The Times of India News

The Enforcement Directorate is preparing to file a money laundering case against Ponzi scheme fraudster Ravindranath Soni, accused of defrauding over 1,000 investors of Rs 970 crore globally. Kanpur police have gathered substantial evidence, including financial trails and celebrity connections.

Maharashtra government formed a special investigation team to probe a Chandrapur kidney racket. Farmers were allegedly coerced by illegal moneylenders to sell kidneys for debt repayment, with one farmer forced into an illegal transplant in Cambodia. The probe also revealed another case of severe financial exploitation in Brahmapuri.

Nine years after a brutal gang rape and assault on NH-91, a special Pocso court convicted five men. The horrific 2016 incident, where a family was targeted by robbers, shocked the nation and prompted road safety reforms. Forensic evidence proved crucial in securing the convictions. Sentencing is scheduled for Monday.

Sebi is collaborating with RBI and the insurance regulator to allow banks and insurance companies to participate in commodity derivatives markets. Working groups are also reviewing measures to deepen the Agri Commodity Derivatives ecosystem and optimize the regulatory framework for margins, position limits, and delivery mechanisms.

A ward boy at LLRM Medical College in Meerut was fired after nearly administering spirit instead of water to a child's nebuliser. The inebriated employee's dangerous mistake was caught by colleagues, averting disaster. This follows another recent termination of outsourced staff for assaulting a patient.

The government is firm on its SIM-binding rule for messaging apps to combat cyber fraud and foreign intelligence misuse, despite industry pushback. While the continuous SIM-binding mandate remains, authorities may increase the auto-logout time for web sessions from six hours to 12-18 hours, but not exceeding 24 hours, to address user concerns about workflow disruption.

The Comptroller and Auditor General has identified nearly 3,000 annual signalling system failures within South Western Railway, highlighting irregular maintenance and repeated non-compliance. Despite declining accident rates, 'Signal Passing At Danger' incidents and potential track diversions remain serious concerns. The audit stresses the urgent need for more effective maintenance to ensure railway safety.

Himachal Pradesh High Court has demanded a comprehensive report from the chief secretary regarding Shimla's persistent traffic woes. Noting a prior action report, the court seeks an update on proposed solutions like ropeways and mass transit, emphasizing the Shimla Smart City Project's involvement. The next hearing is scheduled for March 19.

Prime Minister Modi took to X after leaving Kolkata, addressing CAA concerns for Matua and Namasudra communities, assuring them of dignity and rights. He also criticized Trinamool Congress over the Salt Lake Stadium incident and alleged infiltration from Bangladesh. Trinamool countered, calling his statements damage control and questioning his script.

Railways is losing out on significant non-fare revenue, with vast vacant land undeveloped and Rs 4,087 crore in dues from private siding owners unrecovered. Audits reveal weak monitoring and enforcement, with RLDA awarding only a fraction of entrusted land for development. Systemic issues and poor inter-agency coordination are hindering timely monetization and revenue realization.

The Bar Council of Uttar Pradesh has unanimously decided to suspend licenses of advocates listed as history-sheeters or gangsters. The council has initiated suo motu proceedings against 98 advocates, with 23 cases pending before the disciplinary committee. This decision was informed to the Allahabad HC during a hearing concerning an advocate facing multiple criminal charges.

The Supreme Court ruled that the government cannot deny passport renewal to an accused or convict if the court grants no-objection with prior permission for foreign travel. Justices Vikram Nath and A.G. Masih stated that judicial permission can override adverse police reports, upholding the constitutional right to travel.

The Supreme Court quashed bail granted by the Patna High Court to five accused involved in an armed assault and habitual offenders. Justices Vikram Nath and Sandeep Mehta emphasized that criminal antecedents and the gravity of offenses are vital factors in bail decisions.

Prime Minister Modi launched a sharp attack on Congress in Guwahati, accusing the party of a pre-Independence conspiracy with the Muslim League and British to annex Assam into East Pakistan. He alleged Congress later altered Assam's demography for electoral gains, leading to encroachment on land and forests, jeopardizing the state's security and identity. Modi urged vigilance against such 'anti-national' agendas.

Veteran actor Mumtaz, who made her first television appearance in over five decades alongside Dharmendra on Indian Idol Season 13 in 2023, has revealed that she consciously avoids TV shows because she feels they dont pay her what she deserves.

A historic clock, once frozen at 10:08 at Amritsar's Sri Darbar Sahib, has been revived after a two-year restoration in Birmingham. Commissioned by Lord Curzon in 1902, the 10kg brass timepiece, damaged over time, has been meticulously restored to its original glory. It will soon be reinstalled, ticking again to mark time at the sacred shrine.

Maharashtra Congress will not ally with Shiv Sena-UBT for BMC polls, opting instead to partner with parties like Vanchit Bahujan Aghadi. The party will contest against BJP and Shiv Sena (UBT), focusing on development and corruption issues. Alliances in other civic bodies will be decided by local leaders.

A special court in Jammu and Kashmir has issued a non-bailable warrant against Pakistan-based Hizbul Mujahideen chief Syed Salah-ud-Din in a 2012 UAPA case. The court cited evidence of his involvement in terror activities and directed the J&K Police to arrest him. Salah-ud-Din is believed to be evading arrest in Pakistan.

Actor-performer Nora Fatehi sustained a minor injury after being involved in a car accident on Link Road in suburban Amboli on Friday afternoon, police officials confirmed. The incident occurred while Nora was en route to a scheduled appearance at the Sunburn music festival.

A Mission Shakti outreach program in a Lucknow school empowered a Class IX student to report alleged sexual abuse by her father. The student's detailed complaint led to an FIR against the father for outraging modesty, assault, and POCSO Act violations, highlighting the program's vital role in victim support.

No Physical Tests, Posts To Be Filled Via Direct Hiring

UltraTech Cement faces a significant Rs 782.2 crore GST demand notice from authorities for alleged short payment and improper input tax credit use between 2018-19 and 2022-23. The company, India's largest cement producer, stated it is reviewing the order and plans to challenge it, asserting its submissions were not duly considered.

Taxpayers under the old regime can still claim deductions for charitable donations via Section 80G. New FAQs from the Income Tax Department detail verification processes, emphasizing donor-donee data matching. Remember, cash donations over Rs 2,000 are ineligible, and this benefit isn't available under the new tax regime.

Brazilian President Lula da Silva expressed hope that the Mercosur-EU free-trade agreement will be signed in January, despite delays caused by opposition from some EU members and farmer protests. European negotiators had initially aimed for a weekend signing, but Italian Prime Minister Meloni requested more time, postponing the deal.

The Indian government has reduced its stake in Indian Overseas Bank (IOB) to 92.44% after completing an offer-for-sale, diluting 2.17% of its equity. This move aligns with Sebi's minimum public shareholding norms, with a forbearance granted until August 2026 for public sector entities.

A woman doctor, at the center of a recent controversy involving Bihar's Chief Minister, has not reported for duty. Officials confirmed no contact with her or her family. The doctor, who was questioned about her face veil during an event, reportedly wants to avoid media attention. Her joining deadline has been extended.

Power Minister Manohar Lal consulted MPs on the proposed Electricity (Amendment) Bill, 2025, aiming to strengthen the sector by mandating cost-reflective tariffs and empowering regulators.

Artificial intelligence is now the primary driver of global economic growth, particularly in the US, according to economist Ruchir Sharma. He warns of significant risks due to this concentration, noting that while AI fuels investment and market gains, its true productivity impact remains uncertain.

Jammu and Kashmir chief miniister Omar Abdullah defended Congress leader Rahul Gandhi against BJP allegations of meeting anti-India forces during a foreign visit, saying overseas travel and interactions are normal for political leaders. He rejected the charges made over Gandhis Germany visit and also raised concerns about the impact of the prolonged dry spell on water supply, air quality, and winter tourism in the Union Territory.

Aam Aadmi Party MP Sanjay Singh said he is receiving threats after invoking Lord Ram in Parliament, vowing not to be deterred from speaking against corruption. He announced legal action against the BJP and certain social media accounts for allegedly misrepresenting his speech and spreading false claims, including attributing former PM Vajpayee's quote to him.

A 35-year-old woman was stabbed several times by her lover in Delhis Uttam Nagar area after a dispute over her forced abortion. The accused, a married security guard, allegedly attacked her at her rented home, locked the house from outside, and fled. The woman was rushed to hospital with serious neck injuries, while police arrested the accused and sent him to judicial custody.

A CREDAI and CRE Matrix survey reveals nearly 70% of real estate developers anticipate housing prices to rise by over 5% in 2026, driven by sustained end-user demand. Developers also expect home demand to grow by more than 5%, indicating a positive outlook anchored in genuine market needs and a calibrated approach to new supply.

India lowered its voting age from 21 to 18 in 1989 through the 61st Constitutional Amendment, significantly expanding voter participation. This landmark reform empowered millions of young citizens, reinforcing the principle of universal adult franchise and reflecting a commitment to inclusive democracy.

Gold and silver are set for a strong 2026. Gold prices are predicted to rise moderately to strongly. Silver is also expected to maintain its upward trend. This positive outlook is driven by robust global demand for gold and increasing industrial use of silver.

Walmart is bolstering its in-house maintenance workforce through revamped training programs. These initiatives aim to equip employees with skills in areas like HVAC and electrical work, addressing a critical shortage that impacts store and distribution center operations.

The Congress party has announced it will contest the upcoming Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) elections independently. This decision comes as Uddhav Thackeray's Shiv Sena (UBT) and Raj Thackeray's MNS appear to be aligning, potentially to protect the Thackeray political legacy. The MVA alliance, which includes Congress, faced a significant defeat in the 2024 Maharashtra Assembly elections.

Bihar Governor Arif Mohammad Khan defended Chief Minister Nitish Kumar's actions in removing a doctor's veil, stating Kumar views female students as his daughters and expressing pain over the controversy. The incident, where Kumar removed the veil while handing over an appointment letter, has led to the doctor reconsidering her joining duty, with her family citing disappointment over media attention.

Parliament has enacted sweeping financial reforms, including 100% foreign ownership in insurance and pension firms, to boost domestic investment amidst global trade tensions. These changes aim to lower costs for consumers, improve product offerings, and channel capital into India's growth story, promising a more competitive and efficient financial landscape.