VK News Today https://validator.w3.org/feed/docs/rss2.html Urmila Matondkar’s ex-husband Mohsin Akhtar drops reception PICS months after second wedding with Nidhaa Bhatt, says, ‘grateful to God for bringing you into my life’, netizens react From keeping it private to a dreamy ceremony August 12 Total Solar Eclipse Date & Time: Will Surya Grahan be visible in India? Check Eclipse Schedule & Sutak rules Total solar eclipse on August 12, 2026: When and how to watch the rare ‘sunset eclipse’ and the best locations to see it Russian missile, air bomb strikes kill 6 in Ukraine; fires reported in Kyiv Over 95% of Ukrainian PoWs report torture, ill-treatment in Russian captivity: United Nations Anne Hathaway flaunts a baby bump in a new outing; she stuns in an all-black fit while heading to ‘Jimmy Kimmel Live!’ Musafir Cafe: Inside Jharipani Castle: What its architecture reveals about life in colonial-era Uttarakhand Solar Eclipse August 12, 2026: Date, Time, Sutak Kaal, Visibility and All You Need to Know Meet Zac Waters, the 13-year-old Utah boy who spent 300 hours 3D-printing a wheelchair for a 21-month-old girl Syria’s ousted leader Bashar al-Assad sentenced to death for crimes against humanity Shashi Tharoor questions Vande Mataram amendment, flags six-minute protocol NEW DELHI: Congress MP Shashi Tharoor on Tuesday questioned the practical implications of the Vande Mataram amendment, saying the requirement to sing the National Song in full at official functions could result in audiences standing for several minutes before and after events.In a post on X, Tharoor said the President had assented to the amendment, which was passed in Parliament without discussion. He said the amended provision requires the full National Song to be sung at the beginning and end of official functions, in addition to the National Anthem.”The President has assented to the #VandeMataram Amendment, passed without discussion in Parliament, which requires the singing of the National Song in full at the start and ending of any official function, in addition to the National Anthem.”As one who greatly respects both, and can sing the first two stanzas of the former (but not the other four, which were never required till now) as well as the entire anthem, i would like to point to just one practical consideration our zealots appear to have overlooked: human nature,” Tharoor added.He said, “‘Jana Gana Mana’ requires audiences to stand respectfully and focus their attention for a reasonable 52 seconds. The National Song in full takes 3 minutes and 10 seconds. Tamil Nadu has just decided that both will be preceded by the State Song in Tamil for another 2 minutes. Do we really expect audiences to stand still and respectfully for six minutes before and after every function, a total of 12 extra minutes? Can respect and patience be legislated? I fear that the intent of the Bill, to promote greater respect for the National Song , will not be achieved, but its opposite may well be.Join conversationView All Comments →Share your thoughts in the commentsInsightfulAgreeDisagreeSkepticalConcerningPromisingWorth ReadingBig DevelopmentPost CommentBe respectful · TOI community guidelines…”Tharoor said he respected both the National Anthem and National Song but questioned whether imposing longer ceremonial requirements would achieve the intended objective of promoting respect.He also pointed to Tamil Nadu’s decision to precede both with its state song, arguing that the combined duration could require audiences to remain standing for around six minutes before and after official functions.Tharoor questioned whether respect and patience could be legislated and warned that the amendment could have the opposite effect of what it intends to achieve.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’Booked Hotel Room, Strangled Daughters’: Inside Bengaluru Murder Shocker‘Ladakh Is Not Kaziranga’: Snow Leopard Safari Plan Sparks DebateAmit Shah To Speak On Student Protest Crackdown; Rahul Says ‘Not Interested In Fantasy Convos’CJP Core Committee Dispute: Two Youths On Hunger Strike In Abhijit Dipke’s Hometown Hospitalised‘Only Dialogue Can Solve This’: Rahul Gandhi Backs Peaceful Jharkhand Student Protest | WatchJharkhand Students Storm Assembly Gates Amid Tear Gas, Lathicharge As ED Probe Intensifies Exam RowBihar Man Posed As IAS Officer, Claimed Doval Link; Police Seize Tesla, SUV And Imported Liquor’Mujhe Narendra Naam Se Nafrat Ho Gayi Hai’: PM Modi Interacts With India’s CWG Champions | Watch109 Years Later, MP Man Gets U.K. Response On War Loan ClaimSupriya Sule Says No Politics In PM Modi Meet As NCP-SP MPs Raise Maharashtra’s Key Demands123PhotostoriesNatasha Poonawalla makes a case for maximalist dressing in an archival Versace Banarasi skirt suit7 types of South Indian coffee every coffee lover should try10 local Jharkhand dishes that offer a taste of its rich food cultureNew York’s lost buildings: 10 landmarks that once defined the city but no longer exist10 iconic potato dishes from around the world every food lover should knowAugust jade plant care: 5 easy steps to encourage fuller, healthier growthFrom Ajay Devgn hosting the upcoming season of Crime Patrol to Madhuri Dixit returning as a host after 24 years: Bollywood stars and their TV debutsFlorida’s most unusual city names: The strange stories behind 10 names you probably pass without thinking about10 surprising foods you can cook in an air fryer (that aren’t fries or nuggets)Psychology explains why being ignored hurts more than being rejected123Hot PicksMumbai rainNEET PG city intimation slipSlovenia Indian embassyJharkhand protestWeather AhmedabadAjit DovalIran warDelhi rainUP scholarshipTop TrendingCJPGurgaon Businessman Wife ArrestBengaluru Missing TechieBlinkit MumbaiHarbhajan SinghPune-Bengaluru Highway AccidentTelangana AccidentAbhijeet DipkeWeather TomorrowShakeel Noorani CEE Kerala MPharm final category list 2026 released at cee.kerala.gov.in: Check reservation status here Sunny Deol schooled Preity Zinta for calling Bobby Deol at 11pm: ‘Is this a time to call? I didn’t know his dhai kilo haath would answer’ In 2015, Indonesia began building a massive reservoir that swallowed an entire village; 11 years later, lost village re-emerges revealing homes, mosque and forgotten streets | What you should always carry according to your date of birth for success and confidence In 1977, a Saudi prince towed an Alaskan iceberg to Iowa to pitch shipping icebergs to Arabia for drinking water; now engineers are exploring the idea as freshwater scarcity worsens Indian-origin ex-CFO of US firm gets 4-month jail term for bribing surgeons with sham consulting fees In 1970, Sylvia Earle led five women into an underwater lab for 14 days, helping prove humans could live and work beneath the sea | World News AR Rahman’s son Ameen breaks silence on the accident, clarifies he was not driving: ‘My grandma, my dad, and GV Anna’s prayers and values continue to guide and protect me’ 5 healthy ways to add almonds to your daily diet Watch: NDA and oppn MPs confront each other in Parliament during Jharkhand, NEET protests Scientists found plastic in Amazon fish, with tiny particles sticking to their gills and becoming trapped in the river plants around them Chhattisgarh Congress leader Ramgopal Agrawal NEW DELHI: The Enforcement Directorate on Tuesday arrested Chhattisgarh Congress leader Ramgopal Agrawal under the Prevention of Money Laundering Act (PMLA) in connection with its probe into the alleged state liquor scam, officials said.The arrest comes amid an ongoing ED investigation into alleged money laundering linked to the liquor trade in Chhattisgarh. The agency has alleged that a liquor syndicate manipulated the state’s excise system between 2019 and 2023, generating proceeds of crime exceeding Rs 2,883 crore, according to its latest disclosures.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‘Ladakh Is Not Kaziranga’: Snow Leopard Safari Plan Sparks DebateAmit Shah To Speak On Student Protest Crackdown; Rahul Says ‘Not Interested In Fantasy Convos’CJP Core Committee Dispute: Two Youths On Hunger Strike In Abhijit Dipke’s Hometown Hospitalised‘Only Dialogue Can Solve This’: Rahul Gandhi Backs Peaceful Jharkhand Student Protest | WatchJharkhand Students Storm Assembly Gates Amid Tear Gas, Lathicharge As ED Probe Intensifies Exam RowBihar Man Posed As IAS Officer, Claimed Doval Link; Police Seize Tesla, SUV And Imported Liquor’Mujhe Narendra Naam Se Nafrat Ho Gayi Hai’: PM Modi Interacts With India’s CWG Champions | Watch109 Years Later, MP Man Gets U.K. Response On War Loan ClaimSupriya Sule Says No Politics In PM Modi Meet As NCP-SP MPs Raise Maharashtra’s Key Demands‘Hitting Us On Head, Face’: Police Lathi-Charge Students During Assembly Gherao March In Jharkhand123Photostories10 iconic potato dishes from around the world every food lover should knowAugust jade plant care: 5 easy steps to encourage fuller, healthier growthFrom Ajay Devgn hosting the upcoming season of Crime Patrol to Madhuri Dixit returning as a host after 24 years: Bollywood stars and their TV debutsFlorida’s most unusual city names: The strange stories behind 10 names you probably pass without thinking about10 surprising foods you can cook in an air fryer (that aren’t fries or nuggets)Psychology explains why being ignored hurts more than being rejectedFrom loyalty to alertness: 7 low-maintenance dog breeds for homeownersYour body needs more than sleep: 6 pillars of wellness that impact your energy and mood5 yoga positions that can undo hours of sitting“Everything is in a state of flux”: Sadhguru explains why these two times of day are special for yoga123Hot PicksMumbai rainNEET PG city intimation slipSlovenia Indian embassyJharkhand protestWeather AhmedabadAjit DovalIran warDelhi rainUP scholarshipTop TrendingCJPGurgaon Businessman Wife ArrestBengaluru Missing TechieBlinkit MumbaiHarbhajan SinghPune-Bengaluru Highway AccidentTelangana AccidentAbhijeet DipkeTarun TejpalShakeel Noorani Updated: Aug 11, 2026, 13:52 IST Are Vishnu Vishal and Arunraja Kamaraj facing dispute over shelved film? Here’s the truth – Exclusive Sabyasachi joins forces with The Met for his biggest New York move yet | August 12 Solar Eclipse Do’s & Don’ts: Essential Spiritual Rules, Food Precautions & Mantra Chanting Tips for Luck And Protection To strengthen national security, starting today, US immigration authority requires certain immigration forms to be filed … Faulty Ola scooter, no proper service: Consumer panel orders Rs 1.04 lakh refund, compensation Tamil Nadu finance minister Wilson said he would speak in his own style. NEW DELHI: A row over Tamil Nadu finance minister’s language and pronunciation skills during his budget speech triggered a political row in the state assembly on Monday, with the opposition members criticising his use of English and “grammatical errors”.The controversy began when MDMK MLA T M Rajendran, who won from Kadayanallur assembly constituency on the DMK’s Rising Sun symbol, pointed out “gramatical errors” in TVK minister N Marie Wilson’s August 5 budget speech.’Several grammatical errors’Rajendran said Wilson had skipped several Tamil sentences and used English extensively during the speech. “As a Tamil enthusiast, I observed in his (Marie Wilson’s) speech that he had skipped many of the Tamil sentences. There were several grammatical errors too,’’ Rajendran said.“Atleast in the future, when he gets the opportunity the finance minister should speak in impeccable Tamil,” he added.Rajendran also asked school education minister A Rajmohan to help Wilson improve his Tamil. Rajmohan, however defended the finance minister, saying there was nothing wrong with his speech. He also pointed out that leader of opposition Udhayanidhi Stalin spoke in a plain and simple language.’I would speak in my own style’The remarks drew an angry response from Wilson, who defended his communication style and said his focus was on governance and the state’s development rather than linguistic formalities.“The government under chief minister C Joseph Vijay has made significant achievements in the past 60-75 days, successfully bringing Rs 15,000 crores into the treasury through various reforms,” Wilson said, without elaborating.Wilson said he had worked in the education sector for 25 to 30 years and had primarily communicated in English during his professional career.“Earlier they were body shaming other and were insulting others based on caste and gender. Now they are insulting us over language,” Marie Wilson said.The minister said he felt that members were targeting his communication style and background instead of focusing on his work. He said he could not change the way he spoke simply to satisfy others.Citing the Bible, Wilson said that while he might not be well-versed in Tamil, Christianity had taught him several languages, including the “love language, peace language and the language of kindness”.He added that he could not change his pronunciation for others and said “I would speak in my own style and that I could not change it to suit others.”Speaker J C D Prabhakar intervened and advised Wilson to sit down and avoid getting angry.’Tamil and English both allowed’DMK senior leader and former minister E V Velu sought to defuse the issue, pointing out that Tamil has several dialects across the state, including differences between north and south Chennai.Velu also stressed that Tamil Nadu followed a dual-language policy of Tamil and English.The Speaker also noted that Rajendran himself had used the English word “budget” in his speech instead of its Tamil equivalent.Prabhakar urged members to treat the matter lightly and avoid turning language into a source of conflict in the House. He said the Assembly was a forum where multiple languages were permitted under its rules and members should focus on policy discussions rather than personal remarks.The Speaker cited an earlier instance when then chief minister J Jayalalithaa allowed a Congress member to speak in Telugu in the Assembly. He also pointed out that former finance minister P Thiaga Rajan had used English during earlier budget sessions.Prabhakar said Assembly Rule 86 allows members to conduct proceedings in Tamil or English, or in both languages. He stressed that the focus should be on the intent and substance of what is being said rather than the language used.Join conversationView All Comments →Share your thoughts in the commentsInsightfulAgreeDisagreeSkepticalConcerningPromisingWorth ReadingBig DevelopmentPost CommentBe respectful · TOI community guidelinesAs Wilson remained visibly upset, Velu said there was no need for the finance minister to be angry and noted that Rajendran was a first-time MLA.PWD minister Aadhav Arjuna also said former finance minister Palanivel Thiaga Rajan had faced a similar issue, but opposition parties had not raised objections at the time. The Speaker reiterated that MLAs were free to speak in Tamil and English and recalled that Jayalalithaa had allowed an MLA from Hosur to speak in Telugu in the assembly.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‘Ladakh Is Not Kaziranga’: Snow Leopard Safari Plan Sparks DebateAmit Shah To Speak On Student Protest Crackdown; Rahul Says ‘Not Interested In Fantasy Convos’CJP Core Committee Dispute: Two Youths On Hunger Strike In Abhijit Dipke’s Hometown Hospitalised‘Only Dialogue Can Solve This’: Rahul Gandhi Backs Peaceful Jharkhand Student Protest | WatchJharkhand Students Storm Assembly Gates Amid Tear Gas, Lathicharge As ED Probe Intensifies Exam RowBihar Man Posed As IAS Officer, Claimed Doval Link; Police Seize Tesla, SUV And Imported Liquor’Mujhe Narendra Naam Se Nafrat Ho Gayi Hai’: PM Modi Interacts With India’s CWG Champions | Watch109 Years Later, MP Man Gets U.K. Response On War Loan ClaimSupriya Sule Says No Politics In PM Modi Meet As NCP-SP MPs Raise Maharashtra’s Key Demands‘Hitting Us On Head, Face’: Police Lathi-Charge Students During Assembly Gherao March In Jharkhand123Photostories10 local Jharkhand dishes that offer a taste of its rich food cultureNew York’s lost buildings: 10 landmarks that once defined the city but no longer exist10 iconic potato dishes from around the world every food lover should knowAugust jade plant care: 5 easy steps to encourage fuller, healthier growthFrom Ajay Devgn hosting the upcoming season of Crime Patrol to Madhuri Dixit returning as a host after 24 years: Bollywood stars and their TV debutsFlorida’s most unusual city names: The strange stories behind 10 names you probably pass without thinking about10 surprising foods you can cook in an air fryer (that aren’t fries or nuggets)Psychology explains why being ignored hurts more than being rejectedFrom loyalty to alertness: 7 low-maintenance dog breeds for homeownersYour body needs more than sleep: 6 pillars of wellness that impact your energy and mood123Hot PicksMumbai rainNEET PG city intimation slipSlovenia Indian embassyJharkhand protestWeather AhmedabadAjit DovalIran warDelhi rainUP scholarshipTop TrendingCJPGurgaon Businessman Wife ArrestBengaluru Missing TechieBlinkit MumbaiHarbhajan SinghPune-Bengaluru Highway AccidentTelangana AccidentAbhijeet DipkeWeather TomorrowShakeel Noorani Glen Powell and Michelle Randolph share a kiss in Paris; fans sent into a frenzy India gifts five peacocks to UN Geneva, reviving a decades-old tradition with a rare white bird | In 1868, a solar eclipse in India revealed a mysterious element in the Sun that would not be found on Earth for 27 years | Wisconsin: Wisconsin abandoned this railway in 1964, but its old tracks became a green corridor connecting forests, wetlands and wildlife habitat | World News Pradhan slams Rahul over ‘selective democracy’ NEW DELHI: Senior BJP leader Dharmendra Pradhan on Tuesday trained his guns on Lok Sabha leader of opposition Rahul Gandhi, branding him a “habitual liar” and accusing the Congress of shedding “crocodile tears” over students’ concerns.Pradhan’s remarks came amid protests in Jharkhand over irregularities and paper leaks in competitive examinations. In Jharkhand, Congress is part of the ruling alliance with Jharkhand Mukti Morcha led by chief minister Hemant Soren in the state.In a post on X, former Union minister accused the Congress of “continuously spreading lies” about students’ interests and alleged that Gandhi “lacks facts”.“The leader of opposition, who habitually lies, neither wants to come to Parliament nor listen to answers. They just want to spread their lies and shed crocodile tears,” Pradhan 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 MediaVideos‘Ladakh Is Not Kaziranga’: Snow Leopard Safari Plan Sparks DebateAmit Shah To Speak On Student Protest Crackdown; Rahul Says ‘Not Interested In Fantasy Convos’CJP Core Committee Dispute: Two Youths On Hunger Strike In Abhijit Dipke’s Hometown Hospitalised‘Only Dialogue Can Solve This’: Rahul Gandhi Backs Peaceful Jharkhand Student Protest | WatchJharkhand Students Storm Assembly Gates Amid Tear Gas, Lathicharge As ED Probe Intensifies Exam RowBihar Man Posed As IAS Officer, Claimed Doval Link; Police Seize Tesla, SUV And Imported Liquor’Mujhe Narendra Naam Se Nafrat Ho Gayi Hai’: PM Modi Interacts With India’s CWG Champions | Watch109 Years Later, MP Man Gets U.K. Response On War Loan ClaimSupriya Sule Says No Politics In PM Modi Meet As NCP-SP MPs Raise Maharashtra’s Key Demands‘Hitting Us On Head, Face’: Police Lathi-Charge Students During Assembly Gherao March In Jharkhand123PhotostoriesNew York’s lost buildings: 10 landmarks that once defined the city but no longer exist10 iconic potato dishes from around the world every food lover should knowAugust jade plant care: 5 easy steps to encourage fuller, healthier growthFrom Ajay Devgn hosting the upcoming season of Crime Patrol to Madhuri Dixit returning as a host after 24 years: Bollywood stars and their TV debutsFlorida’s most unusual city names: The strange stories behind 10 names you probably pass without thinking about10 surprising foods you can cook in an air fryer (that aren’t fries or nuggets)Psychology explains why being ignored hurts more than being rejectedFrom loyalty to alertness: 7 low-maintenance dog breeds for homeownersYour body needs more than sleep: 6 pillars of wellness that impact your energy and mood5 yoga positions that can undo hours of sitting123Hot PicksMumbai rainNEET PG city intimation slipSlovenia Indian embassyJharkhand protestWeather AhmedabadAjit DovalIran warDelhi rainUP scholarshipTop TrendingCJPGurgaon Businessman Wife ArrestBengaluru Missing TechieBlinkit MumbaiHarbhajan SinghPune-Bengaluru Highway AccidentTelangana AccidentAbhijeet DipkeWeather TomorrowShakeel Noorani ‘You guys cheat’: Irfan Pathan reveals explosive Kumar Sangakkara clash that turned ‘personal’ UP scholarship 2026-27 registration begins at scholarship.up.gov.in: Direct link to apply here Ram Gopal Varma announces ‘Police Company’ with Harshvardhan Rane as Daya Nayak inspired by Mumbai’s encounter squad that ‘killed more than 300 gangsters’: ‘More dangerous than D company’ Bike-Ambulance Dada: Karimul Haque made a promise to his dying mother; years later the ‘Bike-Ambulance Dada’ became a lifeline for more than 6,500 patients and a lesson in compassion for his sons | In Rio de Janeiro’s Guanabara Bay, discarded salon hair is being transformed into an oil-absorbing barrier that protects mangroves from oil spills ‘Paper leaks, loss of young lives’: Vijay govt passes resolution to scrap NEET in Tamil Nadu Meet the red handfish, the critically endangered ‘walking’ fish that became Photo Ark’s 18,000th species SC seeks status of appeals against voter deletions before tribunals NEW DELHI: Supreme Court on Tuesday asked the Election Commission to furnish details of appeals decided and pending before appellate tribunals set up to hear pleas against voter deletions during the Special Intensive Revision (SIR) of electoral rolls in West Bengal.A bench comprising Chief Justice Surya Kant and Justices Joymalya Bagchi and V Mohana was hearing a plea filed by Congress leader Adhir Ranjan Chowdhury, who sought expeditious disposal of SIR-related cases before the appellate tribunals.Join conversationView All Comments →Share your thoughts in the commentsInsightfulAgreeDisagreeSkepticalConcerningPromisingWorth ReadingBig DevelopmentPost CommentBe respectful · TOI community guidelinesThe CJI-led bench sought details of the cases disposed of so far as well as those still pending before the tribunals. It also issued notice to the Election Commission and fixed Chowdhury’s plea for further hearing on August 25.On March 10, the top court had directed the setting up of independent appellate tribunals headed by former high court judges to hear appeals against the exclusion of voters from the electoral rolls during the SIR exercise in West Bengal.The court had also permitted the deployment of trial court judges from West Bengal, Odisha and Jharkhand to deal with complaints related to the revision exercise.The SIR in West Bengal was conducted under the supervision of the Supreme Court amid allegations of irregularities and concerns over a “trust deficit” between the then state government and the Election Commission.Following the BJP’s victory in the West Bengal assembly elections, former CM Mamata Banerjee repeatedly targeted the Election Commission and the BJP over the deletion of names from electoral rolls during the SIR exercise.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‘Ladakh Is Not Kaziranga’: Snow Leopard Safari Plan Sparks DebateAmit Shah To Speak On Student Protest Crackdown; Rahul Says ‘Not Interested In Fantasy Convos’CJP Core Committee Dispute: Two Youths On Hunger Strike In Abhijit Dipke’s Hometown Hospitalised‘Only Dialogue Can Solve This’: Rahul Gandhi Backs Peaceful Jharkhand Student Protest | WatchJharkhand Students Storm Assembly Gates Amid Tear Gas, Lathicharge As ED Probe Intensifies Exam RowBihar Man Posed As IAS Officer, Claimed Doval Link; Police Seize Tesla, SUV And Imported Liquor’Mujhe Narendra Naam Se Nafrat Ho Gayi Hai’: PM Modi Interacts With India’s CWG Champions | Watch109 Years Later, MP Man Gets U.K. Response On War Loan ClaimSupriya Sule Says No Politics In PM Modi Meet As NCP-SP MPs Raise Maharashtra’s Key Demands‘Hitting Us On Head, Face’: Police Lathi-Charge Students During Assembly Gherao March In Jharkhand123Photostories10 iconic potato dishes from around the world every food lover should knowAugust jade plant care: 5 easy steps to encourage fuller, healthier growthFrom Ajay Devgn hosting the upcoming season of Crime Patrol to Madhuri Dixit returning as a host after 24 years: Bollywood stars and their TV debutsFlorida’s most unusual city names: The strange stories behind 10 names you probably pass without thinking about10 surprising foods you can cook in an air fryer (that aren’t fries or nuggets)Psychology explains why being ignored hurts more than being rejectedFrom loyalty to alertness: 7 low-maintenance dog breeds for homeownersYour body needs more than sleep: 6 pillars of wellness that impact your energy and mood5 yoga positions that can undo hours of sitting“Everything is in a state of flux”: Sadhguru explains why these two times of day are special for yoga123Hot PicksMumbai rainNEET PG city intimation slipSlovenia Indian embassyJharkhand protestWeather AhmedabadAjit DovalIran warDelhi rainUP scholarshipTop TrendingCJPGurgaon Businessman Wife ArrestBengaluru Missing TechieBlinkit MumbaiHarbhajan SinghPune-Bengaluru Highway AccidentTelangana AccidentAbhijeet DipkeTarun TejpalShakeel Noorani SS Rajamouli reveals ‘Varanasi’ is the second film shot entirely in IMAX after Christopher Nolan’s ‘The Odyssey’: ‘We’ve shot about 80 percent, the remaining 20% is in progress’ Solar Eclipse 2026 August Date and Time in India: When and where to watch and check its visibility in other countries Accenture CEO Julie Sweet makes an ‘August request’ to employees; says: Our shareholders are counting on us to … ‘Avengers: Doomsday’ global advance ticket sales to begin on August 14? All you need to know Operation Safed Sagar: How IAF took the fight to Pakistan at 18,000 feet in Kargil Tamil Nadu speaker says ‘life begins at conception’ at anti-abortion march Tamil Nadu Assembly Speaker JCD Prabhakar attended the 5th National March for Life as the chief guest on August 8 and 9.During the gathering, which protested abortion rights and advocated for the protection of unborn life, he reportedly said that “life begins at conception,” as cited by PTI.The event, hosted by the Archdiocese of Madras-Mylapore at Stella Maris College, drew more than 5,000 participants. The gathering also explicitly criticised the Medical Termination of Pregnancy (MTP) Act.Prabhakar’s remarks echoed global anti-abortion sentiments expressed at the event, which focused on opposing abortion rights and advocating for the protection of unborn life.The remarks prompted state Health Minister K G Arunraj to clarify on Monday that abortions can be a medical necessity and are strictly regulated under national law.Responding to reporters during a press conference to announce the MBBS/BDS rank list for 2026-27, the Health Minister sought to address the controversy, saying he was unaware of the context in which the Speaker made the remarks and urging the public not to misinterpret them.Join conversationView All Comments →Share your thoughts in the commentsInsightfulAgreeDisagreeSkepticalConcerningPromisingWorth ReadingBig DevelopmentPost CommentBe respectful · TOI community guidelines”Abortion is regulated through the Medical Termination of Pregnancy (MTP) Act,” the minister stated.”Legally, as per the current law, women can legally undergo an abortion up to 20 weeks of pregnancy. In the medical field, across many circumstances, abortion is a definitive medical necessity, and it is something we must do.”Asked about the constitutional and political implications of the Speaker’s anti-abortion stance, the minister sought to distinguish the state’s health framework from Prabhakar’s personal views.“I do not know in what sense the Honourable Assembly Speaker made those comments. Please do not misunderstand it,” he 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 MediaVideosAmit Shah To Speak On Student Protest Crackdown; Rahul Says ‘Not Interested In Fantasy Convos’CJP Core Committee Dispute: Two Youths On Hunger Strike In Abhijit Dipke’s Hometown Hospitalised‘Only Dialogue Can Solve This’: Rahul Gandhi Backs Peaceful Jharkhand Student Protest | WatchJharkhand Students Storm Assembly Gates Amid Tear Gas, Lathicharge As ED Probe Intensifies Exam RowBihar Man Posed As IAS Officer, Claimed Doval Link; Police Seize Tesla, SUV And Imported Liquor’Mujhe Narendra Naam Se Nafrat Ho Gayi Hai’: PM Modi Interacts With India’s CWG Champions | Watch109 Years Later, MP Man Gets U.K. Response On War Loan ClaimSupriya Sule Says No Politics In PM Modi Meet As NCP-SP MPs Raise Maharashtra’s Key Demands‘Hitting Us On Head, Face’: Police Lathi-Charge Students During Assembly Gherao March In JharkhandModi Govt Going Slow On FCRA Bill To Woo Stalin’s DMK, Sharad Pawar’s NCP-SP For Delimitation?123Photostories10 iconic potato dishes from around the world every food lover should knowAugust jade plant care: 5 easy steps to encourage fuller, healthier growthFrom Ajay Devgn hosting the upcoming season of Crime Patrol to Madhuri Dixit returning as a host after 24 years: Bollywood stars and their TV debutsFlorida’s most unusual city names: The strange stories behind 10 names you probably pass without thinking about10 surprising foods you can cook in an air fryer (that aren’t fries or nuggets)Psychology explains why being ignored hurts more than being rejectedFrom loyalty to alertness: 7 low-maintenance dog breeds for homeownersYour body needs more than sleep: 6 pillars of wellness that impact your energy and mood5 yoga positions that can undo hours of sitting“Everything is in a state of flux”: Sadhguru explains why these two times of day are special for yoga123Hot PicksMumbai rainNEET PG city intimation slipSlovenia Indian embassyJharkhand protestWeather AhmedabadAjit DovalIran warDelhi rainUP scholarshipTop TrendingCJPGurgaon Businessman Wife ArrestBengaluru Missing TechieBlinkit MumbaiHarbhajan SinghPune-Bengaluru Highway AccidentTelangana AccidentAbhijeet DipkeTarun TejpalShakeel Noorani