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The Times of India

National / The Times of India

J&K government calls bridge damage act of God; skips probe despite rising repair bill

Authorities in Jammu and Kashmir are calling the collapse of a Rs 67-crore bridge 'minor,' bizarrely attributing it to divine intervention and refusing any investigation. Even with repair costs soaring past Rs 38 crore, critics suspect the administration is protecting the contractors responsible for the shoddy construction.

3 Apr 2026 3:31 am
J&K SIA files chargesheet against accused involved in harbouring LeT terrorists

J&K's State Investigating Agency has charged Sabar Hussain from Poonch for aiding terrorists responsible for the brutal killing of a government employee in Rajouri two years ago. Hussain allegedly provided shelter and support to Lashkar-e-Taiba/TRF militants involved in the fatal attack on Mohammed Razaq. Prima facie, offences under the Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act are established.

3 Apr 2026 3:22 am
CM Omar seeks probe in Ganderbal encounter after family disputes terrorist claim

Jammu and Kashmir Chief Minister Omar Abdullah has demanded a swift, transparent investigation into the killing of a man in an alleged encounter. The deceased's family claims he had no terror links and was preparing to join the Army. Authorities are urged to make facts public to maintain credibility amid grave allegations.

3 Apr 2026 2:26 am
Navy escorting tankers from Strait of Hormuz, no dearth of fuel or gas in country, says defence minister

India assures ample fuel and gas supplies amidst West Asia conflict, with the Navy actively escorting tankers through the Strait of Hormuz. Defence Minister Rajnath Singh highlighted PM Modi's diplomatic efforts and the nation's preparedness. Meanwhile, the Navy Chief noted evolving maritime competition beyond energy to critical resources and data, emphasizing increased marine activity and potential infringements on sovereign rights.

3 Apr 2026 2:14 am
$20 million Everest rescue scam clouds Nepals climbing season

Trekkers given food that induced nausea, weakened them so they couldn't continue on foot & needed emergency flights

3 Apr 2026 1:27 am
West Bengal poll chaos: Villagers hold SIR officers 'hostage', EC asks NIA to probe case

The Election Commission has handed over the investigation into the gherao of judicial officers in Malda, West Bengal, to the National Investigation Agency. This move follows strong criticism from the Supreme Court regarding the state's complete failure to protect officers during electoral roll revision. An NIA team is set to begin its probe soon.

2 Apr 2026 11:11 pm
The politics of giving: How Tamil Nadu set the template for India's freebies race

Indian politics is witnessing an era of pre-poll freebies, with parties offering cash doles and concessions to woo voters. Tamil Nadu has a long history of welfare politics, evolving from subsidized food and education to direct cash transfers and consumer goods, now focusing on universal benefits and fiscal sustainability.

2 Apr 2026 9:32 pm
'Trump controls PM': Rahul Gandhi attacks Modi in Assam, calls Himanta 'most corrupt CM'

Rahul Gandhi launched a scathing attack on PM Modi and Assam CM Sarma, alleging foreign influence and corruption ahead of the 2026 elections. Gandhi claimed Trump controls Modi and accused Sarma of running a land ATM with Modi and Shah. Congress also unveiled poll promises including financial aid for women and land rights.

2 Apr 2026 7:36 pm
'For a very important bill': Parliament to reconvene on April 16; whats on cards

Parliament is set to reconvene on April 16 to consider legislation that could increase Lok Sabha seats from 543 to 816, with 273 seats reserved for women. This move aims to implement a one-third reservation for women in the Lok Sabha and state assemblies, significantly altering the country's political landscape and reinforcing the government's women's empowerment agenda.

2 Apr 2026 7:27 pm
Requests being examined: Maldives, Sri Lanka among several nations seeking Indias energy supplies, says MEA

Amidst escalating Middle East conflict, India is providing petroleum supplies to neighboring nations like Bangladesh, Sri Lanka, Nepal, and Bhutan. The Maldives has also requested petroleum products, with India examining these requests based on its own availability.

2 Apr 2026 6:11 pm
Raghav Chadha sidelined? AAP's Rajya Sabha shuffle triggers rumours; what went wrong

Raghav Chadha has been removed as the Aam Aadmi Party's deputy leader in the Rajya Sabha. Ashok Mittal has been appointed in his place. The party has also requested the Rajya Sabha secretariat not to allot speaking time to Chadha from its quota. This move comes amid reports of indiscipline and not adhering to the party line.

2 Apr 2026 5:46 pm
Governor is bound by council of ministers advice on release of convicts from prison: Madras high court

The bench arrived at the finding while answering a reference made by a division bench of the court in view of conflicting judgments of two different division benches of the HC on the issue.

2 Apr 2026 5:41 pm
Assam polls: Rahul Gandhi unveils Congress manifesto, focus on governance, identity

Rahul Gandhi released the Congress party's manifesto for the Assam Assembly elections. The document details commitments across eleven key sectors. This release is a significant step in the party's campaign. The Congress aims to regain power in Assam after a decade. Polling is scheduled for April 9. Vote counting will occur on May 4.

2 Apr 2026 5:22 pm
'Bengal welcomes tourists with open arms': TMC jibes at Amit Shah with fish, meat menu ahead of 15-day visit

The Trinamool Congress has sharpened its attack on Union Home Minister Amit Shah ahead of his visit to West Bengal, recommending local non-vegetarian delicacies. This move aligns with the TMC's campaign, which portrays the BJP as out of touch with Bengal's cultural traditions, particularly regarding food habits.

2 Apr 2026 4:22 pm
From TMC to BJP, Congress to CPM: Dynasts take centre stage in West Bengal elections 2026

West Bengal's political landscape is witnessing a significant rise in dynastic representation for the 2026 assembly elections. Across major parties like TMC, BJP, Congress, and CPI(M), candidates from established political families are increasingly being fielded. This marks a departure from Bengal's traditional grassroots politics, as parties now prioritize candidates with existing voter recognition and organizational support.

2 Apr 2026 4:14 pm
Tamil Nadu polls: Udhayanidhi Stalin files nomination from Chepauk-Thiruvallikeni; Vijay from Trichy East

Tamil Nadu's election campaign intensified as Deputy Chief Minister Udhayanidhi Stalin filed his nomination from Chepauk-Thiruvallikeni, aiming for a second consecutive win. Actor-politician Vijay also entered the fray, filing nominations from both Trichy East and Perambur constituencies, with his party manifesto emphasizing a drug-free Tamil Nadu.

2 Apr 2026 1:24 pm
Oracle layoffs: Company sets severance condition for laid-off employees: Sign papers first, or

Oracle has started its largest-ever layoffs, impacting thousands globally. Employees must sign termination documents via DocuSign to receive severance, which appears less generous than competitors. These cuts, potentially reaching 30,000, aim to fund a massive AI data center expansion, a move that has placed the company under significant financial strain.

2 Apr 2026 9:41 am
Judicial officers will decide 60L Bengal claims by Apr 7, 47.3L completed: Supreme Court

The Supreme Court has been informed that all deleted voter claims in West Bengal will be decided by April 7. This addresses concerns about the upcoming assembly elections. Appellate tribunals have been formed to hear any objections. The court emphasized that judicial officers must remain independent and free from political interference. Further hearings are scheduled for April 6.

2 Apr 2026 7:54 am
CBI files fresh FIR against Anil, RCom on LIC complaint alleging 3.7k cr loss

The CBI has filed a new case against Anil Ambani and Reliance Communications, along with bank officials, following an LIC complaint. Allegations suggest LIC was misled into investing Rs 4,500 crore in Non-Convertible Debentures based on false financial representations. A forensic audit revealed alleged misuse of funds, including siphoning through subsidiaries and fictitious transactions, causing a Rs 3,750 crore loss.

2 Apr 2026 7:47 am
Ravi Varmas Yashoda & Krishna fetches record-shattering Rs 167 crore

Industrialist Cyrus S Poonawalla has set a new record for modern Indian art, acquiring Raja Ravi Varma's 'Yashoda and Krishna' for Rs 167.2 crore. This landmark sale, which more than doubled its estimate, highlights the enduring cultural significance of Varma's work. Poonawalla plans to make the national treasure available for public viewing.

2 Apr 2026 7:45 am
Modi lauds Patnaik, Dubey apologises for CIA swipe

BJP MP Nishikant Dubey has apologized for his controversial remarks that drew a connection between former Odisha CM Biju Patnaik, Jawaharlal Nehru, and the CIA. Dubey clarified his statements were just his personal opinion, not meant to be taken literally, and were part of his broader criticism of the Nehru-Gandhi family's legacy.

2 Apr 2026 7:40 am
Despite revamp & AMC, Beijing embassy 'uninhabitable': CAG

'Residential Units Vacant Or Dilapidated, Officials Living On Rent Outside'

2 Apr 2026 7:26 am
NC member brings land grants bill in J&K House, opposition hurls Gulmarg hotel taunt at CM

The Jammu and Kashmir Assembly has admitted a private member's bill aimed at protecting current land leaseholders. This move faces strong opposition, with critics alleging it benefits wealthy stakeholders, particularly hotel owners in Gulmarg. The bill seeks to counter recent rules that bar lease extensions and mandate auctions.

2 Apr 2026 7:19 am
Defence budget under capital head fully utilised in FY2025-26

India's defence ministry has smartly deployed its revised capital expenditure of Rs 1.86 lakh crore for FY2025-26, mirroring the momentum from the previous year. This fiscal strategy highlights intense investments in aerial assets, ground defense technologies, and cutting-edge electronic warfare systems. Additionally, the endorsement of multiple new procurement strategies showcases a dynamic approach towards bolstering the nations defense arsenal.

2 Apr 2026 5:52 am
Maharashtra: 8 women workers killed as truck collides with tempo on Jalnas Samruddhi highway

Eight women workers were killed on the Nagpur-Mumbai Expressway in Jalna district, Maharashtra, after a truck collided with a tempo they were standing in. The truck driver, who changed lanes and struck the tempo from behind, has been taken into custody. Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis expressed his condolences and announced Rs 5 lakh aid for the deceased's families.

1 Apr 2026 10:18 pm
Census 2027 begins: President Murmu, PM Modi among leaders completing self-enumeration

President Droupadi Murmu, Vice President C.P. Radhakrishnan, Prime Minister Narendra Modi, and Union Home Minister Amit Shah have all participated in the self-enumeration for Census 2027. This initiative marks the commencement of the first phase, focusing on house listing and housing census, with a 15-day window for self-enumeration in Delhi starting Wednesday.

1 Apr 2026 9:26 pm
LPG shortage forces Pondicherry University to prepone exams, direct students to vacate hostels by May 1

The Students Federation of India, Pondicherry University unit (SFI PU), condemned the arbitrary decision of the university to prepone the examinations and to direct the students to vacate the hostel.

1 Apr 2026 9:19 pm
'Be cautious filing nominations': Mamata alleges EC bias, targets BJP

West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee alleged that Election Commission-appointed officials were tasked with rejecting her party's candidate nominations. She urged candidates to be cautious during filing and accused the BJP of misusing central agencies and manipulating voter lists, particularly targeting women and poor individuals.

1 Apr 2026 8:45 pm
'We will hit back': AIADMK chief Palaniswami on Stalin 'speaking ill' about him; slams CM for Congress alliance

AIADMK leader Edappadi K Palaniswami attacked CM MK Stalin at a rally, accusing him of forming alliances out of fear of defeat and alleging a breakdown of law and order. Palaniswami also criticized Stalin's use of language and warned of retaliation, while assuring financial support for Jallikattu events.

1 Apr 2026 8:42 pm
Mirza Waheed Explores Family, Loss, And The Digital Abyss

Mirza Waheed is a novelist and essayist born and raised in Kashmir and living in London. His debut novel, The Collaborator, was a finalist for the Guardian First Book Award and the Shakti Bhatt Prize and was longlisted for the Desmond Elliott Prize. His second novel, The Book of Gold Leaves, was shortlisted for the DSC Prize and longlisted for the Folio Prize. His third novel, Tell Her Everything, won The Hindu Literary Prize. In this conversation, he discusses his new novel, Maryam & Son.

1 Apr 2026 8:14 pm
'Who is the biggest litigant? Cost should be imposed': SC imposes Rs 25,000 penalty on Centre over CISF dismissal case

The Supreme Court imposed Rs 25,000 costs on the Centre for challenging a High Court order reinstating a CISF official. Upholding the High Court's ruling, the bench found the dismissal disproportionate, noting the official had taken medical leave and the woman involved had no grievance. The court emphasized the government's role as a major litigant contributing to case backlogs.

1 Apr 2026 7:29 pm
Well find him another job: Rahul Gandhi says he met Yamaraj during Kerala campaign, highlights UDF health scheme

Rahul Gandhi encountered a man dressed as Yamaraj during his Kerala campaign, humorously suggesting the UDF's proposed Rs 25 lakh health insurance scheme would render the God of Death jobless. This initiative aims to alleviate financial burdens from medical crises, ensuring healthcare as a right for all Keralites.

1 Apr 2026 6:27 pm
'Deceiving for decades': BJP slams LDF, UDF ahead of Kerala polls; says voters left choosing between two similar fronts

Defence Minister Rajnath Singh launched a strong attack on Kerala's LDF and UDF, accusing both of deceiving the state's people for decades with similar politics and governance. He alleged corruption and poor performance, stating voters are seeking a credible alternative as the BJP-led NDA intensifies its campaign for the upcoming Assembly elections.

1 Apr 2026 5:54 pm