The Times of India

First time since independence centre of power to move out of South Block

India and Germany finalized 19 agreements, enhancing cooperation in defense, critical technologies, and clean energy during German Chancellor Friedrich Merz's visit. Key outcomes include visa-free transit for Indian nationals, a joint declaration on defense industrial cooperation, and significant German climate finance commitments.

India has intensified its engagement with German authorities regarding Ariha Shah, an Indian child in foster care for over 40 months, urging a humanitarian approach. New Delhi is working to ensure Ariha remains connected to Indian culture and language while in Germany, with the issue raised at the highest political levels.

For Tamil Nadus political culture, shaped by decades of Dravidian assertion and a strong emphasis on regional autonomy, such an explicit pre-election claim has few precedents. The reaction within the AIADMK has been wary, if not outright resistant, as the BJPs clout in the South remains lean. The pre-poll power-sharing deal, however, is only one strand in a much larger and more byzantine political development.

Former Vice President Jagdeep Dhankhar was admitted to AIIMS on Monday. He experienced two episodes of unconsciousness last week. Doctors at AIIMS insisted on his admission for further tests. Dhankhar had previously fainted on several occasions while serving as Vice President. He resigned from his post in July citing health reasons.

Political parties are increasingly targeting women voters, seen as kingmakers in elections. Ahead of Maharashtra's civic polls, the state government scheduled welfare payouts just before voting, drawing criticism from the Congress. Similarly, Tamil Nadu's DMK government expanded its women's welfare scheme and announced additional payments, also facing accusations of electoral timing.

India's Project-75I, acquiring six advanced German Type-214NG submarines, is gaining urgency amid regional tensions and China's growing undersea presence. This crucial naval procurement emphasises indigenous construction, technology transfer, and bolstering India's deterrence capabilities in the Indian Ocean.

India's indigenous Third Generation Fire & Forget Man Portable Anti-Tank Guided Missile (MPATGM) with top attack capability has been successfully flight-tested against a moving target. Defence Minister Rajnath Singh hailed the achievement as a significant stride towards Aatmanirbhar Bharat, highlighting the missile's advanced indigenous technologies and its potential induction into the Indian Army.

DRDO successfully flight tested its third-generation Man Portable Anti-Tank Guided Missile (MPATGM) with top-attack capability. The shoulder-launched missile, weighing approximately 14.5 kg, demonstrated a precise strike on a moving target's upper surface during trials in Maharashtra. This indigenously developed system features advanced technologies for effective tank and armored vehicle neutralization.

BJP leader K Annamalai dared MNS chief Raj Thackeray to stop him from entering Mumbai after receiving threats, including those of physical harm. Thackeray had earlier mocked Annamalai and questioned his connection to Mumbai, while also vowing to expel Bihari and UP migrants imposing Hindi.

Speculation of a permanent merger between the two NCP factions is growing after Ajit Pawar and Supriya Sule hinted at a possible reunion. Both leaders stated that the current alliance is for upcoming local body elections, with decisions on a permanent merger to be made later. This comes amid apparent cracks within the ruling Mahayuti alliance.

The Enforcement Directorate has approached the Supreme Court. It seeks an FIR against West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee, the DGP, and the Kolkata Police Commissioner. The agency alleges obstruction and evidence tampering in a money laundering case. This involves a probe into the political consultancy firm I-PAC. The ED claims its officers were threatened and evidence was seized.