VK News Today https://validator.w3.org/feed/docs/rss2.html What happened to MLB legend Tommy John? Baseball icon dies at 83 after 26-year career Petition for public inquiry into Jason Arday’s media harassment gathers 31,000 signatures The latest invitation comes after six rounds of discussions between the Jharkhand government and the protesting students failed to produce a settlement. NEW DELHI: The Jharkhand government has invited students protesting alleged irregularities in recruitment examinations for a fresh round of talks on Monday, August 17, in an attempt to resolve the 23-day-old standoff over demands for a CBI probe and cancellation of the JSSC-CGL examination.The talks are scheduled for 2 pm at the State Guest House, with the government also allowing the students to participate alongside their legal advisor, an official said on Sunday.The decision followed a meeting between the Sub-Divisional Officer and the ADM, Law and Order, and protesting students at the Jaipal Singh Munda Stadium, where the agitation is being held.“The protesters have been invited for talks on August 17 at 2 pm. The students have been offered the proposal to participate in the discussions along with their legal advisor,” the official said.The ‘JPSC-JSSC Reforms Manch’, which is spearheading the agitation, said it had accepted the government’s invitation and would attend the meeting, but stressed that its core demands remained unchanged.“We will definitely go for the talks as we want to resolve the issue through dialogue. But, we are firm on two demands – a CBI probe into irregularities in recruitment tests and cancellation of the JSSC-CGL (Jharkhand Staff Selection Commission-Combine Graduate Level) exams,” Manch leader Ravindra Paswan told reporters.Paswan said the talks would be held in the presence of the students’ legal advisor. The number of students who will form the delegation to meet the government panel will be announced on Monday.Six rounds of talks held earlierThe latest invitation comes after six rounds of discussions between the Jharkhand government and the protesting students failed to produce a settlement.The previous round of talks, held on August 9, ended without any breakthrough.The students have been demanding a probe by the Central Bureau of Investigation into alleged irregularities in recruitment examinations conducted by the Jharkhand Public Service Commission and Jharkhand Staff Selection Commission.Join conversationView All Comments →Share your thoughts in the commentsInsightfulAgreeDisagreeSkepticalConcerningPromisingWorth ReadingBig DevelopmentPost CommentBe respectful · TOI community guidelinesThey are also seeking cancellation of the JSSC-CGL examination, one of the key points of contention between the protesters and the state government.The agitation had entered its 23rd day on Sunday, with the students continuing their protest at the Jaipal Singh Munda Stadium.The fresh talks on Monday will therefore be the latest attempt by the government to break the deadlock, with the protesters signalling that they are willing to engage in dialogue but will continue to press for their two principal demands.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‘Process Vitiated…’: Bangladesh Links Tarique Rahman’s India Visit To Sheikh Hasina Extradition‘Will Never Be Forgiven’: Amit Shah Slams Sonia Gandhi; BJP Lodges Complaint Over Vande Mataram RowAir India Express Passenger Booked After Pistol Goes Off At Varanasi Airport During Security Check‘Derogatory’: PM Modi’s ‘Dimaagi Naxals’ Remark Triggers Row; Congress, CJP, Left Parties Hit BackActivist Devendra Mahto Stopped From Tiranga March As Jharkhand Student Protest Escalates On I-Day‘Came From The Top’: Mahua Moitra Alleges Late-Night Pressure, Seeks Speaker Om Birla’s InterventionDid Congress Leaders Signal Stop? 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NEW DELHI: Police have arrested three persons in connection with the murder of a local Congress leader and his lawyer son in West Bengal’s Nadia district. The investigators have named a jailed man as the alleged mastermind behind the killings, officials said on Sunday.The arrests were made after Anisur Rahman, 50, and his son Abu Sufian, 24, were shot at and attacked with sharp-edged weapons while returning home. The duo was in their car near Nagadi railway gate in Nakashipara when the assault happened around 9.30pm on Saturday. The spot was about 200 metres from their residence.The three accused, identified as Haranagar gram panchayat pradhan Fatima Biwi, Sageb Sk and Mithu Sheikh, were produced before Krishnanagar court and remanded to nine days in police custody.Fatima Biwi’s husband, Jabbar Sheikh, who is currently in jail, has been named as the alleged mastermind. Police, however, said the investigation was still underway and that the exact number of attackers and rounds fired had not yet been established.How the killings took placeAccording to police, Rahman and his son were travelling home when their vehicle was intercepted near the railway gate. The assailants allegedly opened fire at the car before attacking the two men with sharp-edged weapons.Both victims died at the spot due to excessive blood loss.Sufian was a lawyer practising at the Krishnanagar court, while his father was a local Congress leader.Additional Superintendent of Police Surajit Kumar Dey said investigators were working to establish the full sequence of events and identify all those involved.Attack sparks political rowThe killings have triggered allegations of political involvement, with Bengal chief minister Suvendu Adhikari alleging that Trinamool Congress operatives were behind the attack.Adhikari said police had informed him that Jabbar Sheikh was the alleged mastermind.”The SP informed me that Jabbar Sheikh, who is in jail, is responsible for the murder. His wife, who is a Trinamool panchayat pradhan, has also been arrested. Trinamool operatives committed the murder. The rule of law applies to everyone,” Adhikari said.Congress leader Tipu Sultan also alleged that Jabbar Sheikh had orchestrated the killings from jail.”Jabbar orchestrated this from jail using miscreants to gain control of the area. If the administration conducts a proper and impartial investigation, everything will become crystal clear,” he said.The allegations have not yet been established by the police investigation.Join conversationView All Comments →Share your thoughts in the commentsInsightfulAgreeDisagreeSkepticalConcerningPromisingWorth ReadingBig DevelopmentPost CommentBe respectful · TOI community guidelinesCongress protests killingsFormer Congress MP Adhir Ranjan Chowdhury condemned the killings in a social media post, raising concerns over security and political freedom.”Such an atrocious incident on Independence Day raises serious questions regarding public security and political freedom,” he said.West Bengal Congress president Subhankar Sarkar observed a Black Day in protest against the killings and alleged that the attack was pre-planned and politically motivated.”A number of panchayat functionaries in Nadia wanted to join Congress and had contacted Anisur Rahman for that purpose. BJP did not want that to happen,” he alleged.Police are continuing their investigation to determine the motive, establish the number of people involved in the attack and ascertain the precise circumstances leading to the double murder.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‘Process Vitiated…’: Bangladesh Links Tarique Rahman’s India Visit To Sheikh Hasina Extradition‘Will Never Be Forgiven’: Amit Shah Slams Sonia Gandhi; BJP Lodges Complaint Over Vande Mataram RowAir India Express Passenger Booked After Pistol Goes Off At Varanasi Airport During Security Check‘Derogatory’: PM Modi’s ‘Dimaagi Naxals’ Remark Triggers Row; Congress, CJP, Left Parties Hit BackActivist Devendra Mahto Stopped From Tiranga March As Jharkhand Student Protest Escalates On I-Day‘Came From The Top’: Mahua Moitra Alleges Late-Night Pressure, Seeks Speaker Om Birla’s InterventionDid Congress Leaders Signal Stop? 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The surprising science, puck-control benefits and hidden reasons behind hockey’s most famous pregame ritual Updated: Aug 16, 2026, 22:32 IST Why ‘we use AI’ is no longer enough to impress investors Michael Sam coming out story: “We were so secretive. He was out and I was in the closet” – How the first openly gay NFL player overcame a troubled childhood to make football history Belgium battles its biggest wildfire on record “It’s frustrating to still not see healthier options for kids”: How Savannah James’ $40 million philanthropic legacy with LeBron James is making a difference beyond basketball Inde Navarrette’s journey from Twitch to Marvel’s Rogue UP CM Yogi pays tribute to Atal Bihari Vajpayee, recalls his ‘Nation First’ politics Uttar Pradesh chief minister Yogi Adityanath on Sunday paid tribute to former Prime Minister and Bharat Ratna Atal Bihari Vajpayee on his death anniversary at the Atal Bihari Vajpayee Convention Centre in Lucknow, recalling his six-decade-long political career and his commitment to public service, democratic values and national interest.Speaking on the occasion, Adityanath said Vajpayee represented a clean and sincere style of politics and believed that political power should be used as an instrument of service rather than as an end in itself.”On the occasion of Atal ji’s 8th death anniversary, I pay humble tribute to his memory on behalf of the people of the state. His career in Indian politics spanned over six decades, a truly long-standing presence. Atal ji championed a brand of politics that was spotless and sincere. He believed that politics is not merely a means to acquire power; rather, it should be rooted in service, dedication, values, and ideals. That is why people across all parties and factions have always praised him. Another defining aspect of Atal ji was his ‘Nation First’ spirit. Whenever the national interest was at stake, he would set aside party interests to make decisions that served the country,” CM said.The Chief Minister also recalled Vajpayee’s role during the 1971 India-Pakistan war and his support for the liberation of Bangladesh.Adityanath contrasted Vajpayee’s approach of putting national interest above political considerations with what he described as the Congress party’s present conduct towards the armed forces.He said, “During the 1971 war between India and Pakistan, the entire nation needed to stand united against the inhumane atrocities Pakistan was committing in Bangladesh. Atal Bihari Vajpayee stepped forward and extended his full support to the entire campaign for the liberation of Bangladesh. Today, when we witness the Congress party’s crude and uncivil behaviour, pointing fingers at the armed forces, doubts inevitably arise regarding their own commitment to the nation.”Adityanath further invoked the Emergency, highlighting Vajpayee’s decision to put democratic interests ahead of the Bharatiya Jana Sangh’s organisational identity.”We saw a similar situation during the Emergency. Atal ji prioritised the country over the party; he dissolved the Bharatiya Jana Sangh, merged it into the Janata Party, and played a pivotal role in reviving democracy in India. The democracy we experience today owes a great deal to the movement led by Jayaprakash Narayan,” he added.Join conversationView All Comments →Share your thoughts in the commentsInsightfulAgreeDisagreeSkepticalConcerningPromisingWorth ReadingBig DevelopmentPost CommentBe respectful · TOI community guidelinesVajpayee, who served as Prime Minister in three terms, remains one of the most prominent leaders of post-Independence India. He served briefly as Prime Minister in 1996 and later led coalition governments from 1998 to 1999 and from 1999 to 2004.A founding leader of the Bharatiya Janata Party, Vajpayee was known for his oratory, parliamentary contributions and role in shaping India’s political landscape. He was conferred the Bharat Ratna, the country’s highest civilian honour, in 2015.Vajpayee passed away on August 16, 2018, at the age of 93. His death anniversary is observed every year as an occasion to remember his contribution to public life and his political legacy. Political leaders and dignitaries across the country also paid tribute to the former Prime Minister on his death anniversary.Get the latest India News and Live updates. Download the TOI app.End of ArticleFollow Us On Social MediaVideos‘Process Vitiated…’: Bangladesh Links Tarique Rahman’s India Visit To Sheikh Hasina Extradition‘Will Never Be Forgiven’: Amit Shah Slams Sonia Gandhi; BJP Lodges Complaint Over Vande Mataram RowAir India Express Passenger Booked After Pistol Goes Off At Varanasi Airport During Security Check‘Derogatory’: PM Modi’s ‘Dimaagi Naxals’ Remark Triggers Row; Congress, CJP, Left Parties Hit BackActivist Devendra Mahto Stopped From Tiranga March As Jharkhand Student Protest Escalates On I-Day‘Came From The Top’: Mahua Moitra Alleges Late-Night Pressure, Seeks Speaker Om Birla’s InterventionDid Congress Leaders Signal Stop? 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The ministry said water coolers and a comprehensive water filtration and monitoring system will be installed at 20,000 locations across the railway network.The government also ordered the replacement of water tanks and strict compliance with water testing, accountability and scheduled cleaning.”This is a top priority area and will be monitored directly at the Board level. Progress and water quality reports will be published periodically to ensure transparency,” the railway ministry said.”This action is part of a larger drive to address all CAG observations and improve the overall travel experience,” it added.This comes after a report by the Comptroller and Auditor General (CAG) of India said E. coli bacteria, some strains of which can cause food poisoning, diarrhoea and kidney failure, had been detected in drinking water samples collected from water coolers at several railway stations.The CAG study assessed passenger services at 512 non-suburban grade railway stations across all Indian Railway zones. It found that water samples from coolers tested positive for E. coli at eight railway stations across four zones.”Water sample from water cooler was positive for E. coli at two stations (Coimbatore and Palakkad Junctions) in SR (Southern Railway), one station (Hyderabad) in SCR (South Central Railway), four stations (Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj Terminus, Bhiwandi Road, Kalyan and Lonavala) in CR (Central Railway) and one station (Madhupur) in ER (Eastern Railway),” the report said, according to PTI.The audit also found that 458 of the 512 selected stations – more than 89% – were deficient in providing Minimum Essential Amenities (MEA). At these stations, MEAs were either not provided or were available below the prescribed norms.”In April 2018, RB (Railway Board) issued comprehensive instructions prescribing Minimum Essential Amenities (MEA), Recommended Amenities (RA) and Desirable Amenities (DA) for stations categorised as NSG 1 to NSG 6. Join conversationView All Comments →Share your thoughts in the commentsInsightfulAgreeDisagreeSkepticalConcerningPromisingWorth ReadingBig DevelopmentPost CommentBe respectful · TOI community guidelinesRB stipulated that MEAs were to be ensured at all stations by 31 August 2018,” the report stated.Among its key recommendations, the CAG urged the Railways to “ensure compliance with prescribed protocols for inspection of water supply systems and comprehensive testing of drinking water quality, including all parameters under the Uniform Drinking Water Quality Protocol.”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‘Process Vitiated…’: Bangladesh Links Tarique Rahman’s India Visit To Sheikh Hasina Extradition‘Will Never Be Forgiven’: Amit Shah Slams Sonia Gandhi; BJP Lodges Complaint Over Vande Mataram RowAir India Express Passenger Booked After Pistol Goes Off At Varanasi Airport During Security Check‘Derogatory’: PM Modi’s ‘Dimaagi Naxals’ Remark Triggers Row; Congress, CJP, Left Parties Hit BackActivist Devendra Mahto Stopped From Tiranga March As Jharkhand Student Protest Escalates On I-Day‘Came From The Top’: Mahua Moitra Alleges Late-Night Pressure, Seeks Speaker Om Birla’s InterventionDid Congress Leaders Signal Stop? 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It has ordered fresh examinations for all three subjects.The re-tests will be held on September 9 and 10. English will be conducted from 9am to noon on September 9, Commerce from 3pm to 6pm the same day, and Sociology from 9am to noon on September 10. No additional examination fee will be charged.The decision came hours after NTA released provisional answer keys for 84 of the 87 UGC-NET subjects but withheld the keys for these three papers, nearly seven weeks after the June examination.NTA said a committee set up after receiving “several complaints” found “many factual, typographical, translation errors”, including misspelt names of prominent scholars, garbled book titles, wrongly worded questions, grammatical and punctuation mistakes and non-standard terms used for established concepts. The committee also found repetition of a “significant number” of questions previously asked.The agency said papers carrying defects of this extent did not meet the standards of a fair and error-free examination and that the problems could not be corrected merely by dropping questions after challenges were received.TOI had on July 1 reported complaints over the Sociology and English papers. Sociology candidates alleged that the June 30 paper contained spelling and grammatical errors, mangled names of well-known thinkers, poor Hindi translations and questions apparently unrelated to the prescribed syllabus. Some also alleged that parts of the paper appeared AI-generated.Candidates had pointed out that “Ritzer” appeared as “Putzer”, “Parsons” as “Parsow”, “Ghurye” as “Ghunye” and A R Desai as “A K Desai”, among several other errors.The English paper had also come under scrutiny after candidates alleged that 67 of its 150 questions were identical to questions asked in the 2024 examination, with even the sequence of answer options reportedly unchanged. Complaints over repetition were subsequently raised in Commerce as well.Join conversationView All Comments →Share your thoughts in the commentsInsightfulAgreeDisagreeSkepticalConcerningPromisingWorth ReadingBig DevelopmentPost CommentBe respectful · TOI community guidelinesThe episode comes two years after the June 2024 UGC-NET was cancelled a day after it was held following inputs received by UGC from the National Cyber Crime Threat Analytics Unit under the home ministry indicating that the integrity of the examination may have been compromised. The test was subsequently conducted afresh.The current re-examination will, however, not hold up results in the other 84 subjects. NTA said their results would be declared as scheduled and JRF allocation and certificates for Assistant Professor and PhD eligibility would not be delayed.For assistant professor eligibility, NTA said the number qualifying would be 6% of candidates who appeared in the June test or the re-test, whichever is higher.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 MediaVideos‘Process Vitiated…’: Bangladesh Links Tarique Rahman’s India Visit To Sheikh Hasina Extradition‘Will Never Be Forgiven’: Amit Shah Slams Sonia Gandhi; BJP Lodges Complaint Over Vande Mataram RowAir India Express Passenger Booked After Pistol Goes Off At Varanasi Airport During Security Check‘Derogatory’: PM Modi’s ‘Dimaagi Naxals’ Remark Triggers Row; Congress, CJP, Left Parties Hit BackActivist Devendra Mahto Stopped From Tiranga March As Jharkhand Student Protest Escalates On I-Day‘Came From The Top’: Mahua Moitra Alleges Late-Night Pressure, Seeks Speaker Om Birla’s InterventionDid Congress Leaders Signal Stop? 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In 1953, Emma Gatewood tried hiking the Appalachian Trail, got lost and was rescued; two years later, at 67, she walked all 2,190 miles alone and made history CJP seeks re exam of Bombay HC clerk exam NEW DELHI: Cockroach Janta Party (CJP) founder Abhijeet Dipke has demanded Bombay HC clerk recruitment exam to be conducted afresh after alleged technical glitches triggered concerns among candidates.While talking to reports, Dipke said candidates informed him that several computers developed problems soon after they began the test, with some reporting non-functional mice while others faced faulty keyboards.”Students just informed me that they had a High Court exam this morning. As soon as they sat down to take it, they discovered that for some, the mouse wasn’t working, and for others, the keyboard was faulty,” Dipke said.He claimed that within around 10 minutes, a majority of the candidates were logged out and subsequently declared failed.Calling the incident a “failure of the system and the government”, Dipke questioned the authorities’ preparedness to conduct online examinations.‘Students’ futures are at stake’Dipke alleged that when candidates raised complaints at the examination centre, they were told that they lacked the “sense” to take an examination properly.”If the authorities possessed so much more wisdom than these students, they should have used it to install better computers and functional keyboards, and to ensure the servers were working correctly beforehand,” he said.He also claimed that a District Court judge was present at the centre and demanded a written assurance that the examination would be conducted again.Join conversationView All Comments →Share your thoughts in the commentsInsightfulAgreeDisagreeSkepticalConcerningPromisingWorth ReadingBig DevelopmentPost CommentBe respectful · TOI community guidelines”The District Court judge should come out and give a written assurance that the exam will be re-conducted, and not on the same faulty computers used today. Such a situation must not happen again; the students’ futures are at stake,” Dipke said.He further questioned the continued use of online examinations despite recurring complaints about technical failures.”If you lack the necessary infrastructure and cannot conduct online exams properly, why are you holding them in the first place? What is the purpose?” he asked.”This isn’t the first time, across the country and in Maharashtra, that online exam servers have crashed or hardware like keyboards and mice has failed to function; this happens with every exam,” Dipke added.Get the latest India News and Live updates. Download the TOI app.About the AuthorTOI News DeskThe TOI News Desk comprises a dedicated and tireless team of journalists who operate around the clock to deliver the most current and comprehensive news and updates to the readers of The Times of India worldwide. With an unwavering commitment to excellence in journalism, our team is at the forefront of gathering, verifying, and presenting breaking news, in-depth analysis, and insightful reports on a wide range of topics. The TOI News Desk is your trusted source for staying informed and connected to the ever-evolving global landscape, ensuring that our readers are equipped with the latest developments that matter most.”Read MoreEnd of ArticleFollow Us On Social MediaVideos‘Process Vitiated…’: Bangladesh Links Tarique Rahman’s India Visit To Sheikh Hasina Extradition‘Will Never Be Forgiven’: Amit Shah Slams Sonia Gandhi; BJP Lodges Complaint Over Vande Mataram RowAir India Express Passenger Booked After Pistol Goes Off At Varanasi Airport During Security Check‘Derogatory’: PM Modi’s ‘Dimaagi Naxals’ Remark Triggers Row; Congress, CJP, Left Parties Hit BackActivist Devendra Mahto Stopped From Tiranga March As Jharkhand Student Protest Escalates On I-Day‘Came From The Top’: Mahua Moitra Alleges Late-Night Pressure, Seeks Speaker Om Birla’s InterventionDid Congress Leaders Signal Stop? Viral Vande Mataram Video Sparks Political Firestorm In New DelhiIndia Signs ₹1,577 Crore Drone Deals As Army Powers Up Precision Strikes And Unmanned WarfareAjit Doval Breaks Silence On Operation Sindoor, Reveals PM Modi’s Immediate Response After PahalgamPM Modi From Red Fort: India’s Self-Reliance Push, Semiconductor Boom And Manufacturing Surge123PhotostoriesDengue fever is finally coming down, but why can this be the most dangerous phase of the illness? Doctor explainsHow did samosa become an Indian favourite despite not originating in India?Crocodiles survived an era that wiped out the dinosaurs: What makes them such unusual survivors?8 foods that attract insects in your kitchen without you realising itHow to remove Rahu’s negative energy according to your birth date5 things parents should never let others do to their child at a social gatheringInside Karan Kundrra and Tejasswi Prakash’s opulent Dubai home: Large balconies, a private pool and moreVaani Kapoor goes full maximalist in Mayyur Girotra’s Kutch-embroidered suit, leaving us completely obsessedHimanshi Khurana on battling depression, traumatic childhood and breakup with Asim Riaz over religious differences; says ‘I felt I was betraying God’10 unusual foods from India that tourists are often afraid to try123Hot PicksMartin Luther King JrRajasthan UCCDelhi trafficJharkhand protestEast Coast Railway GDCE recruitmentMP Class 10, 12 timetableIran warKarnataka bandhUP NEET UG counsellingTop TrendingPM ModiCM VijayBengaluru Namma MetroAsish BanerjeeManan KumarVirender Singh BasoyaJP NaddaWeather TomorrowBengaluru RapidoAbhijeet Dipke Govinda says Sunita Ahuja wanted him on Lock Upp: ‘Not leaving any chance to get me defamed’ ‘He said it was unloaded’: 2 screeners recall Varanasi airport ‘accidental’ firing incident Iran moves to criminalise interviews with US, Israeli media, with prison terms up to 30 years “I am observing mourning for my elder brothers Rahul and Hemant Ji,” the protestor said. NEW DELHI: A Jharkhand protester, in a unique show of symbolism, shaved his head after burning the effigies of chief minister Hemant Soren, Lok Sabha LoP Rahul Gandhi and RJD leader Tejashwi Yadav, calling himself their “younger brother”, who is “mourning” the “dead” leaders.Amid the deadlock between the students protesting against irregularties in the state examination and its selection process, Baha Linda, who shaved his head, said: “These people are like the dead. They only develop their own families; they are trapped in dynastic politics. They garner votes from Jharkhand but develop only their own families, so one cannot expect much from the dead… I shaved my head.”Targeting CM Hemant Soren and Rahul Gandhi, whose Congress is the part of the Jharkhand government, the protestor said: “I am the younger brother of Rahul Gandhi and Hemant Soren. It is my duty to dedicate my body, mind, and resources to their final rites… Once their cremation is over and the ashes remain, I will be the one who has to stand up and immerse them in the Swarnarekha Ghat to fulfill a younger brother’s duty. You cannot expect anything from the dead.””I am observing mourning for my elder brothers Rahul and Hemant Ji,” he further told news agency ANI.Earlier, students protesting against alleged irregularities in Jharkhand’s recruitment examinations burned the effigies of CM Hemant Soren, Lok Sabha leader of opposition (LoP) Rahul Gandhi, and Tejashwi Yadav.The protest by students and job aspirants over alleged irregularities in Jharkhand recruitment examinations entered its 23rd day on Sunday, with the protesters, under the banner of JPSC-JSSC Reforms Manch, accusing the ruling JMM-Congress alliance of failing to take “concrete action” on their demands.Join conversationView All Comments →Share your thoughts in the commentsInsightfulAgreeDisagreeSkepticalConcerningPromisingWorth ReadingBig DevelopmentPost CommentBe respectful · TOI community guidelinesThey have also announced plans to gherao Soren’s residence in Ranchi on August 20 and demanded his resignation.“We will gherao the chief minister’s residence on August 20. We seek his resignation as both the JMM and the Congress are playing politics with us. We also demand that Rahul Gandhi withdraw support from the JMM-led coalition if the CM is not listening to him,” Paswan said.The protesters are seeking cancellation of the JSSC-CGL examination and certain Jharkhand Public Service Commission examinations over alleged irregularities. They have also demanded a CBI probe or an inquiry by a panel of retired judges from outside Jharkhand.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‘Process Vitiated…’: Bangladesh Links Tarique Rahman’s India Visit To Sheikh Hasina Extradition‘Will Never Be Forgiven’: Amit Shah Slams Sonia Gandhi; BJP Lodges Complaint Over Vande Mataram RowAir India Express Passenger Booked After Pistol Goes Off At Varanasi Airport During Security Check‘Derogatory’: PM Modi’s ‘Dimaagi Naxals’ Remark Triggers Row; Congress, CJP, Left Parties Hit BackActivist Devendra Mahto Stopped From Tiranga March As Jharkhand Student Protest Escalates On I-Day‘Came From The Top’: Mahua Moitra Alleges Late-Night Pressure, Seeks Speaker Om Birla’s InterventionDid Congress Leaders Signal Stop? Viral Vande Mataram Video Sparks Political Firestorm In New DelhiIndia Signs ₹1,577 Crore Drone Deals As Army Powers Up Precision Strikes And Unmanned WarfareAjit Doval Breaks Silence On Operation Sindoor, Reveals PM Modi’s Immediate Response After PahalgamPM Modi From Red Fort: India’s Self-Reliance Push, Semiconductor Boom And Manufacturing Surge123PhotostoriesDengue fever is finally coming down, but why can this be the most dangerous phase of the illness? Doctor explainsHow did samosa become an Indian favourite despite not originating in India?Crocodiles survived an era that wiped out the dinosaurs: What makes them such unusual survivors?8 foods that attract insects in your kitchen without you realising itHow to remove Rahu’s negative energy according to your birth date5 things parents should never let others do to their child at a social gatheringInside Karan Kundrra and Tejasswi Prakash’s opulent Dubai home: Large balconies, a private pool and moreVaani Kapoor goes full maximalist in Mayyur Girotra’s Kutch-embroidered suit, leaving us completely obsessedHimanshi Khurana on battling depression, traumatic childhood and breakup with Asim Riaz over religious differences; says ‘I felt I was betraying God’10 unusual foods from India that tourists are often afraid to try123Hot PicksMartin Luther King JrRajasthan UCCDelhi trafficJharkhand protestEast Coast Railway GDCE recruitmentMP Class 10, 12 timetableIran warKarnataka bandhUP NEET UG counsellingTop TrendingPM ModiCM VijayBengaluru Namma MetroAsish BanerjeeManan KumarVirender Singh BasoyaJP NaddaWeather TomorrowBengaluru RapidoAbhijeet Dipke Aug 16, 2026, 20:32 IST ‘Old Emraan Hashmi nahi raha’: Fans react to no kissing scene in ‘Awarapan 2’ What does it cost to shift into a 3BHK in Bengaluru? Couple reveals ₹2.53 lakh bill Punjab Police foils terror plot, recovers 690 gram IED In 1933, Lincoln’s Crooked House was marked for demolition; work revealed a hidden timber-framed building behind its brick façade and saved it; today it is one of the Cathedral Quarter’s most photographed buildings Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu seeks another term; Flyer’s pistol ‘accidentally’ goes off at Varanasi airport Two airport cargo screening employees were injured after a passenger’s licensed pistol accidentally discharged during a mandatory weapons check at Varanasi airport.Benjamin Netanyahu’s Likud is trailing former IDF chief Gadi Eisenkot’s Yashar party ahead of Israel’s October 27 elections, according to a new poll.Former TMC MLA and West Bengal Assembly deputy speaker Asish Banerjee was found dead at his party office in Birbhum, with police recovering a purported suicide note.Union minister Kiren Rijiju clarified that PM Narendra Modi’s “dimagi naxals” remark was not aimed at opposition leaders.Ravindra Jadeja reveals how being pushed down to No. 8 or 9 early in his India career affected his confidence despite averaging over 60 in domestic cricket. Here are top 5 stories of the day:Air India Express flyer’s pistol ‘accidentally’ goes off at Varanasi airport: How it unfoldedTwo ad-hoc cargo screening employees were injured at Varanasi’s Lal Bahadur Shastri International Airport after a passenger’s licensed pistol accidentally discharged during a weapons inspection. The incident occurred around 9.30 am when 55-year-old Kamlesh Rai was preparing to board an Air India Express flight to Mumbai. The injured employees, Suman Rani and Rohit Raj, sustained injuries to their thigh and finger respectively and were reported stable.Read full article Watch Air India Express Passenger Booked After Pistol Goes Off At Varanasi Airport During Security CheckIs Netanyahu headed for setback in Israel election? No Trump endorsement raises eyebrows A pre-election poll has put former IDF chief Gadi Eisenkot’s Yashar party ahead of Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s Likud, raising the prospect of a tough election battle for the Israeli prime minister. Yashar is projected to win 25 of the Knesset’s 120 seats, compared with 21 for Likud, while the anti-Netanyahu bloc is forecast to secure 58 seats against 50 for his allies. The setback comes as US President Donald Trump has so far stopped short of endorsing Netanyahu.Read full article‘Never got involved in corruption, stay away from politics’: Asish Banerjee’s suicide note surfacesFormer Trinamool Congress MLA and ex-deputy speaker of the West Bengal Assembly Asish Banerjee was found hanging at his party office in Birbhum on Sunday, police said. A purported suicide note recovered from the spot allegedly said he never got involved in corruption and that entering politics was a mistake, while also referring to alleged wrongdoings within the TMC and attempts to malign him.Read full article’Didn’t call opposition leaders dimagi naxals’: Rijiju on PM Modi’s I-Day remarksUnion parliamentary affairs minister Kiren Rijiju on Sunday clarified that Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s “dimagi naxals” remark in his Independence Day speech was not directed at opposition leaders. Join conversationView All Comments →Share your thoughts in the commentsInsightfulAgreeDisagreeSkepticalConcerningPromisingWorth ReadingBig DevelopmentPost CommentBe respectful · TOI community guidelinesRijiju said the term referred to those who support Maoists and reject the Constitution, back separatists and Article 370, or seek to separate the Northeast from the rest of India.Read full article’Team didn’t have confidence in me’: Ravindra Jadeja’s candid revelation that left him ‘disturbed’Ravindra Jadeja opens up about the early struggles that shaped him into a more assured Test batter, recalling how being repeatedly pushed down the order made him question his place as a batsman. Despite the setbacks, his strong domestic record kept his belief alive, and he eventually developed the temperament to convert starts into long Test innings.PollVote & Share your viewDo you believe stricter regulations are needed for passenger firearm checks at airports?Yes, definitelyNo, current regulations are sufficientNot sure3k+ users shared opinion today 5k+ users already voted today 3k+ users shared opinion today Share OpinionRead 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‘Will Never Be Forgiven’: Amit Shah Slams Sonia Gandhi; BJP Lodges Complaint Over Vande Mataram RowAir India Express Passenger Booked After Pistol Goes Off At Varanasi Airport During Security Check‘Derogatory’: PM Modi’s ‘Dimaagi Naxals’ Remark Triggers Row; Congress, CJP, Left Parties Hit BackActivist Devendra Mahto Stopped From Tiranga March As Jharkhand Student Protest Escalates On I-Day‘Came From The Top’: Mahua Moitra Alleges Late-Night Pressure, Seeks Speaker Om Birla’s InterventionDid Congress Leaders Signal Stop? Viral Vande Mataram Video Sparks Political Firestorm In New DelhiIndia Signs ₹1,577 Crore Drone Deals As Army Powers Up Precision Strikes And Unmanned WarfareAjit Doval Breaks Silence On Operation Sindoor, Reveals PM Modi’s Immediate Response After PahalgamPM Modi From Red Fort: India’s Self-Reliance Push, Semiconductor Boom And Manufacturing SurgeRahul Gandhi, Kharge Skip Red Fort Event Again As Congress Flags Threats To Democratic Institutions123PhotostoriesDengue fever is finally coming down, but why can this be the most dangerous phase of the illness? Doctor explainsHow did samosa become an Indian favourite despite not originating in India?Crocodiles survived an era that wiped out the dinosaurs: What makes them such unusual survivors?8 foods that attract insects in your kitchen without you realising itHow to remove Rahu’s negative energy according to your birth date5 things parents should never let others do to their child at a social gatheringInside Karan Kundrra and Tejasswi Prakash’s opulent Dubai home: Large balconies, a private pool and moreVaani Kapoor goes full maximalist in Mayyur Girotra’s Kutch-embroidered suit, leaving us completely obsessedHimanshi Khurana on battling depression, traumatic childhood and breakup with Asim Riaz over religious differences; says ‘I felt I was betraying God’10 unusual foods from India that tourists are often afraid to try123Hot PicksMartin Luther King JrRajasthan UCCDelhi trafficJharkhand protestEast Coast Railway GDCE recruitmentMP Class 10, 12 timetableIran warKarnataka bandhUP NEET UG counsellingTop TrendingPM ModiCM VijayBengaluru Namma MetroAsish BanerjeeManan KumarVirender Singh BasoyaJP NaddaWeather TomorrowBengaluru RapidoAbhijeet Dipke Aug 16, 2026, 19:52 IST Vande Mataram row: Amit Shah takes ‘sin’ jibe at Sonia; Congress says minister ‘diverting attention’ NEW DELHI: Leader of opposition in Bihar assembly Tejashwi Yadav on Sunday announced a protest march to Raj Bhavan on August 19 over the “complete collapse” of examination system and recurring paper leaks in the state.Speaking to reporters in Patna, Tejashwi labelled Bihar as the “worst performing” state in the education sector. He said that papers of recruitment examinations leak every time and a fair selection process has never taken place.”There isn’t a single exam or recruitment drive where the paper doesn’t get leaked. Whether it is the Class 10 exam, the Class 12 exam, or a recruitment test, the paper leaks every time, and a fair selection process has never taken place,” he said.”Bihar is the worst-performing state when it comes to education. You must have seen the incident that occurred in Siwan; an AK-47 was fired. Students are fighting for their rights, yet they are being fired upon. Who ordered the firing? In light of this, we have decided to hold a march to the Raj Bhavan on August 19 and present our grievances to the governor,” he added.Tejashwi also targeted Bihar government over the administrative action taken on officials after student protesters were fired upon in Siwan.”We had met the DGP previously as well, and we had asked the government who was responsible for this. No action has been taken so far. Only a single constable has been dismissed, but there has been no suspension of the SP, nor has any major action been taken. The government is protecting those responsible,” he alleged.Join conversationView All Comments →Share your thoughts in the commentsInsightfulAgreeDisagreeSkepticalConcerningPromisingWorth ReadingBig DevelopmentPost CommentBe respectful · TOI community guidelines”On the 19th, we will march to the Raj Bhavan to demand accountability and justice for the students of Bihar,” he added.Bihar’s Siwan witnessed clashes between student protesters and police personnel during protests on July 25 over examination irregularities and the NEET paper leak.Police used tear gas and lathi charge to disperse the protesters following reports of stone-pelting. An AK-47 firing incident was also reported during the unrest.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‘Will Never Be Forgiven’: Amit Shah Slams Sonia Gandhi; BJP Lodges Complaint Over Vande Mataram RowAir India Express Passenger Booked After Pistol Goes Off At Varanasi Airport During Security Check‘Derogatory’: PM Modi’s ‘Dimaagi Naxals’ Remark Triggers Row; Congress, CJP, Left Parties Hit BackActivist Devendra Mahto Stopped From Tiranga March As Jharkhand Student Protest Escalates On I-Day‘Came From The Top’: Mahua Moitra Alleges Late-Night Pressure, Seeks Speaker Om Birla’s InterventionDid Congress Leaders Signal Stop? Viral Vande Mataram Video Sparks Political Firestorm In New DelhiIndia Signs ₹1,577 Crore Drone Deals As Army Powers Up Precision Strikes And Unmanned WarfareAjit Doval Breaks Silence On Operation Sindoor, Reveals PM Modi’s Immediate Response After PahalgamPM Modi From Red Fort: India’s Self-Reliance Push, Semiconductor Boom And Manufacturing SurgeRahul Gandhi, Kharge Skip Red Fort Event Again As Congress Flags Threats To Democratic Institutions123PhotostoriesHow did samosa become an Indian favourite despite not originating in India?Crocodiles survived an era that wiped out the dinosaurs: What makes them such unusual survivors?8 foods that attract insects in your kitchen without you realising itHow to remove Rahu’s negative energy according to your birth date5 things parents should never let others do to their child at a social gatheringInside Karan Kundrra and Tejasswi Prakash’s opulent Dubai home: Large balconies, a private pool and moreVaani Kapoor goes full maximalist in Mayyur Girotra’s Kutch-embroidered suit, leaving us completely obsessedHimanshi Khurana on battling depression, traumatic childhood and breakup with Asim Riaz over religious differences; says ‘I felt I was betraying God’10 unusual foods from India that tourists are often afraid to try7 Food items naturally rich in vitamin D to add to your diet123Hot PicksMartin Luther King JrRajasthan UCCDelhi trafficJharkhand protestEast Coast Railway GDCE recruitmentMP Class 10, 12 timetableIran warKarnataka bandhUP NEET UG counsellingTop TrendingPM ModiCM VijayBengaluru Namma MetroAsish BanerjeeManan KumarVirender Singh BasoyaJP NaddaWeather TomorrowBengaluru RapidoAbhijeet Dipke What you see first reveals your hidden personality traits Four Renaissance masterpieces stolen from Sicily museum in art heist A Maine oyster farm is testing a solar-powered floating conveyor that moves oyster baskets through water and air; one raft is designed for 125,000 oysters a year Doctors strongly challenge the widespread belief that most mothers simply do not produce enough milk. The first thing a mother wants to do after bringing a baby into the world is often the simplest: hold the child close and feed it. But for some newborns, that first feed never comes.Their mothers may be critically ill, separated from them, unable to breastfeed immediately or, in the most heartbreaking cases, no longer alive.For a premature baby weighing just a few hundred grams, however, waiting for circumstances to change is not always an option.This is where another mother can step in.Human milk banks in India are built around a quiet act of generosity: a lactating mother donates milk her own baby does not need, and through a carefully regulated medical system, that milk reaches a newborn whose own mother cannot provide it.”Milk bank helps one mother save the baby of another mother,” said Dr Poonam Sidana, director of neonatology and paediatrics at CK Birla Hospital, Delhi.The idea may sound straightforward. But behind every bottle is a mother who has agreed to share something deeply personal and another family placing its trust in a system to provide their fragile newborn with the safest possible nourishment.When a mother is not thereDr Satish Tiwari, founder and convener of the Human Milk Banking Association of India and professor of paediatrics, has spent decades trying to expand that system.He traces the movement in India to 1989, when the first human milk bank in India and Asia was established at Sion Hospital in Mumbai by Dr Armida Fernandes. By the mid-1990s, Tiwari had begun exploring milk banking while working on maternal and child nutrition and malnutrition.”What we realised was that milk banks are needed not only in Mumbai or Surat or Udaipur, but it is a requirement all over India,” he said.The babies who need donor human milk, he explained, are often those who have been separated from their mothers for reasons beyond anyone’s control.A newborn may be admitted to a NICU at 500g or 700g, born at seven or eight months of gestation and too weak to breastfeed. The mother may have to return home while the baby remains in hospital.”Mother may not be available for months when he is admitted in a neonatal care unit,” Tiwari said.Then there are babies whose mothers have died.”There may be the death of the mother. So the mother herself is not available for the baby,” he said.There are also abandoned newborns and babies whose mothers are temporarily unable to breastfeed.In such situations, the conventional fallback has often been formula or other substitutes. But for a vulnerable premature baby, doctors say human milk can make an important difference.”If you feed on mother’s milk, which is through the milk bank, then the child’s improvement or the child’s outcome as far as his life is concerned becomes much, much better,” Tiwari said.The babies for whom every feed mattersFor premature and low-birth-weight infants, the issue is not simply about calories.Their digestive and immune systems are still developing, making them especially vulnerable to infections and serious complications.Sidana said the strongest evidence for donor human milk is in premature and low-birth-weight infants, particularly in reducing the incidence of necrotising enterocolitis, or NEC, a severe condition that can damage the intestine and, in serious cases, lead to infection and death.”Donor human milk is believed to bring down the incidence of necrotising enterocolitis and some infections more than formula does in premature babies,” she said.Human milk also contains bioactive and immune components that formula cannot replicate.But Sidana is clear about the hierarchy: when a mother can breastfeed her own baby, that remains the ideal.”A mother’s own milk, preferably via breastfeeding, is the best option since it is optimal for her infant and has the required nutrients and immunity that facilitate his or her growth and resistance to infections,” she said.Donor human milk becomes the next option when that first choice is temporarily or permanently unavailable.Dr Sakshi Goel, senior consultant in obstetrics and gynaecology at Madhukar Rainbow Children’s Hospital, Delhi, described it as a “transitional or supplemental resource” for newborns at risk.”It should not take away from the importance of establishing and continuing with lactation,” she said.The mother who givesThat distinction is important because milk banks do not exist simply to distribute milk. They also help mothers breastfeed and, when possible, produce enough milk for their own babies.Tiwari strongly challenges the widespread belief that most mothers simply do not produce enough milk.”The concept that mother is not able to make enough milk, basically we feel it is a misconception,” he said.In most cases, he explained, breastfeeding is a physiological process. Difficulties can arise because of delayed initiation, poor positioning, inadequate feeding or the early introduction of formula or bottle feeding.”If we start top milk or powder milk, then the mother’s milk, it goes on decreasing,” he said.That is why milk banks and lactation centres first try to understand why a mother believes she does not have enough milk.”If there is some fault, we try to manage that fault in the feeding,” Tiwari said. “And then we convince the mother that she has more milk as compared to the requirement of her child.”Only when a mother has enough milk for her own baby does the conversation turn to donation.”She cannot only feed her child, but she can also donate the milk,” he said.For many mothers, that can become an unexpectedly emotional decision.They are not donating something abstract. They are expressing, collecting and handing over milk their bodies produced to nourish their own child.But in a regulated system, they know where it is going: to a newborn who needs it.How does a mother donate?The process begins not with a bottle, but with a conversation.Goel said a mother who wants to donate should approach a reputable human milk bank or Comprehensive Lactation Management Centre rather than trying to donate informally.The centre counsels her, reviews her medical history and determines whether she is eligible.”After that, the mother goes through the essential screening and testing and is given instructions on how to express, collect and store her milk,” Goel said.The milk is then collected through the recognised channel and subjected to the necessary processing and safety checks.Tiwari said milk banks initially relied heavily on mothers delivering in the same hospital. But awareness has slowly widened the donor pool.”Now we have that type of mother also,” he said of women who hear about milk banks and voluntarily approach them.Some centres have even begun using milk collection vans to travel between hospitals and homes.There is no commercial transaction involved.”There is no monetary benefit to the mother who is donating,” Tiwari said. “Similarly, we do not charge any mother for getting milk also.””Neither we give money or monetary benefit to the donor nor to the recipient. It is totally voluntary.”That word — voluntary — is central to the idea. A mother is never expected to compromise her own baby’s nourishment. She gives only what is surplus.Medical journey before reaching babyThe emotional generosity of donation is matched by a rigorous safety system.Donors are screened for communicable diseases and other health risks. Their medications are reviewed, as are lifestyle factors that could make the milk unsafe.”We take three or four precautions,” Tiwari said.Mothers are screened for illnesses such as hepatitis B and C and other infections that could potentially be transmitted to a recipient. They are also assessed for medicines that could harm a baby.”If she is on some psychotropic drugs or some anti-cancer drugs or if she is on some habit-forming drugs, then we have to take care of that also,” he said.Smoking and alcohol consumption are also considered.”All these factors are considered, and screening is completed before collecting the mother’s milk,” he said.The donated milk then goes through processing and testing.According to Sidana, India’s standards include Holder pasteurisation, in which milk is heated to 62.5°C for 30 minutes and then rapidly cooled.Samples undergo microbiological testing, and pasteurised milk is released only when cultures do not show bacterial growth.Pasteurisation does mean that donor human milk is not biologically identical to fresh mother’s milk.”Pasteurization processes modify various parts of human milk, especially a number of heat-sensitive enzymes and immune factors,” Sidana said.But, she added, it preserves the nutritional composition and many of the biological qualities of human milk while significantly improving safety.For a highly vulnerable premature baby, that balance matters.Why informal sharing is not the same thingThe instinct to help another mother can be powerful enough to encourage direct sharing through friends, social networks or online groups.But doctors caution against confusing generosity with safety.”A regulated milk bank is run in accordance with a proper medical and quality-control system,” Sidana said.There is donor screening, testing, pasteurisation, storage and traceability.With informal sharing, those safeguards may disappear.”There might be doubts about the health condition of the donor, medications that were taken, how the milk was stored, and whether it comes from the right source or is contaminated,” Sidana said.The warning is particularly important for premature and sick newborns whose immune systems are already fragile.”The problem does not lie in people who generously donate the milk,” she said. “There is a problem of the lack of screening, control over the sources, storage practices, and testing for milk intended for very vulnerable neonates.”More needy babies than donor mothersThe need for donor human milk can be greater than the available supply.Tiwari said many milk banks are still unable to meet the complete requirements of the hospitals where they operate.Goel said there is no reliable real-time evidence pointing to a single nationwide shortage because availability differs considerably between hospitals and regions. But demand can exceed local supply, especially where large numbers of premature or medically fragile newborns are being treated.When that happens, the most vulnerable babies are prioritised.”The main point is fair allocation of resources while at the same time helping mothers with the establishment and maintenance of their own milk supply,” Goel said.This is one reason awareness matters so much.At JIPMER, a July 2025 PIB release noted that the Amudham Thaipaal Maiyam’s average voluntary milk collection had grown from about 400ml a day in its early years to around 1,000ml a day, with at least 20 babies, particularly premature infants, benefiting every day.But Tiwari believes India still has a long way to go.He said his association reaches doctors, medical students and hospitals through conferences, talks and awareness campaigns. NGOs and organisations such as Rotary have also helped with equipment, infrastructure and publicity.”We are doing publicity on media. We are doing mouth-to-mouth publicity by the mother who has received the milk for her baby,” he said.Small act with enormous human meaningHuman milk banking is ultimately a story about mothers.One mother may be sitting beside her own healthy baby, expressing milk her child does not immediately need.In another ward, another mother may be sitting beside an incubator, watching a tiny chest rise and fall and wondering whether her baby will make it through the night.Join conversationView All Comments →Share your thoughts in the commentsInsightfulAgreeDisagreeSkepticalConcerningPromisingWorth ReadingBig DevelopmentPost CommentBe respectful · TOI community guidelinesTiwari’s message is simple.”Mother’s milk is best for any newborn child,” he said.And for mothers who have more milk than their own babies need, he wants hesitation to give way to awareness.”Most of the mothers, they have more milk as compared to the requirement of her child,” he said. “Mother or the relatives or the grandparent, they should not hesitate in donating the milk.”There is no grand ceremony when a bottle of donor milk leaves a milk bank.It is labelled, tested, pasteurised, stored and eventually carried to a NICU.But inside that bottle is something much larger than milk.It is the generosity of one mother reaching a baby she may never see.And for a newborn who has arrived too soon, whose mother is too ill, or who has lost the person who was meant to feed them, that generosity can become a lifeline.Get the latest India News and Live updates. 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