VK News Today https://validator.w3.org/feed/docs/rss2.html ‘Students emotionally manipulated’: Sheikh Hasina on ‘truth’ behind protests that led to her ouster Row erupts as UK Conservatives allow man jailed for antisemitic abuse to contest local election Baghel and Warring warned of action against “sleeper cells” amid Congress’s escalating feud with former CM Channi NEW DELHI: Will the Congress crack the whip against dissidents in Punjab? With differences between state president Amarinder Singh Raja Warring and former chief minister Charanjit Singh Channi becoming an embarrassing public spectacle, the Congress has sent out a strong message to disgruntled leaders in Punjab, warning of action against “sleeper cells” within its own ranks in the poll-bound state.”We have to identify and fight the sleeper cells inside the Congress. A strong organisation at the booth level is the key to victory,” said AICC general secretary and Punjab in-charge Bhupesh Baghel, in a clear message to those who have raised a banner of revolt against the leadership. Baghel declared that the Congress was fighting a “multi-cornered battle” not only against political rivals but also against those within the party allegedly working for opponents.Taking forward Baghel’s message, state Congress chief Amarinder Singh Raja Warring declared that no party ticket would be given to anyone found operating as part of “sleeper cells.” “While the high command will decide the candidates, I will ensure that no person working against the party gets a ticket. Loyalty to the Congress is non-negotiable,” the Punjab Congress chief asserted.Warring also targeted former state Congress chief Sunil Jakhar, who is now with the BJP, accusing him of betraying the Congress during the 2022 assembly elections. Warring alleged that Jakhar had worked in tacit understanding with the BJP despite heading the Congress campaign committee.Congress message for Charanjit Singh Channi?While Baghel and Warring did not take any names, their target was obvious. The dissidents in Punjab are backing former chief minister Charanjit Singh Channi, who has been unhappy after being denied the post of state Congress chief in the organisational reshuffle that was announced on July 1. The move triggered a storm that continues to rock and embarrass the party even a month later.With Warring retained as state Congress chief by the party high command, Channi and his supporters have missed no opportunity to show their “dissent” and openly challenge the party’s decision. Even the presence of Baghel in the state has not helped to ease tempers. From poster war to sloganeering at party meetings – here’s how the open show of defiance has played out.While “Go Back Baghel” poster surfaced in Muktsar, another poster surfaced in Ferozepur showing Channi wearing a vest with “RSS” printed on it.Supporters of Channi have indulged in sloganeering at party programmes attended by Warring and Bhupesh Baghel in Patiala and Sangrur.In another event in Sangrur town, activists of both camps clashed in the presence of senior leaders.Channi’s camp, comprising several state leaders, has been demanding the replacement of Warring by citing specific instances on how the state chief had created divisions within the party leadership.Last month, they even gave an open ultimatum to the central leadership to make Channi, the Congress MP from Jalandhar and a prominent Dalit face, as state chief saying that under Warring’s leadership the Congress cannot come to power.Channi from ‘chosen one’ to ‘dissident’Interestingly in 2022, Channi was the chosen one as the Congress grappled with intense internal fighting between the then chief minister Captain Amarinder Singh and his challenger Navjot Singh Sidhu.With the two senior leaders engaging in open power tussle, Congress sidelined both and picked Channi to lead the state and the party in the 2022 assembly elections. But under Channi, the Congress was decimated and reduced to 18 seats from the 77 it had won in 2017 under Captain Amarinder Singh.Channi, who has now been made the head of the Congress campaign committee, has dropped enough hints that he does not accept the leadership of Warring.Why Congress is backing WarringAnd that brings us to the present Punjab Congress chief Amarinder Singh Raja Warring, who was handed over the reins of the party by Rahul Gandhi in 2022 after the humiliating defeat in assembly elections.Warring, who has faced sloganeering from supporters of Channi during recent party programmes, has refused to step down. He has said that if the party high command decides to replace him, he would continue to work to strengthen the organisation.”I have no desire to be the chief minister. I will better retire than leave the Congress. Rahul Gandhi also knows that Raja Warring can die, but never compromise with the BJP,” he said in one of his speeches.Warring has cited Congress’s 2024 Lok Sabha performance – when it won seven of 13 seats – to justify his efforts at reviving the party.In a highly emotional speech at his hometown in Muktsar recently, Warring had said: “Everyone is after my life. Akalis, BJP and the broom (AAP) and even some of our own are after me. I have not committed any sin and my only sin is that when we came from 80 to 18 I was handed over the reins of the party.”Maintaining that he started from the scratch when the morale of the party’s rank and file was low and some leaders preferred to stay abroad for months together, Warring said he led from the front.Warring played down the slogans raised by Channi’s supporters during party events and said, “People oppose those who are successful. Those 20-25 poor souls who come, one doesn’t even know how they are brought in or what they are told. I actually feel sorry for them; this sort of thing has been happening for ages. The event went well; people listened to the speeches, and there was a huge crowd. People do these things; it doesn’t matter. I have been in politics for 25 years.”So, what should be the way forward?Former Punjab minister Razia Sultana called upon the party high command to take strict action against all those who were indulging in indiscipline and damaging the party. She warned that if timely action was not taken, the party could suffer major damage.Join conversationView All Comments →Share your thoughts in the commentsInsightfulAgreeDisagreeSkepticalConcerningPromisingWorth ReadingBig DevelopmentPost CommentBe respectful · TOI community guidelines”Nip the evil in the bud,” Sultana remarked.But can the Congress do that? Theoretically yes, but practically we haven’t seen the grand-old-party take clear leadership decisions, except perhaps in Karnataka. For the Congress high command, the standard playbook for handling leadership tussles in states has been “ambiguity is the best policy.”And Punjab has been no different. One can only hope that the Congress acts before it is too late. The strong warning to dissidents is a welcome first step, but it remains to be seen if the party high command can follow this up with action without being scared of the consequences.Get the latest India News and Live updates. Download the TOI app.End of ArticleFollow Us On Social MediaVideos’I’m A Farmer’s Son, I Can’t Buy Papers’: In JPSC-JSSC Exam Leak, Students Demand CBI Probe’56% Indian Vehicles Uninsured’: Supreme Court Calls For ‘Challans’, Urgent Enforcement Action’We Feel Cheated’: Jharkhand Student Protesters Voice Anger Over JPSC-JSSC Exam Row’If You Won’t Listen, Then Who Will?’: Jharkhand Student’s Msg To Hemant Soren Over JPSC-JSSC RowIndia Responds After Pakistan Deploys Chinese SH-15 Howitzers Along BorderJharkhand Mob Lynching: Rape Accused Beaten To Death, Police Probe POCSO Case And Mob ViolenceGovt May Allow Merchant Charges On UPI Payments Above Rs 2,000SC Proposes Fuel Ban For Uninsured Vehicles, Calls For Automatic E-ChallansWest Bengal Clears Fast-Track Land Acquisition For Strategic Rail Link Near DoklamSecurity On High Alert: Pak Drone Sighted In Jammu On Eve Of Article 370 Abrogation Anniversary123Photostories5 timeless lessons from your grandparents that modern life forgot10 baby names inspired by dawn, sunset, and the skyBrain teaser optical illusion: You are among the top 1% if you stop all 25 animals hidden in the man’s face within 2 minutesWant Korean glass skin? These 5 daily habits make all the differenceThe Barack Obama blueprint: Healthy habits that help the former US President stay energetic and resilient at 658 ordinary moments that leave a lifelong impact on your childMalaika Arora’s 5 morning yoga poses every woman should try for better flexibility and joint healthKriti Sanon’s 3,000-crystal ivory Gaurav Gupta lehenga looks like fashion imagined beyond EarthWhat happens when you mix baking soda, detergent, and toothpaste? 3 reasons to use this combination in your kitchen‘Spider-Man: Brand New Day’ star Tom Holland’s box office report card: Top-earning movies of your friendly-neighbourhood spider123Hot PicksRBI MeetingGold Rate TodayStock Market TodayICMAI June 2026 toppers listTamil Nadu Budget SessionTN supplementary resultSpaceXUPI transactionsD Y PatilTop TrendingRBI MPC MeetingVande Matram StanzaUdhayanidhi StalinBritish ReturnsPM ModiTamil Nadu Budget Session 2026Air India FlightD Y Patil DeathTamil Nadu BudgetShradha Singh Aug 05, 2026, 19:37 IST Salman Khan pays tribute to Pradeep Rawat as he passes away, after Aamir Khan attends his ‘Ghajini’ co-star’s funeral, drops throwback PIC: ‘Shared many good moments..’ What is helicopter parenting? Why overprotecting children can affect their confidence; how can modern parents avoid it | 47-year-old woman arrested after four men stabbed in central London Stacy Brooks expected to dislike downtown Minneapolis, but a one-year trial changed her mind; she and her husband are now negotiating to buy their condo File photo: Members of the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS) NEW DELHI: The Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS) on Wednesday said its volunteers, along with affiliated organisations, have been carrying out rescue and relief operations in flood-hit parts of eastern Assam, claiming to have assisted more than 40,000 affected families across three districts.1,912 volunteers have been engaged in rescue, relief, temporary shelter construction and post-flood cleaning work in Sivasagar, Charideo and Jorhat districts, which have been among the worst affected by the recent floods.The organisation claimed its volunteers had extended assistance to 40,168 families across 378 villages in the three districts.Rescue, food distribution and relief effortsNearly 200 people from villages including Kakati Gaon, No. 2 Konwar Gaon, Nepali Khuti, Bihubar and Chetia Koibarta in Sivasagar district were rescued and shifted to safer locations.Stranded residents in Sundar Pukhuri, Bamun Pukhuri, Geleki and Rajabari were provided with cooked food, drinking water, medicines, clothes and other essential supplies.Relief operations were also carried out in several flood-affected areas of Jorhat district, including Elengmora, Katiram Chuk, Kulai Chuk, Nalia Chuk, Shenchowa Chuk and Charighoria Chuk.Join conversationView All Comments →Share your thoughts in the commentsInsightfulAgreeDisagreeSkepticalConcerningPromisingWorth ReadingBig DevelopmentPost CommentBe respectful · TOI community guidelinesRelief materials distributed included rice, sugar, porridge, dry food, baby food, biscuits, salt, drinking water, potatoes, clothes, bedding, candles, soap, alum, medicines and mosquito-repellent coils.Medical camps and rehabilitation workThe RSS said its volunteers, in collaboration with the National Medicos Organization (NMO), organised more than 50 medical camps in flood-affected areas.Volunteers initially used small boats to reach stranded residents with food and drinking water before evacuating elderly people, women, children and patients to safer locations.The organisation also claimed that volunteers are currently helping families with post-flood rehabilitation activities, including cleaning houses, providing cattle feed and medicines for livestock, and assisting farmers in paddy transplantation after floodwaters receded.Get the latest India News and Live updates. Download the TOI app.End of ArticleFollow Us On Social MediaVideos’I’m A Farmer’s Son, I Can’t Buy Papers’: In JPSC-JSSC Exam Leak, Students Demand CBI Probe’56% Indian Vehicles Uninsured’: Supreme Court Calls For ‘Challans’, Urgent Enforcement Action’We Feel Cheated’: Jharkhand Student Protesters Voice Anger Over JPSC-JSSC Exam Row’If You Won’t Listen, Then Who Will?’: Jharkhand Student’s Msg To Hemant Soren Over JPSC-JSSC RowIndia Responds After Pakistan Deploys Chinese SH-15 Howitzers Along BorderJharkhand Mob Lynching: Rape Accused Beaten To Death, Police Probe POCSO Case And Mob ViolenceGovt May Allow Merchant Charges On UPI Payments Above Rs 2,000SC Proposes Fuel Ban For Uninsured Vehicles, Calls For Automatic E-ChallansWest Bengal Clears Fast-Track Land Acquisition For Strategic Rail Link Near DoklamSecurity On High Alert: Pak Drone Sighted In Jammu On Eve Of Article 370 Abrogation Anniversary123Photostories5 timeless lessons from your grandparents that modern life forgot10 baby names inspired by dawn, sunset, and the skyBrain teaser optical illusion: You are among the top 1% if you stop all 25 animals hidden in the man’s face within 2 minutesWant Korean glass skin? These 5 daily habits make all the differenceThe Barack Obama blueprint: Healthy habits that help the former US President stay energetic and resilient at 658 ordinary moments that leave a lifelong impact on your childMalaika Arora’s 5 morning yoga poses every woman should try for better flexibility and joint healthKriti Sanon’s 3,000-crystal ivory Gaurav Gupta lehenga looks like fashion imagined beyond EarthWhat happens when you mix baking soda, detergent, and toothpaste? 3 reasons to use this combination in your kitchen‘Spider-Man: Brand New Day’ star Tom Holland’s box office report card: Top-earning movies of your friendly-neighbourhood spider123Hot PicksRBI MeetingGold Rate TodayStock Market TodayICMAI June 2026 toppers listTamil Nadu Budget SessionTN supplementary resultSpaceXUPI transactionsD Y PatilTop TrendingRBI MPC MeetingVande Matram StanzaUdhayanidhi StalinBritish ReturnsPM ModiTamil Nadu Budget Session 2026Air India FlightD Y Patil DeathTamil Nadu BudgetShradha Singh Who is Tewolde Gebremariam? Meet Air India’s new CEO – all you want to know about him UPSC CMS answer key 2026 released at upsc.gov.in: Direct link to download here Inside Anushka Sharma, Virat Kohli’s Alibaug home worth Rs 32 crore, with a pool, jacuzzi and no television: ‘This is where all the conversations take place’ You are among the top 1% if you stop all 25 animals hidden in the man’s face within 2 minutes NHL Free Agency Rumor: Pittsburgh Penguins predicted to land ex $5.85M Edmonton Oilers’ goaltender ‘They told you twice they don’t want you’: Andy Burnham reveals wife’s reaction to PM bid | World News “World not fooled by orchestrated spectacles”: India slams Pakistan for statements on 370 abrogation, violence in PoJK NEW DELHI: India on Wednesday strongly rejected Pakistan’s observance of the so-called “Youm-e-Istehsal”, calling it a “political absurdity” and accusing Islamabad of spreading malicious propaganda against the country.In a statement, MEA spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal said the Union Territories of Jammu & Kashmir and Ladakh “are, have always been, and shall forever remain an integral and inalienable part of India.”August 5 decisions an internal matter: IndiaThe MEA said the constitutional changes introduced on August 5, 2019 were entirely India’s internal matter and had led to “unprecedented socio-economic development, good governance and democratic empowerment” in the region.”Pakistan has no locus standi to comment on matters that are strictly internal to India,” the spokesperson said.The government said Pakistan’s attempts to raise the issue were aimed at diverting international attention from its own human rights record and its alleged support for terrorism.Join conversationView All Comments →Share your thoughts in the commentsInsightfulAgreeDisagreeSkepticalConcerningPromisingWorth ReadingBig DevelopmentPost CommentBe respectful · TOI community guidelinesThe MEA also alleged that the international community was witnessing the suppression of fundamental rights in Pakistan-occupied Jammu and Kashmir (PoJK), claiming Pakistani security forces had resorted to “lethal violence, targeted killings and draconian bans” to suppress peaceful civil rights protests in the region.’Stop bloodshed, dismantle terror networks’Calling Pakistan’s actions “hypocritical”, India urged Islamabad to stop the alleged bloodshed in PoJK, take “credible, verifiable and irreversible” action against terror networks operating from its soil, and vacate Indian territories under what it described as Pakistan’s “illegal and forcible occupation.””Instead of engaging in predictable diplomatic theatre, Pakistan would be well-advised to stop the bloodshed in PoJK, take credible, verifiable, and irreversible action against terror networks operating from its soil, and immediately vacate all Indian territories under its illegal and forcible occupation. The world is not fooled by these orchestrated spectacles,” the MEA said.Get the latest India News and Live updates. Download the TOI app.End of ArticleFollow Us On Social MediaVideos’I’m A Farmer’s Son, I Can’t Buy Papers’: In JPSC-JSSC Exam Leak, Students Demand CBI Probe’56% Indian Vehicles Uninsured’: Supreme Court Calls For ‘Challans’, Urgent Enforcement Action’We Feel Cheated’: Jharkhand Student Protesters Voice Anger Over JPSC-JSSC Exam Row’If You Won’t Listen, Then Who Will?’: Jharkhand Student’s Msg To Hemant Soren Over JPSC-JSSC RowIndia Responds After Pakistan Deploys Chinese SH-15 Howitzers Along BorderJharkhand Mob Lynching: Rape Accused Beaten To Death, Police Probe POCSO Case And Mob ViolenceGovt May Allow Merchant Charges On UPI Payments Above Rs 2,000SC Proposes Fuel Ban For Uninsured Vehicles, Calls For Automatic E-ChallansWest Bengal Clears Fast-Track Land Acquisition For Strategic Rail Link Near DoklamSecurity On High Alert: Pak Drone Sighted In Jammu On Eve Of Article 370 Abrogation Anniversary123PhotostoriesThe Barack Obama blueprint: Healthy habits that help the former US President stay energetic and resilient at 658 ordinary moments that leave a lifelong impact on your childMalaika Arora’s 5 morning yoga poses every woman should try for better flexibility and joint healthKriti Sanon’s 3,000-crystal ivory Gaurav Gupta lehenga looks like fashion imagined beyond EarthWhat happens when you mix baking soda, detergent, and toothpaste? 3 reasons to use this combination in your kitchen‘Spider-Man: Brand New Day’ star Tom Holland’s box office report card: Top-earning movies of your friendly-neighbourhood spiderFrom a dream closet to an exquisite art and painting collection: Inside Orry’s ultra-luxurious home’UK07 Rider’ Anurag Dobhal accuses wife of cheating during pregnancy, Ritika Chauhan reacts; here’s everything that’s happened so far10 Himachali dishes that are naturally healthyNormal blood sugar doesn’t always mean you’re healthy: Hyderabad doctor explains the silent metabolic problem that can begin years before diabetes123Hot PicksRBI MeetingGold Rate TodayStock Market TodayICMAI June 2026 toppers listTamil Nadu Budget SessionTN supplementary resultSpaceXUPI transactionsD Y PatilTop TrendingRBI MPC MeetingVande Matram StanzaUdhayanidhi StalinBritish ReturnsPM ModiTamil Nadu Budget Session 2026Air India FlightD Y Patil DeathTamil Nadu BudgetShradha Singh TN SSLC Supplementary Result 2026 declared at tnresults.nic.in: Direct link to download scorecards Lokesh Kanagaraj’s ‘DC’ earns A certificate, runtime revealed ahead of theatrical release on August 7 Gyaneshwari Yadav Father: “When my daughter won silver, I saw myself on the podium”: How an electrician father’s unfinished dream shaped Commonwealth medalist Gyaneshwari Yadav and what every parent can learn from it Air India names Tewolde Gebremariam CEO and Managing Director Vallejo: California will close the westbound Zampa Bridge for 53 hours to replace part of its deck, creating a major weekend detour between Vallejo and the East Bay Asaduddin Owaisi; Keshav Prasad Maurya NEW DELHI: All India Majlis-e-Ittehadul Muslimeen (AIMIM) chief Asaduddin Owaisi on Wednesday hit back at Uttar Pradesh deputy chief minister Keshav Prasad Maurya over his remarks on madrassas, saying that “those with stools spew venom to keep themselves politically relevant.”The reference to “stool” appeared to be a dig at the “stool mantri (minister)” jibe that political opponents have often used against Maurya.”Keshav Maurya can only attack madrasas because his chair is, in fact, just a stool. How could those who love the British possibly like madrasas? Madrasas were the centres of conspiracies against the British and the struggle for freedom. They produced countless mujahideen of independence, while Savarkar was writing mercy petitions to the British,” Owaisi posted in Hindi on X, referring to right-wing ideologue Vinayak Damodar Savarkar.Highlighting the historical significance of madrassas, Owaisi pointed out that several prominent Indian figures received their early education in such institutions. He cited India’s first President Dr Rajendra Prasad, author Premchand, and social reformer Raja Ram Mohan Roy as examples. On the other hand, he noted that Mahatma Gandhi’s assassin, Nathuram Godse, was not educated in a madrassa.”Godse, independent India’s first terrorist, was not a student of a madrasa. However, India’s first President, Rajendra Prasad, had studied in a madrassa. Munshi Premchand and Raja Ram Mohan Roy also received their education in a madrasa,” the Hyderabad MP said.”Article 30 of the Constitution grants every minority community the right to establish and run its own educational institutions. It is utterly shameful that a person holding a constitutional office should use such poisonous language…But Join conversationView All Comments →Share your thoughts in the commentsInsightfulAgreeDisagreeSkepticalConcerningPromisingWorth ReadingBig DevelopmentPost CommentBe respectful · TOI community guidelineswhen chairs are scarce, those with stools have no option but to spew venom to maintain their political relevance,” he added.The war of words erupted after Maurya made a controversial remark on Tuesday, linking madrassa education to global terrorism.Speaking to reporters, Maurya had said, “This is a reality, it is the truth, that madrasa education certainly… all the biggest terrorists, whether inside India, those who carried out attacks, or those who carried out attacks across the world… it is a result of madrasa education.”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’I’m A Farmer’s Son, I Can’t Buy Papers’: In JPSC-JSSC Exam Leak, Students Demand CBI Probe’56% Indian Vehicles Uninsured’: Supreme Court Calls For ‘Challans’, Urgent Enforcement Action’We Feel Cheated’: Jharkhand Student Protesters Voice Anger Over JPSC-JSSC Exam Row’If You Won’t Listen, Then Who Will?’: Jharkhand Student’s Msg To Hemant Soren Over JPSC-JSSC RowIndia Responds After Pakistan Deploys Chinese SH-15 Howitzers Along BorderJharkhand Mob Lynching: Rape Accused Beaten To Death, Police Probe POCSO Case And Mob ViolenceGovt May Allow Merchant Charges On UPI Payments Above Rs 2,000SC Proposes Fuel Ban For Uninsured Vehicles, Calls For Automatic E-ChallansWest Bengal Clears Fast-Track Land Acquisition For Strategic Rail Link Near DoklamSecurity On High Alert: Pak Drone Sighted In Jammu On Eve Of Article 370 Abrogation Anniversary123PhotostoriesThe Barack Obama blueprint: Healthy habits that help the former US President stay energetic and resilient at 658 ordinary moments that leave a lifelong impact on your childMalaika Arora’s 5 morning yoga poses every woman should try for better flexibility and joint healthKriti Sanon’s 3,000-crystal ivory Gaurav Gupta lehenga looks like fashion imagined beyond EarthWhat happens when you mix baking soda, detergent, and toothpaste? 3 reasons to use this combination in your kitchen‘Spider-Man: Brand New Day’ star Tom Holland’s box office report card: Top-earning movies of your friendly-neighbourhood spiderFrom a dream closet to an exquisite art and painting collection: Inside Orry’s ultra-luxurious home’UK07 Rider’ Anurag Dobhal accuses wife of cheating during pregnancy, Ritika Chauhan reacts; here’s everything that’s happened so far10 Himachali dishes that are naturally healthyNormal blood sugar doesn’t always mean you’re healthy: Hyderabad doctor explains the silent metabolic problem that can begin years before diabetes123Hot PicksRBI MeetingGold Rate TodayStock Market TodayICMAI June 2026 toppers listTamil Nadu Budget SessionTN supplementary resultSpaceXUPI transactionsD Y PatilTop TrendingRBI MPC MeetingVande Matram StanzaUdhayanidhi StalinBritish ReturnsPM ModiTamil Nadu Budget Session 2026Air India FlightD Y Patil DeathTamil Nadu BudgetShradha Singh Aug 05, 2026, 18:09 IST UPSC topic: India’s agricultural calendar divided by kharif, rabi and zaid seasons Quote of the day with Morgan Freeman: ‘It’s the magic of risking everything for a dream that nobody sees but you,’ life lesson from the ‘Million Dollar Baby’ actor, where he explains why it is important to take a leap of faith Bengal tiger vs Siberian tiger: What’s the difference? Meet Seungah Chung, the US eighth-grader who used 200 ants and a maze to discover they navigate by landmarks Jharkhand recruitment protests: CM Hemant Soren says ‘action soon’; CJP extends support – top developments Trump: Donald Trump’s immigration crackdown hits US military families; over 50 spouses, parents detained Probe panel report stated that the violence was pre-planned. (File photo) NEW DELHI: Judicial commission report on the 2024 Sambhal violence claimed that the unrest was “pre-planned” and mentioned the role of Samajwadi Party (SP) MP Zia ur Rahman Barq, SP MLA Iqbal Mehmood’s son Suhail Iqbal.”False information was spread among the Muslim community over survey. The report also states that the bullet which caused deaths were not fired by the Police, and that hooligans nad attempted to loot Police weapons,” reported news agency ANI citing the report, which was tabled on Uttar Pradesh assembly on Wednesday.Last year in August, Uttar Pradesh chief minister Yogi Adityanath had highlighted that the report, which the judicial commission had submitted, revealed how a conspiracy for riot unfolded in 2024.The three-member panel had met the CM and submitted its report concerning the violence that erupted near the Shahi Jama Masjid on November 24 in 2024 during an ASI-monitored survey of the mosque. The unrest resulted in four fatalities and injuries to several others. In the document, a sharp demographic shift is observed.Highlighting major demographic shifts in Sambhal, the report notes that the Hindu population declined from 45 percent at the time of Independence to 15 percent currently, while Muslims now constitute 85 percent of the population.Speaking at the inauguration and foundation-laying ceremony for various development projects in Sambhal, the UP CM asserted that the state is transitioning from “appeasement” to “satisfaction,” leaving no room for any demographic shift. Adityanath linked the violence to a history of “targeted actions” against Hindus under previous state governments.Join conversationView All Comments →Share your thoughts in the commentsInsightfulAgreeDisagreeSkepticalConcerningPromisingWorth ReadingBig DevelopmentPost CommentBe respectful · TOI community guidelines“The judicial commission submitted its report on the Sambhal incident on Thursday, revealing parts of how a conspiracy for riot unfolded in 2024,” CM Adityanath said.According to the PTI, the panel traces Sambhal’s history of communal strife to a 1953 Shia-Sunni clash, with major riots occurring in 1956, 1959, 1962, when Jan Sangh MLA Mahesh Gupta was stabbed, 1966, and 1976, when a mosque committee dispute and the murder of a maulvi triggered temple attacks and curfews.Get the latest India News and Live updates. Download the TOI app.About the AuthorRajeev SinghRajeev Singh is a Digital Content Producer with The Times of India. He covers politics, policies, defence, and conflicts for readers curious to know their implications. He loves digging into legal maxims and political trivia. On off days, when not turning pages or learning русский, he lives in the reverie of “what ifs” and “how abouts.”Read MoreEnd of ArticleFollow Us On Social MediaVideos’56% Indian Vehicles Uninsured’: Supreme Court Calls For ‘Challans’, Urgent Enforcement Action’We Feel Cheated’: Jharkhand Student Protesters Voice Anger Over JPSC-JSSC Exam Row’If You Won’t Listen, Then Who Will?’: Jharkhand Student’s Msg To Hemant Soren Over JPSC-JSSC RowIndia Responds After Pakistan Deploys Chinese SH-15 Howitzers Along BorderJharkhand Mob Lynching: Rape Accused Beaten To Death, Police Probe POCSO Case And Mob ViolenceGovt May Allow Merchant Charges On UPI Payments Above Rs 2,000SC Proposes Fuel Ban For Uninsured Vehicles, Calls For Automatic E-ChallansWest Bengal Clears Fast-Track Land Acquisition For Strategic Rail Link Near DoklamSecurity On High Alert: Pak Drone Sighted In Jammu On Eve Of Article 370 Abrogation AnniversaryNot A Single Woman In Karnataka Cabinet? Congress Faces Tough Questions123PhotostoriesMalaika Arora’s 5 morning yoga poses every woman should try for better flexibility and joint healthKriti Sanon’s 3,000-crystal ivory Gaurav Gupta lehenga looks like fashion imagined beyond EarthWhat happens when you mix baking soda, detergent, and toothpaste? 3 reasons to use this combination in your kitchen‘Spider-Man: Brand New Day’ star Tom Holland’s box office report card: Top-earning movies of your friendly-neighbourhood spiderFrom a dream closet to an exquisite art and painting collection: Inside Orry’s ultra-luxurious home’UK07 Rider’ Anurag Dobhal accuses wife of cheating during pregnancy, Ritika Chauhan reacts; here’s everything that’s happened so far10 Himachali dishes that are naturally healthyNormal blood sugar doesn’t always mean you’re healthy: Hyderabad doctor explains the silent metabolic problem that can begin years before diabetesFrom animal fat to graphite brows: Ancient China’s beauty rituals were more advanced than you thinkGhajini actor Pradeep Rawat died after blood cancer relapse: Doctors explain why the disease can return years after successful treatment123Hot PicksRBI MeetingGold Rate TodayStock Market TodayICMAI June 2026 toppers listTamil Nadu Budget SessionTN supplementary resultSpaceXUPI transactionsD Y PatilTop TrendingRBI MPC MeetingVande Matram StanzaUdhayanidhi StalinBritish ReturnsPM ModiTamil Nadu Budget Session 2026Air India FlightD Y Patil DeathTamil Nadu BudgetShradha Singh After ‘Devdas’ fallout Sanjay Leela Bhansali and Kareena Kapoor Khan may finally collaborate for Dhanush-led mythology adventure – Report 8 ordinary moments that leave a lifelong impact on your child Scientists say rising carbon dioxide is shrinking populations of the world’s largest bees | Texas has been using discarded Christmas trees on its beaches for years, and they’re quietly helping sea turtles survive | World News Addressing the protesters, Rahul said he was “proud of every single young person” who had raised their voice NEW DELHI: Congress leader Rahul Gandhi on Wednesday met five student protesters who he said were targeted during the Gen Z demonstrations that led to the resignation of Dharmendra Pradhan as Union education minister.Narrating their experiences, the leader of the opposition in the Lok Sabha said the students were assaulted during the protests and continued to face abuse on social media even after the demonstrations had ended.Addressing the youth of the country, Rahul said they had “done no wrong” and did not need to apologise. He accused Prime Minister Narendra Modi of failing to understand the youth’s concerns.”We had a freewheeling conversation with some of the young protesters. They mentioned to me how they were assaulted, breaten and threatened. I am very proud of them, very proud of what they have done, what thousands of young Indians like them have done. They have defended the Constitution, they have protected the idea of India, they have protected India’s future. Complaining about the education system, which is a flawed system, a collapsing system, a useless system is not a crime,” Rahul said.”If anything, the system needs to be changed, it needs to be corrected. That is all they were asking for. They were not doing violence, they were not being aggressive, they were not being nasty. They were beaten, assaulted and threatened. Forcing them first, sending gundas to their house, forcibly demanding apology of a 15-year-old girl and then accepting that apology is complete nonsense. We do not accept it, we want education system that works, we want exam leaks to stop and we want the future of this country to be respected and protected,” he addedRahul also launched a sharp attack on PM Modi Modi and Union home minister Amit Shah.”They are young people who are standing here, in front of India’s press. But Amit Shah and the Prime Minister don’t have the courage to stand here,” Rahul said.Calling the students “exactly the type of youngsters that this country needs”, he said they had faced “harassment, violence and torture” for speaking out. “I am very proud that they have the courage to speak so eloquently,” he added.Rahul also accused Shah of being responsible for the alleged use of pellet guns against protesters. He said the home minister was either “incompetent” if he was unaware of the violence or “culpable” if he had ordered it, adding that “either way, he is responsible”.His remarks came after PM Modi released a video saying he had forgiven young protesters for allegedly using abusive language against him and his mother during the demonstrations.Join conversationView All Comments →Share your thoughts in the commentsInsightfulAgreeDisagreeSkepticalConcerningPromisingWorth ReadingBig DevelopmentPost CommentBe respectful · TOI community guidelinesOn Tuesday, the leader of the opposition had said students were in “severe pain” and needed an apology from the government, not forgiveness. He argued that they were protesting over unemployment, unfair examinations and a failing education system.Gandhi also alleged that the RSS was attempting to impose a single version of India’s history, saying every state had the right to preserve and express its own language, culture and traditions. He said the student protests reflected resistance to any attempt to undermine India’s diversity, adding that “India will not tolerate its history being trampled upon by anybody”.Get the latest India News and Live updates. Download the TOI app.About the AuthorVivek DubeyA digital news desk journalist at The Times of India with over two years of experience. Closely tracks foreign affairs and international politics. Fondness for precise language and clever headlines. When not editing news, he is usually refining a turn of phrase.Read MoreEnd of ArticleFollow Us On Social MediaVideos’56% Indian Vehicles Uninsured’: Supreme Court Calls For ‘Challans’, Urgent Enforcement Action’We Feel Cheated’: Jharkhand Student Protesters Voice Anger Over JPSC-JSSC Exam Row’If You Won’t Listen, Then Who Will?’: Jharkhand Student’s Msg To Hemant Soren Over JPSC-JSSC RowIndia Responds After Pakistan Deploys Chinese SH-15 Howitzers Along BorderJharkhand Mob Lynching: Rape Accused Beaten To Death, Police Probe POCSO Case And Mob ViolenceGovt May Allow Merchant Charges On UPI Payments Above Rs 2,000SC Proposes Fuel Ban For Uninsured Vehicles, Calls For Automatic E-ChallansWest Bengal Clears Fast-Track Land Acquisition For Strategic Rail Link Near DoklamSecurity On High Alert: Pak Drone Sighted In Jammu On Eve Of Article 370 Abrogation AnniversaryNot A Single Woman In Karnataka Cabinet? Congress Faces Tough Questions123Photostories8 ordinary moments that leave a lifelong impact on your childMalaika Arora’s 5 morning yoga poses every woman should try for better flexibility and joint healthKriti Sanon’s 3,000-crystal ivory Gaurav Gupta lehenga looks like fashion imagined beyond EarthWhat happens when you mix baking soda, detergent, and toothpaste? 3 reasons to use this combination in your kitchen‘Spider-Man: Brand New Day’ star Tom Holland’s box office report card: Top-earning movies of your friendly-neighbourhood spiderFrom a dream closet to an exquisite art and painting collection: Inside Orry’s ultra-luxurious home’UK07 Rider’ Anurag Dobhal accuses wife of cheating during pregnancy, Ritika Chauhan reacts; here’s everything that’s happened so far10 Himachali dishes that are naturally healthyNormal blood sugar doesn’t always mean you’re healthy: Hyderabad doctor explains the silent metabolic problem that can begin years before diabetesFrom animal fat to graphite brows: Ancient China’s beauty rituals were more advanced than you think123Hot PicksRBI MeetingGold Rate TodayStock Market TodayICMAI June 2026 toppers listTamil Nadu Budget SessionTN supplementary resultSpaceXUPI transactionsD Y PatilTop TrendingRBI MPC MeetingVande Matram StanzaUdhayanidhi StalinBritish ReturnsPM ModiTamil Nadu Budget Session 2026Air India FlightD Y Patil DeathTamil Nadu BudgetShradha Singh Aug 05, 2026, 17:29 IST TG CPGET rank card 2026 released at cpget.tgche.ac.in: Direct link to download scorecards here Pradeep Rawat funeral: Aamir Khan, Ashoke Pandit and film fraternity pay last respects to the late ‘Ghajini’ actor How to remove stubborn turmeric stains from containers and hands using simple home remedies | Between 2014 and 2017, underwater robots found surface chlorophyll 1,000 metres deep; scientists have now explained how it arrived NFL Free Agent Rumors: Atlanta Falcons could pursue $156M Los Angeles Chargers edge or $198M Washington Commanders outside linebacker after Jalon Walker’s potential season ending torn ACL Supreme Court (Number of Judges) Amendment Bill passed in Rajya Sabha NEW DELHI: The Rajya Sabha on Wednesday passed the Supreme Court (Number of Judges) Amendment Bill, 2026, which seeks to increase the number of Supreme Court judges from the present 33 to 37, excluding the Chief Justice of India.The bill, approved through a voice vote, seeks to replace an ordinance that raised the sanctioned strength of judges in the Supreme Court.The Upper House cleared the legislation and returned it to the Lok Sabha, as it is a Money Bill.During a brief discussion, Union law minister Arjun Ram Meghwal described the measure as part of judicial reforms aimed at reducing case pendency.”The increase of judges in the Supreme Court is a step to improve judicial efficiency. We will adopt an alternative dispute resolution (ADR) mechanism using arbitration, mediation and conciliation to help reduce pendency in cases,” Meghwal said, according to PTI.Meghwal added that the central government is committed to working in coordination with the judiciary in this regard.The Opposition staged a walkout from the Rajya Sabha during the discussion on the legislation.Get the latest India News and Live updates. Download the TOI app.About the AuthorKaran ManralKaran Manral is a journalist at the Times of India. He covers politics, social issues, and international affairs, exploring stories that affect people’s everyday lives. He also writes explainers to make these stories easier for readers to follow.Read MoreEnd of ArticleFollow Us On Social MediaVideos’We Feel Cheated’: Jharkhand Student Protesters Voice Anger Over JPSC-JSSC Exam Row’If You Won’t Listen, Then Who Will?’: Jharkhand Student’s Msg To Hemant Soren Over JPSC-JSSC RowIndia Responds After Pakistan Deploys Chinese SH-15 Howitzers Along BorderJharkhand Mob Lynching: Rape Accused Beaten To Death, Police Probe POCSO Case And Mob ViolenceGovt May Allow Merchant Charges On UPI Payments Above Rs 2,000SC Proposes Fuel Ban For Uninsured Vehicles, Calls For Automatic E-ChallansWest Bengal Clears Fast-Track Land Acquisition For Strategic Rail Link Near DoklamSecurity On High Alert: Pak Drone Sighted In Jammu On Eve Of Article 370 Abrogation AnniversaryNot A Single Woman In Karnataka Cabinet? Congress Faces Tough QuestionsExplained: Why Jharkhand Students Are Distancing Their JPSC Protest From The Jantar Mantar Agitation123PhotostoriesKriti Sanon’s 3,000-crystal ivory Gaurav Gupta lehenga looks like fashion imagined beyond EarthWhat happens when you mix baking soda, detergent, and toothpaste? 3 reasons to use this combination in your kitchen‘Spider-Man: Brand New Day’ star Tom Holland’s box office report card: Top-earning movies of your friendly-neighbourhood spiderFrom a dream closet to an exquisite art and painting collection: Inside Orry’s ultra-luxurious home’UK07 Rider’ Anurag Dobhal accuses wife of cheating during pregnancy, Ritika Chauhan reacts; here’s everything that’s happened so far10 Himachali dishes that are naturally healthyNormal blood sugar doesn’t always mean you’re healthy: Hyderabad doctor explains the silent metabolic problem that can begin years before diabetesFrom animal fat to graphite brows: Ancient China’s beauty rituals were more advanced than you thinkGhajini actor Pradeep Rawat died after blood cancer relapse: Doctors explain why the disease can return years after successful treatmentScientists have discovered 14,000-year-old flatbread, the earliest known evidence of bread-making at a dig site123Hot PicksRBI MeetingGold Rate TodayStock Market TodayICMAI June 2026 toppers listTamil Nadu Budget SessionTN supplementary resultSpaceXUPI transactionsD Y PatilTop TrendingRBI MPC MeetingVande Matram StanzaUdhayanidhi StalinBritish ReturnsPM ModiTamil Nadu Budget Session 2026Air India FlightD Y Patil DeathTamil Nadu BudgetShradha Singh Quote of the day by Mother Teresa: “I prefer you to make mistakes in kindness than…” – a timeless lesson on choosing kindness over perfection | World News ‘Aise hi poori country Bhai nahi bolti’: Sonal Chauhan shares heartfelt note for ‘the best bhai’ Salman Khan after viral ‘Alliance’ episode with Sohail Khan ‘Kahan hai chabhi?’: Grandmother’s adorable reaction to using a hotel room access card for the first time wins hearts online New membrane removes more than 99.99% of oil from seawater while producing fresh water using sunlight Watch: Indian cargo ship engulfed in flames and smoke after projectile strike off Yemen Quote of the day by Socrates: “The secret of happiness, you see, is not found in seeking more, but in…” – why this timeless lesson on contentment still matters today | World News India has largely succeeded in getting children into school. For years, corporate social responsibility (CSR) in education was measured by the number of classrooms built, computers donated, or scholarships awarded. Today, that metric is changing. As India’s education system moves beyond expanding access towards improving learning outcomes, companies are increasingly investing in programmes that strengthen govt schools, train teachers, improve employability and build long-term partnerships with public institutions.The shift comes at a critical moment. India has largely succeeded in getting children into school. According to UDISE+ 2024-25, the country has 14.7 lakh schools, 24.7 crore students, and 1 crore teachers. Rural enrolment among children aged 6-14 has reached 98%, while literacy among those aged seven and above stands at 81%.But the next challenge is ensuring children actually learn. The Annual Status of Education Report (ASER) 2024 shows that among Class III students in govt schools, the proportion able to read a Class II-level text improved from 16.3% in 2022 to 23.4% in 2024, while those able to solve subtraction rose from 20.2% to 27.6%. The gains are encouraging but also underline the distance still to be covered.Govt initiatives such as NIPUN Bharat, Samagra Shiksha, PM SHRI and DIKSHA are attempting to address this challenge through foundational literacy, teacher training, digital learning and school infrastructure. Yet the scale of the task means govts alone cannot do everything. That is where CSR is beginning to play a more strategic role.Education has emerged as the single largest recipient of CSR funding in India. According to the latest CSRBOX report, India Inc spent Rs 40,794 crore on CSR during FY2024-25 across more than 72,000 projects. Education accounted for Rs 13,877 crore, or 34% of the total, making it the country’s biggest CSR sector. More significantly, companies are moving away from one-off philanthropy towards multi-year programmes, govt partnerships and data-driven monitoring of outcomes.Bharti Airtel Foundation offers one example of this transition. During FY2024-25, the foundation reported reaching more than 22 lakh students across over 16,000 schools. Its cumulative programmes have impacted 3.7 million students, more than 36,000 schools, and over 3.3 lakh teachers.Rather than focusing solely on infrastructure, its initiatives include teacher support, school transformation, life skills, and community engagement. Its Satya Bharti School Programme operates 164 rural schools across four states, while its Quality Support Programme works with govt schools in 12 states.Another example is Tata STRIVE, which reflects the growing emphasis on employability. In FY2024-25, it directly reached over 4.5 lakh young people and reported cumulative outreach of more than 22.5 lakh beneficiaries through skill development, career guidance, vocational education and entrepreneurship programmes. The focus extends beyond classrooms to ensuring education translates into livelihoods and economic participation.This evolution mirrors the changing needs of India’s education system. While access has improved dramatically, important gaps remain. Nearly 8% of 15-16-year-olds are no longer enrolled in school, with girls recording slightly higher non-enrolment than boys.Join conversationView All Comments →Share your thoughts in the commentsInsightfulAgreeDisagreeSkepticalConcerningPromisingWorth ReadingBig DevelopmentPost CommentBe respectful · TOI community guidelinesInfrastructure has also improved unevenly. Although over 99% of schools have drinking water and nearly 94% have electricity, only about two-thirds have computers and internet access, while just 35.6% have dedicated toilets for children with special needs.These are challenges that require sustained investment rather than isolated interventions. Increasingly, CSR is being used not to substitute public spending but to complement it by piloting new models, supporting teachers, strengthening school systems and helping govts scale successful practices.India has already built one of the world’s largest education systems. The next phase is about making that scale deliver better outcomes. Public investment will remain the foundation, but if current trends continue, CSR could become an important catalyst in helping schools move from expanding access to improving learning, ensuring that every rupee invested delivers lasting change for students, teachers and communities.Get the latest India News and Live updates. Download the TOI app.End of ArticleFollow Us On Social MediaVideos’We Feel Cheated’: Jharkhand Student Protesters Voice Anger Over JPSC-JSSC Exam Row’If You Won’t Listen, Then Who Will?’: Jharkhand Student’s Msg To Hemant Soren Over JPSC-JSSC RowIndia Responds After Pakistan Deploys Chinese SH-15 Howitzers Along BorderJharkhand Mob Lynching: Rape Accused Beaten To Death, Police Probe POCSO Case And Mob ViolenceGovt May Allow Merchant Charges On UPI Payments Above Rs 2,000SC Proposes Fuel Ban For Uninsured Vehicles, Calls For Automatic E-ChallansWest Bengal Clears Fast-Track Land Acquisition For Strategic Rail Link Near DoklamSecurity On High Alert: Pak Drone Sighted In Jammu On Eve Of Article 370 Abrogation AnniversaryNot A Single Woman In Karnataka Cabinet? Congress Faces Tough QuestionsExplained: Why Jharkhand Students Are Distancing Their JPSC Protest From The Jantar Mantar Agitation123PhotostoriesKriti Sanon’s 3,000-crystal ivory Gaurav Gupta lehenga looks like fashion imagined beyond EarthWhat happens when you mix baking soda, detergent, and toothpaste? 3 reasons to use this combination in your kitchen‘Spider-Man: Brand New Day’ star Tom Holland’s box office report card: Top-earning movies of your friendly-neighbourhood spiderFrom a dream closet to an exquisite art and painting collection: Inside Orry’s ultra-luxurious home’UK07 Rider’ Anurag Dobhal accuses wife of cheating during pregnancy, Ritika Chauhan reacts; here’s everything that’s happened so far10 Himachali dishes that are naturally healthyNormal blood sugar doesn’t always mean you’re healthy: Hyderabad doctor explains the silent metabolic problem that can begin years before diabetesFrom animal fat to graphite brows: Ancient China’s beauty rituals were more advanced than you thinkGhajini actor Pradeep Rawat died after blood cancer relapse: Doctors explain why the disease can return years after successful treatmentScientists have discovered 14,000-year-old flatbread, the earliest known evidence of bread-making at a dig site123Hot PicksRBI MeetingGold Rate TodayStock Market TodayICMAI June 2026 toppers listTamil Nadu Budget SessionTN supplementary resultSpaceXUPI transactionsD Y PatilTop TrendingRBI MPC MeetingVande Matram StanzaUdhayanidhi StalinBritish ReturnsPM ModiTamil Nadu Budget Session 2026Air India FlightD Y Patil DeathTamil Nadu BudgetShradha Singh “I have wasted the best years of my life”: Ankur Warikoo shares life-changing advice for a 35-year-old facing a career crisis