VK News Today https://validator.w3.org/feed/docs/rss2.html Why Google is making headlines in Berkshire’s biggest quarter of stock-buying following Warren Buffett’s exit as CEO Tropical Storm Lala in Hawaii: Roads collapse, 100 homes swept away, no power, mobile service; 1 dead Rijiju defends police response to student protests (ANI image) NEW DELHI: Union parliamentary affairs minister Kiren Rijiju on Tuesday defended the Bihar and Delhi governments and law enforcement agencies over their handling of student protests, saying security forces managed large crowds without any casualties or serious injuries.”Not a single person died; not a single person suffered a broken bone. Not even one protester is in the hospital with a serious injury. Consider the scale of this movement: thousands turned up, and so many criminals infiltrated under the guise of students,” he said as cited by news agency ANI.Rijiju praised the police and administration for their handling of the protests, while contrasting it with the response to demonstrations under previous Congress-led governments.”If such a movement had taken place during the Congress era, and many did, resulting in thousands of deaths, one should praise the Delhi police and the administration for handling such a massive protest without allowing even a single serious injury. Thousands actually died from gunfire during the Congress era,” Rijiju said.”It is the Congress that imposes an Emergency in response to protests. You might recall how many people have fallen victim to gunfire during the various movements that have taken place in this country. Even during the movement to create the state of Telangana, so many people were killed… In this movement, not a single shot was fired,” he added.Rijiju said that despite the presence of thousands of protesters, including what he described as political agitators from the Aam Aadmi Party, Bhim Army and Samajwadi Party, as well as “dafli-playing agitators”, the Delhi Police used minimal force. He said force was used only when demonstrators attempted to break through barricades and march towards Parliament.”Furthermore, more than half the people, whether from the Aam Aadmi Party, the dafli-playing agitators, the Bhim Army, or the Samajwadi Party, came and incited others to violence; yet, not a single casualty occurred,” Rijiju added.On the Gen-Z movement and its demand for education reforms, Rijiju said the Narendra Modi-led NDA government remained committed to the welfare of the country’s youth.He also called for strict judicial action against those responsible for examination leaks and reiterated the government’s zero-tolerance stance on violence during public protests.”We respect the students’ sentiments. The Prime Minister introduced such a good law and took step after step, promising to work for their future,” Rijiju said.The remarks came amid student protests in Bihar over alleged examination irregularities and the NEET paper leak controversy.Join conversationView All Comments →Share your thoughts in the commentsInsightfulAgreeDisagreeSkepticalConcerningPromisingWorth ReadingBig DevelopmentPost CommentBe respectful · TOI community guidelinesClashes were reported between protesters and police in Siwan on July 25 following stone-pelting, after which police used tear gas and lathi charges to disperse the crowd. An AK-47 firing incident was also reported during the unrest.The remarks come weeks after the CJP called off its 37-day protest at Jantar Mantar on July 25, following the resignation of then Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan and assurances on some of the protesters’ other demands.The agitation was centred on the NEET paper leak issue and drew students and young volunteers from across the country, along with support from opposition leaders. Activist Sonam Wangchuk joined the protest on June 28 and began an indefinite hunger strike. He was later shifted to Safdarjung Hospital after his health deteriorated.The protest also saw police action on July 20 when demonstrators attempted to march towards Parliament. The Congress and other opposition parties later raised the issue in Parliament, contributing to disruptions during proceedings.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 MediaVideosJSSC-CGL CANCELLED: Jharkhand Students Celebrate After Government Accepts Key Demands“No Compensation, Build A School”: CJP Volunteer Emotional Tribute To Father Leaves Ranka In TearsAsish Banerjee Death Mystery: Threat, Blackmail Angle Probed As Note And Phones Face ScrutinyBJP’s Big Shake-Up: Ram Madhav Returns, Smriti Irani Gets Key Role In Nitin Nabin’s New Team‘Will Rise For Vande Mataram, But Won’t Sing’: Congress MP Imran Masood Amid Sonia Gandhi Row‘Personally Meet Students’: Rahul Gandhi Writes To CM Hemant Soren Over Jharkhand Protests7 Charred To Death, Several Injured In Fire At Hotel Near Tarapith Temple In Bengal’s Birbhum‘Electric Pole Fell’: 7 Women Dead, Many Injured In Stampede At Temple In Bihar’s Lakhisarai‘Only These…’: Rijiju Shares 3 Categories Of ‘Dimagi Naxals’ After Oppn’s Attack On PM Modi‘Process Vitiated…’: Bangladesh Links Tarique Rahman’s India Visit To Sheikh Hasina Extradition123Photostories5 Snakes that thrive in extreme climates: Here’s how they survive harsh weather conditionsForget quinoa: 9 ways to add dalia to your daily breakfast7 email habits that can make you look careless at work even when your actual work is goodGeorgina Rodríguez’s wedding jewellery was pure Kalahari luxury, and the diamonds clearly came to competePriyanka Chopra’s maroon backless gown just gave desi Disney princess energy with a trail that refused to behave10 powerful baby boy and girl names from different cultures that mean strengthOptical Illusion personality test: What you see first reveals your secret personality traitH1N1 or seasonal flu? Symptoms often overlap, but doctors look for these clues before deciding9 ways to add more protein to your rotiOTT releases this week (August 17-August 23): ‘Welcome to the Jungle’, ‘Jana Nayagan’, ‘Lanterns’, ‘Toy Story 5’, ‘Love Is Blind: UK’ Season 3 and more123Hot PicksKarnataka PG Dental admissionBank holidays this weekRBI new rulesBJP new teamJharkhand ProtestUS green cardSmriti IraniSupreme Court HolidayUP NEET UG counsellingTop TrendingK AnnamalaiBengal Hotel FireNoida Biker AccidentTamil Nadu Double MurderAbhijeet DipkeHyderabad MurderMuzaffarnagar Kanwariya MurderWeather TomorrowBengaluru RapidoBen Gvir Aug 18, 2026, 09:27 IST Bengaluru Clarence High School suspends offline classes after H1N1 cases, 500 students report illness Paris Jackson on seeking medical treatment after suicide attempt at 15: ‘I definitely left with more PTSD…’ Meet the new Himalayan plant named after the legendary mountaineer Nirmal Purja: Nimsdai’s legacy blooms in the Himalayas at 2,900 metres | Gen Alpha, Gen Z students march in Lucknow over shortage of teachers, amenities NEW DELHI: Supreme Court Monday asked govt whether Sustainable Harnessing and Advancing of Nuclear Energy for Transforming India (Shanti) Act — which limits operator’s liability at Rs 4,000 crore — impede constitutional courts from awarding appropriate and adequate compensation in an unforeseen event of a nuclear power plant mishap.The clarification was sought by a bench of CJI Surya Kant and Justices Joymalya Bagchi and V Mohana, as petitioner EAS Sarma’s advocate Prashant Bhushan said the law capped the operator’s liability at a paltry Rs 4,000 crore even though in case of a mishap the liability towards citizens would run into tens of thousands of crores.Join conversationView All Comments →Share your thoughts in the commentsInsightfulAgreeDisagreeSkepticalConcerningPromisingWorth ReadingBig DevelopmentPost CommentBe respectful · TOI community guidelinesBhushan said the paltry liability clause would make foreign suppliers become lax towards stringent safety norms, which in turn would make a nuclear power plant a constant threat to lives of citizens living around it. In addition, he argued, if govt could put up solar power plants on 6% of available waste land, it could generate six times more electricity than the present requirement.SC asked, “Does the Act say constitutional court’s jurisdiction is barred from entertaining pleas of citizens demanding higher compensation, if, god forbid, an unforeseen unfortunate mishap happens in a nuclear power plant?”During the last hearing, the top court had observed “if total liability after an unforeseen nuclear plant mishap works out to Rs 40,000 crore, the nation in a parliamentary regime can say it can absolve the operator beyond Rs 4,000 crore. But that does not bind courts from determining actual liability of govt towards each citizen affected by the mishap. Nobody can curtail even the powers of tribunals to award adequate compensation”.Get the latest India News and Live updates. Download the TOI app.End of ArticleFollow Us On Social MediaVideosJSSC-CGL CANCELLED: Jharkhand Students Celebrate After Government Accepts Key Demands“No Compensation, Build A School”: CJP Volunteer Emotional Tribute To Father Leaves Ranka In TearsAsish Banerjee Death Mystery: Threat, Blackmail Angle Probed As Note And Phones Face ScrutinyBJP’s Big Shake-Up: Ram Madhav Returns, Smriti Irani Gets Key Role In Nitin Nabin’s New Team‘Will Rise For Vande Mataram, But Won’t Sing’: Congress MP Imran Masood Amid Sonia Gandhi Row‘Personally Meet Students’: Rahul Gandhi Writes To CM Hemant Soren Over Jharkhand Protests7 Charred To Death, Several Injured In Fire At Hotel Near Tarapith Temple In Bengal’s Birbhum‘Electric Pole Fell’: 7 Women Dead, Many Injured In Stampede At Temple In Bihar’s Lakhisarai‘Only These…’: Rijiju Shares 3 Categories Of ‘Dimagi Naxals’ After Oppn’s Attack On PM Modi‘Process Vitiated…’: Bangladesh Links Tarique Rahman’s India Visit To Sheikh Hasina Extradition123Photostories7 email habits that can make you look careless at work even when your actual work is goodGeorgina Rodríguez’s wedding jewellery was pure Kalahari luxury, and the diamonds clearly came to competePriyanka Chopra’s maroon backless gown just gave desi Disney princess energy with a trail that refused to behave10 powerful baby boy and girl names from different cultures that mean strengthOptical Illusion personality test: What you see first reveals your secret personality traitH1N1 or seasonal flu? Symptoms often overlap, but doctors look for these clues before deciding9 ways to add more protein to your rotiOTT releases this week (August 17-August 23): ‘Welcome to the Jungle’, ‘Jana Nayagan’, ‘Lanterns’, ‘Toy Story 5’, ‘Love Is Blind: UK’ Season 3 and moreChef Sanjeev Kapoor shares 9 basics of baking for every new and casual bakerDeepika Padukone makes maternity fashion look too easy in an oversized blue shirt and baggy jeans123Hot PicksKarnataka PG Dental admissionBank holidays this weekRBI new rulesBJP new teamJharkhand ProtestUS green cardSmriti IraniSupreme Court HolidayUP NEET UG counsellingTop TrendingK AnnamalaiBengal Hotel FireNoida Biker AccidentTamil Nadu Double MurderAbhijeet DipkeHyderabad MurderMuzaffarnagar Kanwariya MurderWeather TomorrowBengaluru RapidoBen Gvir Stock Market Today Live Updates: BSE Sensex and NSE Nifty50 headed for crucial session as crude soars past $90 per barrel again Bihar STET 2026 notification released: Check application dates, eligibility and fees Kichcha Sudeep steals the spotlight by performing Shah Rukh Khan’s romantic song ‘Suno Na Suno Na’ from ‘Chalte Chalte’ at a Bengaluru wedding – Watch Why seeing a coworker in their followers can suddenly change everything ‘Entire nation will shudder at list of martyrs’: Russian oppn leader Shlosberg jailed for 11 years for war remarks Census 2027. Representative image: ANI NEW DELHI: With ‘caste’ to be captured in Census 2027 strictly as declared by the respondent, the utility and application of caste data so enumerated may be assessed only at the post-census stage, according to experts.Officials involved in conduct of Census told TOI that while OBC status of an individual will not be recorded during population enumeration, the digital mode of census and availability of modern, AI-based tools will aid statisticians in arriving at the aggregate figure of people belonging to a particular caste. However, there may be anomalies on account of individuals declaring different spellings of the same caste or a religious sect being recorded as caste, either due to ignorance or due lack of adequate awareness of the caste system.According to officials, which spellings may be recognised as acceptable for a particular caste category is a call to be taken by the govt and census authorities.While caste census will enable analysis of a particular caste’s social, economic and educational indicators, it also runs the risk of individuals of a particular caste under-declaring their income and other indices, to project that caste as “backward” and make a case for it to be enlisted as OBC. However, officials said statisticians can detect any misleading or falsified data through cross-referencing, value indicators etc. Where the deviation is found to be outside acceptable limits, the data may be termed as “unreliable” for application in policy making.Explaining the qualitative difference between the socio-economic economic caste census (SECC) done in 2011 and recording of caste as part of Census 2027, an officer said the latter guarantees complete secrecy of an individual’s caste disclosure, since the Census Act bars individual data from being used as “legal evidence, govt benefits or public disclosure”. Secondly, the handicap of compilation and segregation of caste data is surmountable with AI-based solutions.Segregation of non-SC, non-ST individuals into ‘general’ and ‘OBC’ categories and a drop-down menu for recording OBC status were discussed while finalising the questionnaire for population enumeration, but not found feasible as central and state lists of OBCs do not always align.While the central list is prepared based on recommendation of and is maintained by the National Commission for Backward Classes, the state list is the responsibility of the relevant state backward classes commission. “Given that the two lists do not perfectly overlap, the moot question for the census authorities was: which list to go by, Central or state. Even for a given state, the OBC lists maintained by the Centre and by the state are different,” said an officer.Further, SC/ST lists are notified by a Presidential order, where as OBCs may be extended reservation in a state merely on discretion of the relevant state govt,” an official said while adding that the final consensus was to not tread into capturing OBC status of the respondent.A second officer explained that the census, which is spread over a year, requires administrative boundaries as well as SC/ST lists to be frozen through its duration. “Mid-census changes interfere with continuity, confuse enumerators and throw calculations and tables haywire. If the OBCs are captured and the states, particularly those ruled by the opposition parties, decide to extend OBC status for a new community mid-way through the census, there are bound to be complications.Join conversationView All Comments →Share your thoughts in the commentsInsightfulAgreeDisagreeSkepticalConcerningPromisingWorth ReadingBig DevelopmentPost CommentBe respectful · TOI community guidelines “How does the Centre ensure that this does not happen, given that grant of OBC status is often a decision taken based on political considerations,” it was debated.It was also pointed out during discussions on the questionnaire that OBC is not a ‘caste’ classification but only meant to categorise “classes” which may not fall within the caste system essentially prevalent among Hindus. Even the Constitution recognises only the socially and educationally backward “classes,” in addition to the Schedules Castes and Scheduled Tribes, an officer told TOI.Get the latest India News and Live updates. Download the TOI app.About the AuthorBharti JainBharti Jain is senior editor with The Times of India, New Delhi. She has been writing on security matters since 1996. Having covered the Union home ministry, security agencies, Election Commission and the ‘prime’ political beat, the Congress, for The Economic Times all these years, she moved to TOI in August 2012. Her repertoire of news stories delves into the whole gamut of issues related to terrorism and internal strife, besides probing strategic affairs in India’s neighbourhood.Read MoreEnd of ArticleFollow Us On Social MediaVideosJSSC-CGL CANCELLED: Jharkhand Students Celebrate After Government Accepts Key Demands“No Compensation, Build A School”: CJP Volunteer Emotional Tribute To Father Leaves Ranka In TearsAsish Banerjee Death Mystery: Threat, Blackmail Angle Probed As Note And Phones Face ScrutinyBJP’s Big Shake-Up: Ram Madhav Returns, Smriti Irani Gets Key Role In Nitin Nabin’s New Team‘Will Rise For Vande Mataram, But Won’t Sing’: Congress MP Imran Masood Amid Sonia Gandhi Row‘Personally Meet Students’: Rahul Gandhi Writes To CM Hemant Soren Over Jharkhand Protests7 Charred To Death, Several Injured In Fire At Hotel Near Tarapith Temple In Bengal’s Birbhum‘Electric Pole Fell’: 7 Women Dead, Many Injured In Stampede At Temple In Bihar’s Lakhisarai‘Only These…’: Rijiju Shares 3 Categories Of ‘Dimagi Naxals’ After Oppn’s Attack On PM Modi‘Process Vitiated…’: Bangladesh Links Tarique Rahman’s India Visit To Sheikh Hasina Extradition123PhotostoriesForget quinoa: 9 ways to add dalia to your daily breakfast7 email habits that can make you look careless at work even when your actual work is goodGeorgina Rodríguez’s wedding jewellery was pure Kalahari luxury, and the diamonds clearly came to competePriyanka Chopra’s maroon backless gown just gave desi Disney princess energy with a trail that refused to behave10 powerful baby boy and girl names from different cultures that mean strengthOptical Illusion personality test: What you see first reveals your secret personality traitH1N1 or seasonal flu? Symptoms often overlap, but doctors look for these clues before deciding9 ways to add more protein to your rotiOTT releases this week (August 17-August 23): ‘Welcome to the Jungle’, ‘Jana Nayagan’, ‘Lanterns’, ‘Toy Story 5’, ‘Love Is Blind: UK’ Season 3 and moreChef Sanjeev Kapoor shares 9 basics of baking for every new and casual baker123Hot PicksKarnataka PG Dental admissionBank holidays this weekRBI new rulesBJP new teamJharkhand ProtestUS green cardSmriti IraniSupreme Court HolidayUP NEET UG counsellingTop TrendingK AnnamalaiBengal Hotel FireNoida Biker AccidentTamil Nadu Double MurderAbhijeet DipkeHyderabad MurderMuzaffarnagar Kanwariya MurderWeather TomorrowBengaluru RapidoBen Gvir ‘Sab talvaar chalayenge’: Rishabh Pant’s hilarious Ravindra Jadeja banter with Sarfaraz Khan caught on stump mic – WATCH Top stocks to buy today: Stock market recommendations for August 18, 2026 – check list KVS NVS Tier-2 result 2026 and final answer key released at cbse.gov.in; check PDF and download scores here Aadvik Ajith wins football championship: Shalini’s proud mother moment with son’s trophy steals spotlight 5 money conversations couples should have before marriage Twisha Sharma death by suicide, no sign of assault or struggle: AIIMS ‘What you did was incredible’: Trump meets California’s teenage lifeguard and the boy he rescued Vijay apologises on minister’s behalf for his Karunanidhi reference Tamil Nadu chief minister C Vijay Joseph apologised in the assembly on Monday after a minister referred to former CM and DMK patriarch late M Karunanidhi by name without using the customary respectful honorific.State forest minister R V Ranjith Kumar’s reference to the late DMK leader as “Karunanidhi”, without the traditional “Kalaignar” (scholar), triggered protests from opposition DMK members.Vijay intervened to defuse the tension, admitting that the reference was inappropriate and apologising on the minister’s behalf.Join conversationView All Comments →Share your thoughts in the commentsInsightfulAgreeDisagreeSkepticalConcerningPromisingWorth ReadingBig DevelopmentPost CommentBe respectful · TOI community guidelines“I apologise on his behalf,” Vijay said.The row erupted during a debate on demands for grants for the health and revenue departments. Ranjith Kumar was criticising alleged cash-for-votes practices and referred to the controversial “Thirumangalam formula”.He claimed that up to Rs 1,500 per vote had been distributed in his Kancheepuram constituency during previous elections. He contrasted this with the current government, saying it came to power without distributing money for votes.While referring to past election tactics, Ranjith Kumar mentioned Karunanidhi without the customary “Kalaignar” or “former chief minister” prefix. DMK members, led by former minister K K S S R Ramachandran, immediately protested, citing the assembly’s long-standing convention of using respectful titles for revered leaders.Vijay then halted the forest minister’s speech and intervened to prevent the protest from escalating, acknowledging that referring to the late leader without the customary honorific was inappropriate.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 MediaVideosJSSC-CGL CANCELLED: Jharkhand Students Celebrate After Government Accepts Key Demands“No Compensation, Build A School”: CJP Volunteer Emotional Tribute To Father Leaves Ranka In TearsAsish Banerjee Death Mystery: Threat, Blackmail Angle Probed As Note And Phones Face ScrutinyBJP’s Big Shake-Up: Ram Madhav Returns, Smriti Irani Gets Key Role In Nitin Nabin’s New Team‘Will Rise For Vande Mataram, But Won’t Sing’: Congress MP Imran Masood Amid Sonia Gandhi Row‘Personally Meet Students’: Rahul Gandhi Writes To CM Hemant Soren Over Jharkhand Protests7 Charred To Death, Several Injured In Fire At Hotel Near Tarapith Temple In Bengal’s Birbhum‘Electric Pole Fell’: 7 Women Dead, Many Injured In Stampede At Temple In Bihar’s Lakhisarai‘Only These…’: Rijiju Shares 3 Categories Of ‘Dimagi Naxals’ After Oppn’s Attack On PM Modi‘Process Vitiated…’: Bangladesh Links Tarique Rahman’s India Visit To Sheikh Hasina Extradition123PhotostoriesForget quinoa: 9 ways to add dalia to your daily breakfast7 email habits that can make you look careless at work even when your actual work is goodGeorgina Rodríguez’s wedding jewellery was pure Kalahari luxury, and the diamonds clearly came to competePriyanka Chopra’s maroon backless gown just gave desi Disney princess energy with a trail that refused to behave10 powerful baby boy and girl names from different cultures that mean strengthOptical Illusion personality test: What you see first reveals your secret personality traitH1N1 or seasonal flu? Symptoms often overlap, but doctors look for these clues before deciding9 ways to add more protein to your rotiOTT releases this week (August 17-August 23): ‘Welcome to the Jungle’, ‘Jana Nayagan’, ‘Lanterns’, ‘Toy Story 5’, ‘Love Is Blind: UK’ Season 3 and moreChef Sanjeev Kapoor shares 9 basics of baking for every new and casual baker123Hot PicksKarnataka PG Dental admissionBank holidays this weekRBI new rulesBJP new teamJharkhand ProtestUS green cardSmriti IraniSupreme Court HolidayUP NEET UG counsellingTop TrendingK AnnamalaiBengal Hotel FireNoida Biker AccidentTamil Nadu Double MurderAbhijeet DipkeHyderabad MurderMuzaffarnagar Kanwariya MurderWeather TomorrowBengaluru RapidoBen Gvir In a 1st for Indian AI co, Prisma issues Rs 200cr bonds WBJEE Pharmacy round 2 seat allotment result 2026 expected to be released soon at wbjeeb.nic.in: Check details here Hayden Panettiere revealed ‘future plans’ weeks before death: ‘I have a lot more life left’ – WATCH Vincent Van Gogh: Quote of the day by Vincent van Gogh: “Great things are not done by impulse, but by a series of small things brought together.” Biggest US grid operator has a ‘shutdown proposal’ that shows tension between data centers and power grids in America Supreme Court on Monday set a deadline of Sept 7 for govt to frame new aviation rules to deal with complaints of arbitrary airline ticket pricing and inadequate regulatory oversight.A bench of Justices Vikram Nath and Sandeep Mehta granted three weeks’ time after govt sought more time to frame rules. Additional solicitor general Anil Kaushik placed before the bench the draft rules in a sealed envelope for the court’s perusal. The bench, after going through the draft rules, directed govt to finalise them by Sept 7 when it will take up the case for further hearing.The petitioner argued airlines were charging passengers exorbitant fares during festiv­als and holidays and alleged ev­en govt’s existing official mem­orandum was not being follow­ed. He referred to a statement made by civil aviation minister in Parliament that govt could not impose cap on airfares.Get the latest India News and Live updates. Download the TOI app.End of ArticleFollow Us On Social MediaVideosJSSC-CGL CANCELLED: Jharkhand Students Celebrate After Government Accepts Key Demands“No Compensation, Build A School”: CJP Volunteer Emotional Tribute To Father Leaves Ranka In TearsAsish Banerjee Death Mystery: Threat, Blackmail Angle Probed As Note And Phones Face ScrutinyBJP’s Big Shake-Up: Ram Madhav Returns, Smriti Irani Gets Key Role In Nitin Nabin’s New Team‘Will Rise For Vande Mataram, But Won’t Sing’: Congress MP Imran Masood Amid Sonia Gandhi Row‘Personally Meet Students’: Rahul Gandhi Writes To CM Hemant Soren Over Jharkhand Protests7 Charred To Death, Several Injured In Fire At Hotel Near Tarapith Temple In Bengal’s Birbhum‘Electric Pole Fell’: 7 Women Dead, Many Injured In Stampede At Temple In Bihar’s Lakhisarai‘Only These…’: Rijiju Shares 3 Categories Of ‘Dimagi Naxals’ After Oppn’s Attack On PM Modi‘Process Vitiated…’: Bangladesh Links Tarique Rahman’s India Visit To Sheikh Hasina Extradition123Photostories7 email habits that can make you look careless at work even when your actual work is goodGeorgina Rodríguez’s wedding jewellery was pure Kalahari luxury, and the diamonds clearly came to competePriyanka Chopra’s maroon backless gown just gave desi Disney princess energy with a trail that refused to behave10 powerful baby boy and girl names from different cultures that mean strengthOptical Illusion personality test: What you see first reveals your secret personality traitH1N1 or seasonal flu? Symptoms often overlap, but doctors look for these clues before deciding9 ways to add more protein to your rotiOTT releases this week (August 17-August 23): ‘Welcome to the Jungle’, ‘Jana Nayagan’, ‘Lanterns’, ‘Toy Story 5’, ‘Love Is Blind: UK’ Season 3 and moreChef Sanjeev Kapoor shares 9 basics of baking for every new and casual bakerDeepika Padukone makes maternity fashion look too easy in an oversized blue shirt and baggy jeans123Hot PicksKarnataka PG Dental admissionBank holidays this weekRBI new rulesBJP new teamJharkhand ProtestUS green cardSmriti IraniSupreme Court HolidayUP NEET UG counsellingTop TrendingK AnnamalaiBengal Hotel FireNoida Biker AccidentTamil Nadu Double MurderAbhijeet DipkeHyderabad MurderMuzaffarnagar Kanwariya MurderWeather TomorrowBengaluru RapidoBen Gvir Govt clears 31 electronics part projects worth Rs 7,877cr Sonu Nigam’s intellectual property suit resolved by Bombay High Court as the singer’s namesake agrees to not use his identity, image without authorisation Epsom salt for plants: How to use it for tomatoes, roses, houseplants and lawns | 2 killed in school shooting in Philippines’ Zamboanga, gunman among casualties ‘Has always treated me with great respect’: Trump’s fresh praise for Kim Jong Un Officials were taken aback by the Chief Economic Adviser’s comments regarding the availability of E10 fuel NEW DELHI: An opinion piece by chief economic adviser (CEA) V Anantha Nageswaran on ethanol blending has rekindled the debate whether govt should look at making E10 (10% ethanol blended petrol) available for older vehicles manufactured before April 2023.Officials, dealing with the issue and countering the narrative against E20 fuel for the past few weeks, admitted that the CEA’s views came as a surprise for them as it bats for making E10 available as an option at fuel stations. This is likely to push the demand for making lower-blend of fuel available in addition to E20, they said, adding it won’t be easy logistically and considering that an ecosystem has been in place for 20% of blending that’s linked to the rural economy.Join conversationView All Comments →Share your thoughts in the commentsInsightfulAgreeDisagreeSkepticalConcerningPromisingWorth ReadingBig DevelopmentPost CommentBe respectful · TOI community guidelinesTOI has learnt that as of now, there is no discussion within govt to provide the option of E10 at fuel stations. While there has been a campaign demanding petrol with lower ethanol content, a govt official said there was no discussion so far on reverting to fuel with 10% blending. The official said creating additional infrastructure to dispense E10 petrol is not only logistically difficult, but may also lead to practical issues such as pricing and distribution. “Also, allowing the sale of E10 would mean govt is accepting E20 petrol is not good for older vehicles which is not the case. Studies have shown E20 does not cause any mechanical issues,” said another official.Get the latest India News and Live updates. Download the TOI app.End of ArticleFollow Us On Social MediaVideosJSSC-CGL CANCELLED: Jharkhand Students Celebrate After Government Accepts Key Demands“No Compensation, Build A School”: CJP Volunteer Emotional Tribute To Father Leaves Ranka In TearsAsish Banerjee Death Mystery: Threat, Blackmail Angle Probed As Note And Phones Face ScrutinyBJP’s Big Shake-Up: Ram Madhav Returns, Smriti Irani Gets Key Role In Nitin Nabin’s New Team‘Will Rise For Vande Mataram, But Won’t Sing’: Congress MP Imran Masood Amid Sonia Gandhi Row‘Personally Meet Students’: Rahul Gandhi Writes To CM Hemant Soren Over Jharkhand Protests7 Charred To Death, Several Injured In Fire At Hotel Near Tarapith Temple In Bengal’s Birbhum‘Electric Pole Fell’: 7 Women Dead, Many Injured In Stampede At Temple In Bihar’s Lakhisarai‘Only These…’: Rijiju Shares 3 Categories Of ‘Dimagi Naxals’ After Oppn’s Attack On PM Modi‘Process Vitiated…’: Bangladesh Links Tarique Rahman’s India Visit To Sheikh Hasina Extradition123Photostories7 email habits that can make you look careless at work even when your actual work is goodGeorgina Rodríguez’s wedding jewellery was pure Kalahari luxury, and the diamonds clearly came to competePriyanka Chopra’s maroon backless gown just gave desi Disney princess energy with a trail that refused to behave10 powerful baby boy and girl names from different cultures that mean strengthOptical Illusion personality test: What you see first reveals your secret personality traitH1N1 or seasonal flu? Symptoms often overlap, but doctors look for these clues before deciding9 ways to add more protein to your rotiOTT releases this week (August 17-August 23): ‘Welcome to the Jungle’, ‘Jana Nayagan’, ‘Lanterns’, ‘Toy Story 5’, ‘Love Is Blind: UK’ Season 3 and moreChef Sanjeev Kapoor shares 9 basics of baking for every new and casual bakerDeepika Padukone makes maternity fashion look too easy in an oversized blue shirt and baggy jeans123Hot PicksKarnataka PG Dental admissionBank holidays this weekRBI new rulesBJP new teamJharkhand ProtestUS green cardSmriti IraniSupreme Court HolidayUP NEET UG counsellingTop TrendingK AnnamalaiBengal Hotel FireNoida Biker AccidentTamil Nadu Double MurderAbhijeet DipkeHyderabad MurderMuzaffarnagar Kanwariya MurderWeather TomorrowBengaluru RapidoBen Gvir Inflation will be an issue, may hike prices: Colgate SGBAU Summer results 2026: Check B.E., B.Tech, M.B.A., L.L.B. and M.Sc. results here Sunny Deol says even with Rs 55.99 crore debt when bank issued auction notice for his Juhu home, he was happy: ‘I didn’t owe anyone anything, I just had to sell my own assets’ Parathas served by a robot? Murthal dhaba’s new waiter has the internet talking Princess Eugenie reveals baby daughter’s name with touching tribute to Queen Elizabeth II: ‘Named after three people we love and admire’ Us Supreme Court: US Supreme Court again rejects Donald Trump’s bid to overturn $5 million E Jean Carroll verdict File photo: Rahul Gandhi NEW DELHI: Supreme Court Monday barred CBI, ED or any agency from filing any report on any probe into the alleged disproportionate assets of leader of opposition in Lok Sabha Rahul Gandhi before Allahabad HC, which had directed the two central agencies to probe allegations in a PIL on his alleged illegal wealth.Arguing for Rahul and challenging the July 20 order of HC’s Lucknow bench, senior advocate Kapil Sibal told a bench of CJI Surya Kant and Justices Joymalya Bagchi and V Mohana that the HC had adopted a process which is “completely unknown to law” in passing the impugned orderIf claim is so serious, why did agencies need HC prod: SCKapil Sibal said HC did not even seek Rahul Gandhi’s response and permitted a witch-hunt without questioning the locus standi of the petitioner, Vignesh Shishir, an RSS/BJP worker.Appearing for CBI, additional solicitor general S V Raju said, “CBI has done nothing yet. We are only verifying the complaint. We have not registered even a preliminary enquiry. The allegations are very serious. We are inquiring into it.” Sibal said, “CBI can do what it likes. We are not concerned with it.”Justice Bagchi said, “You (CBI) did not do it on your own. Suo motu action we would have understood. Why did you need the prodding of high court to investigate? If it is so serious, why did the agencies keep quiet and need impetus from HC?”The bench issued notices to Shishir, CBI, ED, UP Police, Union ministry of home affairs, CBDT and Serious Fraud Investigation Office and said, “Meanwhile, no report shall be submitted by CBI or ED or any other authority to the HC pursuant to its July 20 order.”Sibal sought a stay on proceedings before HC, leading the bench to request HC to defer the scheduled Aug 20 hearing till further orders. Appearing in person, Shishir spoke in favour of HC’s procedure, and said the matter was still in the preliminary enquiry stage where the accused cannot have a say.Raju said, “As far as the allegations are concerned, if they make out a cognisable offence, it stands on a different footing. We are yet to lodge an FIR. What action is to be taken has not yet been considered.”CJI Kant said, “On our understanding of the law, police or any probe agency, if they have prima facie material, they can register a case, investigate it, and can proceed against anyone. No permission is required from the accused. But what appears to us, subject to assistance from both sides, is that if the court wants to issue a direction, it is expected to follow principles of natural justice.”Join conversationView All Comments →Share your thoughts in the commentsInsightfulAgreeDisagreeSkepticalConcerningPromisingWorth ReadingBig DevelopmentPost CommentBe respectful · TOI community guidelinesRaju said it was not required in a criminal case. Sibal interjected and said, “The enthusiasm of the agencies is clear.” Raju retorted, “Facts may be wrong or right. But if they are right, it is a gross case of disproportionate assets.” Sibal said these were sealed cover, in-chamber proceedings and asked how they got reported in newspapers.In his plea, Rahul said, “Since 2024, Shishir, who it appears from public reporting is a member of BJP — a party whose politics and ideology the petitioner (Rahul) and his party (Congress) vehemently contests — has instituted multiple proceedings before different forums, including successive PILs on petitioner’s alleged foreign citizenship, criminal proceedings seeking registration of an FIR…”Get the latest India News and Live updates. Download the TOI app.End of ArticleFollow Us On Social MediaVideosJSSC-CGL CANCELLED: Jharkhand Students Celebrate After Government Accepts Key Demands“No Compensation, Build A School”: CJP Volunteer Emotional Tribute To Father Leaves Ranka In TearsAsish Banerjee Death Mystery: Threat, Blackmail Angle Probed As Note And Phones Face ScrutinyBJP’s Big Shake-Up: Ram Madhav Returns, Smriti Irani Gets Key Role In Nitin Nabin’s New Team‘Will Rise For Vande Mataram, But Won’t Sing’: Congress MP Imran Masood Amid Sonia Gandhi Row‘Personally Meet Students’: Rahul Gandhi Writes To CM Hemant Soren Over Jharkhand Protests7 Charred To Death, Several Injured In Fire At Hotel Near Tarapith Temple In Bengal’s Birbhum‘Electric Pole Fell’: 7 Women Dead, Many Injured In Stampede At Temple In Bihar’s Lakhisarai‘Only These…’: Rijiju Shares 3 Categories Of ‘Dimagi Naxals’ After Oppn’s Attack On PM Modi‘Process Vitiated…’: Bangladesh Links Tarique Rahman’s India Visit To Sheikh Hasina Extradition123Photostories7 email habits that can make you look careless at work even when your actual work is goodGeorgina Rodríguez’s wedding jewellery was pure Kalahari luxury, and the diamonds clearly came to competePriyanka Chopra’s maroon backless gown just gave desi Disney princess energy with a trail that refused to behave10 powerful baby boy and girl names from different cultures that mean strengthOptical Illusion personality test: What you see first reveals your secret personality traitH1N1 or seasonal flu? Symptoms often overlap, but doctors look for these clues before deciding9 ways to add more protein to your rotiOTT releases this week (August 17-August 23): ‘Welcome to the Jungle’, ‘Jana Nayagan’, ‘Lanterns’, ‘Toy Story 5’, ‘Love Is Blind: UK’ Season 3 and moreChef Sanjeev Kapoor shares 9 basics of baking for every new and casual bakerDeepika Padukone makes maternity fashion look too easy in an oversized blue shirt and baggy jeans123Hot PicksKarnataka PG Dental admissionBank holidays this weekRBI new rulesBJP new teamJharkhand ProtestUS green cardSmriti IraniSupreme Court HolidayUP NEET UG counsellingTop TrendingK AnnamalaiBengal Hotel FireNoida Biker AccidentTamil Nadu Double MurderAbhijeet DipkeHyderabad MurderMuzaffarnagar Kanwariya MurderWeather TomorrowBengaluru RapidoBen Gvir Sri Lanka 284/10 in 79.4 Overs High-level committee on banking reforms ‘soon’: FM Bugs’ bassist Jordan Brunoli shares a health update amid cancer battle: ‘I am now entering the final chapter of my life’ Crude prices cross $90 as ceasefire hopes dim, Hormuz disruption weighs on supply Only talks can resolve issues, hope Bangladesh PM visits India soon: Trivedi | India News File photo: Ram Madhav, Biplab Deb and Smriti Irani NEW DELHI: Smriti Irani and Ram Madhav made a comeback to BJP’s organisation Monday as party chief Nitin Nabin effected a broad sweep in its new team of national office-bearers, bringing in experienced hands at key positions and retaining a few with successful stints, with a focus on wide social and regional representation.BJP named 13 vice-presidents — nine new faces; eight general secretaries — six first-timers; and 16 secretaries — 15 fresh choices. A few notable names who have retained their positions include former Rajasthan CM Vasundhara Raje as vice president, Sunil Bansal and Vinod Tawde as general secretaries, Anil Baluni as head of media department and Sambit Patra as north-east coordinator.This is the most drastic overhaul since Amit Shah unveiled his team after taking over as party president in 2014Piyush Goyal back as BJP treasurer, 51 new faces in 65-member Team NabinUnion minister Piyush Goyal has been made treasurer, a position he had held in run up to BJP’s Lok Sabha win in 2014. Though the party has the convention of ‘one-person, one-post’, it has had quite a few exceptions.Of the total 65 office-bearers named, 51 are new, while around 21 are 50 years of age and more than 20 are between 50 to 59 years of age, with party sources noting this team will be in place when BJP goes to the national election in 2029. This is the most drastic overhaul since Amit Shah unveiled his team after taking over as party president in 2014. Only seven of the new office-bearers from five southern states.Two other ex-CMs Tirath Singh Rawat of Uttarakhand as vice president and Biplab Kumar Deb of Tripura as general secretary along with several union ministers and state party presidents have made the cut, besides 10 women, 18 MPs and five members of minority communities.The new appointees come from 23 states and UTs, including a maximum of eight from the politically important Uttar Pradesh, with four from STs and three from SCs and nearly 10 OBCs.In his reaction, PM Narendra Modi said, “This newly appointed team brings together organisational experience, energy and grassroots connect. I am confident they will give their best in strengthening our party and focusing on public service.”Six new general secretaries, the most powerful position in the organisation, are former Tripura CM Deb, former Rajasthan party president Satish Poonia, a Jat, MP Gajendra Patel, who is from ST community in Madhya Pradesh, ex-MP Harish Dwivedi, a Brahmin from UP, and MP Sanjay Bhatia, a Punjabi community member from Haryana, besides Irani.Madhav, a former general secretary, is one of the 13 vice presidents, including Manpreet Singh Badal from Punjab and D Purandeshwari of Andhra Pradesh. Baijyant Jay Panda has been retained as a vice president.A former BJP women’s wing president, Irani’s appointment marks his emphatic return to the thick of party’s affairs after her LS poll loss in Amethi in 2024. A former Union minister, she is considered a sharp, articulate and energetic voice.Bansal, who was deeply involved in BJP’s successful poll campaigns in Bengal and Odisha recently and in UP in 2017, and Tawde, a seasoned organisational hand associated with the Bihar victory, have their standing go up by a few notches as they kept their position.Join conversationView All Comments →Share your thoughts in the commentsInsightfulAgreeDisagreeSkepticalConcerningPromisingWorth ReadingBig DevelopmentPost CommentBe respectful · TOI community guidelinesWhile many outgoing office-bearers were unlikely to find their names in the new list, almost seven months after Nabin took over as BJP chief, one omission that stood out was of IT department in charge Amit Malviya, who was in the position for over a decade and was found wanting by some in shaping party’s narrative in an increasing contested online space.Deepak Mhaskey, an academic from Chhattisgarh and has been associated with BJP’s online campaign in several elections, will be convener of its new social media department with four co-convenors. A senior party functionary, though, added that Malviya’s stint was bound to end after such a long time at the post.Get the latest India News and Live updates. Download the TOI app.End of ArticleFollow Us On Social MediaVideosJSSC-CGL CANCELLED: Jharkhand Students Celebrate After Government Accepts Key Demands“No Compensation, Build A School”: CJP Volunteer Emotional Tribute To Father Leaves Ranka In TearsAsish Banerjee Death Mystery: Threat, Blackmail Angle Probed As Note And Phones Face ScrutinyBJP’s Big Shake-Up: Ram Madhav Returns, Smriti Irani Gets Key Role In Nitin Nabin’s New Team‘Will Rise For Vande Mataram, But Won’t Sing’: Congress MP Imran Masood Amid Sonia Gandhi Row‘Personally Meet Students’: Rahul Gandhi Writes To CM Hemant Soren Over Jharkhand Protests7 Charred To Death, Several Injured In Fire At Hotel Near Tarapith Temple In Bengal’s Birbhum‘Electric Pole Fell’: 7 Women Dead, Many Injured In Stampede At Temple In Bihar’s Lakhisarai‘Only These…’: Rijiju Shares 3 Categories Of ‘Dimagi Naxals’ After Oppn’s Attack On PM Modi‘Process Vitiated…’: Bangladesh Links Tarique Rahman’s India Visit To Sheikh Hasina Extradition123Photostories7 email habits that can make you look careless at work even when your actual work is goodGeorgina Rodríguez’s wedding jewellery was pure Kalahari luxury, and the diamonds clearly came to competePriyanka Chopra’s maroon backless gown just gave desi Disney princess energy with a trail that refused to behave10 powerful baby boy and girl names from different cultures that mean strengthOptical Illusion personality test: What you see first reveals your secret personality traitH1N1 or seasonal flu? Symptoms often overlap, but doctors look for these clues before deciding9 ways to add more protein to your rotiOTT releases this week (August 17-August 23): ‘Welcome to the Jungle’, ‘Jana Nayagan’, ‘Lanterns’, ‘Toy Story 5’, ‘Love Is Blind: UK’ Season 3 and moreChef Sanjeev Kapoor shares 9 basics of baking for every new and casual bakerDeepika Padukone makes maternity fashion look too easy in an oversized blue shirt and baggy jeans123Hot PicksKarnataka PG Dental admissionBank holidays this weekRBI new rulesBJP new teamJharkhand ProtestUS green cardSmriti IraniSupreme Court HolidayUP NEET UG counsellingTop TrendingK AnnamalaiBengal Hotel FireNoida Biker AccidentTamil Nadu Double MurderAbhijeet DipkeHyderabad MurderMuzaffarnagar Kanwariya MurderWeather TomorrowBengaluru RapidoBen Gvir CAS here to stay, it can be improved upon: Sebi Kim Kardashian shares loved-up photos with Lewis Hamilton from summer getaway ‘somewhere over the rainbow’