The Times of India News

BJP emerged as the single largest party in Maharashtra's local body polls, securing 117 president posts and doubling its councillors since 2017. Despite challenges, the Mahayuti alliance, including Shiv Sena and NCP factions, celebrated a significant win, seen as a precursor to upcoming municipal corporation elections.

Maharashtra's ruling Mahayuti alliance celebrated a significant victory in local body elections, with CM Devendra Fadnavis highlighting BJP's leading role. Deputy CM Eknath Shinde declared the results a 'trailer' for upcoming municipal corporation polls, while Ajit Pawar asserted his faction's strength. Leaders credited transparent governance and farmer support for the win.

Byculla police have registered an FIR against two directors of Aafiyah Realtors for allegedly cheating a businessman of Rs 5 crore. The couple allegedly sold flats in a proposed high-rise project, Aafiyah Heights, promising possession within 30 months. However, no flats were handed over, and the company was not registered at the time of the transactions.

Mumbai's BMC is spending over Rs 4 crore on 'anti-infective bed cover mats' for its medical colleges, a product unknown to many infection control specialists. Supplied by a real estate firm, the mats claim to kill 99.99% of microbes, but lack real-world clinical trial backing. Experts question their efficacy and necessity.

Nagaland University researchers propose a 'Digital Rehabilitation Law' to combat India's deepening drug addiction crisis. Integrating AI and telemedicine, this forward-looking framework aims to expand access to care, particularly for underserved communities. The study examines existing laws and identifies gaps in privacy and consent, advocating for a rights-based approach to tech-enabled recovery.

IIM Lucknow inaugurated Uttar Pradesh's first Gen-Z post office, a modern facility designed for digitally fluent youth. This innovative space offers QR code payments, automated packaging, and high-speed Wi-Fi, aiming to make postal services more relevant and accessible to the younger generation.

IIT Madras, in partnership with Google and Digital Futures Lab, has launched a national program to equip government officials with the skills to responsibly adopt and govern AI. This initiative addresses a growing capability gap, focusing on technical literacy, procurement, and policy awareness to ensure AI's ethical integration into public services and governance across India.

IITM Pravartak Technologies Foundation, in partnership with SWAYAM Plus, has launched an AI-enabled HR Analytics Programme to address the growing skills gap in people management. This initiative aims to equip professionals with data-driven and AI capabilities to navigate the evolving workplace, with applications open until December 30, 2025.

UST and IIT Madras Incubation Cell have partnered to accelerate deep-tech healthcare and life sciences startups. This collaboration will identify, mentor, and fund promising ventures, aiming to translate research into market-ready solutions. The 'Pitch to Win: Pharma 4.0' challenge, with Pfizer and AWS, saw significant startup participation, highlighting the growing Indian ecosystem.

One-stop centres (OSCs) for women in distress, established after the Nirbhaya case, are struggling to fulfill their mandate. While intended for rape survivors, most cases involve domestic violence. Activists criticize them as 'settlement centres,' citing issues like understaffing, low pay, and lack of adequate shelter, hindering their effectiveness for victims.

A video shows BJP MLA Parag Shah slapping a rickshaw driver in Ghatkopar East. The MLA stated the driver was violating traffic rules and residents had complained about such incidents. The incident occurred during a protest against traffic violations. Police are investigating the matter. The opposition criticized the MLA's actions.

A video surfaced showing BJP MLA Parag Shah assaulting an auto-rickshaw driver in Ghatkopar, sparking condemnation from Congress. Shah, who was unavailable for comment, later posted about his campaign against unauthorized hawkers and traffic congestion in the area, claiming citizens were distressed.

Bollywood actress Nora Fatehi sustained minor injuries after a drunk driver crashed into her car in Mumbai. Despite the collision, she proceeded with her scheduled performance at the Sunburn music festival. Fatehi later shared her experience on Instagram, emphasizing the dangers of drinking and driving.