The Times of India

The Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI) has proposed a complete ban on single-use plastic packaging for pan masala, gutka, and similar products. The draft amendment mandates the use of paper, paperboard, or naturally derived materials, prohibiting plastics and aluminium foil. This move aims to curb plastic waste and aligns with existing state-level bans on these products.

The Supreme Court ruled that current laws adequately address hate speech, stating punishment is a legislative matter and no vacuum exists. However, it encouraged the government to assess if new legislation is needed due to changing social dynamics.

Congress slammed the Centre, accusing it of giving Pakistan a clean chit after Defence Minister Rajnath Singh stated terrorism lacks nationality or theology. Congress leader Jairam Ramesh called this appeasement of the US and capitulation to China, questioning Pakistan's role in terror attacks. Singh's remarks were made at the SCO meet in Bishkek.

A concerning national analysis reveals nearly 7% of Indian school children are obese, with rates climbing nationwide. Researchers link this rise to processed foods, sedentary habits, and screen time. Experts warn of early onset of adult diseases like diabetes and heart issues, stressing the urgent need for dietary changes and increased physical activity to combat this growing public health crisis.

The National Medical Commission has removed key restrictions on MBBS seat expansion, eliminating the 150-seat cap per college and the 100 seats per 10 lakh population ratio. These policy shifts aim to increase medical education capacity to meet rising demand. Additionally, the distance norm for teaching hospitals has been revised to 10 km, with a relaxed limit for specific regions.

West Bengal's second phase of Assembly elections commenced amidst reports of violence, voter intimidation, and technical issues. Incidents were reported across Chapra, Shantipur, Nimtala, and Bhangar. Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee alleged bias from observers and TMC party flags being removed, while the BJP reported an assault on a polling agent in Chapra.

Prime Minister Modi urged record voter turnout for West Bengal's Phase-2 elections, especially from women and youth. Voting commenced across 142 constituencies, a crucial phase for the TMC's dominance in southern districts against the BJP's challenge. Key contests include Bhabanipur, with extensive security and webcasting in place for 3.21 crore voters.

2-Year-Long Hunt Spanned Several Countries, Involved Int'l Agencies

West Bengal's final assembly polls are underway with an unprecedented security deployment across 142 constituencies. Over 2.3 lakh central forces and state police are on duty, alongside observers and NIA teams, to ensure a fear-free and fair election. A significant crackdown has led to over 800 arrests and preventive detentions, targeting potential troublemakers in sensitive zones.

Supreme Court-mandated tribunals restored voting rights for 1,468 people in West Bengal before the second phase of polls, bringing the total reinstatements to 1,607. This follows the deletion of 27 lakh voters under the logical discrepancy clause, with scrutiny intensifying due to a high restoration-to-deletion ratio.

A nearly 90-year-old woman and her daughter have had their defamation suit against housing society committee members adjourned until 2046 by the Bombay High Court.

Defence Minister Rajnath Singh met his Chinese counterpart Admiral Dong Jun on the sidelines of the SCO Defence Ministers' meeting in Bishkek. The two leaders discussed regional and global security, including developments in West Asia, amidst ongoing efforts to rebuild ties after the 2020 LAC standoff. Singh also held discussions on bilateral defence cooperation with his Russian counterpart.

Iltija Mufti, a PDP leader, protested the government's plan to remove Urdu knowledge as a requirement for Jammu and Kashmir Revenue Service jobs. She stated this move attacks the region's linguistic heritage. Mufti argued Urdu connects communities and is a repository of knowledge. She questioned the government's priorities and vowed to resist the changes.

According to police officials, the accused approached the guards stationed at an under-construction building near Wockhardt Hospital in the early hours of Monday, around 4.00 am. He reportedly asked them to recite the Kalma, an important Islamic declaration of faith, before launching the attack. Police moved swiftly after the attack, scanning CCTV footage from the area to trace the suspect. Ansari was tracked down and apprehended within roughly 90 minutes. He was later taken to Naya Nagar Police

India has strongly condemned the errorist attacks in Mali, extending condolences to victims and expressing solidarity with the nation. The Ministry of External Affairs also mourned the death of Mali's Defence Minister in the assault. This coordinated militant offensive, the largest in over a decade, has significantly worsened security, despite Russian support for the military government.

Mamata Banerjee's 'Didi' brand faces its toughest test in West Bengal's elections, balancing welfare schemes and grassroots appeal against BJP's national push. Despite corruption allegations and voter fatigue, her maternalist state model and street-fighter persona remain key, as she rallies voters against perceived disenfranchisement and external forces.

Trinamool Congress supporters in West Bengal's South 24 Parganas protested against an Election Commission-appointed police observer, Ajay Pal Sharma. They accused him of intimidating party workers ahead of the second phase of polling. Sharma had warned of strict action against those influencing voters, prompting a strong response from TMC candidate Jahangir Khan.

Security agencies have thwarted a major plot to arm the capital with advanced weapons, uncovering a cross-border syndicate linked to Pakistan. Eighteen sophisticated firearms were seized from nine suspects allegedly planning to distribute them nationwide. Investigators are also examining the involvement of a figure connected to a previous arms case, highlighting ongoing threats.

For over six decades, Gilbert Strang's MIT linear algebra lectures became a global phenomenon. His accessible teaching, emphasizing intuition and real-world examples, demystified a complex subject crucial for AI. Through MIT OpenCourseWare, his free online resources empowered millions, establishing a lasting legacy in accessible mathematics education.

Arvind Kejriwal and Manish Sisodia announced a boycott of Delhi Excise Policy case proceedings, citing bias and conflict of interest. Kejriwal visited Rajghat to pay tribute to Mahatma Gandhi, invoking Satyagraha. Both leaders expressed distrust in the judiciary due to alleged links of the judge and Solicitor General with RSS ideology.

El Nino conditions are expected to return soon, influencing global weather patterns and potentially weakening monsoon systems. This comes as parts of India, particularly Maharashtra's Vidarbha region, are experiencing severe heatwaves with temperatures soaring. Authorities are taking measures to combat the heat and prepare for potential monsoon challenges.

The Supreme Court emphasized that religious institutions must operate under established norms, not anarchy, while hearing cases related to women's entry at places of worship. A nine-judge bench stated that the right to manage a religious institution requires regulation within constitutional limits to prevent discrimination and ensure orderly functioning.

Vaibhav Suryavanshi's rapid 50 off 15 balls highlighted his family's immense sacrifice. His mother's sleepless nights, father's work stoppage, and brother's added responsibilities enabled his cricketing dream. This innings transcended mere performance, revealing the profound support system behind his success.