V Kamakoti.Nitin Gadkari says E20 fuel may reduce mileage by up to 6%, but tests found no engine failures linked to ethanol blendingHockey India explains saffron World Cup jersey, citing better visibility on blue turf and national symbolismIran claims it destroyed three US F-35 fighter jets in Jordan; Washington has not confirmed the claim.Here are top five news stories: Lok Sabha passes Vande Mataram Bill as opposition protestsParliament remained disrupted as the Lok Sabha passed the Prevention of Insults to National Honour (Amendment) Bill, 2026, extending legal protection to Vande Mataram.The opposition protested over the alleged police action against student protesters and demanded home minister Amit Shah’s resignation. Congress president Mallikarjun Kharge criticised the government’s handling of the NEET paper leak and called for broader education reforms. Read full story Watch ₹28.5 Cr Cash Seized In Birbhum: Former Govt Bus Driver Arrested | Tulu Mondal Link Under Probe’Mockery is no substitute for reasoned engagement’: Oer 200 academicians write to Priyanka GandhiMore than 200 academicians have written an open letter to Congress MP Priyanka Gandhi Vadra objecting to her remarks, widely seen as targeting IIT Madras director Prof V Kamakoti during the Lok Sabha debate on the anti-paper leak Bill.The signatories said Parliament should encourage reasoned debate rather than ridicule and argued that reducing a scholar to a label undermines scientific temper. They highlighted Kamakoti’s academic achievements and contributions to research, urging public representatives to challenge ideas with evidence instead of personal remarks that discourage academic participation in public discourse. Read full storyE20 petrol may cut mileage by up to 6%, but no engine failures found: GadkariUnion minister Nitin Gadkari informed Parliament that petrol blended with 20% ethanol (E20) can reduce vehicle fuel efficiency by 2% to 6%, depending on the vehicle and its age. However, extensive testing by ARAI, SIAM and Indian Oil found no evidence of engine failures linked to E20 fuel.Gadkari said the fuel improves acceleration, ride quality and reduces carbon emissions by around 30%. He added that India’s ethanol blending programme has been implemented gradually with scientific validation and manufacturers continue to honour warranty claims for E20-compatible vehicles. Read full storyIndia’s hockey teams will wear saffron instead of blue at the 2026 World CupHockey India has defended its decision to replace the traditional blue jersey with saffron for the men’s and women’s teams at the 2026 FIH Hockey World Cup. The federation said the move was driven by technical concerns, as blue jerseys blended with modern blue synthetic pitches, affecting player visibility.Coaches and players suggested alternative colours before saffron was selected. Hockey India also said saffron symbolises courage and national pride as one of the colours of the Indian flag. Former captain Viren Rasquinha criticised the decision, saying blue remains part of India’s hockey identity. Join conversationView All Comments →Share your thoughts in the commentsInsightfulAgreeDisagreeSkepticalConcerningPromisingWorth ReadingBig DevelopmentPost CommentBe respectful · TOI community guidelinesRead full storyIran claims missile strike destroyed three US F-35 fighter jets in JordanIran’s Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps claimed it destroyed three US F-35 Lightning II fighter jets and severely damaged three more in a missile strike on Jordan’s al-Azraq Air Base. Tehran said the attack was retaliation for recent US strikes on Iran’s Qeshm Island.The United States has not confirmed the claim, and there is no independent verification. The reported attack comes amid escalating military exchanges across the region, with US strikes targeting IRGC facilities and Iran launching missiles towards US-linked sites, raising concerns over a wider regional conflict. 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 MediaVideos₹28.5 Cr Cash Seized In Birbhum: Former Govt Bus Driver Arrested | Tulu Mondal Link Under ProbeMamata Banerjee Urges EC To End TMC Symbol Dispute As Rival Faction Misses Repeated DeadlinesSC Questions Blanket Ban On Pellet Guns, Orders Preservation Of RAF Ammunition LogOver 1 Lakh Schools Across India Have Only One Teacher; Andhra Pradesh Records Highest NumberStudent Allegedly Hacks IIT Kanpur- IIT Madras Websites After Admission RejectionAbhijeet Dipke Says PM Modi Should “Become An Influencer”, Warns Of Fresh Student Protest‘Vasteguna Huiya, Kuchu-Puchu, FOMO’: Viral Gen Z Vocabulary Echoes In ParliamentBihar Man Claims He Was Booked In NEET Leak Protest Viral Video Sparks Questions Over Protest FIRs’Dear Saurav…’ BJP MP Kangana Ranaut Tells CJP’s Saurav Das To ‘Learn Some Skill’ | Watch’Detaining Activists Is Normal’: JP Nadda Defends Police Crackdown On CJP Protesters123Photostories5 things difficult people teach you that kind people never canNTR to Prabhas, Ranbir Kapoor: 10 actors who portrayed Lord Ram on the silver screenWhen every negative pregnancy test hurts a little more: Doctors explain why fertility burnout is becoming the hidden mental health crisis nobody talks aboutWhy every designer suddenly had a ‘story’ and not just a collection at the India Couture Week 2026From ‘Insidious: Out Of The Further’ to ‘Mutiny’: Hollywood releases of August 20265 plants people grow for luck, that have better practical benefits that many probably haven’t heard aboutMyths vs facts: Is shaving facial hair bad for women?5 times Kangana Ranaut made traditional sarees look unapologetically powerful8 Healthy high-protein breakfasts that take 15 minutes or less’Love Island UK’ couples who are still together in love: From Olivia Buckland-Alex Bowen to Jessie Wynter-Will Young123Hot PicksAugust School HolidaysNHL Trade RumorsKerala Engineering rank listBhagat SinghByelection todayFranz KafkaFed meetingKanwar Yatra securityNew anti-paper leak billTop TrendingTamil Nadu Schools New MealMitch JonesNanakdin Bhurji DeathSonam RaghuvanshiNagpur MurderGujarat MurderHardoi Double SuicideMohammad Ali Jauhar University demolitionWeather TomorrowStock Market Up ‘You showed that composure isn’t the opposite of aggression’: Sachin Tendulkar’s heartfelt tribute to Ajinkya Rahane NEET UG 2026 candidate moves Delhi HC after alleging his score on the NTA portal changed three times Why couldn’t Thalapathy Vijay’s ‘Jana Nayagan’ match the box office pace of his recent hits like ‘Leo’ and ‘GOAT’? 5 things difficult people teach you that kind people never can Priyanka’s ‘gaumutra expert’ remark stirs row, over 200 academicians slam LS MP Titan experiences clouds, rain, rivers and changing seasons like Earth; Saturn’s 29-year journey around the Sun makes each season last more than seven Earth years Quote of the day by Bhagat Singh “Study so that you are able to meet the arguments of your opponents.” — Bhagat SingEvery disagreement presents a choice. One person raises their voice, while another repeats familiar slogans. A third begins asking questions, searching for evidence and trying to understand where the other side is coming from before responding. Bhagat Singh’s advice belongs firmly in the third tradition. He treats study as preparation for conversation rather than examination, and knowledge as something that sharpens judgement instead of feeding pride. His words suggest that the strength of an argument depends less on confidence than on how carefully it has been built.Bhagat Singh wrote constantly throughout his short life. While imprisoned, he read history, economics, political philosophy, literature and revolutionary thought with remarkable discipline, filling notebooks with quotations and reflections from writers across the world. His reading shaped his politics, though it also shaped the way he argued. He believed conviction carried greater weight when it rested on careful thought instead of emotion alone. That is why this line continues to resonate. It speaks to anyone who hopes to persuade rather than simply win.Reading broadens the argument before it strengthens itPeople usually begin with opinions. Study asks them to examine where those opinions come from. A reader who spends time with different authors soon discovers that intelligent people have disagreed about almost every important question in history. Freedom, justice, religion, economics and education have all been debated across generations, often by thinkers who arrived at very different conclusions while drawing on equally serious scholarship.That process does something valuable. It slows certainty. Someone who has read widely becomes more careful with conclusions because they understand how many perspectives exist beyond their own experience. A lawyer prepares by studying both sides of a case. A scientist examines competing explanations before accepting one. A historian compares sources instead of relying on a single account. Strong arguments grow from that habit of testing ideas before defending them.Bhagat Singh encouraged the same discipline. He wanted young people to read because reading develops the habit of thinking independently. A belief borrowed from someone else can be repeated. A belief reached through study can be explained, defended and refined.Knowledge changes the quality of disagreementModern life makes it easy to respond immediately. Social media rewards quick reactions, television debates often value interruption over discussion and public conversations frequently become contests of personality rather than ideas. In that environment, Bhagat Singh’s advice feels remarkably current.Knowledge does not eliminate disagreement. It changes the way disagreement is handled. A person who understands the history behind an issue is less likely to reduce it to slogans. Someone familiar with evidence can separate facts from assumptions. Even when no agreement is reached, the conversation becomes more useful because each side has something substantial to contribute.Many of history’s greatest debates produced progress because participants challenged one another with ideas rather than insults. Scientific discoveries emerged through criticism. Constitutional democracies developed through public debate. Universities exist because questioning accepted wisdom has always been considered an essential part of learning. Those traditions survive only when people value understanding as much as persuasion.Why the quote still mattersEducation is often treated as a path towards employment, and it certainly serves that purpose. Bhagat Singh points to another purpose that receives far less attention. Reading equips people to think clearly when confronted with difficult questions. It teaches them to recognise weak reasoning, appreciate strong evidence and remain open to learning even while defending deeply held beliefs.Join conversationView All Comments →Share your thoughts in the commentsInsightfulAgreeDisagreeSkepticalConcerningPromisingWorth ReadingBig DevelopmentPost CommentBe respectful · TOI community guidelinesThat lesson extends far beyond politics. Families resolve differences through conversation. Workplaces depend on people exchanging ideas without resentment. Democracies function because citizens weigh competing arguments before making choices. In each of those settings, knowledge becomes more than personal achievement. It becomes a public responsibility.Bhagat Singh’s words endure because they place faith in the power of ideas. They remind readers that disagreement has never been settled by volume alone. Lasting influence belongs to those who understand an issue well enough to answer it with reason, evidence and the patience to keep learning.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₹28.5 Cr Cash Seized In Birbhum: Former Govt Bus Driver Arrested | Tulu Mondal Link Under ProbeMamata Banerjee Urges EC To End TMC Symbol Dispute As Rival Faction Misses Repeated DeadlinesSC Questions Blanket Ban On Pellet Guns, Orders Preservation Of RAF Ammunition LogOver 1 Lakh Schools Across India Have Only One Teacher; Andhra Pradesh Records Highest NumberStudent Allegedly Hacks IIT Kanpur- IIT Madras Websites After Admission RejectionAbhijeet Dipke Says PM Modi Should “Become An Influencer”, Warns Of Fresh Student Protest‘Vasteguna Huiya, Kuchu-Puchu, FOMO’: Viral Gen Z Vocabulary Echoes In ParliamentBihar Man Claims He Was Booked In NEET Leak Protest Viral Video Sparks Questions Over Protest FIRs’Dear Saurav…’ BJP MP Kangana Ranaut Tells CJP’s Saurav Das To ‘Learn Some Skill’ | Watch’Detaining Activists Is Normal’: JP Nadda Defends Police Crackdown On CJP Protesters123Photostories5 things difficult people teach you that kind people never canNTR to Prabhas, Ranbir Kapoor: 10 actors who portrayed Lord Ram on the silver screenWhen every negative pregnancy test hurts a little more: Doctors explain why fertility burnout is becoming the hidden mental health crisis nobody talks aboutWhy every designer suddenly had a ‘story’ and not just a collection at the India Couture Week 2026From ‘Insidious: Out Of The Further’ to ‘Mutiny’: Hollywood releases of August 20265 plants people grow for luck, that have better practical benefits that many probably haven’t heard aboutMyths vs facts: Is shaving facial hair bad for women?5 times Kangana Ranaut made traditional sarees look unapologetically powerful8 Healthy high-protein breakfasts that take 15 minutes or less’Love Island UK’ couples who are still together in love: From Olivia Buckland-Alex Bowen to Jessie Wynter-Will Young123Hot PicksAugust School HolidaysNHL Trade RumorsKerala Engineering rank listBhagat SinghByelection todayFranz KafkaFed meetingKanwar Yatra securityNew anti-paper leak billTop TrendingTamil Nadu Schools New MealMitch JonesNanakdin Bhurji DeathSonam RaghuvanshiNagpur MurderGujarat MurderHardoi Double SuicideMohammad Ali Jauhar University demolitionWeather TomorrowStock Market Up ‘Few boxes to tick’: Josh Hazlewood eyes BGT win in India, Ashes in England before retirement From IIT Bombay to ‘Ramayana’: Inside Nitesh Tiwari’s journey as one of Bollywood’s most acclaimed directors | Hindi Movie News Meenakshi to Surpanakha: 5 little-known facts about Ravana’s sister and her secret role in Ramayana’s war Humans may not be the only primates with geometric intuition as monkeys recognise shapes in remarkably similar ways, study finds Govt summons Meta executives again over temporary restriction of PM Modi’s Facebook post Quote of the day by Amal Clooney: “There is lots of my work that takes place behind closed doors that is…” – the hidden truth about dedication and lasting success | World News Vande Mataram Bill clears Parliament as Kharge, Nadda lock horns in RS – key highlights | India News Fewer jobs, delayed onboarding: Why Indian IT sector is getting tougher for freshers Ekta Kapoor leases out her Juhu property in Mumbai for a monthly rent of Rs 1.5 lakh, after selling off their worli apartment for Rs 12.25 crore last year Pacifier Benefits And Risks In Babies: Should you give your baby a pacifier? What science says about the benefits, hidden risks of using them and what parents need to know 2026 Total Solar Eclipse: What Different Photo Shades Mean for Our Fortune and Luck Quote of the day by Jane Goodall: Why “Even that great scientist Albert Einstein sustained a mystical outlook on life” reminds us that wonder and humility go hand in hand Erode woman burnt alive by man whom she befriended in social media Indian-American couple announces graduate fellowship for University of Texas students, says it’s ‘simply an open door’ NEW DELHI: Petrol blended with 20% ethanol (E20) can reduce vehicle fuel efficiency by 2% to 6%, depending on the vehicle category and its age, road transport and highways minister Nitin Gadkari informed Parliament on Thursday, while asserting that extensive testing has found no evidence of engine failures linked to the fuel.In a written reply in the Lok Sabha, Gadkari said studies conducted jointly by the Automotive Research Association of India (ARAI), the Society of Indian Automobile Manufacturers (SIAM) and Indian Oil Corporation Ltd (IOCL) found that although E20 may marginally reduce mileage, it offers improved acceleration, better ride quality and around 30% lower carbon emissions than E10 fuel.”The fuel efficiency of vehicles may be reduced by 2 to 6 per cent depending on the vehicle category and vintage. The tests for engine durability on a dynamometer and vehicle tests on road have not shown any failures due to E20,” Gadkari said.The minister said the study evaluated the impact of E20 on BS-III, BS-IV and BS-VI petrol-powered two-wheelers and four-wheelers using standard certification procedures as well as customised testing protocols developed in consultation with original equipment manufacturers (OEMs).The rollout of E20 petrol, a blend of 80% petrol and 20% ethanol, has faced criticism from opposition parties and consumer groups, which have questioned its compatibility with older vehicles, possible reduction in fuel economy, higher maintenance costs and liability in case of engine or fuel system damage.The government, however, has maintained that the transition has been gradual and backed by scientific validation. Automobile manufacturers have also said they continue to honour warranty claims for vehicles running on E20 fuel.Gadkari said the Ethanol Blended Petrol (EBP) Programme has been implemented through a phased and consultative process involving NITI Aayog, oil marketing companies, automobile manufacturers, ARAI, SIAM, the Indian Institute of Petroleum (IIP) and other technical institutions.He noted that India’s ethanol blending programme began as a pilot project in 2001, with E5 fuel introduced in 2006. Ethanol blending, which stood at around 1.53% in 2013-14, has since increased steadily after the required production capacity, infrastructure and regulatory framework were put in place.According to Gadkari, E15+ petrol has been in widespread use for more than three-and-a-half years, while E19-E20 fuel has been used for over two-and-a-half years.Join conversationView All Comments →Share your thoughts in the commentsInsightfulAgreeDisagreeSkepticalConcerningPromisingWorth ReadingBig DevelopmentPost CommentBe respectful · TOI community guidelinesHe said more than 20 crore two-wheelers and over 3 crore petrol cars have been operating on ethanol-blended fuel without any verified evidence of widespread engine failures or breakdowns caused by ethanol blending.”Manufacturer service data confirm that there is no abnormal corrosion, wear or reduction in vehicle life due to E20 fuel,” he said, adding that vehicle manufacturers continue to honour warranty obligations for vehicles using E20, reinforcing confidence in its safety and reliability.The minister’s remarks come a day after he informed the Rajya Sabha that studies found no significant performance or durability issues in vehicles using E20 petrol and that most older vehicles do not require engine modifications to use the fuel. He, however, noted that some BS-III vehicles manufactured before 2016 may require replacement of certain rubber parts and gaskets during routine servicing.BS, or Bharat Stage, refers to India’s vehicle emission standards that prescribe limits for pollutants such as carbon monoxide (CO), nitrogen oxides (NOx), hydrocarbons (HC) and particulate matter (PM).Get the latest India News and Live updates. Download the TOI app.About the AuthorAyush PandeyAyush Pandey is a journalist at The Times of India, covering breaking news, politics, defence, and major legal and policy developments across India and the world. His reporting focuses on elections, national security, and institutional affairs, tracking the decisions and conflicts that shape public life. He specialises in sharp explainers and in-depth feature stories that go beyond headlines to decode political shifts, defence strategy, geopolitical flashpoints, and changing public sentiment. His work combines speed, clarity, and depth for a fast-moving digital audience.Read MoreEnd of ArticleFollow Us On Social MediaVideos₹28.5 Cr Cash Seized In Birbhum: Former Govt Bus Driver Arrested | Tulu Mondal Link Under ProbeMamata Banerjee Urges EC To End TMC Symbol Dispute As Rival Faction Misses Repeated DeadlinesSC Questions Blanket Ban On Pellet Guns, Orders Preservation Of RAF Ammunition LogOver 1 Lakh Schools Across India Have Only One Teacher; Andhra Pradesh Records Highest NumberStudent Allegedly Hacks IIT Kanpur- IIT Madras Websites After Admission RejectionAbhijeet Dipke Says PM Modi Should “Become An Influencer”, Warns Of Fresh Student Protest‘Vasteguna Huiya, Kuchu-Puchu, FOMO’: Viral Gen Z Vocabulary Echoes In ParliamentBihar Man Claims He Was Booked In NEET Leak Protest Viral Video Sparks Questions Over Protest FIRs’Dear Saurav…’ BJP MP Kangana Ranaut Tells CJP’s Saurav Das To ‘Learn Some Skill’ | Watch’Detaining Activists Is Normal’: JP Nadda Defends Police Crackdown On CJP Protesters123PhotostoriesFrom ‘Insidious: Out Of The Further’ to ‘Mutiny’: Hollywood releases of August 20265 plants people grow for luck, that have better practical benefits that many probably haven’t heard aboutMyths vs facts: Is shaving facial hair bad for women?5 times Kangana Ranaut made traditional sarees look unapologetically powerful8 Healthy high-protein breakfasts that take 15 minutes or less’Love Island UK’ couples who are still together in love: From Olivia Buckland-Alex Bowen to Jessie Wynter-Will Young6 Indian dishes that are over 1,000 years old and still loved todayEvery Sawan, millions of devotees visit these 6 Jyotirlingas; here’s what makes them most-visited and why every traveller should experience them at least once in a lifetimeFrom Popatlal’s emotional moment to Asit Modi’s revelation about Champak Chacha aka Amit Bhatt’s bald look: Highlights from the Taarak Mehta 18-Year celebrationMillions still get this wrong about HIV: Doctor explains exactly how the virus spreads, and how it doesn’t123Hot PicksAugust School HolidaysNEET UG CounsellingKerala Engineering rank listSamsung Q2 resultsByelection todayBengaluru restaurantsFed meetingKanwar Yatra securityNew anti-paper leak billTop TrendingTamil Nadu Schools New MealMitch JonesNanakdin Bhurji DeathSonam RaghuvanshiNagpur MurderGujarat MurderHardoi Double SuicideMohammad Ali Jauhar University demolitionWeather TomorrowStock Market Up Kavin and wife Monicka welcome twins; actor shares heartwarming announcement on the birth of baby boy and baby girl Montessori Education: Montessori, play school, preschool or nursery: Understanding the differences before you apply | Today’s Palmistry Secret: These Palm Signs Show You Trust People Too Quickly For centuries, scientists couldn’t explain why flamingos aren’t born pink until a breakthrough in the 1960s revealed the answer Raghav Juyal says, ‘the kind of comedy films Govinda used to do is missing, I hope to fill the gap’ as he opens up on ‘Bhai Tera Star Hai’, his journey, viral video with Shehnaz Gill and more – EXCLUSIVE | Great Lakes: In America’s Great Lakes, invasive mussels made the water look cleaner but broke the food chain; native whitefish could now vanish from some areas within five years Hemant Soren writes to PM (PTI image) NEW DELHI: Jharkhand chief minister Hemant Soren on Thursday wrote to Prime Minister Narendra Modi, alleging that a funding shortfall of more than Rs 700 crore in central scholarship support over the past two financial years has adversely affected lakhs of students in the state and seeking the PM’s urgent intervention.In his letter, Soren claimed that the Centre released only Rs 91.79 crore against Jharkhand’s demand of Rs 724.08 crore for post-matric scholarships during 2024-25 and 2025-26.”While Jharkhand sought Rs 370.87 crore for post-matric scholarships in 2025-26, the Centre released only Rs 58.22 crore. Similarly, against the state’s demand of Rs 353.21 crore in 2024-25, only Rs 33.57 crore was sanctioned,” Soren said.’Funding gap delayed scholarship’He alleged that the funding gap had delayed scholarship payments to lakhs of students, putting their education at risk, and urged the prime minister to ensure the timely release of pending funds.The chief minister also sought higher central allocations for pre-matric and post-matric scholarship schemes. Referring to scholarships for students from backward classes under the Union ministry of social justice and empowerment, Soren said Jharkhand had sought Rs 66.14 crore for pre-matric scholarships in 2024-25 but received only Rs 12.61 crore. Join conversationView All Comments →Share your thoughts in the commentsInsightfulAgreeDisagreeSkepticalConcerningPromisingWorth ReadingBig DevelopmentPost CommentBe respectful · TOI community guidelinesFor 2025-26, the state requested Rs 45.91 crore, of which only Rs 3.95 crore was released, he claimed.Soren further urged the Centre to restore scholarship schemes for minority students that, according to him, have remained discontinued since the 2021-22 academic year.”I seek the Prime Minister’s urgent intervention for the release of scholarship funds to Jharkhand,” Soren said in the letter, adding that the funding deficit in central scholarship schemes was impacting lakhs of economically weaker students across the state.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₹28.5 Cr Cash Seized In Birbhum: Former Govt Bus Driver Arrested | Tulu Mondal Link Under ProbeMamata Banerjee Urges EC To End TMC Symbol Dispute As Rival Faction Misses Repeated DeadlinesSC Questions Blanket Ban On Pellet Guns, Orders Preservation Of RAF Ammunition LogOver 1 Lakh Schools Across India Have Only One Teacher; Andhra Pradesh Records Highest NumberStudent Allegedly Hacks IIT Kanpur- IIT Madras Websites After Admission RejectionAbhijeet Dipke Says PM Modi Should “Become An Influencer”, Warns Of Fresh Student Protest‘Vasteguna Huiya, Kuchu-Puchu, FOMO’: Viral Gen Z Vocabulary Echoes In ParliamentBihar Man Claims He Was Booked In NEET Leak Protest Viral Video Sparks Questions Over Protest FIRs’Dear Saurav…’ BJP MP Kangana Ranaut Tells CJP’s Saurav Das To ‘Learn Some Skill’ | Watch’Detaining Activists Is Normal’: JP Nadda Defends Police Crackdown On CJP Protesters123PhotostoriesFrom ‘Insidious: Out Of The Further’ to ‘Mutiny’: Hollywood releases of August 20265 plants people grow for luck, that have better practical benefits that many probably haven’t heard aboutMyths vs facts: Is shaving facial hair bad for women?5 times Kangana Ranaut made traditional sarees look unapologetically powerful8 Healthy high-protein breakfasts that take 15 minutes or less’Love Island UK’ couples who are still together in love: From Olivia Buckland-Alex Bowen to Jessie Wynter-Will Young6 Indian dishes that are over 1,000 years old and still loved todayEvery Sawan, millions of devotees visit these 6 Jyotirlingas; here’s what makes them most-visited and why every traveller should experience them at least once in a lifetimeFrom Popatlal’s emotional moment to Asit Modi’s revelation about Champak Chacha aka Amit Bhatt’s bald look: Highlights from the Taarak Mehta 18-Year celebrationMillions still get this wrong about HIV: Doctor explains exactly how the virus spreads, and how it doesn’t123Hot PicksAugust School HolidaysNEET UG CounsellingKerala Engineering rank listSamsung Q2 resultsByelection todayBengaluru restaurantsFed meetingKanwar Yatra securityNew anti-paper leak billTop TrendingTamil Nadu Schools New MealMitch JonesNanakdin Bhurji DeathSonam RaghuvanshiNagpur MurderGujarat MurderHardoi Double SuicideMohammad Ali Jauhar University demolitionWeather TomorrowStock Market Up Jul 30, 2026, 17:16 IST ISRO Apprentice recruitment 2026 opens for over 400 posts at URSC; apply by August 28 Sudesh Berry calls PM Modi Lord Vishnu’s avatar, says he wants to wash his feet and drink the water ‘Got fired, failed 3 businesses’: Founder who built a ₹144-crore empire reveals the struggles no one saw New Zealand is investing $202 million in a mega-operation aimed at restoring three islands destroyed by invasive species, with the help of Maori natives Beyond the cargo bay: The rise of transport aircraft as battlefield, rescue assets Meet Ryder Williams: The 16-year-old lifeguard who saved a drowning boy from towering California waves and was invited to the White House by Donald Trump for a civilian honour | World News JEECUP round 4 seat allotment result 2026 out at jeecup.admissions.nic.in: Direct link to download here Suneel Darshan reveals why he chose to work with Nadeem despite Gulshan Kumar’s murder case, the composer was accused of paying Rs 25 lakh to the assailants who killed him 5 plants people grow for luck, that have better practical benefits that many probably haven’t heard about Minnesota student Arika Kundu, 13, designed a method that turns peanut-shell waste into a material for removing pesticide residues from fresh produce; she is now competing for a $25,000 science prize Coimbatore car bomb blast case: ED conducts searches in four cities to trace source funding for terror activities Elon Musk’s previous Starships exploded or broke apart after splashdown; Flight 13 landed so gently that the 171-foot spacecraft remained afloat in the Indian Ocean for five days Oppn attacks BJP over hockey jersey colour change to saffron NEW DELHI: Opposition on Thursday targeted Centre over the change in the hockey teams’ jersey colour from the traditional blue to saffron and expressed concerns that the army’s uniform could be next target. The group also accused the BJP and the RSS of trying to impose saffron across institutions. The remarks came after Hockey India unveiled new saffron jerseys for the national men’s and women’s teams ahead of next month’s FIH Hockey World Cup in the Netherlands and Belgium. Hockey India has said the change was made following feedback from players and coaches, who felt the blue jersey blended with the blue synthetic turf, affecting on-field visibility.Reacting to the development, Congress leader Priyanka Gandhi Vadra alleged that the BJP and RSS were attempting to reshape institutions and history.”Whether they change uniforms or try to rewrite history through education policy, no matter what they do… You have seen what the youth of our country think about this. You heard what the young people gathered at Jantar Mantar were saying. This is the voice of the nation. The struggle for this country’s independence was founded on non-violence and truth; the RSS played no part in it,” she said.”The entire nation knows the reality, and those who didn’t are now realising what their true intentions are. The Congress party led that movement under the guidance of Mahatma Gandhi, and the very soul of this country is rooted in non-violence, truth, and brotherhood. No one can take that away—not the RSS, nor anyone else. No matter how much they sow division, incite violence, or spread hatred, the country’s soul—defined by brotherhood, mutual love, and unity—remains intact; they cannot strip that away,” she added.Congress MP Amar Singh accused the BJP of attempting to ‘saffronise’ everything.”Today they have done this with hockey; tomorrow they may do the same with the Army. How can anyone trust them? They want saffron everywhere,” he said.Calling the move ‘very unfortunate’, Singh said no political party should change symbols that carry historical significance.”Everything has its own history and significance. But they simply do not stop. What can we do?” he added.Congress leader Tariq Anwar also criticised the decision, saying it reflected the BJP’s ‘narrow-minded ideology’.”Whether it is in the field of education or other sectors, there is an attempt to impose a particular ideology everywhere. This controversy is a symbol of that narrow-minded thinking,” he said.Trinamool Congress leader Kirti Azad, however, said a team’s performance mattered more than the colour of its jersey.”As for the orange colour versus green, that doesn’t really matter. Performance should matter on the field. Even in cricket, we used to play in white clothes. It does not come from colours; it comes from performance,” he said.”You achieve it through your own effort. So, it is not about the colour of the clothes; it is about your ability in the sport,” Azad added.At the same time, he questioned the need to replace the traditional blue jersey.”If blue has traditionally been the colour associated with our sports, then it should remain so. Why impose a religious colour on it?” he said.Why was the jersey changed?Hockey India has defended the move, saying the decision was based on technical feedback from players and coaches, who found that the blue jersey merged with the blue synthetic playing surface used in international hockey, affecting visibility during matches.Join conversationView All Comments →Share your thoughts in the commentsInsightfulAgreeDisagreeSkepticalConcerningPromisingWorth ReadingBig DevelopmentPost CommentBe respectful · TOI community guidelinesThe federation said saffron was chosen after considering several alternative colours, adding that it also symbolises courage, sacrifice and national pride as one of the colours of the Indian national flag.The new jersey will be worn by both the men’s and women’s teams during the FIH Hockey World Cup, scheduled to be held in the Netherlands and Belgium from August 15 to 30.Former India captain Viren Rasquinha had criticised the move, saying the blue jersey represented the team’s legacy and identity, while Hockey India maintained that changes in jersey colours were not unprecedented, observing that the national team had previously worn yellow in the 2014 World Cup and sky blue in the 2018 edition.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. 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