VK News Today https://validator.w3.org/feed/docs/rss2.html ‘Very embarrassing defeat’: Ricky Ponting tears apart Australia after Bangladesh shock ‘Sathuranga Vettai 2’ signs off revival; Aravind Swamy and Trisha starrer to get release date soon 3 simple money lessons every parent can teach a child from age 5 ‘Never got involved in corruption, stay away from politics’: Asish Banerjee’s suicide note surfaces In 1940, the Walker sisters sold their 122-acre Tennessee homestead for $4,750; a lifetime lease let them keep living there inside Great Smoky Mountains National Park Quote of the day by Sean Connery: ‘If you start thinking of your image…you’re in a trap. What’s important is that you’re doing the work that’s best for you,’ the ‘James Bond’ star’s words of wisdom on not caring about what other people think A mother taught her 3-year-old to dial the police helpline in a fun game; it turned out to save her life when she actually collapsed Not-so-pleased with Apple, the US government tells iPhone maker: Think of better ideas than going to China for … ‘It’s so cheap that I don’t know…’ File photo: Congress leader Sonia Gandhi and Union home minister Amit Shah NEW DELHI: Union home minister Amit Shah on Sunday launched a sharp attack on Congress over a controversy surrounding the rendition of Vande Mataram at the party’s Independence Day event, accusing it of insulting the national song and alleging that the incident was driven by “vote-bank” politics.Addressing a rally in Chittorgarh, Rajasthan, Shah alleged that Congress leader Sonia Gandhi had asked party workers to stop the rendition while it was being sung at the Congress headquarters on Saturday.“Look at their (Congress’s) shamelessness. The anthem Vande Mataram was being sung at the Congress Party headquarters. During the anthem, Congress leader Sonia Gandhi told the Congress President to stop singing. We all just kept watching on TV,” Shah said.He directly addressed Sonia Gandhi, saying, “Sonia ji, 140 crore people are watching you. This sin you have committed will never be forgiven by the people of this country.”“How can anyone even dream of leaving the anthem Vande Mataram incomplete? The people of Congress should feel ashamed,” he added.Shah also accused the Congress of having “forgotten Vande Mataram out of greed for vote banks” and said the party should apologise to the people for allegedly insulting the national song.Congress denies BJP’s allegationThe controversy erupted on Saturday after the BJP shared video footage from the Congress’s Independence Day programme at Indira Bhawan and alleged that Sonia Gandhi had objected while Vande Mataram was being played.The Congress rejected the allegation and maintained that the full version of Vande Mataram was sung at the event.Congress general secretary Jairam Ramesh said the party’s position on the song was rooted in its history and cited a 1937 meeting of the Congress Working Committee in Calcutta, attended by leaders including Mahatma Gandhi, Netaji Subhas Chandra Bose, Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel, Maulana Abul Kalam Azad and Jawaharlal Nehru.Ramesh said the CWC had decided, following advice from Rabindranath Tagore, that the opening stanzas of Vande Mataram would be sung at Congress sessions.He also rejected the claim that Sonia Gandhi had sought to stop the song. According to Ramesh, she was asking party workers to arrange a chair for Congress president Mallikarjun Kharge, who had been standing for some time.Join conversationView All Comments →Share your thoughts in the commentsInsightfulAgreeDisagreeSkepticalConcerningPromisingWorth ReadingBig DevelopmentPost CommentBe respectful · TOI community guidelines“The full version was sung at Saturday’s event, there is no question of a controversy over it,” Ramesh said.BJP has continued to target the Congress over the incident, with party leaders accusing it of showing disrespect towards Vande Mataram.The row comes shortly after Parliament passed legislation dealing with disrespect towards the national song.The Prevention of Insults to National Honour (Amendment) Bill, 2026 was cleared by the Rajya Sabha and Lok Sabha in July and accords Vande Mataram a status on par with the national anthem, Jana Gana Mana.Shah’s remarks came after he attended an event in Chittorgarh with Rajasthan chief minister Bhajanlal Sharma, where they unveiled a statue of former prime minister Atal Bihari Vajpayee on his death anniversary.Get the latest India News and Live updates. Download the TOI app.About the AuthorTOI News DeskThe TOI News Desk comprises a dedicated and tireless team of journalists who operate around the clock to deliver the most current and comprehensive news and updates to the readers of The Times of India worldwide. With an unwavering commitment to excellence in journalism, our team is at the forefront of gathering, verifying, and presenting breaking news, in-depth analysis, and insightful reports on a wide range of topics. The TOI News Desk is your trusted source for staying informed and connected to the ever-evolving global landscape, ensuring that our readers are equipped with the latest developments that matter most.”Read MoreEnd of ArticleFollow Us On Social MediaVideos‘Derogatory’: PM Modi’s ‘Dimaagi Naxals’ Remark Triggers Row; Congress, CJP, Left Parties Hit BackActivist Devendra Mahto Stopped From Tiranga March As Jharkhand Student Protest Escalates On I-Day‘Came From The Top’: Mahua Moitra Alleges Late-Night Pressure, Seeks Speaker Om Birla’s InterventionDid Congress Leaders Signal Stop? Viral Vande Mataram Video Sparks Political Firestorm In New DelhiIndia Signs ₹1,577 Crore Drone Deals As Army Powers Up Precision Strikes And Unmanned WarfareAjit Doval Breaks Silence On Operation Sindoor, Reveals PM Modi’s Immediate Response After PahalgamPM Modi From Red Fort: India’s Self-Reliance Push, Semiconductor Boom And Manufacturing SurgeRahul Gandhi, Kharge Skip Red Fort Event Again As Congress Flags Threats To Democratic InstitutionsPM Modi From Red Fort: India’s Self-Reliance Push, Semiconductor Boom And Manufacturing SurgePM Modi From Red Fort On 80th Independence Day: ‘India Must Dream Big And Move Forward’123PhotostoriesVaani Kapoor goes full maximalist in Mayyur Girotra’s Kutch-embroidered suit, leaving us completely obsessedHimanshi Khurana on battling depression, traumatic childhood and breakup with Asim Riaz over religious differences; says ‘I felt I was betraying God’10 unusual foods from India that tourists are often afraid to try7 Food items naturally rich in vitamin D to add to your dietStop throwing away stale bread: 7 surprisingly useful ways to use itLove quote of the day by Maya Angelou: ‘I sustain myself with the love of family’Why do Indian brides wear a maang tikka?Your walk changes after 60, but is it really ‘normal ageing’? What a shuffle, sway or slower step could be telling you7 Foods to eat in the morning for better digestion and easier bowel movementsWant a better relationship with your parents? 8 simple tips every teenager should try123Hot PicksMartin Luther King JrRajasthan UCCDelhi trafficJharkhand protestEast Coast Railway GDCE recruitmentMP Class 10, 12 timetableIran warKarnataka bandhUP NEET UG counsellingTop TrendingPM ModiCM VijayBengaluru Namma MetroAsish BanerjeeManan KumarVirender Singh BasoyaJP NaddaWeather TomorrowBengaluru RapidoAbhijeet Dipke Who is Antara Banerjee? Actress arrested over alleged train clash; police allege razor attack on RPF officer 7 easy ways to remove dirt and stains India Day Parade: Zohran Mamdani attends as first Indian American mayor of New York Patrick Mahomes left scrambling for respect after critic’s controversial QB ranking Congress leader Sonia Gandhi (right) and Congress president Mallikarjun Kharge at Independence Day celebrations at Congress headquarters in Delhi NEW DELHI: West Bengal BJP MLA Sumitro Chatterjee on Sunday demanded an unconditional apology from senior Congress leader Sonia Gandhi for allegedly disrespecting Vande Mataram.Chatterjee is a direct descendant of renowned poet Bankim Chandra Chattopadhyay, who wrote the national song.In his letter, Chatterjee described the alleged incident on August 15, as the country celebrated its 80th Independence Day, as “not merely unfortunate but a shameless repetition of a historical mistake.”He stated that he was writing as an “ordinary citizen, a patriot and a direct descendant of Bankim Chandra Chattopadhyay,” and expressed “deep pain, emptiness, and anger” over the episode.He termed Sonia Gandhi’s alleged reluctance to fully recite “Vande Mataram” on an “insult” to the sacrifices of martyrs such as Khudiram Bose.Chatterjee also cited the song’s role in the freedom movement, including its recitation by Sarala Devi Chaudhurani at the 1905 Benares Congress session, its singing by Bal Gangadhar Tilak’s supporters during his 1909 sedition trial, and its use as a rallying cry by nationalist students at Hyderabad’s Osmania University in 1938 despite the Nizam’s restrictions.He also referred to Rabindranath Tagore’s rendition of the song at the 1896 Calcutta session of the Indian National Congress.Chatterjee further claimed that the Congress’ so-called “dual policy” was not new, recalling that in 1937, the party had “bowed” to Mohammad Ali Jinnah’s objections and truncated the song that October. He argued that the shadow of that “compromise” was visible again in the party’s conduct.Asserting that Vande Mataram was not the property of any one political party but the country’s collective memory, Bankim Chandra’s eternal legacy and a sacred national symbol earned through the blood and sacrifice of martyrs, Chatterjee maintained that respecting the song was tantamount to respecting the history of India’s freedom struggle.He warned that “history forgives no one” and that any leadership which fails to respect its own mantra of freedom would be pushed by history into “the darkness of oblivion.”Chatterjee added that the incident had “deeply” hurt the sentiments of the people of West Bengal and appealed to Gandhi to introspect and tender an unconditional apology to all countrymen, particularly the people of West Bengal, without any conditions.Join conversationView All Comments →Share your thoughts in the commentsInsightfulAgreeDisagreeSkepticalConcerningPromisingWorth ReadingBig DevelopmentPost CommentBe respectful · TOI community guidelinesThe incident he referred to took place during Independence Day celebrations at the Congress party headquarters in Delhi. A video from the event went viral, with several BJP leaders and social media users alleging that there was “discomfort” and repeated attempts to stop the full version of Vande Mataram from being sung.The 80th Independence Day marked the first time since independence that the national song was played at the official August 15 celebrations at Delhi’s Red Fort. Vande Mataram was played before Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s address to the nation from the ramparts of the iconic monument.(With PTI inputs)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 MediaVideosActivist Devendra Mahto Stopped From Tiranga March As Jharkhand Student Protest Escalates On I-Day‘Came From The Top’: Mahua Moitra Alleges Late-Night Pressure, Seeks Speaker Om Birla’s InterventionDid Congress Leaders Signal Stop? 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What a shuffle, sway or slower step could be telling you7 Foods to eat in the morning for better digestion and easier bowel movementsWant a better relationship with your parents? 8 simple tips every teenager should try123Hot PicksMartin Luther King JrRajasthan UCCDelhi trafficJharkhand protestEast Coast Railway GDCE recruitmentMP Class 10, 12 timetableIran warKarnataka bandhUP NEET UG counsellingTop TrendingPM ModiCM VijayBengaluru Namma MetroAsish BanerjeeManan KumarVirender Singh BasoyaJP NaddaWeather TomorrowBengaluru RapidoAbhijeet Dipke Aug 16, 2026, 13:10 IST ‘He is not ready to quit’: Netizens react to Ravi Kishan’s latest song reel with Rishab Sharma Tukaram Mundhe-led FDA suspends company licence Navy sailor, wife and 2 children found dead at Mumbai home Inside the fiery debate over Charlie Kirk’s death and the evidence behind the case ‘Jana Nayagan’ 25 days celebration: Thalapathy Vijay’s unmatched crowd pulling power comes to the fore Why morning sunlight is important for your body; here’s all you need to know ‘Fell from roof’: BSF jawan tells family after wife’s murder; arrested In 1898, 17 years after surviving the O.K. Corral gunfight, Virgil Earp claimed 160 acres in Arizona; two years later, he earned title to the land India needs faster growth, stronger rupee to reach $20 trillion economy by 2036: Report Check response sheet, Rs 200 challenge fee and deadline ‘I have lot to do as an actor’: Yash CLARIFIES on entering politics following Thalapathy Vijay’s path Angelina Jolie’s heartbreaking take on preparing her children for her death Weekly Health Horoscope Predictions, August 16 to August 22, 2026: Tips for wellness and balance based on each zodiac sign A skeleton found beneath Scotland’s Stirling Castle had more than 160 fractures; researchers say it is the first confirmed death from a trebuchet The trouble with getting used to miracles Kick streamer faces $1 million bail after domestic violence call Jharkhand students and aspirants protest NEW DELHI: The protest by students and job aspirants over alleged irregularities in Jharkhand recruitment examinations entered its 23rd day on Sunday, with the agitators announcing plans to burn effigies of chief minister Hemant Soren and congress leader Rahul Gandhi across all 24 districts.The protesters, under the banner of JPSC-JSSC Reforms Manch, accused the ruling JMM-Congress alliance of failing to take “concrete action” on their demands. They also announced plans to gherao Soren’s residence in Ranchi on August 20 and demanded his resignation.JPSC-JSSC Reforms Manch leader Ravindra Paswan said the protesters would intensify their agitation unless their demands were addressed.“We will gherao the chief minister’s residence on August 20. We seek his resignation as both the JMM and the Congress are playing politics with us. We also demand that Rahul Gandhi withdraw support from the JMM-led coalition if the CM is not listening to him,” Paswan said.The protesters are seeking cancellation of the JSSC-CGL examination and certain Jharkhand Public Service Commission examinations over alleged irregularities. They have also demanded a CBI probe or an inquiry by a panel of retired judges from outside Jharkhand.Students and job aspirants held a ‘Tiranga Yatra’ in Ranchi on Saturday to mark India’s 80th Independence Day and press for recruitment reforms. Thousands participated in the march from Jaipal Singh Munda Stadium to Albert Ekka Chowk, including two wheelchair-borne protesters who were on hunger strike.Meanwhile, JLKM leader and student activist Devendra Mahto, who has been fasting for 15 days, alleged that police prevented him from joining the march after he tried to leave Sadar Hospital.Videos purportedly showing Mahto in a confrontation with security personnel were circulated on social media. The protesters alleged police high-handedness during the Independence Day programme.This comes as Jharkhand leader of opposition Babulal Marandi urged the state government to engage with the protesting aspirants.Join conversationView All Comments →Share your thoughts in the commentsInsightfulAgreeDisagreeSkepticalConcerningPromisingWorth ReadingBig DevelopmentPost CommentBe respectful · TOI community guidelines“The government should not remain adamant on its stance. It should pay attention to the students’ demands… The government should hold talks with the students without any delay,” Marandi told ANI.However, the state government has said it is taking steps to strengthen the recruitment process. In his Independence Day address, Soren said questions over examination irregularities had shaken the trust of a generation of job aspirants.He said investigations would be impartial and that those found guilty would face strict legal action, while cautioning against declaring anyone guilty without evidence.The state government has proposed an annual examination calendar, technology-secured examinations, timely publication of answer keys and OMR sheets, and multi-level accountability.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 MediaVideosActivist Devendra Mahto Stopped From Tiranga March As Jharkhand Student Protest Escalates On I-Day‘Came From The Top’: Mahua Moitra Alleges Late-Night Pressure, Seeks Speaker Om Birla’s InterventionDid Congress Leaders Signal Stop? Viral Vande Mataram Video Sparks Political Firestorm In New DelhiIndia Signs ₹1,577 Crore Drone Deals As Army Powers Up Precision Strikes And Unmanned WarfareAjit Doval Breaks Silence On Operation Sindoor, Reveals PM Modi’s Immediate Response After PahalgamPM Modi From Red Fort: India’s Self-Reliance Push, Semiconductor Boom And Manufacturing SurgeRahul Gandhi, Kharge Skip Red Fort Event Again As Congress Flags Threats To Democratic InstitutionsPM Modi From Red Fort: India’s Self-Reliance Push, Semiconductor Boom And Manufacturing SurgePM Modi From Red Fort On 80th Independence Day: ‘India Must Dream Big And Move Forward’79 Years Of Freedom: What Do Indians Really Want From Their Country, Leaders And Democracy Now?123PhotostoriesVaani Kapoor goes full maximalist in Mayyur Girotra’s Kutch-embroidered suit, leaving us completely obsessedHimanshi Khurana on battling depression, traumatic childhood and breakup with Asim Riaz over religious differences; says ‘I felt I was betraying God’10 unusual foods from India that tourists are often afraid to try7 Food items naturally rich in vitamin D to add to your dietStop throwing away stale bread: 7 surprisingly useful ways to use itLove quote of the day by Maya Angelou: ‘I sustain myself with the love of family’Why do Indian brides wear a maang tikka?Your walk changes after 60, but is it really ‘normal ageing’? What a shuffle, sway or slower step could be telling you7 Foods to eat in the morning for better digestion and easier bowel movementsWant a better relationship with your parents? 8 simple tips every teenager should try123Hot PicksMartin Luther King JrRajasthan UCCDelhi trafficJharkhand protestEast Coast Railway GDCE recruitmentMP Class 10, 12 timetableIran warKarnataka bandhUP NEET UG counsellingTop TrendingPM ModiCM VijayBengaluru Namma MetroAsish BanerjeeManan KumarVirender Singh BasoyaJP NaddaWeather TomorrowBengaluru RapidoAbhijeet Dipke Aug 16, 2026, 12:13 IST From ‘The Alien’ to ‘Jaws’: 10 top films to watch if you loved Sam Neill’s ‘Jurassic Park’ franchise The largest snake to roam the Earth, earlier mistaken for a massive crocodile; IIT Roorkee researchers name it after the ‘Vasuki Naag’ Nag Panchami 2026: Date, time, puja rituals and significance In 1962, Oklahoma researchers gave 14-year-old elephant Tusko 297 mg of LSD, the largest single dose ever administered; he collapsed within five minutes and died 100 minutes later 12 killed, 10 injured after Polish bus overturns on M3 motorway Air India Express (Representative image) NEW DELHI: A passenger travelling with his wife on an Air India Express flight to Mumbai fired a round during a weapon check at Varanasi airport on Sunday, injuring two security screeners.The incident took place around 9.30 am when the passenger, travelling on flight IX-1810, declared that he was carrying weapons on board.During the weapons check, the passenger fired a round, injuring two AAICLAS screeners. Both were taken to New Laxmi Trauma Centre for treatment.Local police have been informed and an investigation into the incident is under way, Varanasi Airport Director said.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 MediaVideosActivist Devendra Mahto Stopped From Tiranga March As Jharkhand Student Protest Escalates On I-Day‘Came From The Top’: Mahua Moitra Alleges Late-Night Pressure, Seeks Speaker Om Birla’s InterventionDid Congress Leaders Signal Stop? Viral Vande Mataram Video Sparks Political Firestorm In New DelhiIndia Signs ₹1,577 Crore Drone Deals As Army Powers Up Precision Strikes And Unmanned WarfareAjit Doval Breaks Silence On Operation Sindoor, Reveals PM Modi’s Immediate Response After PahalgamPM Modi From Red Fort: India’s Self-Reliance Push, Semiconductor Boom And Manufacturing SurgeRahul Gandhi, Kharge Skip Red Fort Event Again As Congress Flags Threats To Democratic InstitutionsPM Modi From Red Fort: India’s Self-Reliance Push, Semiconductor Boom And Manufacturing SurgePM Modi From Red Fort On 80th Independence Day: ‘India Must Dream Big And Move Forward’79 Years Of Freedom: What Do Indians Really Want From Their Country, Leaders And Democracy Now?123PhotostoriesHimanshi Khurana on battling depression, traumatic childhood and breakup with Asim Riaz over religious differences; says ‘I felt I was betraying God’10 unusual foods from India that tourists are often afraid to try7 Food items naturally rich in vitamin D to add to your dietStop throwing away stale bread: 7 surprisingly useful ways to use itLove quote of the day by Maya Angelou: ‘I sustain myself with the love of family’Why do Indian brides wear a maang tikka?Your walk changes after 60, but is it really ‘normal ageing’? What a shuffle, sway or slower step could be telling you7 Foods to eat in the morning for better digestion and easier bowel movementsWant a better relationship with your parents? 8 simple tips every teenager should try10 baby girl names inspired by ancient flowers123Hot PicksMartin Luther King JrRajasthan UCCDelhi trafficJharkhand protestEast Coast Railway GDCE recruitmentMP Class 10, 12 timetableIran warKarnataka bandhUP NEET UG counsellingTop TrendingPM ModiCM VijayBengaluru Namma MetroAsish BanerjeeManan KumarVirender Singh BasoyaJP NaddaWeather TomorrowBengaluru RapidoAbhijeet Dipke Aug 16, 2026, 11:56 IST Michael Jackson used to warn his children to stay away from Neverland: Paris Jackson says, ‘That did not belong to us’ ‘Raises several questions’: Adhir Ranjan Chowdhury condemns Congress leader, son’s murder in Bengal RJD targets Nishant Kumar over flag-hoisting video, asks ‘who is he saluting?’ The Rashtriya Janata Dal on Sunday targeted Bihar health minister Nishant Kumar by sharing a video of him hoisting the Tricolour on Independence Day. The Lalu Yadav-led party mocked former chief minister Nitish Kumar’s son over his gesture shortly after the flag-hoisting.Posting the video on its official account, the RJD asked, “Who is the health minister saluting?”Taking its attack further, the main opposition party in Bihar said, “And to whom is he turning his back?”JD(U) leader Nishant Kumar, the son of Bihar’s longest-serving chief minister, has repeatedly come under the opposition’s scrutiny over his gestures on several occasions.Nishant Kumar was inducted into the state Cabinet soon after Samrat Choudhary became chief minister, replacing Nitish Kumar. Nitish subsequently became a Rajya Sabha member, marking the end of the Lalu-Nitish era in Bihar.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 MediaVideosActivist Devendra Mahto Stopped From Tiranga March As Jharkhand Student Protest Escalates On I-Day‘Came From The Top’: Mahua Moitra Alleges Late-Night Pressure, Seeks Speaker Om Birla’s InterventionDid Congress Leaders Signal Stop? Viral Vande Mataram Video Sparks Political Firestorm In New DelhiIndia Signs ₹1,577 Crore Drone Deals As Army Powers Up Precision Strikes And Unmanned WarfareAjit Doval Breaks Silence On Operation Sindoor, Reveals PM Modi’s Immediate Response After PahalgamPM Modi From Red Fort: India’s Self-Reliance Push, Semiconductor Boom And Manufacturing SurgeRahul Gandhi, Kharge Skip Red Fort Event Again As Congress Flags Threats To Democratic InstitutionsPM Modi From Red Fort: India’s Self-Reliance Push, Semiconductor Boom And Manufacturing SurgePM Modi From Red Fort On 80th Independence Day: ‘India Must Dream Big And Move Forward’79 Years Of Freedom: What Do Indians Really Want From Their Country, Leaders And Democracy Now?123PhotostoriesHimanshi Khurana on battling depression, traumatic childhood and breakup with Asim Riaz over religious differences; says ‘I felt I was betraying God’10 unusual foods from India that tourists are often afraid to try7 Food items naturally rich in vitamin D to add to your dietStop throwing away stale bread: 7 surprisingly useful ways to use itLove quote of the day by Maya Angelou: ‘I sustain myself with the love of family’Why do Indian brides wear a maang tikka?Your walk changes after 60, but is it really ‘normal ageing’? What a shuffle, sway or slower step could be telling you7 Foods to eat in the morning for better digestion and easier bowel movementsWant a better relationship with your parents? 8 simple tips every teenager should try10 baby girl names inspired by ancient flowers123Hot PicksMartin Luther King JrRajasthan UCCDelhi trafficJharkhand protestEast Coast Railway GDCE recruitmentMP Class 10, 12 timetableIran warKarnataka bandhUP NEET UG counsellingTop TrendingPM ModiCM VijayBengaluru Namma MetroAsish BanerjeeManan KumarVirender Singh BasoyaJP NaddaWeather TomorrowBengaluru RapidoAbhijeet Dipke ‘Team didn’t have confidence in me’: Ravindra Jadeja’s candid revelation that left him ‘disturbed’ UGC NET answer key 2026 out at ugcnet.nta.nic.in; NTA opens challenges for 84 subjects, check fee and deadline Shah Rukh Khan, Ajay Devgn, and Tiger Shroff under Maharashtra FDA’s scanner over pan masala brand ad; agency issues show-cause notices to actors Spanish F-18 shoots down drone breaching Romanian airspace in fourth incident this year CAG report on Indian Railways NEW DELHI: E. coli bacteria, some strains of which can cause food poisoning, diarrhoea and kidney failure, has been detected in drinking samples collected from water coolers at several railway stations, according to a report by the Comptroller and Auditor General (CAG) of India.The CAG study assessed passenger services at 512 non-suburban grade railway stations across all Indian Railway zones.It found that water samples from coolers tested positive for E. coli at eight railway stations across four zones.”Water sample from water cooler was positive for E.coli at two stations (Coimbatore and Palakkad Junctions) in SR (Southern Railway), one station (Hyderabad) in SCR (South Central Railway), four stations (Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj Terminus, Bhiwandi Road, Kalyan and Lonavala) in CR (Central Railway) and one station (Madhupur) in ER (Eastern Railway),” the report said, according to PTI.The audit also found that 458 of the 512 selected stations—more than 89%—were deficient in providing Minimum Essential Amenities (MEA). At these stations, MEAs were either not provided or were available below the prescribed norms.”In April 2018, RB (Railway Board) issued comprehensive instructions prescribing Minimum Essential Amenities (MEA), Recommended Amenities (RA) and Desirable Amenities (DA) for stations categorised as NSG 1 to NSG 6. RB stipulated that MEAs were to be ensured at all stations by 31 August 2018,” the report stated.”RB’s instructions (April 2018) mandated that MEAs be provided first at all stations, irrespective of category. These include drinking water, waiting halls, seating arrangements, platform shelters, urinals, latrines, high-level platforms, fans, Foot Over Bridges (FOBs), dustbins, clocks and public address systems,” it added.According to the CAG, Indian Railways has 5,908 stations under the Non-Suburban Group (NSG), while it operated more than 7,424 non-suburban passenger trains daily and carried 292.4 crore non-suburban passengers in 2023-24.Deficiencies were found even at NSG-1 stations such as CSMT and Mumbai Central (both in Mumbai), Howrah and Sealdah (both West Bengal) and New Delhi, including in seating arrangements, sanitary facilities such as urinals and latrines, dustbins and electronic train indicator boards.Explaining the rationale for the detailed inspection, the CAG noted that the Railway Board had issued various guidelines for providing passenger amenities at stations. The audit assessed whether the Railways’ efforts to provide passenger amenities and sanitation facilities were delivering the intended benefits.Join conversationView All Comments →Share your thoughts in the commentsInsightfulAgreeDisagreeSkepticalConcerningPromisingWorth ReadingBig DevelopmentPost CommentBe respectful · TOI community guidelinesAn analysis of the Passenger Amenities Management System also revealed shortfalls against MEA norms, including inadequate latrines at 201 stations, urinals at 403 stations and water taps at 2,035 stations, among other deficiencies.Among its key recommendations, the CAG urged the Railways to “ensure compliance with prescribed protocols for inspection of water supply systems and comprehensive testing of drinking water quality, including all parameters under the Uniform Drinking Water Quality Protocol.”Get the latest India News and Live updates. Download the TOI app.About the AuthorTOI News DeskThe TOI News Desk comprises a dedicated and tireless team of journalists who operate around the clock to deliver the most current and comprehensive news and updates to the readers of The Times of India worldwide. With an unwavering commitment to excellence in journalism, our team is at the forefront of gathering, verifying, and presenting breaking news, in-depth analysis, and insightful reports on a wide range of topics. The TOI News Desk is your trusted source for staying informed and connected to the ever-evolving global landscape, ensuring that our readers are equipped with the latest developments that matter most.”Read MoreEnd of ArticleFollow Us On Social MediaVideosActivist Devendra Mahto Stopped From Tiranga March As Jharkhand Student Protest Escalates On I-Day‘Came From The Top’: Mahua Moitra Alleges Late-Night Pressure, Seeks Speaker Om Birla’s InterventionDid Congress Leaders Signal Stop? 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