VK News Today https://validator.w3.org/feed/docs/rss2.html Gemini Horoscope Today, August 21, 2026: Mercury supports your thinking, while the Moon brings brightness to your mood US-Iran war brings Air India Group’s international carriage down 35%, IndiGo’s 15.4% ‘Sava’s Titanic,’ the century-old sunken shipwreck emerges as Europe’s rivers fall to record lows | World News 2 of the judges on bench fault procedure for 2005 referral NEW DELHI: Two of the nine-judge SC bench – Justices Dipankar Datta and Ujjal Bhuyan – Thursday faulted the procedure adopted by a five-judge bench in 2005 to refer adjudication of the correctness of SC’s 1978 ruling giving wider meaning to ‘industry’ to a seven-judge bench and the latter’s reference in 2016 to a nine-judge bench.The case had an interesting genesis. Bangalore Water Supply and Sewerage Board had fined two employees for misconduct and deducted the fine amount from their salary in 1972. They had filed a claim petition under Industrial Disputes Act for recovery of the fine amount. The board said it cannot be categorised as industry. The Industrial Tribunal and Karnataka HC agreed with the employees.On an appeal, a seven-judge SC bench on Feb 21, 1978, gave the expansive meaning to industry. Such was the sweep of its ambit that almost everything – temples, universities, colleges, social forestry work and hospitals – came to be defined as industry and those working there got covered as workmen under Industrial Disputes Act, 1947. Finding the definition unacceptable, Parliament amended the definition of ‘industry’ in 1982, but the amendment was never notified making it a dead legislation. In 2020, Parliament enacted the Industrial Relation Code, which came into force from Nov 21, 2025, repealing Industrial Disputes Act, 1947.Get the latest India News and Live updates. Download the TOI app.End of ArticleFollow Us On Social MediaVideos‘NEET, Delimitation, Cauvery, Drugs’: Vijay’s Key Requests Before Amit Shah At Tamil Nadu MeetingPolicy Shift Or Just Words? Inside US Envoy Gor’s ‘Kashmir’ Remark That Rattled PakistanJharkhand High Court Stays Soren Govt’s Order To Cancel JPSC Exams, AppointmentsKangana Vs Ramdev: BJP MP Fires Back After Yoga Guru Questions Her Past And Controversial Remarks’Not Mahatma Gandhi’s Congress’: FULL Vande Mataram Rejected At INC Events, BJP Doubts ‘Loyalty’US Body Opposes Mohan Bhagwat’s Visit, Seeks Sanctions on RSS Members Over Religious Freedom ClaimsDJB Tender Scam Row: AAP Questions Why Raghav Chadha Was Never Questioned By InvestigatorsMaharashtra’s Power Shift: Fadnavis Can Now Reverse Ministerial Decisions In Public InterestIndia Removes Pakistan Mission Barricades After Islamabad Move, Tensions Rise Over Kashmir RemarksModi Govt’s Gen-Z Outreach: One Union Minister To Visit One University Daily123PhotostoriesHow to look expensive without spending a lot of moneyFrom money plants to shankh: 5 Vastu items believed to bring good luck and positivity at homeHow much walking can reverse the health risks of sitting for 8 hours a day? Doctor explains what your body needsWhy does homemade curd turn slimy during monsoon and 3 ways to prevent itThe history of the white shirt: How a simple staple became the ultimate fashion icon10 enchanting baby girl names inspired by fantasy, mythology and folkloreSugar price hike by Rs 8 per kg: 9 natural Indian sweeteners and how to use themOptical illusion personality test: The first thing you spot reveals what’s coming next in your lifeIs apple cider vinegar good for your hair? Benefits, side effects, and the right way to use it10 One Piece characters who have lived for more than a 100 years123Hot PicksPeru EarthquakeConnor McDavidGTU results 2026Pennsylvania plane crashOil export IndiaFaceless assessmentRSS sanctionZepto internshipPakistan High CommissionTop TrendingHyderabad MurderPakistan High CommissionTwisha SharmaKarnataka MurderKerala MurderAbhijeet DipkeSukesh ChandrashekharRahul GandhiBengaluru RapidoBen Gvir Cancer Horoscope Today, August 21, 2026: This is a helpful day for academics For 1st time in a decade, India to import 10 lakh tonnes of sugar Billionaire Bill Ackman donates $400 million to brain research: shares heartbreaking story of daughter’s coma, says he wants cure, not Nobel Prize winners SC asks CBSE to consider one-year reprieve on 3-language policy; bench debates whether English is ‘indigenous’ NEW DELHI: Supreme Court Thursday asked Central Board of Secondary Education (CBSE) to consider a reprieve to Class VI students by deferring implementation of the three-language policy to next year, by which time it should shore up infrastructure and teaching staff. Under the policy, students must choose two native languages.On a related note, the bench of CJI Surya Kant, and Justices Joymalya Bagchi and V Mohana delved into whether English is an indigenous language. CBSE, through additional solicitor general Aishwarya Bhati, said it is neither foreign nor native. “We have to examine the extent to which English can be considered non-indigenous. I personally have serious reservations about the expression ‘native’. It has a very colonial connotation. It should be ‘indigenous’,” Justice Bagchi said.Need to decide on status of English: CJISecondly, if you see the historical perspective of English and the extent of its roots in Indian society, we will have to take a final call. Although it is your policy, on the constitutional angle — whether English is a non-indigenous language or an indigenous language. If you decide this issue, the rough edges can be largely taken care of,” Justice Bagchi said.CJI Surya Kant said, “The teething problems can be addressed, but ultimately sooner or later it has to be implemented. There is nothing wrong with the three-language education policy (under NE). But how to streamline it is the question. Whatever impediments or difficulties arising, govt can find a solution by consulting domain experts or by constituting an expert body.” As counsel for a bunch of petitioners argued that class tests in the native languages should also be stopped this year, the bench said since CBSE has said these will be elementary tests and no student’s performance will be based on marks scored, “Let the examinations take place as it will tell us how many students cleared it”.Bhati said CBSE will consider the issues flagged by the court and respond. Justice Bagchi said: “The second thing which is really troubling the petitioners is whether students presently in Class 6 can also be given a reprieve from taking the final test (in two native languages) in Class 10. The option is 23 languages in theory. But as you rightly said, only around 4% of schools are under CBSE and 96% are under state boards.Join conversationView All Comments →Share your thoughts in the commentsInsightfulAgreeDisagreeSkepticalConcerningPromisingWorth ReadingBig DevelopmentPost CommentBe respectful · TOI community guidelines There are asymmetries in compliance with National Council for Teacher Education norms.”“Now, compounded with that, if suddenly another indigenous language has to be taught, you would have to give some time not only to the students but also for the infrastructure of schools to come on a par. If this can be reconsidered by the council with regard to the applicability to these classes, and it can instead be scaled down to the lower standards, that would give greater assistance to students and their parents in taking a call,” he said. “If the starting point you have chosen is Class VI, consider giving them a reprieve for this year. You can introduce it next year…,” Justice Bagchi said.Get the latest India News and Live updates. Download the TOI app.End of ArticleFollow Us On Social MediaVideos‘NEET, Delimitation, Cauvery, Drugs’: Vijay’s Key Requests Before Amit Shah At Tamil Nadu MeetingPolicy Shift Or Just Words? Inside US Envoy Gor’s ‘Kashmir’ Remark That Rattled PakistanJharkhand High Court Stays Soren Govt’s Order To Cancel JPSC Exams, AppointmentsKangana Vs Ramdev: BJP MP Fires Back After Yoga Guru Questions Her Past And Controversial Remarks’Not Mahatma Gandhi’s Congress’: FULL Vande Mataram Rejected At INC Events, BJP Doubts ‘Loyalty’US Body Opposes Mohan Bhagwat’s Visit, Seeks Sanctions on RSS Members Over Religious Freedom ClaimsDJB Tender Scam Row: AAP Questions Why Raghav Chadha Was Never Questioned By InvestigatorsMaharashtra’s Power Shift: Fadnavis Can Now Reverse Ministerial Decisions In Public InterestIndia Removes Pakistan Mission Barricades After Islamabad Move, Tensions Rise Over Kashmir RemarksModi Govt’s Gen-Z Outreach: One Union Minister To Visit One University Daily123PhotostoriesHow to look expensive without spending a lot of moneyFrom money plants to shankh: 5 Vastu items believed to bring good luck and positivity at homeHow much walking can reverse the health risks of sitting for 8 hours a day? Doctor explains what your body needsWhy does homemade curd turn slimy during monsoon and 3 ways to prevent itThe history of the white shirt: How a simple staple became the ultimate fashion icon10 enchanting baby girl names inspired by fantasy, mythology and folkloreSugar price hike by Rs 8 per kg: 9 natural Indian sweeteners and how to use themOptical illusion personality test: The first thing you spot reveals what’s coming next in your lifeIs apple cider vinegar good for your hair? Benefits, side effects, and the right way to use it10 One Piece characters who have lived for more than a 100 years123Hot PicksPeru EarthquakeConnor McDavidGTU results 2026Pennsylvania plane crashOil export IndiaFaceless assessmentRSS sanctionZepto internshipPakistan High CommissionTop TrendingHyderabad MurderPakistan High CommissionTwisha SharmaKarnataka MurderKerala MurderAbhijeet DipkeSukesh ChandrashekharRahul GandhiBengaluru RapidoBen Gvir ‘Govinda and Komal Rani Swarnakar were planning to get married,’ Sunita Ahuja tell Rakhi Sawant on call as she reveals the reason behind withdrew her divorce petition “His brain is operating on another plane”: Fernando Mendoza’s words after Las Vegas Raiders’ loss sparks chaos SC upholds broad definition of industry, only for pending cases ‘I am deeply sorry for the harm caused’: Indian-origin hospital CEO takes responsibility for massive drug mix-up at a Nashville hospital during routine surgeries Former SC judge R Subhash Reddy to head 5-member panel to probe Jantar Mantar clashes NEW DELHI: Supreme Court Thursday appointed a five-member high-powered enquiry committee (HPEC) led by former SC judge R Subhash Reddy to probe alleged police excesses on students marching to Parliament on July 20 during the CJP-led protest against NEET leak, and counter-allegations of criminal elements sneaking in to indulge in violence and vandalism.Importantly, despite pendency of petitions challenging validity of the sedition provision under Sec 152 of Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita, SC asked HPEC to examine “establishment of strict constitutional thresholds and safeguards to prevent Section 152 (similar to Section 124A of IPC) from being invoked as an instrument to stifle political dissent and peaceful protest” and “operate as a chilling restraint upon constitutionally protected speech and assembly”.In its July 18 order made public Thursday, a bench of CJI Surya Kant and Justices Joymalya Bagchi and V Mohana gave an open tenure to HPEC, which comprises retired chief justice of Punjab and Haryana HC Ravi S Jha, retired Delhi HC judge Shalinder Kaur, former CBI director Rishi Kumar Shukla, and former Meghalaya DGP L R Bishnoi.CJP stir police action: Panel to look at chain of commandThe bench said the HPEC will inquire into 12 issues but give its first interim report at the earliest on two aspects — the first being “alleged use of excessive force and violence against protesters by police authorities and other agencies, including the deployment of pellet guns, electric batons, lathicharge and tear gas without adequate warning or proportionality, resulting in severe bodily harm and injuries, some of which are alleged to be of a grievous and lasting nature”.SC said the panel would investigate the chain of command in police to identify those responsible for issuing the directions leading to the excessive use of force against the protesters and examine the grant of interim compensation to injured protesters and policemen. Police, in its affidavit, had said 248 of its personnel and 218 protesters were injured on July 20 and had attributed the violence to criminal elements who infiltrated the ranks of student protesters.The second issue to be inquired into by the panel will be “alleged incidents of targeted violence, harassment, molestation and/or any secondary victimisation directed against female protesters, which, given the gravity and sensitivity of the allegations, warrant a focused and expeditious enquiry”.Leaving it open for the HPEC to enlist assistance of forensic, technical and domain experts in its inquiry, the bench said the committee would undertake “a continuous and periodic assessment of the 10 remaining issues and submit interim findings periodically so as to enable SC to take appropriate measures and issue such directions as may be warranted”.The other issues for the panel to inquire into are: guidelines for graded use of force by police while striking a balance between maintenance of public order and right to peaceful dissent; desirability of banning pellet guns, proper protective gear for police personnel engaged in crowd control; necessity of wearing uniforms and nameplates by police during crowd control for individual accountability; and whether use of surveillance tools violated protesters’ rights to privacy and free assembly.SC flagged two more issues for the HPEC: should blanket prohibitory orders (under Section 163 of BNSS/Section 144 of CrPC) be routinely issued or only for countering “real and imminent threat to public order”; and determination of the constitutional thresholds and safeguards to prevent invocation of Section 152 of BNS.Join conversationView All Comments →Share your thoughts in the commentsInsightfulAgreeDisagreeSkepticalConcerningPromisingWorth ReadingBig DevelopmentPost CommentBe respectful · TOI community guidelinesThe bench also asked the panel to examine alleged use of force and violence by protesters against police and security personnel, leading to many injuries and the damage caused to public and private property.Though it tasked the HPEC with examining certain broader constitutional questions, the bench clarified that these shall be dealt with by SC after hearing the parties. “These are matters that call for a measure of judicial nuance and circumspection, and merit determination by this court only upon a careful consideration of the submissions,” it said.SC asked police, paramilitary and probe agencies to submit to the panel all CCTV and drone footage, body-worn camera recordings, videography, wireless communication records and PCR call logs and cooperate with the inquiry. Pendency of inquiry by the HPEC will not bar police and security forces from “taking administrative or disciplinary action against such officers as may be found to be in contravention of the rules”.Get the latest India News and Live updates. Download the TOI app.End of ArticleFollow Us On Social MediaVideos‘NEET, Delimitation, Cauvery, Drugs’: Vijay’s Key Requests Before Amit Shah At Tamil Nadu MeetingPolicy Shift Or Just Words? Inside US Envoy Gor’s ‘Kashmir’ Remark That Rattled PakistanJharkhand High Court Stays Soren Govt’s Order To Cancel JPSC Exams, AppointmentsKangana Vs Ramdev: BJP MP Fires Back After Yoga Guru Questions Her Past And Controversial Remarks’Not Mahatma Gandhi’s Congress’: FULL Vande Mataram Rejected At INC Events, BJP Doubts ‘Loyalty’US Body Opposes Mohan Bhagwat’s Visit, Seeks Sanctions on RSS Members Over Religious Freedom ClaimsDJB Tender Scam Row: AAP Questions Why Raghav Chadha Was Never Questioned By InvestigatorsMaharashtra’s Power Shift: Fadnavis Can Now Reverse Ministerial Decisions In Public InterestIndia Removes Pakistan Mission Barricades After Islamabad Move, Tensions Rise Over Kashmir RemarksModi Govt’s Gen-Z Outreach: One Union Minister To Visit One University Daily123PhotostoriesHow to look expensive without spending a lot of moneyFrom money plants to shankh: 5 Vastu items believed to bring good luck and positivity at homeHow much walking can reverse the health risks of sitting for 8 hours a day? Doctor explains what your body needsWhy does homemade curd turn slimy during monsoon and 3 ways to prevent itThe history of the white shirt: How a simple staple became the ultimate fashion icon10 enchanting baby girl names inspired by fantasy, mythology and folkloreSugar price hike by Rs 8 per kg: 9 natural Indian sweeteners and how to use themOptical illusion personality test: The first thing you spot reveals what’s coming next in your lifeIs apple cider vinegar good for your hair? Benefits, side effects, and the right way to use it10 One Piece characters who have lived for more than a 100 years123Hot PicksPeru EarthquakeConnor McDavidGTU results 2026Pennsylvania plane crashOil export IndiaFaceless assessmentRSS sanctionZepto internshipPakistan High CommissionTop TrendingHyderabad MurderPakistan High CommissionTwisha SharmaKarnataka MurderKerala MurderAbhijeet DipkeSukesh ChandrashekharRahul GandhiBengaluru RapidoBen Gvir Dan Ticktum hopes to be part of GEN4 and challenge for top spots in Formula E Championship | Formula – E News Tasmania spent 28 years removing invasive carp from two lakes; after 49,301 fish were taken out, the state declared carp functionally eradicated and trout began bouncing back In 2023, Canadian wildfires cut solar power generation by 6.38 TWh across North America and Europe, causing an estimated $1.9 billion loss Car salesman becomes Belgian prince after DNA test confirms royal paternity Heavy rains trigger landslides in Kheri village, residents say several houses damaged (Image: ANI) JAMMU: Nearly a dozen families have been forced to take shelter in tents after subsidence damaged several houses and sparked panic in Kheri village on the outskirts of Jammu city.“It has become scary to live in a structure on the verge of collapse,” said a resident.Locals demanded the authorities conduct a detailed geological and technical survey of the area to devise a permanent solution to the recurring problem.An official said, “A small chunk of land is facing subsidence, and geological experts are currently conducting a survey.”The area previously witnessed similar subsidence on Sept 13 last year. Local resident Mohammad Javaid said his newly built, two-storey house developed deep cracks last year.Sporadic cases of land subsidence were also reported across 19 locations in Ramban, Kishtwar, Poonch, Reasi, and Kathua districts following heavy rain and flash floods.Get the latest India News and Live updates. Download the TOI app.End of ArticleFollow Us On Social MediaVideos‘NEET, Delimitation, Cauvery, Drugs’: Vijay’s Key Requests Before Amit Shah At Tamil Nadu MeetingPolicy Shift Or Just Words? Inside US Envoy Gor’s ‘Kashmir’ Remark That Rattled PakistanJharkhand High Court Stays Soren Govt’s Order To Cancel JPSC Exams, AppointmentsKangana Vs Ramdev: BJP MP Fires Back After Yoga Guru Questions Her Past And Controversial Remarks’Not Mahatma Gandhi’s Congress’: FULL Vande Mataram Rejected At INC Events, BJP Doubts ‘Loyalty’US Body Opposes Mohan Bhagwat’s Visit, Seeks Sanctions on RSS Members Over Religious Freedom ClaimsDJB Tender Scam Row: AAP Questions Why Raghav Chadha Was Never Questioned By InvestigatorsMaharashtra’s Power Shift: Fadnavis Can Now Reverse Ministerial Decisions In Public InterestIndia Removes Pakistan Mission Barricades After Islamabad Move, Tensions Rise Over Kashmir RemarksModi Govt’s Gen-Z Outreach: One Union Minister To Visit One University Daily123PhotostoriesHow to look expensive without spending a lot of moneyFrom money plants to shankh: 5 Vastu items believed to bring good luck and positivity at homeHow much walking can reverse the health risks of sitting for 8 hours a day? Doctor explains what your body needsWhy does homemade curd turn slimy during monsoon and 3 ways to prevent itThe history of the white shirt: How a simple staple became the ultimate fashion icon10 enchanting baby girl names inspired by fantasy, mythology and folkloreSugar price hike by Rs 8 per kg: 9 natural Indian sweeteners and how to use themOptical illusion personality test: The first thing you spot reveals what’s coming next in your lifeIs apple cider vinegar good for your hair? Benefits, side effects, and the right way to use it10 One Piece characters who have lived for more than a 100 years123Hot PicksLily HooperConnor McDavidGTU results 2026Pennsylvania plane crashOil export IndiaFaceless assessmentRSS sanctionZepto internshipPakistan High CommissionTop TrendingHyderabad MurderPakistan High CommissionTwisha SharmaKarnataka MurderKerala MurderAbhijeet DipkeSukesh ChandrashekharRahul GandhiBengaluru RapidoBen Gvir Govt announces panchayat poll process in Ladakh to fill ‘democratic vacuum’, district council polls next First time in 100 years, North American river otter spotted in the Bronx River: ‘I could hardly believe what I was seeing’ US ambassador Sergio Gor in Leh SRINAGAR: A day after meeting Jammu & Kashmir chief minister Omar Abdullah in Srinagar, US Ambassador to India, Sergio Gor, arrived in Ladakh Thursday on his maiden visit to the Union Territory, where he went sightseeing and rafting. There were also reports that he was likely to meet the Dalai Lama, who is currently in Ladakh, during his two-day trip, but there was no confirmation about this from anyone.Shortly after landing, Gor went sightseeing in Leh and later participated in river rafting, covering several kilometres from Tsogti to Sangam, the confluence of Indus and Zanskar rivers.Officials said the US envoy’s team had approached for a meeting with Ladakh Lt-governor Vinai Kumar Saxena, but he was in New Delhi.They also said they had no idea whether Gor was meeting the Dalai Lama on Friday morning. The 91-year-old Tibetan spiritual leader has been recuperating in Ladakh since June 28 following a medical procedure on his left knee in New Delhi.This is the first visit by a top US diplomat to Ladakh since it was carved out as a UT from the former state of J&K in Aug 2019, and the Galwan clash between Indian and Chinese troops in June 2020 that led to a prolonged military standoff between the two countries in the region.Gor is also US President Donald Trump’s special envoy for South and Central Asia, and his visit to the two UTs bordering China and Pakistan is being seen as a message to the two countries.In Srinagar, Gor’s remark describing Kashmir as an important part of India drew a sharp reaction from Pakistan, which summoned the US embassy’s charge d’affaires in Islamabad and lodged a “strong demarche” over what it termed a “factually incorrect statement”. Join conversationView All Comments →Share your thoughts in the commentsInsightfulAgreeDisagreeSkepticalConcerningPromisingWorth ReadingBig DevelopmentPost CommentBe respectful · TOI community guidelinesHe also talked of US considering reviewing its security advisory for J&K.Asked about Pakistan’s reaction to Gor’s remarks, the J&K CM Thursday said: “This is a matter between Pakistan and America. Neither you nor I can do anything about it.”On Congress’s criticism that there was no need to hear from the US that Kashmir was an important part of India, Omar said, “They have a point of view and they are entitled to it. I am not going to get into a war of words over this.”Get the latest India News and Live updates. Download the TOI app.End of ArticleFollow Us On Social MediaVideos‘NEET, Delimitation, Cauvery, Drugs’: Vijay’s Key Requests Before Amit Shah At Tamil Nadu MeetingPolicy Shift Or Just Words? Inside US Envoy Gor’s ‘Kashmir’ Remark That Rattled PakistanJharkhand High Court Stays Soren Govt’s Order To Cancel JPSC Exams, AppointmentsKangana Vs Ramdev: BJP MP Fires Back After Yoga Guru Questions Her Past And Controversial Remarks’Not Mahatma Gandhi’s Congress’: FULL Vande Mataram Rejected At INC Events, BJP Doubts ‘Loyalty’US Body Opposes Mohan Bhagwat’s Visit, Seeks Sanctions on RSS Members Over Religious Freedom ClaimsDJB Tender Scam Row: AAP Questions Why Raghav Chadha Was Never Questioned By InvestigatorsMaharashtra’s Power Shift: Fadnavis Can Now Reverse Ministerial Decisions In Public InterestIndia Removes Pakistan Mission Barricades After Islamabad Move, Tensions Rise Over Kashmir RemarksModi Govt’s Gen-Z Outreach: One Union Minister To Visit One University Daily123PhotostoriesHow to look expensive without spending a lot of moneyFrom money plants to shankh: 5 Vastu items believed to bring good luck and positivity at homeHow much walking can reverse the health risks of sitting for 8 hours a day? Doctor explains what your body needsWhy does homemade curd turn slimy during monsoon and 3 ways to prevent itThe history of the white shirt: How a simple staple became the ultimate fashion icon10 enchanting baby girl names inspired by fantasy, mythology and folkloreSugar price hike by Rs 8 per kg: 9 natural Indian sweeteners and how to use themOptical illusion personality test: The first thing you spot reveals what’s coming next in your lifeIs apple cider vinegar good for your hair? Benefits, side effects, and the right way to use it10 One Piece characters who have lived for more than a 100 years123Hot PicksPeru EarthquakeConnor McDavidGTU results 2026Pennsylvania plane crashOil export IndiaFaceless assessmentRSS sanctionZepto internshipPakistan High CommissionTop TrendingHyderabad MurderPakistan High CommissionTwisha SharmaKarnataka MurderKerala MurderAbhijeet DipkeSukesh ChandrashekharRahul GandhiBengaluru RapidoBen Gvir Aug 21, 2026, 00:46 IST Rey Mysterio vs. Roman Reigns net worth comparison in 2026: Who is richer, the Lucha Legend or the OTC? A look at WWE earnings, endorsements and wealth In 1932, an 8-year-old girl was gifted her first doll’s house for Christmas, then came World War 2; now the 101-year-old woman has created a dolls’ house museum In 1978, just 10 to 15 cane toads were moved to Ishigaki Island. Decades later, their population increased to 20,000 with surprising evolutionary change 6.6-magnitude earthquake strikes central Peru Virgin Australia removed a wheelchair user because his mobility device would not fit under his seat; airline later admitted the device had been incorrectly assessed Horoscope Today: Daily astrological predictions for August 21, 2026 FBI lists Lawrence Bishnoi gang-linked Indian national as wanted fugitive in US extortion case Major UK hotel chain CEO Joanna Boydell resigns amid security failings, sexual assault cases | World News Ashton Hall’s reaction to Conor McGregor team-up grabs attention after ‘8 days post surgery’ shoot Manchester synagogue terror attack: Iraqi national charged over failure to disclose information Updated: Aug 20, 2026, 21:26 IST ‘The Dating App Killer: The Monica White Story’: She dated Anthony Robinson before his arrest but where is Monica White now? | Horoscope Tomorrow, August 21, 2026: Your zodiac insights await 68-year-old Sheila Consaul bought Ohio’s abandoned Fairport Harbor West Lighthouse for $71,010 in 2011, then spent 15 years and over $300,000 restoring it as an off-grid home At 36,000 feet, a plane carrying 153 passengers drifted off course after an unexpected 28-minute lapse by both the pilots | World News Updated: Aug 20, 2026, 22:49 IST After Jaspal Rana’s sudden demise, Paris Olympic medallist Manu Bhaker forging new bonds with Serbian coach In 2002, New Mexico began one of America’s largest native-fish restoration projects; more than two decades later Rio Grande cutthroat trout had returned to 120 miles of streams Aug 20, 2026, 22:51 IST In 2006, Idaho launched a bounty-and-netting war on invasive lake trout; a decade later adult numbers were down 64% and Lake Pend Oreille’s kokanee had rebounded “Lying in bed crying won’t change anything”: Vanessa Bryant opens up about unbearable grief after losing Kobe Bryant and their daughter Find out who your MP is: Canada’s Portage College asks protesting Indian students to approach politicians for work permit woes Aug 20, 2026, 22:31 IST Iran rejects Trump’s Hormuz ‘total control’ claim, says strait will reopen only on Tehran’s terms In 1911, Norwegian whalers released 10 reindeer on South Georgia for food and hunting; a century later nearly 7,000 were removed after the herds damaged native vegetation NEW DELHI: Student leaders protesting against the alleged irregularities in Jharkhand’s recruitment exams criticised the Hemant Soren-led government on Thursday after the high court blocked the government’s decision to cancel the jobs of employees who had been appointed through the 11th and 13th JPSC exams.Student leader Kunal Pratap Singh claimed that the advocate general representing the government did not appear in the high court while it was hearing the PIL challenging the cancellation of the recruitment exams.”JPSC-JSSC Reform Manch had been staging a peaceful protest for the last 26 days. What did we get in return? Deceit. If it is any case of the CM himself, advocates like Kapil Sibal come from Delhi. But when such an important matter of the students of Jharkhand is heard in high court, the advocate general doesn’t even appear before the court. No senior advocate was there either. The lawyer present there did not say even one word. This clearly shows that this was a trap – a trap to end the protest, ruin 26 days of our hard work and play with the emotions of the students of Jharkhand,” the student leader said.”The CM himself had said that a massive corrupt system is active. Despite saying that, if the CM takes us for fools, he will be committing a grave mistake. If he feels that students of Jharkhand cannot gather together once again, he should come out of this illusion. If we want, we can call lakhs of students of Jharkhand to Ranchi tomorrow. We had given you 2 months’ time after careful deliberation… But how can we trust the investigation when you are unable to properly present the case before the Court? When your advocate is not appearing before the court? Students of Jharkhand are being cheated again and again. Why?” he added.Another student leader, Ravindra Paswan, said that a “new fight” will take birth soon against the government.”With whatever we saw in the court today, it became clear that the Govt deceived the lakhs of students in Jharkhand. The govt cheated lakhs of students of Jharkhand. It was fine until you were not cancelling the exam, until you were not agreeing to a CBI investigation,” Paswan said.”But after this deceit with students, a new fight takes birth. We, the students, will give you an answer for this. We saw your intent in the court today. You deceived not only the lakhs of students in Jharkhand but also the general public and parents of the state who had been sending their children to Jaipal Singh Munda to fight for their rights,” he added.Earlier in the day, Jharkhand high court stayed the operation of notifications cancelling the appointments of government employees through the 11th and 13th Jharkhand Public Service Commission (JPSC) examinations.The high court also stayed the operation of the order cancelling the appointments of food safety officers.While hearing a bunch of petitions against the government notifications, Justice Deepak Roshan asked the state to furnish its reply by September 15, the next date of hearing.Join conversationView All Comments →Share your thoughts in the commentsInsightfulAgreeDisagreeSkepticalConcerningPromisingWorth ReadingBig DevelopmentPost CommentBe respectful · TOI community guidelinesBy the order of the high court, the petitioners as well as other employees selected in the 11th and 13th JPSC exams and adversely affected by the government’s notification will now continue to hold their respective offices.The development came after successful candidates of the 11th and 13th JPSC examinations protested as they were afraid of losing their jobs.The court, however, made it clear that if any foul play is found in the appointment of a candidate during the investigation, the person will have to face the consequences and lose the service.After a 25-day student agitation over alleged irregularities in Jharkhand recruitment exams, the JMM-led government on the night of August 18 cancelled 22 exams and ordered a probe into 23 others conducted since 2014.PollVote & Share your viewDo you believe the Jharkhand government is handling the recruitment exam issue transparently?Yes, they are transparentNo, they are deceitful3k+ users shared opinion today 5k+ users already voted today 3k+ users shared opinion today Share OpinionGet the latest India News and Live updates. Download the TOI app.About the AuthorRohitashwa RanjanRohitashwa Ranjan is a digital journalist with The Times of India, where he decodes Indian politics as a carefully staged production with scripts, subtext and everything behind. His stories track elections, party dynamics and the things that often are buried beneath the headlines. When not parsing vote shares or alliances, he is usually reading between the lines, where the real story tends to reside.Read MoreEnd of ArticleFollow Us On Social MediaVideos‘NEET, Delimitation, Cauvery, Drugs’: Vijay’s Key Requests Before Amit Shah At Tamil Nadu MeetingPolicy Shift Or Just Words? 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