VK News Today https://validator.w3.org/feed/docs/rss2.html Utah wildfire: Helicopter carrying 2 crashes while fighting massive blaze, sparks new fire Tony Kakkar reacts to Guru Randhawa over ‘Fine Shyt’ backlash: ‘It would have been fun if we had trolled together’ Preity Zinta: ‘I want you to be the master of your destiny’: Preity Zinta’s father gave her this one lesson about education that every parent should teach their daughter ‘Army safeguarding territory’: Arunachal CM Pema Khandu rejects Chinese encroachment American entrepreneur says ‘I’m shocked but honestly not surprised’ as US plans to remove 60-day grace period for H-1Bs File photo: Vinayak Damodar Savarkar NEW DELHI: A political row has erupted in Kerala over a school quiz question that described Hindutva ideologue Vinayak Damodar Savarkar as the freedom fighter who received the “most severe punishment” from the British, prompting general education minister N Samsudheen to order an inquiry.The “Freedom Quiz” was conducted on August 6 for lower primary students in schools in the Kasaragod, Kumbla and Manjeshwar sub-districts, according to news agency PTI.The disputed question asked: “Who is the freedom fighter that received the most severe punishment from the British?” Savarkar was given as the answer.The minister’s office said Samsudheen has directed the director of general education to establish who prepared and conducted the quiz and take stringent action against those responsible.Education department says quiz was not authorisedAccording to the minister’s office, the quiz was not included in the activity calendar of either the Social Science Club or the General Education Department. Neither had authorised anyone to independently prepare the questions or conduct the competition.”The person who included the historically incorrect question holds a prejudiced view,” the minister’s office said, adding that the Education Director had been instructed to identify those responsible and take strict action.As per PTI, teachers associated with the Social Science Club had prepared the questionnaire.The controversy has since drawn criticism from the CPI(M) and Left-affiliated student and youth organisations, which accused the Congress-led UDF government of allowing what they described as a “Sangh Parivar agenda” to enter the education system.Pinarayi Vijayan accuses government of ‘colluding’ with RSSCPI(M) veteran and former Kerala chief minister Pinarayi Vijayan accused the UDF government of “colluding” with the RSS and alleged that efforts were being made to conceal Savarkar’s history and glorify him.Addressing a press conference in Kannur, Vijayan alleged that the Centre and the RSS were attempting to “rewrite history”. He also linked the controversy to the Centre’s efforts to implement its new education policy in Kerala.Former general education minister V Sivankutty also criticised the question, alleging that it was part of an attempt to “saffronise” Kerala’s general education sector and distort the history of India’s freedom struggle.Sivankutty demanded a comprehensive inquiry, strict action against those responsible and the withdrawal of the disputed question and answer. He also sought an apology from the General Education Department.Left groups, IUML leaders criticise questionSFI state secretary P S Sanjeev alleged that the quiz sought to portray Savarkar as a freedom fighter. In a social media post, he criticised the UDF government and alleged that the general education portfolio was being used to create space for the Sangh Parivar.Join conversationView All Comments →Share your thoughts in the commentsInsightfulAgreeDisagreeSkepticalConcerningPromisingWorth ReadingBig DevelopmentPost CommentBe respectful · TOI community guidelinesDYFI state secretary K Sanoj also criticised the government, saying there was no justification for a school quiz to contain a question that allegedly glorified Savarkar.Senior Indian Union Muslim League (IUML) leader and former minister M K Muneer said portraying Savarkar as a patriot was part of the RSS-BJP agenda.Muneer, however, said that if the question had indeed been included in the quiz, the matter should be seriously examined and those responsible identified, adding that it should not be treated lightly.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 MediaVideosKashmir Tourist Security To Get Major Upgrade With CCTV, Command Centres And Security AuditsUS Senate Passes Russia Sanctions Bill, India Faces Potential 100% Tariff Over Russian Oil Purchases’Did We Fail To Listen’: Tharoor Admits CJP Protest Resonated More Than Congress ‘Chhatron Ki Goonj’JPSC Protest Enters Day 14: Students Demand Exam Cancellation, CBI Probe After First Talks With GovtSonam Wangchuk Says Wife Sought Rahul Gandhi’s Help To End His 26-Day Hunger Strike At Jantar MantarOMCs Say E20 Petrol Meets Quality Standards After Nationwide Testing, Reject Contamination ClaimsNeha Bora Inked During Jharkhand Student Protest: AISA Alleges Political Attack, Accused DetainedJharkhand JPSC Protest: Hunger Striker Hospitalised After Four Days As Students Continue AgitationTamil Nadu CM Vijay’s Wife Sangeetha Withdraws Divorce Petition, Family Court Allows Withdrawal’Proof Of Corruption?’ JPSC Aspirant Makes Explosive Claims As Student Protests Intensify In Ranchi123PhotostoriesDelhi must stay ahead of dengue this monsoon: Why rain, stagnant water and delayed diagnosis can turn a seasonal threat serious5 things stylish women always remove from their closetsDia Mirza’s mother’s maroon Banarasi saree is a generational love letter that fast fashion could never match7 extraordinary animals travellers can see in some of Earth’s harshest placesYour liver can repair itself, but not forever: Doctor explains when early liver damage can be reversed and what happens if scarring progressesWhy do lifts have mirrors? 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Mayawati claimed the move was aimed at attracting Brahmin voters amid growing support for the BSP among upper-caste communities.Read full story2 Ghaziabad hospitals that turned away child rape victim to give parents Rs 12 lakhThe Supreme Court on Friday expressed serious concern over alleged lapses by two Ghaziabad hospitals and police in handling a minor girl who was grievously injured in a sexual assault and later died. The hospitals offered to donate ₹12 lakh to the victim’s parents to settle potential criminal prosecution and compensation liability. The bench, headed by CJI Surya Kant, said the incident highlighted a gap between existing legal safeguards and their implementation on the ground.Read full story‘Rude wake-up call’: Shashi Tharoor on CJP protests, says Gen Z will be largest voting bloc in 2029Congress MP Shashi Tharoor said politicians must listen to and engage with young people, noting that Gen Z and Gen Alpha will play an increasingly important role in Indian politics. Referring to his visit to Jantar Mantar during the CJP protests, Tharoor said he went there only to hear the protesters’ concerns and did not deliver a speech. He said young voters are expected to form the largest single voting bloc in the 2029 Lok Sabha elections, making their concerns politically significant.Read full storyIT ministry asks Meta to revamp algorithms, submit roadmap to tackle deepfakesThe ministry of electronics and information technology (MeitY) has asked Meta to strengthen its algorithms and submit a compliance roadmap to curb deepfakes, propaganda, morphed images and other harmful or illegal content on its platforms. Officials also sought faster action on takedown requests from authorised agencies, greater compliance with data-localisation requirements and closer coordination with the government.Join conversationView All Comments →Share your thoughts in the commentsInsightfulAgreeDisagreeSkepticalConcerningPromisingWorth ReadingBig DevelopmentPost CommentBe respectful · TOI community guidelines The government has intensified scrutiny of Meta over deepfakes, Child Sexual Abuse Material (CSAM) and other harmful content.Read full storyGreenland issues ‘strong warning’ as Trump-linked US oil firm pushes ahead with Arctic drillingA Texas-based oil company, Greenland Energy, has started moving drilling equipment ashore in Greenland’s remote Jameson Land despite not yet receiving approval from local authorities, according to The Guardian. The company plans to explore the region for oil and claims the area could hold up to $1 trillion worth of crude, while Greenland has maintained a ban on new oil exploration licences since 2021. Authorities issued a “strong warning” and said all logistical operations must receive prior approval, although they have not ordered the equipment removed.Read full storyGet the latest India News and Live updates. Download the TOI app.About the AuthorTOI News DeskThe TOI News Desk comprises a dedicated and tireless team of journalists who operate around the clock to deliver the most current and comprehensive news and updates to the readers of The Times of India worldwide. With an unwavering commitment to excellence in journalism, our team is at the forefront of gathering, verifying, and presenting breaking news, in-depth analysis, and insightful reports on a wide range of topics. The TOI News Desk is your trusted source for staying informed and connected to the ever-evolving global landscape, ensuring that our readers are equipped with the latest developments that matter most.”Read MoreEnd of ArticleFollow Us On Social MediaVideosKashmir Tourist Security To Get Major Upgrade With CCTV, Command Centres And Security AuditsUS Senate Passes Russia Sanctions Bill, India Faces Potential 100% Tariff Over Russian Oil Purchases’Did We Fail To Listen’: Tharoor Admits CJP Protest Resonated More Than Congress ‘Chhatron Ki Goonj’JPSC Protest Enters Day 14: Students Demand Exam Cancellation, CBI Probe After First Talks With GovtSonam Wangchuk Says Wife Sought Rahul Gandhi’s Help To End His 26-Day Hunger Strike At Jantar MantarOMCs Say E20 Petrol Meets Quality Standards After Nationwide Testing, Reject Contamination ClaimsNeha Bora Inked During Jharkhand Student Protest: AISA Alleges Political Attack, Accused DetainedJharkhand JPSC Protest: Hunger Striker Hospitalised After Four Days As Students Continue AgitationTamil Nadu CM Vijay’s Wife Sangeetha Withdraws Divorce Petition, Family Court Allows Withdrawal’Proof Of Corruption?’ JPSC Aspirant Makes Explosive Claims As Student Protests Intensify In Ranchi123Photostories5 things stylish women always remove from their closetsDia Mirza’s mother’s maroon Banarasi saree is a generational love letter that fast fashion could never match7 extraordinary animals travellers can see in some of Earth’s harshest placesYour liver can repair itself, but not forever: Doctor explains when early liver damage can be reversed and what happens if scarring progressesWhy do lifts have mirrors? 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Discover if fame, artistic talent, and public success are written in your hand lines After Germany’s exit, India eyes France-led sixth-generation fighter programme Senate confirms Trump’s ex-lawyer Todd Blanche as US Attorney General | World News ‘It was a complete lie’: Babar Azam refused Irfan Pathan interview? Here’s what happened A new Kansas law bars students from accessing phones, earbuds and smartwatches all school day, while one parent group is pushing for tighter iPad limits Mom-to-be Samantha Ruth Prabhu shares August update with gym selfies, childbirth book and more Why are Indian kitchens built facing south-east according to Vastu? Here’s the reasoning behind the tradition | Aries, Weekly Horoscope, August 09 to August 15, 2026: Thoughtful strategies and consistent efforts will lead to positive outcomes during this dynamic week SAD backs women’s quota, delimitation bills after Badal-PM Modi meet fuels buzz 56 decomposing bodies found at Chicago funeral home; owner’s licence suspended ISRO Scientist recruitment 2026: Applications open for 93 posts, selection based on GATE score ‘That escalated fast’: Swara Bhasker hospitalised after being diagnosed with dengue In 2026, Emerald Ash borers continue killing Ash Trees across North America; How one tiny beetle is transforming forests ⁩ | Asteroid Apophis will fly just 32,000 kilometres from Earth in April 2029, and Nasa says the encounter could reshape its surface Bengaluru’s 3-star, 5-star hotels under scanner; expired food, fungal vegetables, poor hygiene found Spain’s blood-red Río Tinto river is as acidic as vinegar, and Nasa says it could help scientists find life on Mars | World News NEW DELHI: Parliamentary affairs minister Kiren Rijiju on Saturday stepped up his attack on Congress, accusing the party of failing to acknowledge its “errors and shortcomings.”In a post on X, Rijiju contrasted the current Congress leadership with former Prime Minister Indira Gandhi, saying she had been “blunt” in admitting the actions she took during the Emergency.Sharing a video of Indira Gandhi, Rijiju wrote, “Although… we do not agree with the policies and the steps taken by the former Prime Minister Smt. Indira Gandhi ji, she was blunt in admitting the actions that she had taken.””Now, Congress party is not even realising their own errors & shortcomings,” he added.In the video, Indira Gandhi is seen defending the arrest of former deputy prime minister Morarji Desai and other Opposition leaders, alleging that they were “destroying democracy.”Rijiju’s remarks came hours after Congress MP Rahul Gandhi hit back at his challenge to the party to extend “unconditional support” to the Women’s Reservation Bill. Gandhi questioned the Centre’s decision to link implementation of the legislation with the delimitation exercise.Reiterating the Congress’ position, Rahul called for the implementation of the Nari Shakti Vandan Adhiniyam, 2023, “without any conditions.””Mr Rijiju, who would know better than you, as the Minister of Parliamentary Affairs – that the Women’s Reservation Bill 2023 has already been passed unanimously, with the full support of the Congress,” Rahul posted on X.The question is, why has it still not been implemented even after three years, and why do you now want to unnecessarily link it to delimitation? Implement the 2023 law. Without any conditions,” he added.Earlier in the day, Rijiju had challenged the Congress to support the Women’s Reservation Bill unconditionally after Gandhi called for greater freedom of expression for women.Join conversationView All Comments →Share your thoughts in the commentsInsightfulAgreeDisagreeSkepticalConcerningPromisingWorth ReadingBig DevelopmentPost CommentBe respectful · TOI community guidelinesThe opposition has demanded that women’s reservation be delinked from the delimitation exercise.The Nari Shakti Vandan Adhiniyam, 2023, was passed by both Houses of Parliament.However, its implementation has not moved forward after the Constitution (131st Amendment) Bill fell in the Lok Sabha on April 17, failing to secure the constitutionally required two-thirds majority of members present and voting.The Bill provided for 33 percent reservation for women in legislatures, along with provisions linked to delimitation of Lok Sabha constituencies.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 MediaVideosUS Senate Passes Russia Sanctions Bill, India Faces Potential 100% Tariff Over Russian Oil Purchases’Did We Fail To Listen’: Tharoor Admits CJP Protest Resonated More Than Congress ‘Chhatron Ki Goonj’JPSC Protest Enters Day 14: Students Demand Exam Cancellation, CBI Probe After First Talks With GovtSonam Wangchuk Says Wife Sought Rahul Gandhi’s Help To End His 26-Day Hunger Strike At Jantar MantarOMCs Say E20 Petrol Meets Quality Standards After Nationwide Testing, Reject Contamination ClaimsNeha Bora Inked During Jharkhand Student Protest: AISA Alleges Political Attack, Accused DetainedJharkhand JPSC Protest: Hunger Striker Hospitalised After Four Days As Students Continue AgitationTamil Nadu CM Vijay’s Wife Sangeetha Withdraws Divorce Petition, Family Court Allows Withdrawal’Proof Of Corruption?’ JPSC Aspirant Makes Explosive Claims As Student Protests Intensify In RanchiExplained: Why PM Modi Asked NDA MPs To Avoid The ‘Lutyens’ Web’ And Stay Focused On Public Outreach123PhotostoriesWhy do lifts have mirrors? 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Ancient DNA now points to the Bo people | World News