August 9, 2026

Uddhav Thackeray and Eknath Shinde (R) NEW DELHI: Congress on Monday fiercely targeted the BJP over its ally Eknath Shinde-led “Operation Tiger”, aimed at further weakening Uddhav Thackeray’s camp. Referring to the BJP’s “Operation Lotus” and its push for a “Congress-mukt Bharat”, senior Congress leader Pawan Khera slammed the saffron party and questioned the “intention behind this dacoity”.Speaking to reporters after the latest setback to Shiv Sena (UBT), Khera dubbed the exercise “Operation Keechad”.This breakaway from Sena UBT would be second major blow inflicted on Uddhav Thackeray’s party in the last four years by Eknath Shinde, once a loyal Thackeray aide and now chief of the “real” Shiv Sena.He said, “This is Operation Keechad because the Lotus could not flower in these constituencies. Our question is: why is he so hurt that he stopped at 240 seats instead of 400? Why is he now busy stealing MPs from other parties like the TMC and now Shiv Sena? What is the intention? Is the intention to actually change the Constitution? … What is the intention behind this dacoity?”Khera’s scathing remarks came after six of Shiv Sena (UBT)’s nine Lok Sabha members decided to join Maharashtra deputy chief minister Eknath Shinde’s camp and extend support to the ruling NDA.The development also follows another setback for an INDIA bloc party in West Bengal. Trinamool Congress, after suffering a stinging defeat at the hands of the BJP in the state, lost a major number of MPs. Twenty of its Lok Sabha members broke away from Mamata Banerjee’s camp and offered support to the ruling NDA as a separate group, with Kakoli Dastidar as their leader.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 MediaVideosSanjay Singh Accuses BJP Over Alleged Theft Of Lord Ram’s Padukas And NecklaceHours After NEET Re-Exam, Bihar Police Bust ₹40 Lakh Proxy Exam Racket; 24 ArrestedMaharashtra CM Fadnavis Alleges Opposition Drafted Monsoon Session Memorandum Using ChatGPTRam Mandir Donation Row: Akhilesh Yadav Raises Concerns Over Fair SIT InvestigationNihangs Storm Rudraprayag Gurdwara, Hold Manager Hostage on Roof Over Karnaprayag ArrestsKarnataka Cross-Voting Row: BJP MLAs to Take Oath Before Lord Manjunatha in Dharmasthala‘Useless Fellows’: Kharge Loses Cool After Congress Workers Raise ‘DK-DK’ SlogansNEET UG Re-Exam Ends for 22 Lakh Candidates, Students Say Paper Was Tougher Than May 3 TestTMC MP Abhishek Banerjee’s Close Aide, Sumit Roy, Booked in Fraud and Forgery CaseRebel Shiv Sena (UBT) MP Nagesh Patil Ashtikar Joins Shinde Sena, Cites Hurt Over Party Remarks123Photostories5 ways to use lemon peels to keep kitchen gadgets clean5 home décor inspirations to steal from Priyanka Chopra Jonas’ Los Angeles homeFrom Adele to Kathy Bates: These celebrities transformed their lives through weight loss8 simple ways to protect your kidneys, according to a Bengaluru-based nephrologist8 interesting ways to enjoy bread for breakfast other than sandwichesBLACKPINK’s Lisa’s style evolution: From K-pop neon queen to quiet luxury iconFrom Samatha Ruth Prabhu to Shikhar Dhawan: 10 Indian celebrities who found love again and got married after divorceBigg Boss Malayalam 8 Agnipariksha: 5 Ex-contestants who would be the best picks as judges10 countries where travel insurance is mandatory for touristsJungkook’s style evolution: From bold eyeliner to the king of quiet luxury123Hot PicksPetrol, diesel rateGold rate todayIndia-US trade dealGorakhpur rapeAfrican proverb of the dayBest proverbWeather forecast tomorrowPortuguese proverb of the daySpanish proverb of the dayTop TrendingDelhi MurderUS-Iran WarBadlapur AccidentFIFA World Cup 2026Shiv Sena UBTTamil Nadu Ammonia Gas LeakNEET UG ExamGold rate todayDelhi weatherMumbai rain

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Uddhav Thackeray and Eknath Shinde (R) NEW DELHI: Congress on Monday fiercely targeted the BJP over its ally Eknath Shinde-led “Operation Tiger”, aimed at further weakening Uddhav Thackeray’s camp. Referring to the BJP’s “Operation Lotus” and its push for a “Congress-mukt Bharat”, senior Congress leader Pawan Khera slammed the saffron party and questioned the “intention behind this dacoity”.Speaking to reporters after the latest setback to Shiv Sena (UBT), Khera dubbed the exercise “Operation Keechad”.This breakaway from Sena UBT would be second major blow inflicted on Uddhav Thackeray’s party in the last four years by Eknath Shinde, once a loyal Thackeray aide and now chief of the “real” Shiv Sena.He said, “This is Operation Keechad because the Lotus could not flower in these constituencies. Our question is: why is he so hurt that he stopped at 240 seats instead of 400? Why is he now busy stealing MPs from other parties like the TMC and now Shiv Sena? What is the intention? Is the intention to actually change the Constitution? … What is the intention behind this dacoity?”Khera’s scathing remarks came after six of Shiv Sena (UBT)’s nine Lok Sabha members decided to join Maharashtra deputy chief minister Eknath Shinde’s camp and extend support to the ruling NDA.The development also follows another setback for an INDIA bloc party in West Bengal. Trinamool Congress, after suffering a stinging defeat at the hands of the BJP in the state, lost a major number of MPs. Twenty of its Lok Sabha members broke away from Mamata Banerjee’s camp and offered support to the ruling NDA as a separate group, with Kakoli Dastidar as their leader.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 MediaVideosSanjay Singh Accuses BJP Over Alleged Theft Of Lord Ram’s Padukas And NecklaceHours After NEET Re-Exam, Bihar Police Bust ₹40 Lakh Proxy Exam Racket; 24 ArrestedMaharashtra CM Fadnavis Alleges Opposition Drafted Monsoon Session Memorandum Using ChatGPTRam Mandir Donation Row: Akhilesh Yadav Raises Concerns Over Fair SIT InvestigationNihangs Storm Rudraprayag Gurdwara, Hold Manager Hostage on Roof Over Karnaprayag ArrestsKarnataka Cross-Voting Row: BJP MLAs to Take Oath Before Lord Manjunatha in Dharmasthala‘Useless Fellows’: Kharge Loses Cool After Congress Workers Raise ‘DK-DK’ SlogansNEET UG Re-Exam Ends for 22 Lakh Candidates, Students Say Paper Was Tougher Than May 3 TestTMC MP Abhishek Banerjee’s Close Aide, Sumit Roy, Booked in Fraud and Forgery CaseRebel Shiv Sena (UBT) MP Nagesh Patil Ashtikar Joins Shinde Sena, Cites Hurt Over Party Remarks123Photostories5 ways to use lemon peels to keep kitchen gadgets clean5 home décor inspirations to steal from Priyanka Chopra Jonas’ Los Angeles homeFrom Adele to Kathy Bates: These celebrities transformed their lives through weight loss8 simple ways to protect your kidneys, according to a Bengaluru-based nephrologist8 interesting ways to enjoy bread for breakfast other than sandwichesBLACKPINK’s Lisa’s style evolution: From K-pop neon queen to quiet luxury iconFrom Samatha Ruth Prabhu to Shikhar Dhawan: 10 Indian celebrities who found love again and got married after divorceBigg Boss Malayalam 8 Agnipariksha: 5 Ex-contestants who would be the best picks as judges10 countries where travel insurance is mandatory for touristsJungkook’s style evolution: From bold eyeliner to the king of quiet luxury123Hot PicksPetrol, diesel rateGold rate todayIndia-US trade dealGorakhpur rapeAfrican proverb of the dayBest proverbWeather forecast tomorrowPortuguese proverb of the daySpanish proverb of the dayTop TrendingDelhi MurderUS-Iran WarBadlapur AccidentFIFA World Cup 2026Shiv Sena UBTTamil Nadu Ammonia Gas LeakNEET UG ExamGold rate todayDelhi weatherMumbai rain


'Operation Keechad': Congress targets BJP after Shinde camp triggers new Uddhav Sena crisis
Uddhav Thackeray and Eknath Shinde (R)

NEW DELHI: Congress on Monday fiercely targeted the BJP over its ally Eknath Shinde-led “Operation Tiger”, aimed at further weakening Uddhav Thackeray’s camp. Referring to the BJP’s “Operation Lotus” and its push for a “Congress-mukt Bharat”, senior Congress leader Pawan Khera slammed the saffron party and questioned the “intention behind this dacoity”.Speaking to reporters after the latest setback to Shiv Sena (UBT), Khera dubbed the exercise “Operation Keechad”.This breakaway from Sena UBT would be second major blow inflicted on Uddhav Thackeray’s party in the last four years by Eknath Shinde, once a loyal Thackeray aide and now chief of the “real” Shiv Sena.He said, “This is Operation Keechad because the Lotus could not flower in these constituencies. Our question is: why is he so hurt that he stopped at 240 seats instead of 400? Why is he now busy stealing MPs from other parties like the TMC and now Shiv Sena? What is the intention? Is the intention to actually change the Constitution? … What is the intention behind this dacoity?”Khera’s scathing remarks came after six of Shiv Sena (UBT)’s nine Lok Sabha members decided to join Maharashtra deputy chief minister Eknath Shinde’s camp and extend support to the ruling NDA.The development also follows another setback for an INDIA bloc party in West Bengal. Trinamool Congress, after suffering a stinging defeat at the hands of the BJP in the state, lost a major number of MPs. Twenty of its Lok Sabha members broke away from Mamata Banerjee’s camp and offered support to the ruling NDA as a separate group, with Kakoli Dastidar as their leader.



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EPFO has dismissed these and said this transition was implemented with minimal disruption of services, and the temporary increase in pendency was due to moving to a new enterprise-wide platform NEW DELHI: Weeks after the rollout of the new centralised IT enabled system (CITES) early July by Employees’ Provident Fund Organisation (EPFO), which promised to enhance member convenience through faster automated claims settlements, field officials across the country have been “left to their own devices” to deal with the mounting claim pendencies as the new system faces strain, claimed the EPF Officers Association (EPFOA) in a letter to labour minister Mansukh Mandaviya.Contrary to expectations that the majority of claims would be settled in 2-3 days, EPFOA claims that “lakhs of auto claims were kept pending in the system for more than 20 days, with no explanation to either the field offices or to the members.”However, EPFO has dismissed these and said this transition was implemented with minimal disruption of services, and the temporary increase in pendency was due to moving to a new enterprise-wide platform.Get the latest India News and Live updates. Download the TOI app.End of ArticleFollow Us On Social MediaVideosWATCH: Uttarakhand Innovator’s Electric Flying Vehicle Takes Maiden Test FlightUPI To Remain Free For Users, But Some Merchants May Face Nominal Fees In Future: GovtArunachal CM Rejects Chinese Encroachment As India Assigns Official Names To 27 Places‘If You Don’t Kill My Husband, I Will’: Telangana Man Uncovers Wife’s Shocking Chats With Lover‘Brahmins Joining BSP’: Mayawati SLAMS Akhilesh Yadav Over PDA’s ‘P Change’ From Pichhde To Pandit‘I Am Proud Of All Of You’: PM Modi’s Big Msg To Students At First Public Speech After CJP ProtestsKashmir Tourist Security To Get Major Upgrade With CCTV, Command Centres And Security AuditsUS Senate Passes Russia Sanctions Bill, India Faces Potential 100% Tariff Over Russian Oil Purchases’Did We Fail To Listen’: Tharoor Admits CJP Protest Resonated More Than Congress ‘Chhatron Ki Goonj’JPSC Protest Enters Day 14: Students Demand Exam Cancellation, CBI Probe After First Talks With Govt123PhotostoriesHow Sridevi turned the chiffon saree into Bollywood’s most iconic fashion statement10 unique baby girl names inspired by rare and lesser-known flowersFrom pig trotters to sprouting mushrooms: 5 bizarre luxury shoes breaking the internetOptical illusion personality test: What you spot first says everything about your hidden desiresRed or white patch in your mouth that won’t go away? Doctor explains the warning signs you should not ignore10 best monsoon snacks to enjoy on rainy daysFrom tiny forest jewels to giant river hunters: 12 kingfishers species to spot in IndiaDelhi must stay ahead of dengue this monsoon: Why rain, stagnant water and delayed diagnosis can turn a seasonal threat serious5 things stylish women always remove from their closetsDia Mirza’s mother’s maroon Banarasi saree is a generational love letter that fast fashion could never match123Hot PicksThailand School ShootingUPI TransactionsAsk Me AnythingJharkhand protestGurgaon rainNICL Assistant RecruitmentAnkur WarikooIndia Labour CodesGold rate todayTop TrendingJapanese Quote of the dayNagpur Rape CaseAbhijeet DipkeGujarat Mystery WellJPSC ProtestDelhi RainDelhi Wife MurderEknath ShindeTamil Nadu BudgetPraveen Nettaru Murder Case

EPFO has dismissed these and said this transition was implemented with minimal disruption of services, and the temporary increase in pendency was due to moving to a new enterprise-wide platform NEW DELHI: Weeks after the rollout of the new centralised IT enabled system (CITES) early July by Employees’ Provident Fund Organisation (EPFO), which promised to enhance member convenience through faster automated claims settlements, field officials across the country have been “left to their own devices” to deal with the mounting claim pendencies as the new system faces strain, claimed the EPF Officers Association (EPFOA) in a letter to labour minister Mansukh Mandaviya.Contrary to expectations that the majority of claims would be settled in 2-3 days, EPFOA claims that “lakhs of auto claims were kept pending in the system for more than 20 days, with no explanation to either the field offices or to the members.”However, EPFO has dismissed these and said this transition was implemented with minimal disruption of services, and the temporary increase in pendency was due to moving to a new enterprise-wide platform.Get the latest India News and Live updates. Download the TOI app.End of ArticleFollow Us On Social MediaVideosWATCH: Uttarakhand Innovator’s Electric Flying Vehicle Takes Maiden Test FlightUPI To Remain Free For Users, But Some Merchants May Face Nominal Fees In Future: GovtArunachal CM Rejects Chinese Encroachment As India Assigns Official Names To 27 Places‘If You Don’t Kill My Husband, I Will’: Telangana Man Uncovers Wife’s Shocking Chats With Lover‘Brahmins Joining BSP’: Mayawati SLAMS Akhilesh Yadav Over PDA’s ‘P Change’ From Pichhde To Pandit‘I Am Proud Of All Of You’: PM Modi’s Big Msg To Students At First Public Speech After CJP ProtestsKashmir Tourist Security To Get Major Upgrade With CCTV, Command Centres And Security AuditsUS Senate Passes Russia Sanctions Bill, India Faces Potential 100% Tariff Over Russian Oil Purchases’Did We Fail To Listen’: Tharoor Admits CJP Protest Resonated More Than Congress ‘Chhatron Ki Goonj’JPSC Protest Enters Day 14: Students Demand Exam Cancellation, CBI Probe After First Talks With Govt123PhotostoriesHow Sridevi turned the chiffon saree into Bollywood’s most iconic fashion statement10 unique baby girl names inspired by rare and lesser-known flowersFrom pig trotters to sprouting mushrooms: 5 bizarre luxury shoes breaking the internetOptical illusion personality test: What you spot first says everything about your hidden desiresRed or white patch in your mouth that won’t go away? Doctor explains the warning signs you should not ignore10 best monsoon snacks to enjoy on rainy daysFrom tiny forest jewels to giant river hunters: 12 kingfishers species to spot in IndiaDelhi must stay ahead of dengue this monsoon: Why rain, stagnant water and delayed diagnosis can turn a seasonal threat serious5 things stylish women always remove from their closetsDia Mirza’s mother’s maroon Banarasi saree is a generational love letter that fast fashion could never match123Hot PicksThailand School ShootingUPI TransactionsAsk Me AnythingJharkhand protestGurgaon rainNICL Assistant RecruitmentAnkur WarikooIndia Labour CodesGold rate todayTop TrendingJapanese Quote of the dayNagpur Rape CaseAbhijeet DipkeGujarat Mystery WellJPSC ProtestDelhi RainDelhi Wife MurderEknath ShindeTamil Nadu BudgetPraveen Nettaru Murder Case

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The Airbus A320 with 145 people on board had encountered severe turbulence near Odisha and then suddenly dropped 300 feet. NEW DELHI: The captain operating Air India’s turbulence-hit Phuket-Delhi flight on Tuesday (Aug 4) reportedly tested positive in a psychoactive substances (dope) test conducted on arrival, according to multiple sources. The airline did not confirm or deny it, saying that while the tests were conducted, the results have not been shared with it.“We are aware that a post-flight screening test was conducted on the pilots in accordance with applicable protocols. However, the results of the test have not been shared with Air India, and we are therefore not in a position to comment on any findings,” an AI spokesperson said.Join conversationView All Comments →Share your thoughts in the commentsInsightfulAgreeDisagreeSkepticalConcerningPromisingWorth ReadingBig DevelopmentPost CommentBe respectful · TOI community guidelines“Air India undertakes regular drug testing of crew members in compliance with civil aviation regulations, independent of any specific flight or operational incident. We will continue to cooperate with the relevant authorities as required,” AI added.The Airbus A320 with 145 people on board had encountered severe turbulence near Odisha and then suddenly dropped 300 feet. On arrival in Delhi, 13 passengers and four crew members were hospitalised. Sources say the Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) is probing the case from all angles, including whether the handling of this turbulence event was correct. It is also probing whether the event happened due to weather or some other reason, the likely impact on the aircraft — like did it suffer hydraulic failure due to impact — and whether it should have flown all the way to Delhi after the episode and not diverted to some nearby airport like Varanasi or Lucknow.Pending investigation, the flight crew is taken off flying duty as per protocol. Hence, the pilots of this flight are also not flying currently.Get the latest India News and Live updates. Download the TOI app.End of ArticleFollow Us On Social MediaVideosWATCH: Uttarakhand Innovator’s Electric Flying Vehicle Takes Maiden Test FlightUPI To Remain Free For Users, But Some Merchants May Face Nominal Fees In Future: GovtArunachal CM Rejects Chinese Encroachment As India Assigns Official Names To 27 Places‘If You Don’t Kill My Husband, I Will’: Telangana Man Uncovers Wife’s Shocking Chats With Lover‘Brahmins Joining BSP’: Mayawati SLAMS Akhilesh Yadav Over PDA’s ‘P Change’ From Pichhde To Pandit‘I Am Proud Of All Of You’: PM Modi’s Big Msg To Students At First Public Speech After CJP ProtestsKashmir Tourist Security To Get Major Upgrade With CCTV, Command Centres And Security AuditsUS Senate Passes Russia Sanctions Bill, India Faces Potential 100% Tariff Over Russian Oil Purchases’Did We Fail To Listen’: Tharoor Admits CJP Protest Resonated More Than Congress ‘Chhatron Ki Goonj’JPSC Protest Enters Day 14: Students Demand Exam Cancellation, CBI Probe After First Talks With Govt123PhotostoriesHow Sridevi turned the chiffon saree into Bollywood’s most iconic fashion statement10 unique baby girl names inspired by rare and lesser-known flowersFrom pig trotters to sprouting mushrooms: 5 bizarre luxury shoes breaking the internetOptical illusion personality test: What you spot first says everything about your hidden desiresRed or white patch in your mouth that won’t go away? Doctor explains the warning signs you should not ignore10 best monsoon snacks to enjoy on rainy daysFrom tiny forest jewels to giant river hunters: 12 kingfishers species to spot in IndiaDelhi must stay ahead of dengue this monsoon: Why rain, stagnant water and delayed diagnosis can turn a seasonal threat serious5 things stylish women always remove from their closetsDia Mirza’s mother’s maroon Banarasi saree is a generational love letter that fast fashion could never match123Hot PicksThailand School ShootingUPI TransactionsAsk Me AnythingJharkhand protestGurgaon rainNICL Assistant RecruitmentAnkur WarikooIndia Labour CodesGold rate todayTop TrendingJapanese Quote of the dayNagpur Rape CaseAbhijeet DipkeGujarat Mystery WellJPSC ProtestDelhi RainDelhi Wife MurderEknath ShindeTamil Nadu BudgetPraveen Nettaru Murder Case

The Airbus A320 with 145 people on board had encountered severe turbulence near Odisha and then suddenly dropped 300 feet. NEW DELHI: The captain operating Air India’s turbulence-hit Phuket-Delhi flight on Tuesday (Aug 4) reportedly tested positive in a psychoactive substances (dope) test conducted on arrival, according to multiple sources. The airline did not confirm or deny it, saying that while the tests were conducted, the results have not been shared with it.“We are aware that a post-flight screening test was conducted on the pilots in accordance with applicable protocols. However, the results of the test have not been shared with Air India, and we are therefore not in a position to comment on any findings,” an AI spokesperson said.Join conversationView All Comments →Share your thoughts in the commentsInsightfulAgreeDisagreeSkepticalConcerningPromisingWorth ReadingBig DevelopmentPost CommentBe respectful · TOI community guidelines“Air India undertakes regular drug testing of crew members in compliance with civil aviation regulations, independent of any specific flight or operational incident. We will continue to cooperate with the relevant authorities as required,” AI added.The Airbus A320 with 145 people on board had encountered severe turbulence near Odisha and then suddenly dropped 300 feet. On arrival in Delhi, 13 passengers and four crew members were hospitalised. Sources say the Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) is probing the case from all angles, including whether the handling of this turbulence event was correct. It is also probing whether the event happened due to weather or some other reason, the likely impact on the aircraft — like did it suffer hydraulic failure due to impact — and whether it should have flown all the way to Delhi after the episode and not diverted to some nearby airport like Varanasi or Lucknow.Pending investigation, the flight crew is taken off flying duty as per protocol. Hence, the pilots of this flight are also not flying currently.Get the latest India News and Live updates. Download the TOI app.End of ArticleFollow Us On Social MediaVideosWATCH: Uttarakhand Innovator’s Electric Flying Vehicle Takes Maiden Test FlightUPI To Remain Free For Users, But Some Merchants May Face Nominal Fees In Future: GovtArunachal CM Rejects Chinese Encroachment As India Assigns Official Names To 27 Places‘If You Don’t Kill My Husband, I Will’: Telangana Man Uncovers Wife’s Shocking Chats With Lover‘Brahmins Joining BSP’: Mayawati SLAMS Akhilesh Yadav Over PDA’s ‘P Change’ From Pichhde To Pandit‘I Am Proud Of All Of You’: PM Modi’s Big Msg To Students At First Public Speech After CJP ProtestsKashmir Tourist Security To Get Major Upgrade With CCTV, Command Centres And Security AuditsUS Senate Passes Russia Sanctions Bill, India Faces Potential 100% Tariff Over Russian Oil Purchases’Did We Fail To Listen’: Tharoor Admits CJP Protest Resonated More Than Congress ‘Chhatron Ki Goonj’JPSC Protest Enters Day 14: Students Demand Exam Cancellation, CBI Probe After First Talks With Govt123PhotostoriesHow Sridevi turned the chiffon saree into Bollywood’s most iconic fashion statement10 unique baby girl names inspired by rare and lesser-known flowersFrom pig trotters to sprouting mushrooms: 5 bizarre luxury shoes breaking the internetOptical illusion personality test: What you spot first says everything about your hidden desiresRed or white patch in your mouth that won’t go away? Doctor explains the warning signs you should not ignore10 best monsoon snacks to enjoy on rainy daysFrom tiny forest jewels to giant river hunters: 12 kingfishers species to spot in IndiaDelhi must stay ahead of dengue this monsoon: Why rain, stagnant water and delayed diagnosis can turn a seasonal threat serious5 things stylish women always remove from their closetsDia Mirza’s mother’s maroon Banarasi saree is a generational love letter that fast fashion could never match123Hot PicksThailand School ShootingUPI TransactionsAsk Me AnythingJharkhand protestGurgaon rainNICL Assistant RecruitmentAnkur WarikooIndia Labour CodesGold rate todayTop TrendingJapanese Quote of the dayNagpur Rape CaseAbhijeet DipkeGujarat Mystery WellJPSC ProtestDelhi RainDelhi Wife MurderEknath ShindeTamil Nadu BudgetPraveen Nettaru Murder Case

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The scorecard concludes that, on average, countries are “moving away” from the public education expenditure benchmarks of at least 4% of GDP or 15% of total public expenditure. NEW DELHI: India remains just above Unesco’s minimum GDP benchmark for education, but the sector’s share in government spending has slipped below the prescribed threshold. Education accounts for 4.1% of GDP but 14.2% of total public expenditure, down from 15.7% in 2015 and below the 15% benchmark, Unesco’s 2026 SDG 4 scorecard has shown.The funding picture assumes significance because India continues to lag on secondary school completion. Its latest lower secondary (Classes VI-VIII) completion rate is 86% as against its 99% national benchmark for 2025, while upper secondary (Classes IX-XII) completion rate is 51% as against 84%. Unesco classifies progress at both levels as slow.Under the Education 2030 framework, countries committed to spending 4-6% of GDP and/or 15-20% of public expenditure on education. The scorecard uses the lower thresholds as minimum benchmarks. India meets one. Its spending on education has remained at 4.1% of GDP since 2015, but its share of public expenditure has declined 1.5 percentage points to 14.2%.Among major emerging economies, China too meets one benchmark, at 4% of GDP (11.9% of public spending), while figures for Brazil are 5.6% and 12.9%. South Africa meets both, at 6% and 19.1%, while Indonesia, Bangladesh and Pakistan meet neither.The pattern is common among developed economies too: the US, UK, Germany and France meet the GDP threshold but not the public expenditure benchmark, while Sweden and Switzerland meet both.Unesco noted that richer countries tend to meet the GDP benchmark but not the public expenditure threshold because they raise more revenue, while education often accounts for a larger share of budgets in poorer countries.Latest data show 39 of 205 countries, or 19%, meeting both benchmarks, while 72, or 35%, meet neither. Another 64 countries, including India, spend above 4% of GDP but below 15% of public expenditure. Among high-income countries, 11% meet both benchmarks and 50% follow India’s pattern.India, however, has larger unmet schooling needs. Lower secondary completion has risen from 81% in 2015 to 86% but remains 13 percentage points below its 99% benchmark. Even Unesco’s “feasible” 2025 benchmark of 90% is four points above the latest rate.Join conversationView All Comments →Share your thoughts in the commentsInsightfulAgreeDisagreeSkepticalConcerningPromisingWorth ReadingBig DevelopmentPost CommentBe respectful · TOI community guidelinesThis is despite programmes operating at scale. Unesco’s India profile says Samagra Shiksha supports about 15.6 crore learners, while PM-Poshan covers around 11.8 crore children in 11.2 lakh government and aided schools. The trend is part of a broader global concern. The scorecard concludes that, on average, countries are “moving away” from the public education expenditure benchmarks of at least 4% of GDP or 15% of total public expenditure.Get the latest India News and Live updates. Download the TOI app.About the AuthorManash Pratim GohainManash Pratim Gohain is a seasoned journalist with over two decades at The Times of India, where he has built a rich body of work spanning education policy, politics, and governance. Renowned for his incisive coverage of the National Education Policy (NEP) 2020, accreditation reforms, and skilling initiatives, he has also reported on student politics, urban policy, and social movements. His political reportage—both reflective and news-driven—adds depth to his writing, bridging policy with public impact. Through his 2,500 articles and related outlets, he has emerged as a trusted voice in national discourse, particularly in linking education reform to broader societal change.Read MoreEnd of ArticleFollow Us On Social MediaVideosWATCH: Uttarakhand Innovator’s Electric Flying Vehicle Takes Maiden Test FlightUPI To Remain Free For Users, But Some Merchants May Face Nominal Fees In Future: GovtArunachal CM Rejects Chinese Encroachment As India Assigns Official Names To 27 Places‘If You Don’t Kill My Husband, I Will’: Telangana Man Uncovers Wife’s Shocking Chats With Lover‘Brahmins Joining BSP’: Mayawati SLAMS Akhilesh Yadav Over PDA’s ‘P Change’ From Pichhde To Pandit‘I Am Proud Of All Of You’: PM Modi’s Big Msg To Students At First Public Speech After CJP ProtestsKashmir Tourist Security To Get Major Upgrade With CCTV, Command Centres And Security AuditsUS Senate Passes Russia Sanctions Bill, India Faces Potential 100% Tariff Over Russian Oil Purchases’Did We Fail To Listen’: Tharoor Admits CJP Protest Resonated More Than Congress ‘Chhatron Ki Goonj’JPSC Protest Enters Day 14: Students Demand Exam Cancellation, CBI Probe After First Talks With Govt123PhotostoriesHow Sridevi turned the chiffon saree into Bollywood’s most iconic fashion statement10 unique baby girl names inspired by rare and lesser-known flowersFrom pig trotters to sprouting mushrooms: 5 bizarre luxury shoes breaking the internetOptical illusion personality test: What you spot first says everything about your hidden desiresRed or white patch in your mouth that won’t go away? Doctor explains the warning signs you should not ignore10 best monsoon snacks to enjoy on rainy daysFrom tiny forest jewels to giant river hunters: 12 kingfishers species to spot in IndiaDelhi must stay ahead of dengue this monsoon: Why rain, stagnant water and delayed diagnosis can turn a seasonal threat serious5 things stylish women always remove from their closetsDia Mirza’s mother’s maroon Banarasi saree is a generational love letter that fast fashion could never match123Hot PicksThailand School ShootingUPI TransactionsAsk Me AnythingJharkhand protestGurgaon rainNICL Assistant RecruitmentAnkur WarikooIndia Labour CodesGold rate todayTop TrendingJapanese Quote of the dayNagpur Rape CaseAbhijeet DipkeGujarat Mystery WellJPSC ProtestDelhi RainDelhi Wife MurderEknath ShindeTamil Nadu BudgetPraveen Nettaru Murder Case

The scorecard concludes that, on average, countries are “moving away” from the public education expenditure benchmarks of at least 4% of GDP or 15% of total public expenditure. NEW DELHI: India remains just above Unesco’s minimum GDP benchmark for education, but the sector’s share in government spending has slipped below the prescribed threshold. Education accounts for 4.1% of GDP but 14.2% of total public expenditure, down from 15.7% in 2015 and below the 15% benchmark, Unesco’s 2026 SDG 4 scorecard has shown.The funding picture assumes significance because India continues to lag on secondary school completion. Its latest lower secondary (Classes VI-VIII) completion rate is 86% as against its 99% national benchmark for 2025, while upper secondary (Classes IX-XII) completion rate is 51% as against 84%. Unesco classifies progress at both levels as slow.Under the Education 2030 framework, countries committed to spending 4-6% of GDP and/or 15-20% of public expenditure on education. The scorecard uses the lower thresholds as minimum benchmarks. India meets one. Its spending on education has remained at 4.1% of GDP since 2015, but its share of public expenditure has declined 1.5 percentage points to 14.2%.Among major emerging economies, China too meets one benchmark, at 4% of GDP (11.9% of public spending), while figures for Brazil are 5.6% and 12.9%. South Africa meets both, at 6% and 19.1%, while Indonesia, Bangladesh and Pakistan meet neither.The pattern is common among developed economies too: the US, UK, Germany and France meet the GDP threshold but not the public expenditure benchmark, while Sweden and Switzerland meet both.Unesco noted that richer countries tend to meet the GDP benchmark but not the public expenditure threshold because they raise more revenue, while education often accounts for a larger share of budgets in poorer countries.Latest data show 39 of 205 countries, or 19%, meeting both benchmarks, while 72, or 35%, meet neither. Another 64 countries, including India, spend above 4% of GDP but below 15% of public expenditure. Among high-income countries, 11% meet both benchmarks and 50% follow India’s pattern.India, however, has larger unmet schooling needs. Lower secondary completion has risen from 81% in 2015 to 86% but remains 13 percentage points below its 99% benchmark. Even Unesco’s “feasible” 2025 benchmark of 90% is four points above the latest rate.Join conversationView All Comments →Share your thoughts in the commentsInsightfulAgreeDisagreeSkepticalConcerningPromisingWorth ReadingBig DevelopmentPost CommentBe respectful · TOI community guidelinesThis is despite programmes operating at scale. Unesco’s India profile says Samagra Shiksha supports about 15.6 crore learners, while PM-Poshan covers around 11.8 crore children in 11.2 lakh government and aided schools. The trend is part of a broader global concern. The scorecard concludes that, on average, countries are “moving away” from the public education expenditure benchmarks of at least 4% of GDP or 15% of total public expenditure.Get the latest India News and Live updates. Download the TOI app.About the AuthorManash Pratim GohainManash Pratim Gohain is a seasoned journalist with over two decades at The Times of India, where he has built a rich body of work spanning education policy, politics, and governance. Renowned for his incisive coverage of the National Education Policy (NEP) 2020, accreditation reforms, and skilling initiatives, he has also reported on student politics, urban policy, and social movements. His political reportage—both reflective and news-driven—adds depth to his writing, bridging policy with public impact. Through his 2,500 articles and related outlets, he has emerged as a trusted voice in national discourse, particularly in linking education reform to broader societal change.Read MoreEnd of ArticleFollow Us On Social MediaVideosWATCH: Uttarakhand Innovator’s Electric Flying Vehicle Takes Maiden Test FlightUPI To Remain Free For Users, But Some Merchants May Face Nominal Fees In Future: GovtArunachal CM Rejects Chinese Encroachment As India Assigns Official Names To 27 Places‘If You Don’t Kill My Husband, I Will’: Telangana Man Uncovers Wife’s Shocking Chats With Lover‘Brahmins Joining BSP’: Mayawati SLAMS Akhilesh Yadav Over PDA’s ‘P Change’ From Pichhde To Pandit‘I Am Proud Of All Of You’: PM Modi’s Big Msg To Students At First Public Speech After CJP ProtestsKashmir Tourist Security To Get Major Upgrade With CCTV, Command Centres And Security AuditsUS Senate Passes Russia Sanctions Bill, India Faces Potential 100% Tariff Over Russian Oil Purchases’Did We Fail To Listen’: Tharoor Admits CJP Protest Resonated More Than Congress ‘Chhatron Ki Goonj’JPSC Protest Enters Day 14: Students Demand Exam Cancellation, CBI Probe After First Talks With Govt123PhotostoriesHow Sridevi turned the chiffon saree into Bollywood’s most iconic fashion statement10 unique baby girl names inspired by rare and lesser-known flowersFrom pig trotters to sprouting mushrooms: 5 bizarre luxury shoes breaking the internetOptical illusion personality test: What you spot first says everything about your hidden desiresRed or white patch in your mouth that won’t go away? Doctor explains the warning signs you should not ignore10 best monsoon snacks to enjoy on rainy daysFrom tiny forest jewels to giant river hunters: 12 kingfishers species to spot in IndiaDelhi must stay ahead of dengue this monsoon: Why rain, stagnant water and delayed diagnosis can turn a seasonal threat serious5 things stylish women always remove from their closetsDia Mirza’s mother’s maroon Banarasi saree is a generational love letter that fast fashion could never match123Hot PicksThailand School ShootingUPI TransactionsAsk Me AnythingJharkhand protestGurgaon rainNICL Assistant RecruitmentAnkur WarikooIndia Labour CodesGold rate todayTop TrendingJapanese Quote of the dayNagpur Rape CaseAbhijeet DipkeGujarat Mystery WellJPSC ProtestDelhi RainDelhi Wife MurderEknath ShindeTamil Nadu BudgetPraveen Nettaru Murder Case

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