The Times of India
Elections 2026National / The Times of India
Mahadev betting app founder Sourabh Chandrakar has been detained in Oman. India is now seeking his extradition or deportation from the country. Chandrakar was previously detained in Dubai but was later released by authorities. The app operated as a large international betting syndicate facilitating illegal online bets. Authorities have attached assets worth Rs 1,700 crore linked to Chandrakar.
The Enforcement Directorate has frozen TMC bank accounts holding Rs 440 crore. These funds are linked to an alleged Rs 160 crore money laundering investigation. The money was reportedly used to purchase an aircraft and a helicopter. These assets were then rented back to the TMC for party use. The agency is probing dubious transactions and potential personal asset creation.
The National Testing Agency faces new allegations of a paper leak for the UGC-NET exam. This follows recent issues with the NEET-UG exam and errors in other NET papers. Education ministry seeks details on a circulated PDF allegedly linked to the sociology paper. Opposition leader Rahul Gandhi highlighted these serious allegations on social media. The controversy adds to existing concerns about high-stakes examination integrity.
Food regulators have issued notices to several companies for misleading product labels. Kubera Foods faced scrutiny for claiming 100% Natural on buns with preservatives. Ferns N Petals was cited for marketing chocolate with vegetable fat instead of cocoa butter. Lotte India received notices for 100% Vegetarian claims and missing nutritional information. These actions aim to ensure consumers receive accurate information about food products.
Security forces neutralized Lashkar-e-Taiba terrorist Zakir Ganie in Shopian on Wednesday. This encounter occurred nearly ten months after the last such operation in the region. The joint operation was launched Saturday evening based on specific intelligence inputs. Arms and ammunition were recovered from the encounter site by the Army. Meanwhile, three overground workers were arrested in Anantnag using advanced surveillance technology.
An Indian delegation visited Kyrgyzstan for the inauguration of a new civilizational studies center. Trilateral cooperation agreements were signed between academic institutions from both nations. The first Hindi translation of the Kyrgyz epic Manas was also presented at the event. This initiative aims to foster scientific, educational, and cultural cooperation between India and Kyrgyzstan. The center will focus on comparative civilizational studies and intercultural dialogue.
The Enforcement Directorate froze Trinamool Congress bank deposits worth Rs 440 crore. This action is part of an ongoing money laundering investigation into financial transactions. The Trinamool Congress stated all financial transactions were fully disclosed to authorities. They called the freeze a politically motivated act by the central government. The agency is probing alleged routing of funds through various service companies.
India has expressed significant worry regarding the rising tensions in West Asia and the increasing assaults on commercial vessels. The ministry emphasized the importance of all involved parties to practice restraint and engage in dialogue. Recent actions pose risks to regional stability and disrupt global trade. In response, the United States has executed extensive military strikes against Iranian targets, while Iran retaliated with strikes aimed at Bahrain and Kuwait.
A video showed Mamata Banerjee slapping a party worker during a protest march in Kolkata. The incident occurred during a rally organized by the TMC's youth wing. Clashes erupted between BJP and TMC supporters along the protest route. Mamata Banerjee accused the police of failing to enforce court orders. The protest was held amid outrage over a minor girl's alleged rape and murder.
The Railway Ministry has mandated a new directive for all zonal railways, emphasizing the urgency of strict cleaning and pest control measures for pantry cars. This decision comes in response to ongoing complaints regarding unsanitary conditions and rodent problems. Additionally, there are serious concerns regarding the waste disposal methods employed by catering staff. Inconsistencies in enforcement have been attributed to lapses by certain railway authorities.
Railways ordered a departmental inquiry after an unauthorized decorator entered a First AC coach. The decorator was hired by passengers to decorate a private coupe for a celebration. Preliminary findings show the decorator gained access at Jalna before passengers boarded. The on-duty chief ticket inspector has been suspended pending the inquiry's outcome. The investigation will assess security breaches and prevent future unauthorized access.
Trinamool Congress chief Mamata Banerjee attacked a rival faction and the BJP. She urged people not to forgive party leaders who sided with the opposition. The dispute escalates over control of the party's name and symbol. Both factions are engaged in a legal and political battle. Mamata challenged rebel leaders to directly join the BJP.
The Madras High Court granted anticipatory bail to DMK MLA Senthil Balaji and his brother. This bail was granted in a case alleging a Rs 35 crore bribe offer. The court directed both petitioners to appear daily before the investigating officer. Arguments presented highlighted the lack of conversation recordings and reliance on call detail records. The court questioned Balaji's specific role in the alleged bribery attempt.
Florida's wetlands are battling an ecological crisis, with Australian melaleuca trees, introduced over a century ago to drain swamps, now dominating 400,000 acres. These invasive forests disrupt vital water systems and alter fire patterns, transforming native marshes. Experts highlight the immense challenge of managing this widespread infestation, emphasizing the need for coordinated efforts to reclaim the land and restore the delicate balance of the Everglades.
Once on the brink of extinction, the majestic California condor's survival hinged on a daring rescue. Capturing the last wild birds in 1987, conservationists discovered that lead poisoning from ammunition fragments in carcasses was the primary killer. Despite breeding successes, the toxin persisted, necessitating strict ammunition regulations. This intervention, though intensive, has allowed these magnificent birds to once again grace western skies, showcasing the power of identifying and addres
Mamata Banerjee alleged police watch as house arrest and accused the administration of failing to ensure a peaceful protest. The Trinamool Congress chief stated that the police acted as BJP cadres, undermining a court order. She claimed participants were attacked despite court permission for the rally over a minor's alleged rape and murder. Banerjee further alleged a complete breakdown of law and order in West Bengal.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Indonesian President Prabowo Subianto inaugurated a temple restoration project. This initiative highlights India's cultural diplomacy and shared civilizational links between the nations. The project involves restoring smaller temples within the Prambanan complex with Indonesian authorities. Prambanan, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, suffered damage from natural disasters and upheaval. Restoration work continues using traditional and modern techniques for this ancie
Early menopause occurs in about one in fourteen women aged thirty to forty-nine, with a troubling statistic of over fifty-one thousand women studied. The prevalence is notably higher in rural settings and less affluent countries. Fortunately, pursuing higher education and postponing motherhood can significantly reduce the likelihood of this condition, which places added strain on healthcare resources.
Rahul Gandhi alleged fresh irregularities in the recent UGC-NET examination. He claimed a PDF circulated before the test matched many Sociology questions. This paper was reportedly sold for 2.25 lakh in several northern states. Gandhi criticized the government for ignoring repeated examination paper leaks. Students are denied justice and accountability due to the administration's inaction.
Prime Minister Modi concluded his state visit to Indonesia after three days. Indonesian fighter jets escorted his aircraft out of their airspace. He and President Prabowo Subianto agreed to strengthen bilateral ties. Discussions covered defence, maritime collaboration, and digital innovation areas. The visit opened new avenues for cooperation between the two nations.
Shiv Sena leader Sanjay Raut condemned an alleged assault on hospital staff by a corporator. He urged Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis to take strict action against the accused. CCTV footage purportedly showed Ramesh Mhatre and supporters assaulting medical personnel at a hospital. Mhatre denied assaulting female doctors and nurses, citing camera angles and informal interaction. Shiv Sena MP Shrikant Shinde assured that a case was registered and action would follow.
Arvind Kejriwal has written to 29 automobile manufacturers seeking clarification on E20 fuel. He wants written assurance regarding mileage and engine safety impacts on vehicles. This follows conflicting statements from company representatives and owner's manuals. Kejriwal also plans to urge the Prime Minister to make E20 fuel optional. Consumers should have choices for different fuel variants at petrol pumps.
Congress has labeled the Environment Ministry a Pravachan Mantralay after four officials were removed. These dismissals occurred in two batches over successive days, sparking controversy. Jairam Ramesh alleged that the Prime Minister's Office vets all key ministerial staff appointments. He also stated the ministry has failed to protect the environment and address climate change. Ecological destruction and air pollution continue unabated across the country.
Celebrating his birthday, Rajkummar Rao's first look as Sourav Ganguly has been revealed, heightening excitement for the biographical drama debuting on May 14, 2027. The poster vividly depicts Ganguly's legendary jersey-waving celebration at Lord's, a defining moment in Indian cricket history. Audiences will be taken on an inspiring journey through Ganguly's life and legacy in this cinematic tribute.
The graphic, styled as a fuel station receipt, described the product as E20 Premium Receipt and claimed the blend contained Petrol 80% and Ethanol 20%. It also carried lines such as Customer Choice 0%, Price Reduction Rs 0.00, Mileage Impact 20-30%, Extra Maintenance Possible and concluded with TOTAL CHARGED Full petrol price and TOTAL VALUE Reduced mileage. Another line read, Terms and conditions not explained.
One of the earliest initiatives came in Vietnam, where India signed a Memorandum of Understanding in 2014 to restore the UNESCO-listed M Sn Sanctuary. Once the spiritual centre of the ancient Champa Kingdom, the Shaivite temple complex is regarded as one of Southeast Asia's most significant Hindu heritage sites. The Archaeological Survey of India led the conservation work under the bilateral agreement.

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