VK News Today https://validator.w3.org/feed/docs/rss2.html Hrithik Roshan, Saba Azad spotted hand-in-hand after a movie date, amid break-up rumours after a screenshot claimed the ‘Krrish’ actor to be on a dating app – PICS inside What you see first reveals your most irritating personality trait Aquarius, Weekly Horoscope, August 16 to August 22, 2026: Delays and misunderstandings to test your patience; Midweek brings a refreshing uplift Iran war pulls last US carrier out of Pacific, opening space for China to step up In 1958, the US moved 25 caribou to an Alaska island as emergency food for military personnel; by 2005, their herd had grown to 2,750 Ankur Warikoo reveals 3 rules for raising independent kids and his relationship advice stands out Khabib Nurmagomedov sends ‘SPECIAL’ Instagram message for Islam Makhachev ahead of his UFC 330 title defense against Ian Machado Garry “Your pain is the breaking of the shell that encloses your understanding” Devendra Mahto at Ranchi Sadar Hospital NEW DELHI: Jharkhand Loktantrik Krantikari Morcha leader Devendra Nath Mehto is suffering from an electrolyte imbalance, doctors at Sadar Hospital in Ranchi said on Saturday, expressing concern over the health condition of the student leader, who has been on a hunger strike for 15 days.While briefing about Mahto’s health, Dr Amrita said that his sodium level had dropped to 124 and ketone bodies had been detected in his urine, indicating starvation.The doctor said that Mahto had refused to take fluids, although he continued to drink water.”First, there is Devendra Nath Mahto, who has not eaten for 15 days. He is refusing to take fluids, though he is drinking water. An electrolyte imbalance has been detected in him. Reports show his sodium level is 124, and ketone bodies are present in his urine, indicating starvation,” Dr Amrita said.Addressing the press conference, she also shared the health condition of other hunger strikers admitted to the hospital.”Next is Umme Habiba. Ketone bodies have been found in her urine as well. Her blood pressure is being maintained due to fluid transfusions. Then there is Rahul Kranti. Ketone bodies have been found in his urine too, at a ‘3+’ level, and his blood pressure is currently being maintained solely through fluid transfusions,” she said.This comes after Mahto alleged that police repeatedly “jostled and stopped” him from participating in a Tiranga Yatra at Jaipal Singh Munda Stadium in Ranchi.In a post on X, Mahto said, “The police repeatedly jostled and stopped me. Eventually, I sat down right outside the door of my room. I will remain seated here until I am allowed to leave. I will not undergo medical treatment either.””I will stay right here and voice my position. My fight is for the rights of the people and for justice. My voice cannot be suppressed by stopping me,” he added.Responding to the allegations, Sadar Hospital Deputy Superintendent Dr Bimlesh Kumar also reiterated concerns over Mahto’s health and said that doctors had advised Mahto against seeking discharge and urged him to remain at the hospital for necessary treatment.Join conversationView All Comments →Share your thoughts in the commentsInsightfulAgreeDisagreeSkepticalConcerningPromisingWorth ReadingBig DevelopmentPost CommentBe respectful · TOI community guidelines”The situation right now involves a significant electrolyte imbalance; sodium is at 124, and potassium is also low. If the patient exerts themselves in this condition, there is a risk of seizures or similar complications. Under these circumstances, we simply cannot discharge the patient,” Dr Kumar said.”That is why we have advised against discharge, and we believe he should understand this; discharging him now would lead to serious problems. For the time being, we have advised him to stay here and allow the necessary medical treatment to proceed… his condition does not permit us to let them leave or discharge him. Given the clear signs and symptoms of starvation, we simply cannot discharge the patient in this condition under any circumstances,” he added.Thousands of students and aspirants are protesting over alleged irregularities in recruitment examinations conducted by the Jharkhand Public Service Commission (JPSC) and Jharkhand Staff Selection Commission (JSSC).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 MediaVideosDid 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 InstitutionsPM Modi From Red Fort: India’s Self-Reliance Push, Semiconductor Boom And Manufacturing SurgePM Modi From Red Fort On 80th Independence Day: ‘India Must Dream Big And Move Forward’79 Years Of Freedom: What Do Indians Really Want From Their Country, Leaders And Democracy Now?NALSAR Row Erupts: CJI Raps BCI, As CJP Demands Resignation Of Bar Council Chief‘Why Rockets?’ Jaipur Residents Mock Potholes With Astronaut Protest After Monsoon Rains123PhotostoriesForget Medu Vada: 7 South Indian snacks that are worth a try with filter coffeeWhat happens when you rub lemon on dishes and cutlery? The real chemistry behind this kitchen hackMonsoon food poisoning: 7 everyday foods that can look safe but turn risky because of water, humidity and poor storageAbhishek Malhan’s luxurious mansion: A private swimming pool, home theatre, private lifts and moreTrisha Krishnan keeps it classic in a mustard saree as she attends CM Vijay’s first Independence Day ceremonyBigg Boss Tamil 10 ‘The Common Man’: From contestants to telecast time, here’s everything you need to knowRashtrapati Bhavan’s Independence Day At Home reception to serve these 7 dishes from 4 Indian statesIdli to Cheela: 9 ways to add sooji to daily breakfast7 quiet dog breeds that make great companions for familiesFrom lakeside retreats to Aravalli resorts: 5 luxury escapes in and around Delhi for the Independence Day weekend123Hot PicksMartin Luther King JrRajasthan UCCDelhi trafficJharkhand protestEast Coast Railway GDCE recruitmentMP Class 10, 12 timetableIran warKarnataka bandhUP NEET UG counsellingTop TrendingOil Prices TodayIndiGo Fight CancelledDelhi High Court Bomb ThreatAmbala Sikh Community ProtestManan KumarVirender Singh BasoyaJP NaddaWeather TomorrowBengaluru RapidoAbhijeet Dipke ‘You can’t do that’: David Warner slams Steve Smith over bizarre review against Bangladesh ‘Industry runs on flop movies, not the hit ones’: Ram Gopal Varma blames producers and directors for Telugu cinema’s downfall – Exclusive 5 signs of ‘empty nest syndrome’ and how to cope Capricorn, Weekly Horoscope, August 16 to August 22, 2026: Increased clarity in work and love life; manage interruptions with grace for continued harmony Gurgaon’s annual road-repair cycle: 10 ways to fix the problem, not just the potholes The programme seeks to reach patients from low-income families, rural areas and urban slums who often delay treatment because of cost or the lack of access to specialists. NEW DELHI: In an attempt to bridge gaps in access to specialist healthcare, 27 doctors from across Delhi have pledged two hours of free consultation every week for poor and underprivileged patients under a new volunteer initiative, ‘2 Ghante Desh Ke Naam’.The campaign brings together specialists from ophthalmology, oncology, orthopaedics, psychiatry, paediatrics, cardiology, gynaecology and general medicine, who will provide consultations free of cost through two hospitals and two clinics, as well as via telemedicine for patients in remote and underserved areas. Organisers said the initiative aims to ensure that financial constraints do not prevent patients from seeking timely medical advice.Unlike a centrally funded programme, the initiative is being run collectively by participating hospitals and clinics, each contributing voluntarily by dedicating doctors’ time and infrastructure. Organisers said there is no single funding agency or institution leading the campaign.The programme seeks to reach patients from low-income families, rural areas and urban slums who often delay treatment because of cost or the lack of access to specialists. Besides consultations, doctors will also provide treatment guidance and follow-up advice where required. Patients will be able to register directly with participating specialists through dedicated contact numbers issued by each speciality, following which they will be screened and scheduled for consultations.Organisers said the digital component of the initiative would allow patients from smaller towns and villages to consult specialists without travelling long distances. They are also reaching out to medical associations and healthcare institutions across the country to encourage more doctors to volunteer and expand the initiative beyond Delhi.”Many patients lose vision because they cannot access timely eye care. If doctors volunteer even a few hours each week, we can help prevent avoidable blindness among the poor,” said Dr Ikeda Lal, senior ophthalmologist and medical director, Delhi Eye Centre.Dr L Tomar, senior orthopaedic surgeon and founder of Tomar Foundation, said, “Access to quality orthopaedic care should not depend on a person’s ability to pay. Two hours of voluntary service every week can help reduce avoidable disability and improve quality of life.”Join conversationView All Comments →Share your thoughts in the commentsInsightfulAgreeDisagreeSkepticalConcerningPromisingWorth ReadingBig DevelopmentPost CommentBe respectful · TOI community guidelinesHighlighting the need for accessible mental healthcare, Dr Deepak Raheja, senior psychiatrist and director, Hope Care India, said, “Mental healthcare remains out of reach for many because of financial and social barriers. We want to ensure that those in need can access professional guidance without worrying about cost.”Dr Ashish Gupta, chief of medical oncology at Amerix Multispecialty Hospital, said, “Cancer patients often delay treatment because of fear and financial constraints. Making specialist consultations free can encourage earlier diagnosis and timely treatment.”Get the latest India News and Live updates. Download the TOI app.About the AuthorAnuja JaiswalAnuja Jaiswal is a Senior Assistant Editor at The Times of India, with an impressive 18-year career in narrative journalism. She specializes in health and heritage reporting, expertly simplifying complex health information to make it engaging and understandable for readers. Her deep dives into heritage topics are well-researched, resulting in captivating narratives that resonate with her audience. Over the years, she has worked in Chandigarh, Chhattisgarh and West UP, gaining diverse on-ground experience that shapes her storytelling.Read MoreEnd of ArticleFollow Us On Social MediaVideosDid 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 InstitutionsPM Modi From Red Fort: India’s Self-Reliance Push, Semiconductor Boom And Manufacturing SurgePM Modi From Red Fort On 80th Independence Day: ‘India Must Dream Big And Move Forward’79 Years Of Freedom: What Do Indians Really Want From Their Country, Leaders And Democracy Now?NALSAR Row Erupts: CJI Raps BCI, As CJP Demands Resignation Of Bar Council Chief‘Why Rockets?’ Jaipur Residents Mock Potholes With Astronaut Protest After Monsoon Rains123PhotostoriesOptical illusion personality test: What you see first reveals your most irritating personality traitForget Medu Vada: 7 South Indian snacks that are worth a try with filter coffeeWhat happens when you rub lemon on dishes and cutlery? The real chemistry behind this kitchen hackMonsoon food poisoning: 7 everyday foods that can look safe but turn risky because of water, humidity and poor storageAbhishek Malhan’s luxurious mansion: A private swimming pool, home theatre, private lifts and moreTrisha Krishnan keeps it classic in a mustard saree as she attends CM Vijay’s first Independence Day ceremonyBigg Boss Tamil 10 ‘The Common Man’: From contestants to telecast time, here’s everything you need to knowRashtrapati Bhavan’s Independence Day At Home reception to serve these 7 dishes from 4 Indian statesIdli to Cheela: 9 ways to add sooji to daily breakfast7 quiet dog breeds that make great companions for families123Hot PicksMartin Luther King JrRajasthan UCCDelhi trafficJharkhand protestEast Coast Railway GDCE recruitmentMP Class 10, 12 timetableIran warKarnataka bandhUP NEET UG counsellingTop TrendingOil Prices TodayIndiGo Fight CancelledDelhi High Court Bomb ThreatAmbala Sikh Community ProtestManan KumarVirender Singh BasoyaJP NaddaWeather TomorrowBengaluru RapidoAbhijeet Dipke Aug 15, 2026, 20:29 IST Govinda reacts to Sunita Ahuja age-shaming him amid affair rumours with Komal Rani Swarnkar, says she’s leaving no stone unturned to defame him: ‘Greatest artists of the country have worked with youngsters’ Why do some children say “nothing” when parents ask them about school? Over 50% of families are burdened by rent; check how much tenants pay in major cities In 1923, wardens began protecting a 35-acre Texas island where the state’s last reddish egrets survived; one family lived there full time in a two-room hut, and today it holds the world’s largest nesting colony NEW DELHI: Bar Council of India chairman Manan Kumar Mishra on Saturday apologised to law students following the council’s controversial decision to briefly halt the enrolment of National Academy of Legal Studies and Research (NALSAR) University of Law’s 2026 graduating batch as advocates, Bar and Bench reported.In a letter issued on Independence Day, Mishra said he regretted any words or communication connected to the controversy that may have hurt the feelings of law students.”If anything connected with the present controversy, any of my words, or letter, has hurt the feelings of our law students, I sincerely regret and apologise for the same. There should be no hesitation in saying so,” the letter reads.”An expression of regret is not a matter of prestige or ego. It is simply an acknowledgment that the feelings and concerns of our students matter,” he added.The apology comes after the BCI directed all state bar councils not to enrol NALSAR’s 2026 graduates as advocates until further orders. The council withdrew the directive within hours following an uproar on social media.The BCI had initially said it was examining allegations regarding a campaign against Chief Justice of India Surya Kant’s participation in NALSAR’s convocation and had sought a report identifying those responsible.The council later modified its decision to allow the enrolment of the university’s 2026 graduates before withdrawing the notification altogether. The revised notification said the “vast majority” of students were innocent and should not be made to suffer for the alleged “misconduct” of a few.The controversy began after around 450 graduating NALSAR students urged the university to reconsider inviting CJI Kant as chief guest at its convocation. The students cited his alleged refusal to hear pleas concerning “police brutality” against students who had marched to Parliament on July 20 seeking the resignation of then-Union education minister Dharmendra Pradhan over the NEET-UG question paper leak in May.Join conversationView All Comments →Share your thoughts in the commentsInsightfulAgreeDisagreeSkepticalConcerningPromisingWorth ReadingBig DevelopmentPost CommentBe respectful · TOI community guidelinesThe Supreme Court later expressed “strong disapproval” of the BCI’s now-revoked order.A bench headed by CJI Kant, and comprising Justices Joymalya Bagchi and V Mohana, said students have the right to protest peacefully and described the episode as a “dialogue” between him and the students.”If students are protesting peacefully, who is BCI to take action? It is the right of the students to protest peacefully. It is a dialogue between students and me. No one else has to step in,” the CJI said.The Supreme Court also stayed any coercive action against students or faculty by the BCI or state councils.”It (the letter) was absolutely uncalled for,” the bench 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‘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 InstitutionsPM Modi From Red Fort: India’s Self-Reliance Push, Semiconductor Boom And Manufacturing SurgePM Modi From Red Fort On 80th Independence Day: ‘India Must Dream Big And Move Forward’79 Years Of Freedom: What Do Indians Really Want From Their Country, Leaders And Democracy Now?NALSAR Row Erupts: CJI Raps BCI, As CJP Demands Resignation Of Bar Council Chief123PhotostoriesWant a better relationship with your parents? 8 simple tips every teenager should try10 baby girl names inspired by ancient flowersOptical illusion personality test: What you see first reveals your most irritating personality traitForget Medu Vada: 7 South Indian snacks that are worth a try with filter coffeeWhat happens when you rub lemon on dishes and cutlery? The real chemistry behind this kitchen hackMonsoon food poisoning: 7 everyday foods that can look safe but turn risky because of water, humidity and poor storageAbhishek Malhan’s luxurious mansion: A private swimming pool, home theatre, private lifts and moreTrisha Krishnan keeps it classic in a mustard saree as she attends CM Vijay’s first Independence Day ceremonyBigg Boss Tamil 10 ‘The Common Man’: From contestants to telecast time, here’s everything you need to knowRashtrapati Bhavan’s Independence Day At Home reception to serve these 7 dishes from 4 Indian states123Hot PicksMartin Luther King JrRajasthan UCCDelhi trafficJharkhand protestEast Coast Railway GDCE recruitmentMP Class 10, 12 timetableIran warKarnataka bandhUP NEET UG counsellingTop TrendingOil Prices TodayIndiGo Fight CancelledDelhi High Court Bomb ThreatAmbala Sikh Community ProtestManan KumarVirender Singh BasoyaJP NaddaWeather TomorrowBengaluru RapidoAbhijeet Dipke Aug 15, 2026, 19:43 IST Why Munawar Faruqui broke down during ‘The Traitors 2’ elimination: ‘I love to trust people, and when that trust breaks..’ – Exclusive Who was Putri Andriani Juficha? Model and beauty queen dies at 25, death announced on her birthday Sagittarius, Weekly Horoscope, August 16 to August 22, 2026: Confident start gives way to uncertainty; patience required as challenges arise midweek Virginia State University shooting leaves 5 injured, 1 critical; campus lockdown lifted Food safety officials inspected 26 Bengaluru hotels on Friday. Thirty teams collected 35 food samples for laboratory analysis NEW DELHI: The food regulator failed to impose Rs 5.60 crore in penalties on 2,430 food businesses that either did not file or delayed filing mandatory annual returns, a CAG audit has found, raising questions over enforcement of basic food safety rules.An audit of the Food Safety and Standards Authority of India’s (FSSAI) Eastern Region office in Kolkata found that 1,018 food businesses did not submit their annual returns, while 1,412 filed them late during 2017-18 to 2022-23.These returns provide FSSAI with information on the quantities of food products manufactured, handled, imported or exported by licensed food businesses during the year. They have to be submitted by May 31. Businesses that miss the deadline are liable to pay a penalty of Rs 100 for each day of delay, subject to the prescribed limit.CAG estimated that Rs 5.60 crore in penalties should have been imposed on the 2,430 businesses. However, the audit found that FSSAI had not imposed the penalties. It also noted that none of the defaulters had their licence suspended or cancelled as of August 2023.Join conversationView All Comments →Share your thoughts in the commentsInsightfulAgreeDisagreeSkepticalConcerningPromisingWorth ReadingBig DevelopmentPost CommentBe respectful · TOI community guidelinesFollowing the audit, FSSAI said improvement notices had been issued to some defaulting food businesses and that notices would be issued again to all defaulters.Of the Rs 5.60 crore penalty identified by CAG, Rs 2.27 crore had been recovered, according to the report.The finding is significant because filing an annual return is a basic requirement for licensed food businesses. The audit has highlighted gaps in FSSAI’s monitoring and enforcement of this requirement.Get the latest India News and Live updates. Download the TOI app.About the AuthorAnuja JaiswalAnuja Jaiswal is a Senior Assistant Editor at The Times of India, with an impressive 18-year career in narrative journalism. She specializes in health and heritage reporting, expertly simplifying complex health information to make it engaging and understandable for readers. Her deep dives into heritage topics are well-researched, resulting in captivating narratives that resonate with her audience. Over the years, she has worked in Chandigarh, Chhattisgarh and West UP, gaining diverse on-ground experience that shapes her storytelling.Read MoreEnd of ArticleFollow Us On Social MediaVideosDid 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 InstitutionsPM Modi From Red Fort: India’s Self-Reliance Push, Semiconductor Boom And Manufacturing SurgePM Modi From Red Fort On 80th Independence Day: ‘India Must Dream Big And Move Forward’79 Years Of Freedom: What Do Indians Really Want From Their Country, Leaders And Democracy Now?NALSAR Row Erupts: CJI Raps BCI, As CJP Demands Resignation Of Bar Council Chief‘Why Rockets?’ Jaipur Residents Mock Potholes With Astronaut Protest After Monsoon Rains123Photostories10 baby girl names inspired by ancient flowersOptical illusion personality test: What you see first reveals your most irritating personality traitForget Medu Vada: 7 South Indian snacks that are worth a try with filter coffeeWhat happens when you rub lemon on dishes and cutlery? The real chemistry behind this kitchen hackMonsoon food poisoning: 7 everyday foods that can look safe but turn risky because of water, humidity and poor storageAbhishek Malhan’s luxurious mansion: A private swimming pool, home theatre, private lifts and moreTrisha Krishnan keeps it classic in a mustard saree as she attends CM Vijay’s first Independence Day ceremonyBigg Boss Tamil 10 ‘The Common Man’: From contestants to telecast time, here’s everything you need to knowRashtrapati Bhavan’s Independence Day At Home reception to serve these 7 dishes from 4 Indian statesIdli to Cheela: 9 ways to add sooji to daily breakfast123Hot PicksMartin Luther King JrRajasthan UCCDelhi trafficJharkhand protestEast Coast Railway GDCE recruitmentMP Class 10, 12 timetableIran warKarnataka bandhUP NEET UG counsellingTop TrendingOil Prices TodayIndiGo Fight CancelledDelhi High Court Bomb ThreatAmbala Sikh Community ProtestManan KumarVirender Singh BasoyaJP NaddaWeather TomorrowBengaluru RapidoAbhijeet Dipke Who is Pirojsha Godrej? Meet the 45-year-old taking over the Godrej empire Libra, Weekly Horoscope, August 16 to August 22, 2026: Your mood swings impact outlook; Keep calm and find support amidst challenges BWF World Championships: Beyond smashes, drops, the conditions could decide the winner In 1975, Chantal Doecke was evacuated from Vietnam to Australia as a newborn; 49 years later, a DNA test revealed the twin brother she never knew existed ‘What do you do?’Sounds like a simple question. But in India, the answer to this question determines your social status.Is there any scope?How much will you earn?What will people say?Some careers in India instantly earn respect. Others invite questions.So when a young person chooses a career, are they really choosing what they want or are they going for what society considers worth choosing?What are the top careers in India?A 2018 Global Education Census by Cambridge International, based on responses from nearly 20,000 teachers and students across the world, including 4,400 teachers and 3,800 students in India, found that medicine and engineering continued to dominate career ambitions.The survey found that 23% of Indian students wanted to become doctors or dentists, while an equal 23% aspired to become engineers. Another 16% wanted to become software engineers, the highest proportion for this career among all countries surveyed. The findings also showed India’s strong interest in scientific careers, with 8% of students saying they wanted to become scientists.Now, let’s figure out why that is so. What role do parents & society play?While some students choose these careers out of genuine interest, others pursue them under pressure from parents and society.Another 2020 study published in the Int J of Indian Culture and Business Management found that parents, peers and societal expectations significantly influence career choices among Indian youth.TOI also conducted a survey to understand how society perceives different professions and whether certain careers continue to command greater respect than others.75 % of respondents selected yes when asked if their relatives ever suggested them a ‘better’ careerAmong respondents from sectors including journalism, medicine and PR, we received 100% response in ‘yes’, agreeing that society accords greater respect to certain professions, with over 80 % respondents selecting both doctors, and IAS/IPS officers emerging as the most prestigious career choices, in second position was engineering.Around 74 % of them agreed that often-overlooked professions like nurse, police constable, mechanic, cab driver do not receive the same respect as traditionally prestigious careers in medicine and engineering.Somdeb Dhar Choudhury, one of the respondents and a PR consultant, said, “I grew up in an environment where engineering was considered the more conventional professional route. Many people in my extended family came from engineering backgrounds, and after Class 12, there was an expectation that I would follow a similar path.”When asked why he thinks PR receives less social recognition, he said, “In India, professions such as medicine, engineering and civil services have had a clearly understood social identity for generations. Families know what those careers involve, there is a visible educational path leading to them, and society has established benchmarks of success around them. PR operates very differently. Much of the work happens behind the scenes.”Is it affecting mental health?When asked if the respondents ever felt pressured to choose a career mainly because of its title or status, half of them responded with yes. More than half chose yes when asked if their relatives ever suggested they choose a particular career.Rashmi N, former Army public school counselor, while speaking to TOI, says, “Peer comparisons lead to self doubt and career indecisions. Falling behind in academics and comparing grades with peers may also trigger withdrawal from friends, low self esteem and or lack of interest to improve.”On the other hand psychologists say the pressure to choose a socially accepted career may not always be obvious.Explaining the same, a Delhi-based psychologist Radhika Goyal said, “when motivation is driven mainly by fear, fear of failure, criticism, comparison or disappointing the family, rather than genuine enthusiasm. A student may perform well but still experience burnout, frustration or disengagement.”Factors influencing parents’ decisions While parents may want the best for their children, it’s important to discuss what drives them to push certain careers over others.1. Job securityFor many Indian parents, a “good” career is still closely associated with stability, authority, financial security and social respect.Rashmi said that this may be because of job stability and authority.“Authority, financial stability & fame are the major factors influencing the perception of any career paths.”“For more affluent families, social status, community approval and family reputation can weigh heavily on career choices, while for families with fewer financial resources, immediate income and financial security may take precedence,” she said.2. Unfinished ambitions leading to societal comparisonsGoyal pointed to an often-overlooked factor: parents projecting their own unfinished ambitions or past experiences onto their children.“Parents may sometimes project their own unfinished ambitions, disappointments or experiences onto their children’s career choices, often with good intentions. A parent who could not pursue a particular career may believe they are protecting their child from the difficulties they experienced.”However, this dynamic appears to be changing among a newer generation of parents.Savita Sharma, a parent of a 24-year-old daughter working in an HR firm, said, “I believe my children are satisfied with my support.”When asked about the typical ‘Sharma ji ka beta’ comparison, she said that parents are becoming more mindful of how their children respond to such pressure.“This kind of comparison is reducing day by day.”Now, if you’ve had your parents’ support, overcome societal pressure and chosen a career based on your own dreams, are you truly happy with that choice?What happens when youth passion meets reality?1. PaycheckFor some young professionals, the pressure around career choices continues even after entering the workforce, with questions of money, job security and growth becoming important factors in deciding whether to stay or change paths.Aayushi, a journalist, while sharing her experience said, “I was satisfied with choosing a career outside the conventional mainstream, but was disappointed by the financial returns. I am satisfied in terms of doing something different from the generic league. But in terms of money, way too underwhelmed.”Join conversationView All Comments →Share your thoughts in the commentsInsightfulAgreeDisagreeSkepticalConcerningPromisingWorth ReadingBig DevelopmentPost CommentBe respectful · TOI community guidelinesShe also sometimes considered changing her career.Around 56% of respondents selected Low salary, lack of job security and growth as their main reasons to reject a career.2. Women face another layer of pressureA 2025 study published in the International Journal of Trends and Innovations in Business & Social Sciences found that women were more likely to change careers because of social expectations, especially after marriage, while men more often cited personal interests and changes in the job market.The gendered perception of careers can also influence how professions are valued.3. When your profession needs an explanationFor some professionals, however, the pressure is less about being forced to leave a career and more about constantly having to explain its worth.Somdeb recalled that this became apparent after he entered the industry. “If someone says they are a doctor, engineer or lawyer, people immediately understand the profession. In PR, you often have to explain what the job involves before people can understand its value. That lack of familiarity created more pressure for me than any direct opposition to my career choice.”Perhaps the real measure of progress is that there has been a shift, but still there is a long way to go.Get the latest India News and Live updates. Download the TOI app.End of ArticleFollow Us On Social MediaVideosDid 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 InstitutionsPM Modi From Red Fort: India’s Self-Reliance Push, Semiconductor Boom And Manufacturing SurgePM Modi From Red Fort On 80th Independence Day: ‘India Must Dream Big And Move Forward’79 Years Of Freedom: What Do Indians Really Want From Their Country, Leaders And Democracy Now?NALSAR Row Erupts: CJI Raps BCI, As CJP Demands Resignation Of Bar Council Chief‘Why Rockets?’ Jaipur Residents Mock Potholes With Astronaut Protest After Monsoon Rains123PhotostoriesWant a better relationship with your parents? 8 simple tips every teenager should try10 baby girl names inspired by ancient flowersOptical illusion personality test: What you see first reveals your most irritating personality traitForget Medu Vada: 7 South Indian snacks that are worth a try with filter coffeeWhat happens when you rub lemon on dishes and cutlery? The real chemistry behind this kitchen hackMonsoon food poisoning: 7 everyday foods that can look safe but turn risky because of water, humidity and poor storageAbhishek Malhan’s luxurious mansion: A private swimming pool, home theatre, private lifts and moreTrisha Krishnan keeps it classic in a mustard saree as she attends CM Vijay’s first Independence Day ceremonyBigg Boss Tamil 10 ‘The Common Man’: From contestants to telecast time, here’s everything you need to knowRashtrapati Bhavan’s Independence Day At Home reception to serve these 7 dishes from 4 Indian states123Hot PicksMartin Luther King JrRajasthan UCCDelhi trafficJharkhand protestEast Coast Railway GDCE recruitmentMP Class 10, 12 timetableIran warKarnataka bandhUP NEET UG counsellingTop TrendingOil Prices TodayIndiGo Fight CancelledDelhi High Court Bomb ThreatAmbala Sikh Community ProtestManan KumarVirender Singh BasoyaJP NaddaWeather TomorrowBengaluru RapidoAbhijeet Dipke Check eligibility, deadlines, and key rules Madras High Court grants anti-piracy injunction in favour of Aamir Khan backed Sunny Deol starrer ‘Batwara 1947,’ directs ISPs to block pirated copies Want a better relationship with your parents? 8 simple tips every teenager should try Scorpio, Weekly Horoscope, August 16 to August 22, 2026: Clarity in practical matters leads the week; underlying tensions hint at emotional care needed OpenAI’s 612-megawatt facility, ranked among the world’s biggest AI data centres, abandons plan to cool it with recycled water as … AIIMS-Rishikesh (File photo) NEW DELHI: AIIMS Rishikesh failed to recover Rs 1.78 crore in dues from a contractor and paid Rs 60.21 lakh in inadmissible nursing and dress allowances to College of Nursing faculty, a CAG audit has found.The institute awarded a three-year parking and traffic management contract in August 2019, with a monthly licence fee of Rs 9.015 lakh plus taxes. The contractor began defaulting from the start, but AIIMS did not act despite repeated payment failures. The contractor made only partial payments for about 2.5 years and left the hospital complex in October 2022 without clearing the dues.Join conversationView All Comments →Share your thoughts in the commentsInsightfulAgreeDisagreeSkepticalConcerningPromisingWorth ReadingBig DevelopmentPost CommentBe respectful · TOI community guidelinesCAG said this resulted in Rs 1.78 crore in unrealised dues. AIIMS later initiated legal action and moved to forfeit the contractor’s Rs 18 lakh security deposit, though it had not been forfeited as of July 2025.In a separate finding, CAG flagged Rs 60.21 lakh paid between April 2018 and March 2023 as nursing and dress allowances to College of Nursing faculty. The faculty were already receiving academic and resource-learning allowances and, according to the audit, their duties did not involve nursing patients or wearing uniforms.The Ministry subsequently directed 10 AIIMS, including Rishikesh, to discontinue nursing allowance for nursing-college faculty, saying the institutes had complied.Get the latest India News and Live updates. Download the TOI app.About the AuthorAnuja JaiswalAnuja Jaiswal is a Senior Assistant Editor at The Times of India, with an impressive 18-year career in narrative journalism. She specializes in health and heritage reporting, expertly simplifying complex health information to make it engaging and understandable for readers. Her deep dives into heritage topics are well-researched, resulting in captivating narratives that resonate with her audience. Over the years, she has worked in Chandigarh, Chhattisgarh and West UP, gaining diverse on-ground experience that shapes her storytelling.Read MoreEnd of ArticleFollow Us On Social MediaVideosDid 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 InstitutionsPM Modi From Red Fort: India’s Self-Reliance Push, Semiconductor Boom And Manufacturing SurgePM Modi From Red Fort On 80th Independence Day: ‘India Must Dream Big And Move Forward’79 Years Of Freedom: What Do Indians Really Want From Their Country, Leaders And Democracy Now?NALSAR Row Erupts: CJI Raps BCI, As CJP Demands Resignation Of Bar Council Chief‘Why Rockets?’ Jaipur Residents Mock Potholes With Astronaut Protest After Monsoon Rains123Photostories10 baby girl names inspired by ancient flowersOptical illusion personality test: What you see first reveals your most irritating personality traitForget Medu Vada: 7 South Indian snacks that are worth a try with filter coffeeWhat happens when you rub lemon on dishes and cutlery? 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