VK News Today https://validator.w3.org/feed/docs/rss2.html Mahindra Scorpio N facelift spied again! Key updates expected Cyber Cell files case against comic Pranit More over viral Rs 370 biryani remark at show In 1812, a powerful earthquake made the Mississippi River flow backwards and created a lake that still exists today | World News . NEW DELHI: The Cockroach Janta Party (CJP) on Thursday launched a nationwide protest demanding the resignation of union education minister Dharmendra Pradhan over alleged irregularities in competitive examinations and unveiled a five-point ‘exam manifesto’ aimed at protecting students.Leading a protest at the Savitribai Phule Pune University campus, CJP founder Abhijeet Dipke accused the government of failing to ensure accountability for issues affecting students appearing for examinations such as NEET, CBSE and CUET.”Our only demand since the inception of this movement has been the resignation of Dharmendra Pradhan. More than one crore students have faced injustice, but nobody is ready to take responsibility or step down,” Dipke said.He warned that students and supporters of the movement would march to New Delhi and stage a protest at Jantar Mantar on June 20 if the minister does not resign.As part of the agitation, CJP released a five-point manifesto outlining reforms it says are necessary to protect students from examination-related disruptions.The demands include:Rs 10,000 compensation for students affected by paper leaks, postponed examinations or delayed results.A mandatory backup examination date within 72 hours if an exam is cancelled.Physical evaluation of answer sheets for paper-based examinations instead of online assessment.Automatic age-limit relaxation for candidates affected by delayed examinations or results.Mandatory technology and tender audits before examinations, particularly for computer-based tests.Dipke also demanded that contracts for conducting examinations be awarded strictly on merit and called for stronger safeguards to prevent future irregularities.The CJP founder alleged that students had repeatedly suffered due to paper leaks, exam postponements and delays in result declarations.He claimed that timely action by authorities against those responsible for examination irregularities could have prevented the need for a nationwide protest movement.Dipke further alleged that a teacher who participated in a protest at Jantar Mantar against exam-related issues had been suspended.The movement plans to take its campaign to several cities, including Jaipur, Lucknow, Amritsar and Bengaluru, before culminating in a protest in New Delhi later this month.Climate activist Sonam Wangchuk, who participated in the Pune protest, expressed support for the agitation and said it was drawing attention to important issues in the education sector.Dipke maintained that the protests would remain peaceful and within the framework of the Constitution.He also accused the government of attempting to suppress the movement by targeting its social media accounts, while reiterating that CJP remains open to dialogue.”CJP is a big message for the country. The government cannot ignore the youth. Instead of calling us fake, try to understand the issues and problems faced by the youth in the country,” he said.Explaining the party’s unusual name and symbol, Dipke said the cockroach represented growing frustration among young people over the current system and the challenges they face in education and employment.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 MediaVideosCongress Plans Massive Nationwide Stir Against Centre, Targets Inflation, Job Crisis And Paper LeaksAbhishek Banerjee Faces Six-Hour CID Interrogation In Bengal Signature Forgery CaseStone Shatters Window Of Shatabdi Express Near Firozabad; RSS Chief Mohan Bhagwat Was On BoardJaishankar Says US Asked India To Buy Russian Oil In 2022, Slams Double Standards Over Energy PolicyThree Killed As Massive Fire Breaks Out In Multi-Storey Residential Building In Delhi’s TughlakabadJaishankar Calls Out Europe’s ‘Double Standards’, Says European Weapons Have Been Used Against IndiaFalta Strongman Paraded In Shorts By Cops After Arrest In Falta | WatchAll 28 Chief Ministers Attend NITI Aayog Meeting, Marking End of Recent Boycott TrendKirti Azad Dismisses Exit Talks, Says Didi Will Fix Kalyan Banerjee Dispute | WatchCongress Sweeps Three Of Four Karnataka Rs Seats As Poll Ends Without Contest123PhotostoriesSuccess quote of the day by Tom Hanks: “Never give up because…”Love Lessons Written in Your Birth Number7 home interior design styles influencing modern residential spacesKangana Ranaut continues her love affair with Indian handlooms in a stunning Patan Patola saree10 foods that help reduce bloating naturally in summer6 Fascinating plants that do not produce flowers but still thrive in natureInland Taipan changes colour with the seasons: Inside the strange and dramatic seasonal color change explainedIs your child carrying emotional baggage? 6 subtle signs and what parents can do to help10 beautiful baby girl names starting with the letter T“This will help prevent…and improve..” Why did Amit Shah praise this rice variety123Hot Picks147000 Medical BillGulf of Oman attackJaspal RanaShakiraIndia Vs Afghanistan HighlightsISC Revaluation ResultSpaceX IPODelhi weatherIndustrial fuel banTop TrendingTMC rebel MPIndian RupeeSpaceX IPOFIFA World Cup 2026Nipah virusCJP Lucknow ProtestBharatiya Antariksh HackathonKerala SSLC Revaluation ResultUPSC result 2026Karnataka Murder Jun 12, 2026, 11:49 IST Olivia Rodrigo reveals dad’s fan moment on meeting The Cure’s Robert Smith for the first time 10 foods that help reduce bloating naturally in summer A blind Ukrainian veteran turns pottery into a business and mentors others Jun 12, 2026, 08:12 IST Versatile Nikhil Chaudhary adapted to Oz cricket’s demands: First Indian in Australian men’s team ISC Revaluation Result 2026 declared: Here’s how to check revised marks ‘Inme thoda Pakistan prem hai’: Kangana Ranaut opens up on why Ranveer Singh is being ‘targeted’ Success quote of the day by Tom Hanks: “Never give up because…" ‘Netanyahu was not warned in advance’: Israeli PM blindsided as Donald Trump scrapped Iran strike plans Image credit: ANI NEW DELHI: Congress leader Jairam Ramesh has asked defence minister Rajnath Singh to rethink the government’s decision against expanding the INS Baaz runway, arguing it would be less ecologically destructive than building a new airport in Great Nicobar.In a letter to Singh on Friday, Ramesh said he first proposed the INS Baaz expansion alternative on May 16. He suggested it as a way to protect the environment while still meeting strategic military objectives in the Andaman and Nicobar Islands.But on June 8, anonymous “defence ministry sources” told the media that expanding the runway beyond 4,500 feet would itself cause ecological damage. Ramesh said he found this concern ironic given the scale of destruction planned for the proposed greenfield airport site.Environmental red flagsRamesh laid out seven reasons why the proposed airport location at Gandhi Nagar-Shastri Nagar is worse than upgrading the existing naval air station.The new site would require leveling two forest-covered hills that rise 115 metres each. It would eat up 225 acres of protected forest and another 130 acres of deemed forest-land that belongs to the Shompen tribal community and that they still use.Around 142 acres of the proposed site fall under ICRZ-1A, the highest protected category under coastal zone rules. That area includes turtle nesting beaches, coral reefs, and nesting grounds of the endangered Nicobar Megapode.The project would also require filling a creek and moving saltwater crocodiles elsewhere. Two villages housing 234 ex-servicemen families sit directly on the proposed site, and those families would be uprooted for the third time in recent years.Ramesh described the area as largely undisturbed, pristine forest bordering an ecologically sensitive coastline. He said no serious or systematic environmental impact assessment has been done for the site.This matters, he argued, because Great Nicobar is designated as both an Important Bird Area and an Endemic Bird Area. It also falls under two major international bird flyways, the Central Asian and the East Asian-Australasian routes, that bring migratory species to the island every year.’Compelled to speak’ after six yearsThe Congress leader noted that the Galathea Bay airport site was first announced as a dual-purpose facility by the Home Ministry on March 30, 2022. It took the Defence Ministry more than six years to comment on it, and even that was through anonymous briefings.”The disastrous ecological impacts of the Great Nicobar Island Project… have become all-too-evident and are inviting wide-spread concern,” Ramesh wrote. He said this public pressure has forced the ministry to finally address the issue.He copied the letter to Environment Minister Bhupender Yadav, reminding him that he has written at least four times over the past two years about what he calls the “demonstrably dubious” environmental impact assessment of the entire project.Jairam Ramesh’s letter follows recent Defence Ministry statements defending the Great Nicobar project as strategically vital for India’s maritime interests. Ministry sources dismissed critics as suffering from “geographical illiteracy” and said INS Baaz’s runway would not be part of the new project.The government plans to build an international container transshipment port, a civilian-cum-naval airport, a township and a power plant on the island. Congress leader Rahul Gandhi has alleged the project is actually meant to benefit one businessman who wants to build hotels and casinos on ecologically sensitive land.Based on inputs from PTIGet 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 MediaVideosCongress Plans Massive Nationwide Stir Against Centre, Targets Inflation, Job Crisis And Paper LeaksAbhishek Banerjee Faces Six-Hour CID Interrogation In Bengal Signature Forgery CaseStone Shatters Window Of Shatabdi Express Near Firozabad; RSS Chief Mohan Bhagwat Was On BoardJaishankar Says US Asked India To Buy Russian Oil In 2022, Slams Double Standards Over Energy PolicyThree Killed As Massive Fire Breaks Out In Multi-Storey Residential Building In Delhi’s TughlakabadJaishankar Calls Out Europe’s ‘Double Standards’, Says European Weapons Have Been Used Against IndiaFalta Strongman Paraded In Shorts By Cops After Arrest In Falta | WatchAll 28 Chief Ministers Attend NITI Aayog Meeting, Marking End of Recent Boycott TrendKirti Azad Dismisses Exit Talks, Says Didi Will Fix Kalyan Banerjee Dispute | WatchCongress Sweeps Three Of Four Karnataka Rs Seats As Poll Ends Without Contest123PhotostoriesSuccess quote of the day by Tom Hanks: “Never give up because…”Love Lessons Written in Your Birth Number7 home interior design styles influencing modern residential spacesKangana Ranaut continues her love affair with Indian handlooms in a stunning Patan Patola saree10 foods that help reduce bloating naturally in summer6 Fascinating plants that do not produce flowers but still thrive in natureInland Taipan changes colour with the seasons: Inside the strange and dramatic seasonal color change explainedIs your child carrying emotional baggage? 6 subtle signs and what parents can do to help10 beautiful baby girl names starting with the letter T“This will help prevent…and improve..” Why did Amit Shah praise this rice variety123Hot Picks147000 Medical BillGulf of Oman attackFifa World Cup Opening CeremonyShakiraIndia Vs Afghanistan HighlightsISC Revaluation ResultSpaceX IPODelhi weatherIndustrial fuel banTop TrendingTMC rebel MPIndian RupeeSpaceX IPOFIFA World Cup 2026Nipah virusCJP Lucknow ProtestBharatiya Antariksh HackathonKerala SSLC Revaluation ResultBengaluru Child DeathKarnataka Murder Jun 12, 2026, 11:03 IST ISRO launches Bharatiya Antariksh Hackathon 2026: Check eligibility, key dates and how to apply Quote of the day by Shakira: “It’s not easy to be a mother, it’s one of the most difficult things I’ve done in my life’When the global icon got candid about motherhood being the hardest job of her life Astronomers discover a dying galaxy in the early universe as a powerful ‘galaxy-killing wind’ strips away its star-forming fuel Has Donald Trump ruled out a strike on Iran’s Kharg Island? Japan H3 Rocket: Japan’s struggling flagship H3 rocket returns to flight with the debut of a low-cost variant ‘Sing Geetham’ Twitter review: Netizens applaud Singeetham Srinivasa Rao’s return; Hail DSP’s career-best work ‘Two Hellfire missiles fired’: US admits attack on tanker that killed three Indian seafarers PM Modi celebrates ’12 years of Nari Shakti’, highlights NDA’s push for women-led development NEW DELHI: Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Friday celebrated “12 Years of Nari Shakti”, emphasising the steps and initiatives taken towards strengthening women’s empowerment by the government under his leadership.In an ‘X’ post, PM Modi stated that it reflected the prominent role being played by women across education, healthcare, sanitation, housing, sports, science and governance. He further stressed that the efforts being made to ensure women’s empowerment are deeply rooted and have helped create an environment where women can realise their full potential and contribute even more strongly to nation-building.”Over the last 12 years, the NDA Government has worked to further women-led development. And, this is visible across sectors. From financial inclusion and entrepreneurship to education, healthcare, sanitation, housing, sports, science and governance, women are playing a prominent role across diverse sectors. The efforts of the NDA Government are rooted in dignity, opportunity and empowerment. They have helped create an environment where women can realise their full potential and contribute even more strongly to nation-building,” said PM Modi.The Prime Minister also praised the growing participation and interest of women towards developing drone technology, which has opened new avenues of opportunity and transformed the development landscape across the nation.”I am particularly happy to see India’s Nari Shakti make a mark in sectors like science, space and innovation. Their growing participation in emerging fields such as drone technology is opening new avenues of opportunity and transforming development landscape across the nation. Our Government is actively supporting Self Help Groups, which are going a long way in making women financially independent,” he added.The remarks come after leaders of the National Democratic Alliance (NDA) gathered in New Delhi to congratulate PM Modi on completing 4,399 days in office, making him India’s longest-serving democratically elected Prime Minister in consecutive terms. NDA leaders hailed his tenure, citing development initiatives, governance reforms and welfare programmes implemented over the past 12 years.Get the latest India news and live updates. Download the TOI App.End of ArticleFollow Us On Social MediaVideosAbhishek Banerjee Faces Six-Hour CID Interrogation In Bengal Signature Forgery CaseStone Shatters Window Of Shatabdi Express Near Firozabad; RSS Chief Mohan Bhagwat Was On BoardJaishankar Says US Asked India To Buy Russian Oil In 2022, Slams Double Standards Over Energy PolicyThree Killed As Massive Fire Breaks Out In Multi-Storey Residential Building In Delhi’s TughlakabadJaishankar Calls Out Europe’s ‘Double Standards’, Says European Weapons Have Been Used Against IndiaFalta Strongman Paraded In Shorts By Cops After Arrest In Falta | WatchAll 28 Chief Ministers Attend NITI Aayog Meeting, Marking End of Recent Boycott TrendKirti Azad Dismisses Exit Talks, Says Didi Will Fix Kalyan Banerjee Dispute | WatchCongress Sweeps Three Of Four Karnataka Rs Seats As Poll Ends Without ContestBJP Wins All Three MP Rajya Sabha Seats Unopposed After Congress Nominee Rejected123PhotostoriesLove Lessons Written in Your Birth Number7 home interior design styles influencing modern residential spacesKangana Ranaut continues her love affair with Indian handlooms in a stunning Patan Patola saree10 foods that help reduce bloating naturally in summer6 Fascinating plants that do not produce flowers but still thrive in natureInland Taipan changes colour with the seasons: Inside the strange and dramatic seasonal color change explainedIs your child carrying emotional baggage? 6 subtle signs and what parents can do to help10 beautiful baby girl names starting with the letter T“This will help prevent…and improve..” Why did Amit Shah praise this rice varietyShoaib Malik to Glenn Maxwell: 7 international cricketers who married Indian women123Hot Picks147000 Medical BillGulf of Oman attackFifa World Cup Opening CeremonyShakiraIndia Vs Afghanistan HighlightsVaibhav SooryavanshiSpaceX IPODelhi weatherIndustrial fuel banTop TrendingHaryana Gym Owner MurderBurari Nigerian Woman SuicideVijay ThalapathyFIFA World Cup 2026Census 2027CJP Lucknow ProtestCJP ProtestCBSE Class 10 Second Board ResultBengaluru Child DeathKarnataka Murder South Korea vs Czechia FIFA World Cup Match Result: South Korea open their campaign with a comeback win | Football News Rupee in green: Currency jumps to 95.20 against US dollar on Middle East peace hopes ‘Don’t let work become your identity’: Entrepreneur who quit Google shares lessons Alia Bhatt’s new ‘Alpha’ poster draws comparisons to ‘Dune’; fans react, ‘Copy paste’ Love Lessons Written in Your Birth Number As Meta’s 8,000 layoffs hit middle managers hard, it reminds analysts of CEO Mark Zuckerberg’s words that ‘he didn’t want…’ Jun 12, 2026, 10:15 IST Stock Market Live Updates Today: BSE Sensex opens almost 1,000 points up, Nifty50 goes above 23,400 as Trump signals US-Iran deal; crude oil prices drop below $90 RRB NTPC Graduate Result 2026 declared: Seee link and steps to check Meghan Markle and Prince Harry Outraged Over Pippa Middleton’s Security Privileges | As Google pledges to donate $50 million to train 300,000 American workers, CEO Sundar Pichai says ‘America’s digital economy relies on …’ Jun 12, 2026, 09:43 IST Elon Musk’s SpaceX raises $75 billion in record IPO debut: 10 things to know Kerala SSLC Revaluation Result 2026 out at sslcexam.kerala.gov.in; check updated marks now 7 home interior design styles influencing modern residential spaces Jaspal Rana, renowned Indian shooting coach and Asian Games gold medallist, dies at 49 Vijay’s ‘Jana Nayagan’ Footage Leak: Cyber Crime Arrests Key Suspect in Film Piracy Case | Buying a new wrist watch? Here’s how astrology can help you choose the right one for career, wealth, love and health Scientists found an unusual weakness in rice and used it to create a smart material that changes on its own | Cancer drug shortages prompt NPPA to raise prices of key medicines, vaccines Priyanka Chopra hails her ‘Queen’ Madhuri Dixit for ‘Maa Behen’; calls her ‘always the scene stealer’ Greek proverb of the day: “When you hear of many cherries, hold a small basket.” | Jeff Bezos recalls the ‘very bad day for Blue Origin’ with a ‘promise’: By the end of the year, we will be … “Free him”: Twitch streamer BruceDropEmOff backs Karmelo Anthony and sparks fierce debate over Austin Metcalf murder conviction (File photo) NEW DELHI: Barely two months after the National Medical Commission (NMC) prohibited medical colleges from charging MBBS fees beyond the prescribed 54 months of academic study, a complaint from Kerala has alleged that colleges continued to collect fees for five years, setting up the first major test of the regulator’s willingness to enforce its own order.Acting on a complaint filed by the Combined Association of Medicos & Parents (CAMP), Kerala, the NMC’s Undergraduate Medical Education Board (UGMEB) has directed the state’s Directorate of Medical Education (DME) to ensure refund of excess fees allegedly collected from MBBS students and submit a compliance report.The complaint alleges that colleges continued to collect fees for 60 months despite the NMC’s April directive limiting fee collection to 54 months of academic study, making Kerala the first major test of the regulator’s enforcement resolve.On April 7, the NMC clarified that MBBS fees can be charged only for the prescribed 4.5 years, or 54 months, of academic study and not for the internship period. The Commission said charging fees beyond the academic duration was inconsistent with statutory provisions and Supreme Court rulings governing educational fees.If the Kerala allegations are substantiated, colleges could face action under the Maintenance of Standards of Medical Education Regulations (MSMER), 2023, including penalties of up to Rs 1 crore per violation, withholding of accreditation, reduction of seats, admission curbs and, in serious cases, withdrawal of permission or recognition.The regulations empower the NMC to act against institutions that violate statutory provisions or regulatory standards. While colleges may be given an opportunity to rectify deficiencies, repeated or serious violations can attract stronger action. The Kerala complaint is significant as the first publicly known case to surface after the NMC’s fee clarification and could indicate whether the regulator intends to use its enforcement powers or limit its intervention to directing refunds. However, it remains unclear whether penal provisions will be invoked if the allegations are proven.An RTI reply has raised fresh questions, with the NMC stating that it does not maintain records of MBBS fee-related complaints and merely forwards them to state authorities. The Kerala case could now become a test of whether violations of the 54-month fee cap attract penalties under NMC regulations or end with refunds alone.The NMC said its immediate priority is to ensure that students are not charged fees beyond the prescribed framework and that any excess amount collected is refunded. It added that the matter is being examined through due process and that any regulatory action will depend on the findings, nature of the violation and the institution’s response.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 MediaVideosThree Killed As Massive Fire Breaks Out In Multi-Storey Residential Building In Delhi’s TughlakabadJaishankar Calls Out Europe’s ‘Double Standards’, Says European Weapons Have Been Used Against IndiaFalta Strongman Paraded In Shorts By Cops After Arrest In Falta | WatchAll 28 Chief Ministers Attend NITI Aayog Meeting, Marking End of Recent Boycott TrendKirti Azad Dismisses Exit Talks, Says Didi Will Fix Kalyan Banerjee Dispute | WatchCongress Sweeps Three Of Four Karnataka Rs Seats As Poll Ends Without ContestBJP Wins All Three MP Rajya Sabha Seats Unopposed After Congress Nominee RejectedRam Mandir Funds Issue Takes New Turn With Call For Investigation; Calls For Accountability Emerge’Abhishek Banerjee Destroyed TMC’: Suspended Leader Riju Dutta Launches Fresh AttackIndia-Bangladesh Border Standoff Leaves 55-year-old Stranded In No-Man’s Land123Photostories6 Fascinating plants that do not produce flowers but still thrive in natureInland Taipan changes colour with the seasons: Inside the strange and dramatic seasonal color change explainedIs your child carrying emotional baggage? 6 subtle signs and what parents can do to help10 beautiful baby girl names starting with the letter T“This will help prevent…and improve..” Why did Amit Shah praise this rice varietyShoaib Malik to Glenn Maxwell: 7 international cricketers who married Indian women27-year-old woman shares 5 reasons she doesn’t want to get married earlyNo crowds, no chaos: This remote Himalayan valley in Uttarkhand feels frozen in time5 venomous snakes you’ll only find in Africa and where to spot them5 things fathers should never do and how these mistakes affect a child’s personality123Hot Picks147000 Medical BillGulf of Oman attackFifa World Cup Opening CeremonyShakiraIndia Vs Afghanistan HighlightsVaibhav SooryavanshiLewis HamiltonCJP ProtestHow to Watch FIFA world cup highlightsTop TrendingHaryana Gym Owner MurderGuru Randhawa Gym FiringGold Rate TodayFIFA World Cup 2026Delhi Hotel FireSingappen Special ForceCJP ProtestCBSE Class 10 Second Board ResultBengaluru Child DeathKarnataka Murder REET Mains Result 2026 declared for Level 1 teachers: Here’s how to check