The Times of India

Actor R Madhavan received the prestigious Padma Shri from President Droupadi Murmu, a moment shared with his family. His exquisite 18-karat rose gold Jalsa Nebula watch, featuring a miniature painting inspired by Jaipur's Hawa Mahal and valued at Rs 40 lakhs, stole the spotlight. Madhavan expressed profound gratitude for the honour, dedicating it to his supporters and the world of cinema.

Indian researchers have unveiled an ingenious calculator capable of identifying tuberculosis patients who are at a high risk of death upon being diagnosed. By harnessing simple clinical indicators like body mass index and oxygen levels, this tool promises to facilitate timely medical responses and mitigate mortality rates, especially in underprivileged regions.

Sharad Pawar, chief of NCP (SP), expressed strong confidence in his party's unity, stating none of his MPs will defect, unlike the recent Shiv Sena (UBT) split. This comes amid reports of some NCP (SP) leaders being in touch with the Ajit Pawar faction. Meanwhile, Shiv Sena (UBT) MPs have approached the Lok Sabha Speaker regarding six MPs who switched allegiance to the Shinde-led Shiv Sena.

Set up in 1876, the Ajmer Railway Workshop gave India its first indigenous locomotive and spawned a cosmopolitan culture as a diverse set of people made the city their home

For the first time, NCERT has introduced a chapter on the Emergency from 1975-77 in the Class IX curriculum. This segment sheds light on the suspension of fundamental rights and censorship, underscoring the crucial challenges faced by Indian democracy. The chapter, titled 'Understanding Society: India and Beyond,' also recognizes Jayaprakash Narayan's influence and the subsequent elections, celebrating democracy's resilience after 51 years since the Emergency was declared.

Farmers in Punjab protested the proposed India-US trade agreement, fearing it will harm domestic agriculture, labourers, and small traders. Burning effigies of leaders, they demanded the pact's cancellation, citing concerns over increased imports and unfair competition from subsidized American farmers. This opposition echoes past farm law debates, with calls for MSP guarantees and irrigation reforms.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi urged states to implement e-Zero FIRs for cybercrime victims, aiming to prevent further harassment and financial loss. He emphasized the need for swift action, better coordination among agencies, and public awareness to combat rising digital fraud. The PM also reviewed progress on the TB Mukt Bharat Abhiyan and stressed efficient infrastructure project planning using the PM GatiShakti National Master Plan.

Government has scrapped early completion bonuses for highway projects in hilly regions to prioritize quality construction. New mandates require slopes to withstand a monsoon before final road work begins. Stricter geological checks and slope monitoring are now compulsory, with payments tied to stability measures. This aims to curb landslides and ensure safer, more durable infrastructure in sensitive terrains.

According to sources, legal and constitutional experts attached to Parliament are currently examining the matter and are expected to provide their recommendations before a final decision is taken. Previous rulings by presiding officers in comparable situations are also being studied to ensure any decision is legally and constitutionally sound. Apart from the rebel factions of the TMC and Shiv Sena (UBT), the DMK has also sought a separate seating arrangement following the collapse of its long-st

India's junior space minister Jitendra Singh urged BRICS nations to forge a Brics Space Economy, emphasizing collective ambition for global economic growth. The meeting, attended by 10 countries, focused on utilizing the Brics Remote Sensing Satellite Constellation for socio-economic benefits and ensuring sustainable space activities. Discussions also covered co-development and co-creation to address global challenges and foster shared prosperity.

The BJP has strongly criticized Rahul Gandhi, accusing him of echoing Pakistan's propaganda regarding the Rafale jets during Operation Sindoor. The party highlighted a recent IAF tender for support for all 36 Rafale jets as proof that Pakistan's claims of shooting them down were false. BJP leaders argue Gandhi questioned the Indian government instead of demanding evidence from Islamabad, thereby legitimizing an adversary's disinformation campaign.

Punjab chief minister Bhagwant Mann faces a political storm over an alleged Rs 10 lakh deal for a forensic report on a viral video. The BJP accuses Mann of suppressing allegations of sacrilegious conduct and misusing state machinery. Gurugram Police have detained two individuals in connection with fabricating the report, with the CM denying the video's authenticity and calling it a conspiracy.

Indian citizens are recommended to delay any non-essential trips to Iran, even with advancements in diplomatic relations. While the Indian Embassy in Tehran recognizes a positive shift in security, it stresses the need for caution amidst rapidly changing regional circumstances. Nationals residing in Iran should remain alert and adhere to local guidance.

India has firmly rejected Pakistan's attempt to politicize a UN forum by raising the Kashmir issue. Ambassador Parvathaneni Harish stated that Jammu and Kashmir is an internal matter for India, emphasizing that such discussions are inappropriate. He also highlighted India's push for reviewing UN Security Council mandates for greater efficiency, aligning with the UN-80 framework.

A fire erupted in labour slums near Delhi's Udyog Bhawan on Wednesday, originating from an electric panel and spreading to temporary structures. Around 20 fire tenders battled the blaze, bringing it under control by 5:30 am. No casualties have been reported. This incident follows a major slum fire behind Maulana Azad Medical College days earlier, which involved residential areas and storage facilities, including plywood, leading to rapid fire spread.