VK News Today https://validator.w3.org/feed/docs/rss2.html Options volumes down over 50% on stricter rules: Sebi TNEA 2026 round 2 seat allotment result out at tneaonline.org: Direct link to download and what’s next ‘The Odyssey’ closes in on the billion-dollar mark: Close to becoming the third highest-earning R-rated film to achieve the feat Where heritage meets heart: Kritika Kamra’s love letter to Indian textiles on National Handloom Day 2026 How OpenAI’s AI Agents ‘secretly’ used a Message Board for over 60 days to plan hacking attack that employees described as: ‘This is wild’ and ‘Jesus’ Tell Trump to desist or we hit you hard: Iran warns Gulf countries Students protest in Ranchi’s Jaipal Singh Munda Stadium. NEW DELHI: The protest by JPSC and JSSC aspirants in Jharkhand entered its 14th day on Thursday, with students demanding action over alleged irregularities in recruitment examinations, while political pressure on the Hemant Soren government intensified.The protest, launched on July 25 under the JPSC-JSSC Reforms Manch at Ranchi’s Jaipal Singh Munda Stadium, has grown into one of Jharkhand’s largest student-led movements in recent years. Protesters are seeking cancellation of the 14th JPSC Civil Services Preliminary Examination, an independent probe into alleged irregularities, and comprehensive reforms in the JPSC and JSSC. Here are the top developments:BJP MLAs protest outside AssemblyBJP MLAs on Thursday staged a protest outside the Jharkhand Assembly, on the first day of the Monsoon Session, over alleged irregularities in the state competitive examinations.Speaking to ANI, BJP MLA Alok Chaurasia said, “The Bharatiya Janata Party stands firmly and vocally with the students regarding the functioning of Jharkhand government agencies such as JPSC, JSSC, and CJL, as well as the widespread corruption across the state, particularly the fraud committed against students…”The legislators raised slogans against the government, with chief whip Naveen Jaiswal alleging it was “selling” Jharkhand’s youths’ future and demanding a CBI probe, saying, “nobody trusts your CID and committee.”Rahul Gandhi speaks to aspirantsRahul Gandhi speaks to aspirantsCongress leader Rahul Gandhi spoke to JPSC-JSSC aspirants over the phone on Thursday. Student leader Piyush Kumar said the students raised their demand for cancellation of the examination, an investigation and reforms.”We told him of our demands, that exam should be cancelled, regarding investigation and reforms. He said that he stands with our demands, and that they will take it up with the Govt. He said that he stands with and supports students…We are yet to get any official information regarding the date and time of meeting (with the government),” Kumar said.Student leader Ravindra Paswan said Gandhi enquired about the situation at the protest site.”He asked us about the situation here. We told him about the irregularities in exams here. We told him that Congress is in the government in Jharkhand and they should help us. He told us that he stands with students,” Paswan said.11-member delegation finalisedAccording to JPSC JSSC Reform Manch, protesting students have finalised an 11-member delegation for talks with the state government. The group comprises eight student representatives, one lawyer and two technical experts.The eight student representatives are Piyush Kumar Singh, Ravindra Paswan, Rajesh Prasad, Neetu Kujur, Kartik Soren, Ravindra, Ankit Kumar and Shalu Singh.Students have also demanded that any dialogue with the government be held in the presence of the media.Officials reach protest siteRanchi Sadar SDO Rajat Kumar and ADM Dhananjay Kumar reached Jaipal Singh Munda Stadium to hear the grievances of the protesting aspirants.”We came to speak with our younger brothers about how we can assist them in their preparations for the future,” Rajat Kumar said.A protester said there had been a suggestion that a four- or five-member delegation should participate in talks, but students insisted on a transparent process.’Assembly gherao’ on MondayAmid the continuing agitation, students announced a “Vidhan Sabha Gherao” on August 10 if their demands are not met. Protester Radhe Kumar said the decision was taken after the government initiated contact with the students.JMM MLA Jairam Kumar Mahato urged the government to immediately open talks, warning that “something untoward will happen” if the situation remains unresolved.Join conversationView All Comments →Share your thoughts in the commentsInsightfulAgreeDisagreeSkepticalConcerningPromisingWorth ReadingBig DevelopmentPost CommentBe respectful · TOI community guidelinesHunger strike continuesActivist Sonam Wangchuk rejected reports that student leader Devendra Nath Mahato had ended his hunger strike after speaking with him. A total of six demonstrators are presently on a hunger strike.In a video message on X, Wangchuk said, “He consumed water, not food; I want to clarify this.”He added, “He was fasting without water and without food, which is, in a way, like suicide. So, I only urged him to consume water and salt now and continue his fast.”Mahato began his indefinite hunger strike on August 2 at Jaipal Singh Munda Stadium. He is now continuing the fast on water and salt.Minister claims 19 arrestedJharkhand minister Shilpi Neha Tirkey said on Thursday that the government was investigating the allegations and that 19 people had been arrested.Get the latest India News and Live updates. Download the TOI app.About the AuthorSubhadra SrivastavaSubhadra Srivastava is a journalist with The Times of India, covering geopolitics, international and national affairs. With over three years of experience, she focuses on national and global developments, conflict, diplomacy and their impact on India. Her work combines breaking news with in-depth analysis, offering readers context and clarity on the stories shaping the world.Read MoreEnd of ArticleFollow Us On Social MediaVideos’Cancel Exams, Take Action’: Jharkhand LoP Babulal Marandi Slams Soren Govt, Backs Student ProtestsContent Creator Ayush Rana On Jharkhand Protest Funding, Viral Videos, Dhoni’s Silence & More‘Gen Z Protesters Are Not Anti-National’: RSS’ Mohan Bhagwat Says ‘Protest Is A Way Of Dialogue’Jharkhand’s ‘Sonam Wangchuk 2.0′ Devendra Nath Mahato Enters Day 5 Of Indefinite Hunger Strike Fast’Not Enemies’: Rijiju Meets Rahul Gandhi Over Sansad Logjam, Reacts To Amit Shah Statement DemandAtiq Ahmed’s Youngest Son Abaan Dies In Jhansi Road Accident, Conflicting Accounts Emerge Over Crash‘Youth Wants CJP To Become Political Party’: Dipke, Saurav Das Announce ‘Kya Bolti Public’ CampaignBombay HC Convicts Tehelka Founder Tarun Tejpal In 2013 Sexual Assault Case; Reverses 2021 AcquittalThe Bankipur Effect: How One Bypoll Has Put BJP’s Upper-Caste Strategy Under The SpotlightSupreme Court Frees Man After 22 Years In Jail, Overturns Wrong Conviction123PhotostoriesWearing flat, cushion-less slippers at home all day? Doctor says this everyday habit could trigger months of heel pain5 things couples naturally stop doing when they feel completely comfortable with each otherKahaani Ghar Ghar Kii actress Tina Parekh ditched designer lehenga and lavish venue; opted for a simple wedding surrounded by family in an ashram8 traditional varieties of South Indian idlis that are perfect for breakfastRakul Preet Singh and Jackky Bhagnani look straight out of modern-day ‘Ramayan’ in regal Gopi Vaid ensembles10 trendy three-letter baby names with beautiful meaningsYour 50s could decide how many years you live without dementia: Study says controlling 3 midlife health risks may add up to 12.6 healthy brain yearsJacqueline Fernandez proves charcoal is the new black in a show-stopping Manish Malhotra ensembleNo parenting book can prepare you for this: 7 powerful lessons every parent only learns through experienceNot everything you were taught was meant to set you free: 8 beliefs every woman needs to unlearn to finally live life on her own terms123Hot PicksSaurav DasDelhi rainAbhijeet DipkeRRB ALP CBT 2 answer keyTN Agriculture BudgetTASMAC OnlineAnkur WarikooUPI transactionsGold rate todayTop TrendingAkhilesh YadavNagpur Rape CaseAbhijeet DipkeTasmac Liquor Online PurchaseJPSC ProtestNagpur Rape CaseDelhi Wife MurderAkhilesh YadavTamil Nadu BudgetPraveen Nettaru Murder Case ‘Jasprit Bumrah should take a break’: Ex-India pacer urges selectors to consider Mohammed Shami and Bhuvneshwar Kumar India may see productivity gains from AI, says Nilekani NEET UG counselling 2026: Is round 1 choice filling postponed? 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Oil prices, global cues and more in focus RRC NCR Apprentice Recruitment 2026 ends today; apply online for 1,853 apprentice posts before 11:59 pm Ranbir Kapoor and Sai Pallavi’s ‘Ramayana’ trailer reaches 1 billion views across all platforms and languages Growing Holy basil (tulsi) in pot vs on land: Which helps in grow better Zohran Mamdani sends cease-and-desist notice to Amazon, Walmart and 40 other companies; says: Stop selling these dangerous devices Italy, France, Germany battle extreme heat as Europe faces record temperatures ENIL EBITDA rises 42% in Q1, digital business grows HP Police Constable Recruitment 2026: HPPSC extends application deadline for 734 vacancies to August 21 Aditi Rao Hydari says working with ‘Ramayana’ star Ranbir Kapoor was ‘mad’ experience: ‘He is incredible, can convince you of anything’ If asked whom to believe, I’ll say Gen Z: RSS chief Mohan Bhagwat Patient dies in China biotech company’s gene editing trial Rahul Gandhi raises Ken-Betwa displacement issue NEW DELHI: The Union ministry of tribal affairs on Thursday told the Lok Sabha that it has received several representations raising concerns over the displacement of people due to the Ken-Betwa river-link project in Madhya Pradesh. The ministry said it has forwarded the representations to the state government and the concerned district administrations for examination and appropriate action.In a written reply to questions from Leader of Opposition Rahul Gandhi and Samajwadi Party MP Ajendra Singh Lodhi on the rehabilitation of tribal families affected by the project, compliance with the Forest Rights Act (FRA), and alleged evictions, the ministry said it had not received any complaints specifically claiming that compensation disbursed under the project had failed to reach beneficiaries.The ministry, however, said it had received representations “raising issues of displacement” due to the project. It added that the representations had been forwarded to the Madhya Pradesh government and the concerned district administrations for examination and appropriate action, while noting that the implementation of the Forest Rights Act (FRA) rests with state governments and Union Territory administrations.Minister of state for tribal affairs Durgadas Uikey, in his written reply, said the representations had been referred to the state authorities. “These have been forwarded to the State Government of Madhya Pradesh and respective District Administrations for examination and necessary action,” the reply said.In its response, the ministry said the rehabilitation plan for Scheduled Tribe families affected by the Ken-Betwa river-link project was based on a proposal submitted by the National Water Development Agency in 2016.Citing the 2016 proposal, the ministry said the project’s first phase is expected to displace 1,913 families comprising 8,339 people, including 648 Scheduled Tribe families.Responding to questions on gram sabha meetings under the Forest Rights Act (FRA), the ministry said it does not maintain centralised records of meeting dates, attendance, signatures, grievances related to consent, compensation and displacement, or the status of their disposal, as implementation of the law falls under the jurisdiction of state governments and Union Territory administrations.The ministry added that it has repeatedly urged states and UTs to ensure that no eligible beneficiary is denied forest rights and to strictly comply with Section 4(5) of the FRA, which prohibits the eviction or removal of claimants from forest land under their occupation until the process of recognition and verification of their rights has been completed.Join conversationView All Comments →Share your thoughts in the commentsInsightfulAgreeDisagreeSkepticalConcerningPromisingWorth ReadingBig DevelopmentPost CommentBe respectful · TOI community guidelinesThe Centre’s response comes amid a prolonged protest by tribal families and other residents affected by the Ken-Betwa river-link project in Madhya Pradesh’s Chhatarpur district over issues related to displacement, rehabilitation and resettlement.As part of the agitation, protesters staged a series of symbolic demonstrations in July, including a “jal satyagraha”, “chita (pyre) satyagraha” and “faansi satyagraha”.The protest also included an indefinite hunger strike by activist Amit Bhatnagar, who was later forcibly removed from the site by state police. Nearly 150 villagers were also removed during the operation, visuals of which drew nationwide attention.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’Cancel Exams, Take Action’: Jharkhand LoP Babulal Marandi Slams Soren Govt, Backs Student ProtestsContent Creator Ayush Rana On Jharkhand Protest Funding, Viral Videos, Dhoni’s Silence & More‘Gen Z Protesters Are Not Anti-National’: RSS’ Mohan Bhagwat Says ‘Protest Is A Way Of Dialogue’Jharkhand’s ‘Sonam Wangchuk 2.0′ Devendra Nath Mahato Enters Day 5 Of Indefinite Hunger Strike Fast’Not Enemies’: Rijiju Meets Rahul Gandhi Over Sansad Logjam, Reacts To Amit Shah Statement DemandAtiq Ahmed’s Youngest Son Abaan Dies In Jhansi Road Accident, Conflicting Accounts Emerge Over Crash‘Youth Wants CJP To Become Political Party’: Dipke, Saurav Das Announce ‘Kya Bolti Public’ CampaignBombay HC Convicts Tehelka Founder Tarun Tejpal In 2013 Sexual Assault Case; Reverses 2021 AcquittalThe Bankipur Effect: How One Bypoll Has Put BJP’s Upper-Caste Strategy Under The SpotlightSupreme Court Frees Man After 22 Years In Jail, Overturns Wrong Conviction123PhotostoriesKahaani Ghar Ghar Kii actress Tina Parekh ditched designer lehenga and lavish venue; opted for a simple wedding surrounded by family in an ashram8 traditional varieties of South Indian idlis that are perfect for breakfastRakul Preet Singh and Jackky Bhagnani look straight out of modern-day ‘Ramayan’ in regal Gopi Vaid ensembles10 trendy three-letter baby names with beautiful meaningsYour 50s could decide how many years you live without dementia: Study says controlling 3 midlife health risks may add up to 12.6 healthy brain yearsJacqueline Fernandez proves charcoal is the new black in a show-stopping Manish Malhotra ensembleNo parenting book can prepare you for this: 7 powerful lessons every parent only learns through experienceNot everything you were taught was meant to set you free: 8 beliefs every woman needs to unlearn to finally live life on her own terms5 simple ways to reheat pizza so it tastes fresh again: Which method works best and why5 subtle signs the universe is preparing you for a new beginning123Hot PicksSaurav DasDelhi rainAbhijeet DipkeRRB ALP CBT 2 answer keyTN Agriculture BudgetTASMAC OnlineAnkur WarikooUPI transactionsGold rate todayTop TrendingAkhilesh YadavNagpur Rape CaseAbhijeet DipkeTasmac Liquor Online PurchaseJPSC ProtestNagpur Rape CaseDelhi Wife MurderAkhilesh YadavTamil Nadu BudgetPraveen Nettaru Murder Case Aug 07, 2026, 08:25 IST Bankers unaware, government timed LIC stake sale to max receipts NMMSS Scholarship 2026-27 applications close on August 31; check eligibility, benefits and application process What if ‘Obsession’ were made in Mollywood? Could Curry Baker’s horror drama work as a Malayalam film? Cancer Horoscope Today, August 07, 2026: Your romantic relationships blossoms Oil price today: Brent rises 1% as Middle East conflict continues Hormuz shipping disruption Government: Global headwinds pressurising finances RBI bars NBFCs from offering revolving credit facilities ‘I’m used to it. I’ve been living alone since 1987’: Usha Nadkarni gets honest about solitude, career sacrifices and facing life Scorpio Horoscope Today, August 07, 2026: Prioritise important tasks at work US court slaps Meta with $567 million penalty in largest child safety ruling Australian citizenship for 2 Iranian women soccer players who sought asylum India vs Sri Lanka Live Score, Test Warm Up Match: Rain threat looms as India take on Sri Lanka XI in three-day practice match in Colombo ‘The Jetsons’ is on the way: Jim Carrey to star in upcoming live-action film Aquarius Horoscope Today, August 07, 2026: Expect financial boosts from unexpected avenue Trump signs new executive orders targeting birthright citizenship despite US Supreme Court setback ‘Need to elect JD’: Trump ‘backs’ VP as president nominee in ‘meet with donors’ ‘Vishwanath & Sons’ synopsis revealed: Suriya’s character bonds with his child’s surrogate mother – Report Numerology Predictions Today, August 07, 2026: Read your personalised forecast for numbers 1 to 9 Netanyahu calls PM Modi, discusses bilateral ties, West Asia situation Under the revised norms, candidates won’t be denied admission merely because their UDID card or disability certificate is temporary. NEW DELHI: Candidates cannot be denied admission to MBBS courses under the PwBD quota solely because they hold a temporary disability certificate or Unique Disability Identity (UDID) card, National Medical Commission (NMC) said. However, it made it clear that their disability status will continue to be verified by medical assessment boards (MABs) before they are declared eligible for counselling.In an addendum to “Guidelines on Assessment of Persons with Benchmark Disabilities (PwBD) for Admission to the MBBS Course, 2026”, NMC Wednesday said the change has been made to ensure that the guidelines are interpreted in line with the Rights of Persons with Disabilities Act, 2016, 2024 Rules and a 2025 office memorandum issued by the department of empowerment of persons with disabilities.Under the revised norms, candidates whose disabilities are categorised as progressive, non-progressive or not likely to improve will not be denied admission merely because their UDID card or disability certificate is temporary. Their disability status, however, will continue to be verified by designated MABs before an eligibility certificate is issued. Candidates holding temporary UDID cards whose disability has been recorded as “likely to improve” will undergo reassessment before their eligibility is decided.Join conversationView All Comments →Share your thoughts in the commentsInsightfulAgreeDisagreeSkepticalConcerningPromisingWorth ReadingBig DevelopmentPost CommentBe respectful · TOI community guidelines MABs will also assess each candidate’s functional competency.”This year’s revised guidelines unnecessarily created a new hurdle by introducing a distinction between temporary and permanent disabilities. I received multiple representations from students who were being harassed at assessment centres in Agartala, Mumbai and Delhi. That prompted us to submit a representation to NMC and raise this issue in the ongoing SC hearing as well,” disability rights activist Prof Satendra Singh said.NMC said the addendum has been issued to ensure uniform implementation of admission guidelines and should be read as an integral part of the July 27 notification.Get the latest India News and Live updates. Download the TOI app.About the AuthorAnuja JaiswalAnuja Jaiswal is a Senior Assistant Editor at The Times of India, with an impressive 18-year career in narrative journalism. She specializes in health and heritage reporting, expertly simplifying complex health information to make it engaging and understandable for readers. Her deep dives into heritage topics are well-researched, resulting in captivating narratives that resonate with her audience. Over the years, she has worked in Chandigarh, Chhattisgarh and West UP, gaining diverse on-ground experience that shapes her storytelling.Read MoreEnd of ArticleFollow Us On Social MediaVideos’Cancel Exams, Take Action’: Jharkhand LoP Babulal Marandi Slams Soren Govt, Backs Student ProtestsContent Creator Ayush Rana On Jharkhand Protest Funding, Viral Videos, Dhoni’s Silence & More‘Gen Z Protesters Are Not Anti-National’: RSS’ Mohan Bhagwat Says ‘Protest Is A Way Of Dialogue’Jharkhand’s ‘Sonam Wangchuk 2.0′ Devendra Nath Mahato Enters Day 5 Of Indefinite Hunger Strike Fast’Not Enemies’: Rijiju Meets Rahul Gandhi Over Sansad Logjam, Reacts To Amit Shah Statement DemandAtiq Ahmed’s Youngest Son Abaan Dies In Jhansi Road Accident, Conflicting Accounts Emerge Over Crash‘Youth Wants CJP To Become Political Party’: Dipke, Saurav Das Announce ‘Kya Bolti Public’ CampaignBombay HC Convicts Tehelka Founder Tarun Tejpal In 2013 Sexual Assault Case; Reverses 2021 AcquittalThe Bankipur Effect: How One Bypoll Has Put BJP’s Upper-Caste Strategy Under The SpotlightSupreme Court Frees Man After 22 Years In Jail, Overturns Wrong Conviction123PhotostoriesKahaani Ghar Ghar Kii actress Tina Parekh ditched designer lehenga and lavish venue; opted for a simple wedding surrounded by family in an ashram8 traditional varieties of South Indian idlis that are perfect for breakfastRakul Preet Singh and Jackky Bhagnani look straight out of modern-day ‘Ramayan’ in regal Gopi Vaid ensembles10 trendy three-letter baby names with beautiful meaningsYour 50s could decide how many years you live without dementia: Study says controlling 3 midlife health risks may add up to 12.6 healthy brain yearsJacqueline Fernandez proves charcoal is the new black in a show-stopping Manish Malhotra ensembleNo parenting book can prepare you for this: 7 powerful lessons every parent only learns through experienceNot everything you were taught was meant to set you free: 8 beliefs every woman needs to unlearn to finally live life on her own terms5 simple ways to reheat pizza so it tastes fresh again: Which method works best and why5 subtle signs the universe is preparing you for a new beginning123Hot PicksSaurav DasDelhi rainAbhijeet DipkeRRB ALP CBT 2 answer keyTN Agriculture BudgetTASMAC OnlineAnkur WarikooUPI transactionsGold rate todayTop TrendingAkhilesh YadavNagpur Rape CaseAbhijeet DipkeTasmac Liquor Online PurchaseJPSC ProtestNagpur Rape CaseDelhi Wife MurderAkhilesh YadavTamil Nadu BudgetPraveen Nettaru Murder Case Aug 07, 2026, 07:04 IST Maharashtra CM Devendra Fadnavis roots for ‘Ramayana’ winning an Oscar; calls it the ‘film of the millennium’ Daily Nadi Horoscope for Pisces (7th August 2026): Sun–Saturn Trine May Turn Creative Ideas into Income Alternative-fuel passenger vehicles fast catching up with petrol ones