The Times of India

India's Air Force is set to significantly boost its capabilities by concluding major contracts in FY 2026-27. These include deals for 114 Rafale fighter jets, up to 60 medium transport aircraft, and additional airborne early warning systems. The increased capital budget will fund these crucial acquisitions and ongoing modernization efforts.

The Supreme Court has strongly condemned a family court's decision to involve police in a child custody dispute, calling it atrocious, unethical and unconstitutional. Justices questioned the jurisdiction of a Bhopal court over Gurgaon police in enforcing child handover. Both doctor parents and their child have been summoned to the Supreme Court for direct interaction.

The Supreme Court has demanded asset details of close relatives from both sides of a woman accused in a Rs 3,700 crore ponzi scam before considering her bail plea. The court expressed strong disapproval of the defense's claim that the accused couple has no assets, emphasizing the need to trace public funds allegedly siphoned off.

India's External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar discussed the West Asia conflict and its economic impact, including energy security, with his US counterpart. This follows US President Trump's decision to delay strikes on Iran, though Iran denies negotiations. India, concerned about attacks on energy infrastructure, has engaged with Gulf leaders and Iran's President. Potential US-Iran talks in Islamabad are also reported.

India is set to appoint a dedicated official at its London High Commission to handle International Maritime Organisation matters. This strategic move by the shipping ministry, now approved, aims to address frequent sea-based supply chain disruptions. With nearly all of India's trade by volume relying on maritime routes, this ensures better management of crucial sea trade.

Prime Minister Modi asserted India's unwavering focus on national interests amidst West Asian conflict, prioritizing peace and dialogue. He highlighted the government's strategic restraint and diversified ties as crucial for navigating global supply chain disruptions.

India hosts a key meeting of the Global Operational Network of Anti-Corruption Law Enforcement Authorities. Investigative agencies from 135 countries are represented. The gathering focuses on strategic direction and international cooperation. The Enforcement Directorate highlighted significant asset restitutions. This network facilitates direct agency-to-agency engagement.

The government is introducing a bill to amend the FCRA, enabling the takeover of foreign-funded assets when an organization's registration is cancelled or lapses. These assets can be used for public purposes or transferred to government bodies. The bill also introduces a new section for registration cessation and reduces jail terms for FCRA violations to one year.

Union Minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan lauded Prime Minister Narendra Modi, calling him an idea and an institution after Modi surpassed 8,931 days in public office. Chouhan highlighted Modi's relentless dedication to public welfare and nationalism as the driving force behind his work, citing initiatives like Make in India and Start-Up India that fostered investment and hope.

The Supreme Court has expressed strong disapproval of probe agencies' perceived hesitation in investigating Anil Ambani's ADAG group for alleged Rs 40,000 crore loan fraud. Directing CBI and ED to expedite a coordinated inquiry, the court emphasized transparency and fairness. Fresh status reports are mandated within four weeks, with the court urging action against all involved in irregular loan sanctions.

The Supreme Court sternly criticized the West Bengal government for obstructing the Kolkata Metro Orange Line's completion, calling their appeal frivolous and an obstinate anti-development agenda. The court rejected the state's plea for time until May, citing elections, and emphasized the government's dereliction of duty in delaying a vital public transport project.

Prime Minister Modi highlighted India's stance on the West Asia conflict in Parliament. He stressed opposition to attacks on infrastructure and trade routes. India advocates for diplomacy and peaceful resolution. Efforts are underway to ensure safe passage for Indian ships and secure vital supplies like oil and gas. The government is in contact with international partners to maintain maritime safety.

Two Indian-flagged LPG tankers, Jag Vasant and Pine Gas, carrying substantial cooking gas, successfully navigated the war-torn Strait of Hormuz. This marks the fourth Indian vessel passage since the conflict's onset, with four more Indian ships and crews awaiting safe transit. The government is prioritizing their secure passage amid regional tensions.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi assured that the government is actively working to maintain uninterrupted supplies of essential commodities like petrol, diesel, gas, and fertilizers amidst West Asian conflicts. Diversified energy import sources, increased ethanol blending, and extensive railway electrification have significantly reduced dependence on fossil fuels, bolstering India's energy security.

A study published in JAMA Neurology, tracking over 1.5 lakh adults, has found that healthier diets in midlife are associated with better memory and thinking abilities later. Those eating more fruits, vegetables, whole grains and fish were less susceptible to cognitive decline and performed better on cognitive tests. The study also flags diets high in red and processed meat and those linked to inflammation or sugar spikes as being associated with poorer brain outcomes.

Sebi's board has greenlit significant disclosure rule changes for its top brass, including public asset declarations for chairmen and whole-time members, aligning with conflict-of-interest committee recommendations. These officials will now be classified as 'insiders' with investment restrictions similar to employees. The regulator also approved netting benefits for foreign portfolio investors in equity trades.

Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman has introduced significant amendments to the Companies Act, aiming to decriminalize procedural defaults and boost flexibility in share buybacks. The proposed changes also introduce new executive compensation instruments and streamline merger processes. Special benches for the National Company Law Tribunal are planned, alongside relaxations for small companies regarding CSR requirements.

India's economy shows resilience, but the Reserve Bank of India notes rising price risks. A severe global conflict in West Asia has disrupted oil and commodity markets, causing price surges and volatility. This geopolitical shock is impacting financial systems, leading to equity market sell-offs and pressure on emerging market currencies, including the Indian Rupee.

Lakshmi Mittal has launched his most ambitious greenfield project in India, breaking ground on an 8.2 million-tonne steel plant in Anakapalli, Andhra Pradesh. ArcelorMittal will invest over Rs 70,000 crore in the facility, expected to begin operations by early 2029. This marks a significant renewed push into India for the steel magnate, following earlier unmaterialized greenfield plans.

A parliamentary committee has urged the government to create a unified, gender-sensitive cybercrime law following a significant rise in online offenses against women and children. The report highlights the need for age-appropriate social media regulations and stronger platform accountability, including mandatory KYC verification, to combat fake profiles and harassment.

Ladakhi delegates are urging the inclusion of environmentalist Sonam Wangchuk in future talks with the Centre, following his release from NSA detention. They emphasize sincerity in negotiations and call for the withdrawal of cases against protesters. The ongoing struggle for Ladakh's demands, including statehood and Sixth Schedule inclusion, continues after inconclusive dialogue rounds.

A University of Jammu committee recommended removing Jinnah, Sir Syed Ahmad Khan, and Iqbal from the MA Political Science syllabus following ABVP protests. This move has drawn strong condemnation from a local minister and a BJP leader, who label it as 'intellectual vandalism' and a threat to India's heritage.

Fugitive jeweller Nirav Modi appeared in a London court to contest a Rs 100 crore claim by Bank of India. The bank seeks repayment of a loan to his company, Firestar Diamond, for which Modi provided a personal guarantee.

Authorities in Pahalgam have registered a case against Hotel Misty Mountains for failing to report the arrival of 23 foreign guests, including 19 British nationals. The hotel management allegedly neglected to submit the mandatory Form C, a violation of security protocols. This action follows increased scrutiny of foreign visitor regulations in the Kashmir Valley after a past terror incident.

India Inc's private sector capital expenditure is projected to dip by nearly 17% next year, signaling a more cautious approach from large firms amid global uncertainties. While final spending might exceed current conservative estimates, a slight stabilization is expected after a strong 2025-26. Emerging sectors like green energy and robotics also see planned investment declines.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi congratulated the Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami-led Uttarakhand government on completing four years in office, lauding its efforts in driving development, ensuring good governance, and promoting public welfare across the state.

Rahul Gandhi accused Prime Minister Narendra Modi of being 'compromised' and controlled by US President Donald Trump, criticizing his speech on the West Asia conflict. Gandhi also voiced concerns over a trade deal he claims will harm Indian farmers and alleged the BJP-RSS are undermining tribal rights by promoting the term 'Vanvasi'.

Global markets surged Monday as President Trump announced talks with Iran and a delay in planned strikes, easing fears of Middle East conflict. US stocks rallied significantly, oil prices tumbled, and European markets reversed earlier losses. However, Iran challenged the negotiation claims, casting a shadow of uncertainty over the de-escalation.

In times of geopolitical uncertainties, gold is the go to investment - its a time-tested safe haven that investors rush to. Then why are gold prices plunging amidst the ongoing war? Does this mean that golds safe haven appeal is fading?

The Indian rupee hit an all-time low against the dollar, breaching 94 for the first time amid Middle East tensions, significant foreign fund outflows, and soaring crude oil prices. This sharp decline, extending since the regional conflict began, has put pressure on Asia's third-largest economy, highly reliant on imported energy. The Reserve Bank of India is reportedly offering mild support.

IndiGo has appointed Aloke Singh, former Air India Express MD & CEO, as its Chief Strategy Officer. This move, by interim CEO Rahul Bhatia, signals an aggressive talent acquisition strategy. Singh's expertise in aviation strategy and operations is expected to drive IndiGo's global expansion and enhance its competitive edge in a dynamic market.

Veteran Indian sports journalist S Thyagarajan, a renowned hockey writer, passed away at 85 after a battle with age-related ailments. He covered six Olympics and nine Asian Games during his extensive career with 'The Hindu' and 'The Indian Express'. His contributions to sports journalism and hockey were immense, leaving an irreparable loss for the fraternity.

What does this latest disruption mean for the growth prospects of Asian economies that are in large part dependent on oil and energy imports. Since the start of the Middle East conflict, passage of ships through the Strait of Hormuz has been curtailed.

Indian stock markets experienced a severe downturn Monday, mirroring a global sell-off. Escalating Middle East tensions, rising crude oil prices, consistent foreign investor withdrawals, and a record-low rupee significantly impacted investor confidence, leading to broad-based losses across major indices and sectors.

Oil prices experienced a sharp decline as President Trump ordered a five-day halt to planned military strikes on Iranian energy infrastructure, easing fears of Middle East conflict escalation. Brent crude fell over 13%, and WTI slid significantly, reversing earlier gains driven by concerns over disrupted oil transit routes.

A Tamil Nadu court convicted nine police officers for the 2020 custodial torture and deaths of father and son Jeyaraj and Beniks. The CBI investigation revealed the victims were subjected to brutal torture and evidence was destroyed to conceal the crime. The court's verdict brings a measure of justice for the victims.

US President Trump has paused planned strikes on Iran for five days following productive talks, a move Iran claims as a acking down. This de-escalation saw Brent crude fall sharply. Meanwhile, PM Modi highlighted the Middle East conflict's unprecedented challenges for India, as markets crashed, wiping out Rs 14 lakh crore amid surging oil prices and war fears.

Uttarakhand chief minister Pushkar Singh Dhami on Monday marked four years of his Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) government, emphasising its guiding mantra of development as well as heritage while fulfilling the dreams of the statehood agitators and the aspirations of the state's 1.25 crore residents.

As the Middle East conflict disrupts global energy supplies, Saudi Arabia has activated its 1,200-kilometer East-West pipeline to maintain oil exports. This crucial inland route, rerouting crude to the Red Sea port of Yanbu, is now a pivotal alternative to the closed Strait of Hormuz, ensuring continued market access despite escalating tensions and past attacks.

PM Modi pointed out that cargo movement through the Strait of Hormuz has been challenging since the conflict began, but the government is taking steps to ensure that supplies of gas and fuel face minimal disruption.