The Times of India News

A Pentagon report suggests China is using eased border tensions with India to stabilize ties and counter growing US-India partnership. While Beijing seeks normalcy through resumed flights and visas, New Delhi remains skeptical of China's motives amid ongoing distrust. This strategic move aligns with China's long-term national rejuvenation goals.

Former Maldives VP Faisal Naseem lauded Atal Bihari Vajpayee as a statesman who championed peace through restraint and institutional respect. Naseem highlighted Vajpayee's enduring relevance for South Asia's turbulent democratic landscape, emphasizing his ability to be firm yet civil, decisive without being divisive. The lecture underscored Vajpayee's belief in parliamentary democracy and its role in fostering peace and stability.

Army troops have been deployed to West Karbi Anglong to restore order. Violent protests have erupted over alleged illegal settlements by non-tribals. Two people have died and dozens are injured. Curfew-like restrictions and internet suspension are in place. The chief minister stated immediate eviction is not possible due to a court stay. Tensions over land rights escalated into clashes.

Commission for Air Quality Management (CAQM) lifted GRAP-IV restrictions with immediate effect, even though air quality in several areas remained in the very poor category with AQI levels crossing 350. While the strictest curbs were withdrawn, Stage I, II and III measures will continue under the modified GRAP. The move came hours after the Delhi High Court pulled up the Centre

ISRO's LVM3-M6 rocket successfully launched the BlueBird Block-2 satellite for AST SpaceMobile, offering a unique onboard camera perspective of the entire mission. The footage captured liftoff, booster separation, and satellite deployment into Low Earth Orbit, marking a significant commercial success for ISRO's heavy-lift vehicle.

A Pentagon report reveals China's inclusion of Arunachal Pradesh as a core interest alongside Taiwan and maritime disputes, integral to its 2049 rejuvenation goal. While India and China agreed to disengage from LAC standoff points, mutual distrust is expected to persist, with Beijing also deepening military ties with Pakistan.

2.46 lakh crore, 13 crore women, 15 states: the fastest-growing welfare promise is reshaping household power and state finances, finds Richa Gandhi

The Unnao rape survivor expressed deep distress over Kuldeep Singh Sengar's bail, calling it 'death' for her family and vowing to challenge the Delhi High Court's decision in the Supreme Court. The court suspended Sengar's life sentence, citing he shouldn't be jailed solely on victim threat perception, while imposing strict bail conditions.

Union minister Nitin Gadkari highlighted Delhi's severe air pollution, attributing 40% to the transport sector's reliance on fossil fuels. He urged a shift to electric and hydrogen mobility, framing it as a nationalistic imperative to reduce costly imports and pollution. Gadkari emphasised India's potential for cleaner fuel alternatives and advancements in electric vehicle technology.

In a post on X, Ramesh alleged that the Union Ministry of Environment, Forests and Climate Change was being economical with the truth on the Aravalli Hills issue. He claimed that the redefinition being adopted by the government had been clearly and compellingly opposed by key statutory and judicial bodies, including the Forest Survey of India, the Central Empowered Committee (CEC) of the Supreme Court, and the apex court's own amicus curiae.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi lauded Isro's successful launch of the US communications satellite BlueBird Block-2, calling it a proud milestone for India's space sector. The LVM3 rocket, carrying the heaviest satellite launched from Indian soil, demonstrated India's heavy-lift capability and commitment to self-reliance, strengthening its global commercial launch market role.

Violent protests over alleged illegal non-tribal settlements in Assam's Karbi Anglong region have resulted in two deaths and dozens injured. Tensions over land rights escalated, leading to clashes between tribal protesters and security forces. The state government has imposed restrictions and suspended mobile internet services.

The Netherlands sees growing political and economic ties with India, amplified by global geopolitical shifts. Recent agreements in security, defense, and semiconductors underscore a shared commitment to democracy and the rule of law. Both nations are keen to strengthen cooperation in areas like semiconductor R&D and talent development, with the Netherlands also welcoming Indian students and a thriving diaspora.

A Delhi court ordered charges against Karti P Chidambaram and six others in a visa scam. The case involves allegations of bribery for facilitating Chinese nationals' visas for a power company in 2011. The court found prima facie evidence of criminal conspiracy and illegal gratification, noting coordinated acts by the accused.

A 34-year-old man from Mathura has been sentenced to life imprisonment for raping a 13-year-old mentally challenged girl. The incident came to light when the girl was found injured and bleeding. The accused, a neighbor with multiple prior criminal cases, was arrested and convicted under the Pocso Act.

An official order in Rajasthan's Sriganganagar district has cautioned private schools against compelling students to dress as Santa Claus for Christmas. The order cited the area's predominantly Sanatan population and the lack of justification for such programs, following a complaint from a Hindu nationalist group. The state education minister's office clarified the decision was local.

A retired Punjab IG, Amar Singh Chahal, attempted suicide after an alleged Rs 8 crore online fraud. Scammers posing as wealth managers lured him with fake investment returns via WhatsApp and Telegram. Chahal, who borrowed heavily, detailed his distress in a note to the DGP. Police have frozen 25 bank accounts and are investigating the digital trail.

Odisha's enhanced surrender package, offering nearly 20% higher rewards than Chhattisgarh, enticed 22 Maoist insurgents to lay down arms. This mass surrender, including 10 women and weapons valued over Rs 2 crore, marks a significant blow to the CPI (Maoist) ahead of the Centre's deadline to end left-wing extremism.

The BJP attacked Rahul Gandhi, citing comments from CPM MP John Brittas and Congress MP Imran Masood, to claim he is losing support within his party, allies, and even family. The party alleged that remarks from Robert Vadra and others signal a show of no-confidence in Rahul's leadership, prompting his foreign visit and anti-India remarks.

Congress MP Imran Masood clarified his remarks on Priyanka Gandhi Vadra, stating Rahul Gandhi is the acknowledged leader of the party. Masood's initial comment, suggesting Hindus wouldn't face persecution in Bangladesh if Priyanka were PM, had sparked a row and was seized upon by the BJP. The party is wary of Rahul vs Priyanka headlines.

Union Minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan announced the Viksit Bharat-Guarantee for Rozgar and Aajeevika Mission (Gramin) Act, replacing MGNREGA. This new law guarantees 125 days of work annually for labourers, excluding two months for agricultural needs, aiming to resolve farm labour shortages and boost farmer and labourer incomes.

Bangladesh expressed grave concern to India over vandalism at its diplomatic missions and visa center, while India summoned Bangladesh's high commissioner regarding incidents in Dhaka. Protests erupted in India against targeted attacks on Hindus in Bangladesh, leading to clashes with police and detentions.

The BJP has accused the Trinamool Congress government in West Bengal of targeting Hindus, drawing parallels with alleged attacks by Jamaat-e-Islami in Bangladesh. BJP spokesperson Sudhanshu Trivedi claimed the state police used force on protesters expressing concern over minority violence in Bangladesh, alleging the TMC is acting on an agenda to 'eradicate sanatan dharma'.

A liquor-laden truck overturned in Gujarat's Sanand, leading to a chaotic scene as locals looted spilled bottles before police arrived. The driver fled the accident, and authorities are now investigating the consignment's origin and destination while a significant amount of liquor was taken.

The National Medical Commission has revamped the NEET-PG 2025 counselling schedule, mandating states to synchronize their admission timelines with the All India Quota. This move aims to eliminate past confusion, seat blockages, and prolonged admission cycles, ensuring a smoother process for medical colleges and aspiring postgraduates. Strict adherence to the new calendar is now compulsory.

A Ludhiana man, Vijay Kumar, has been arrested for allegedly beating his eight-month pregnant wife, Pushpa, to death during a drunken rage. Her brother filed a complaint after Vijay attempted to claim she died of natural causes, despite visible injuries. Police suspect Pushpa fought back before succumbing to the assault.

To address doctor shortages, the National Medical Commission will continue relaxed MBBS intake norms for existing colleges for the 2026-27 academic year, allowing up to 250 seats. This move, alongside applications for new colleges, aims to boost doctor supply while maintaining quality standards. Colleges must meet strict faculty and infrastructure requirements.

From 2026, the NTA will implement facial recognition for NEET-UG and JEE-Main to combat impersonation, following a successful pilot with Aadhaar-based authentication. This, along with mandatory live photo capture during application, aims to bolster exam integrity amid recent leak concerns. These enhanced security measures were recommended by a government committee.

Renowned Hindi writer Vinod Kumar Shukla passed away at 88 after a lung ailment. The first Jnanpith awardee from Chhattisgarh, Shukla was known for his quiet grace and focus on ordinary people's inner worlds. He continued writing even in the ICU, leaving behind a legacy of profound literature.

A Delhi court has partially eased bail conditions for Christian Michel James in the AgustaWestland chopper scam case. The court allowed him to furnish a personal bond and cash surety instead of a surety bond, acknowledging his seven years in custody and the case's initial stage. Strict safeguards remain to prevent him from leaving the country.

Dense fog led to a massive pile-up on the Lucknow-Varanasi National Highway in Amethi, claiming the lives of two truck drivers and injuring at least 16 others. The accident involved multiple trucks, a bus, and a car, causing significant traffic disruption.

Two people died and dozens of police officers were injured in violent tribal protests in Assam's West Karbi Anglong district. Demonstrators, armed with bows and crude bombs, clashed with security forces over alleged illegal non-tribal settlements on protected lands. Internet services were suspended as authorities vowed legal action against those involved.

A UP-based YouTube influencer, Anurag Dwivedi, facing ED money-laundering probes for alleged ties to illegal betting, reportedly spent crores on a lavish Dubai destination wedding for over 130 guests. The lavish affair aboard a cruise ship, including flights and luxury stays, has drawn significant official scrutiny. The ED has seized assets worth an estimated Rs 20 crore.

Madhya Pradesh has removed 42.7 lakh voters, 7.4% of its electorate, in a massive electoral roll clean-up. This extensive revision, involving door-to-door verification, aimed to ensure accuracy by deleting deceased, shifted, and duplicate entries. The process also identified 'unmapped' voters requiring further documentation.

In a groundbreaking move, Indian Railways has rolled out an Artificial Intelligence (AI)-powered Intrusion Detection System (IDS) to safeguard wildlife, especially elephants, lions and tigers, on railway tracks. The cutting-edge technology uses Distributed Acoustic System (DAS) to detect animal presence, alerting loco pilots and control rooms 0.5 kms in advance - a potential lifesaver.