The Times of India

Rani Kapur has filed a plea in the Delhi High Court seeking the cancellation of the Rani Kapur Family Trust. She alleges the trust, which holds a stake in Sona Comstar, was created and operated without her knowledge or consent while she was medically unwell.

Following a Supreme Court directive, the Election Commission has instructed the Bengal CEO to display names of electors with 'logical discrepancies' and 'unmapped' status by January 24. People in these categories can submit documents via authorized representatives, with authorities ensuring smooth proceedings and no law and order issues.

India and Spain have pledged to strengthen international cooperation against terrorism, with External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar emphasizing a zero tolerance approach. The two nations reviewed bilateral ties, including trade, defense, and culture, and discussed regional developments. Spain also acceded to India's Indo-Pacific Oceans Initiative.

India's IT Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw challenged the notion of India being a secondary AI power, asserting its front-rank status by emphasizing large-scale deployment over massive models. He highlighted the country's focus on practical AI applications and a shared compute facility to drive economic value and ROI, rather than solely on building frontier models.

The Supreme Court has directed the Central Empowered Committee (CEC) to decide the fate of Haryana's proposed mega Aravali Zoo Safari Project. The court will await the CEC's report on the project's environmental and ecological feasibility, continuing the interim stay on work.

The Supreme Court has summoned responses from the Haryana government and Mahira Buildwell concerning allegations of cheating homebuyers in an affordable housing project under the Pradhan Mantri Awas Yojana. Homebuyers claim the developer used fraudulent means, including forged bank guarantees, and has completed minimal construction, siphoning off funds.

The Supreme Court will order an expedited hearing for lawyer-activist Surendra Gadling in the 2016 Surajgarh arson case, acknowledging his seven-year incarceration without trial. The court will also address the appointment of a judge to the special court and the transfer of evidence from the NIA court.

The Supreme Court has ordered Delhi, Haryana, and Rajasthan to halt illegal mining in the Aravali hills, citing irreversible ecological damage. A new expert body will be formed to conduct a scientific examination of the ranges to ensure their structural and ecological integrity, with states tasked to stop all illicit mining until then.

The draft National Electricity Policy 2026 proposes annual tariff resets, including automatic index-linked revisions, to ensure the financial health of power utilities. It aims to limit cross-subsidies for manufacturing and railways, while promoting competition in distribution and phasing out monopolies. The policy also emphasizes renewable energy, storage, and cybersecurity.

Habitual traffic offenders face a new penalty as the road transport ministry has amended rules to disqualify driving licenses for five or more offenses in a year. This provision, effective January 1, aims to curb errant drivers, though experts raise concerns about enforcement and potential challenges to recorded offenses.

A recent IIT-Kanpur student suicide highlights a disturbing mental health crisis across premier Indian technical institutes, with over a dozen student deaths annually for five years. Alumni and student bodies point to intense academic pressure, isolation, and exclusion as key factors.

A census to count the elusive Kashmir Markhor, the world's largest wild mountain goat, will commence in early February. The Wildlife Trust of India, in collaboration with the J&K wildlife department, will conduct the survey in Kazinag National Park and other sanctuaries. This initiative aims to gather crucial data for conservation efforts of the 'near threatened' species.

Peoples Conference chief Sajad Gani Lone advocated for the separation of Jammu and Kashmir, arguing it would not lead to animosity. He questioned Kashmir's disproportionate burden in safeguarding secularism and highlighted alleged hatred from Jammu, suggesting an 'amicable divorce' amid ongoing discrimination claims.

A delegation from Zanskar, Kargil, met with Union Minister Nityanand Rai to oppose Ladakh's statehood demand, seeking instead a separate autonomous council for their region. They also requested the formal operationalization of Zanskar as a new district. This comes ahead of crucial talks between the home ministry and Ladakhi representatives focused on statehood and the Sixth Schedule.

Jammu and Kashmir Chief Minister Omar Abdullah accused BJP MLAs of promoting Muhammad Ali Jinnahs two-nation theory by demanding a separate Jammu state. He argued their ambition would lead to a religiously divided region. BJP leader Sunil Sharma denied these claims, stating his focus is on public service, not personal ambition.

Operation Trashi-I continues for the fourth day in Kishtwar's dense forests, with security forces intensifying their search for fleeing terrorists. Following an ambush that wounded eight soldiers and claimed one life, additional forces have been deployed. Meanwhile, enhanced security checks are underway across several districts ahead of Republic Day, focusing on foreign nationals.

A committee has been formed to investigate the alleged suicide of a 20-year-old student in Doda after she was barred from her semester exam. The student reportedly jumped into the Chenab River after her mobile phone was confiscated and she was warned of disciplinary action. An assistant professor has been suspended pending the inquiry.

Uttarakhand's Uniform Civil Code services are now accessible in all 22 constitutionally recognized Indian languages, alongside English. Applicants can leverage AI assistance for guidance and registration, ensuring a smooth process. This multilingual platform, developed by ITDA, aims to simplify access to UCC rules and documentation, reflecting the government's commitment to ease of use and technological advancement.

Manirul Islam, threatening the Election Commission, is not his first brush with controversy, as the Farakka MLA was accused of leading a mob to the Block Development Office (BDO) in his constituency and ransacking the space, leaving officials injured. After the incident, BJP MLA Gouri Sankar attacked Mamata Banerjee for instigating her party cadres across the state to commit riots and violence.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi extended warm greetings to Manipur, Meghalaya, and Tripura on their Statehood Days, celebrating their rich cultures, scenic beauty, and developmental contributions. He lauded Manipur's passion for sports and nature, Meghalaya's vibrant culture, and Tripura's blend of tradition and progress, wishing them continued growth and prosperity.

Spanish foreign minister Jose Manuel Albares announced President Pedro Snchez's upcoming visit to India, aiming to elevate bilateral ties to a strategic partnership. Both nations are keen on strengthening cooperation across various sectors, including trade, technology, and culture, with Albares expressing optimism for an EU-India Free Trade Agreement and highlighting successful collaborations like Airbus-Tata.

A tourist from Haryana has ignited public fury after defacing a Border Roads Organisation milestone at Ladakh's Fotu La Pass by pasting a caste sticker. The act, captured on video, has been widely condemned as vandalism and irresponsible behaviour in a sensitive border region, prompting calls for strict action against the individual.

The Supreme Court has permitted Punjab Kesari to resume operations at one of its printing presses, which had been shut down by the state pollution control board. The court expressed less concern for a hotel run by the group but emphasized that the printing press should not be closed, despite allegations of liquor bottles being found there.

The Congress party has sharply criticized Prime Minister Narendra Modi following US President Donald Trump's repeated claims of single-handedly resolving the India-Pakistan conflict last year. Trump asserted he prevented a nuclear escalation, saving millions of lives, a claim India has consistently refuted, stating no third-party mediation was involved.

West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee has directed district magistrates to prevent voter inconvenience during electoral roll revisions, emphasizing adherence to Supreme Court orders. She stressed accepting all valid documents and making alternative arrangements for hearings. The Chief Minister also highlighted that state development programs must not be disrupted during this process.

India's first Vande Bharat sleeper train, designed for faster overnight travel, faced immediate criticism after a video emerged showing litter scattered across a coach shortly after its inaugural run. The incident sparked widespread social media commentary on the lack of civic sense among some passengers.

Indian-American astronaut Sunita Williams, a record-holder for spacewalking, shared her experiences at the American Center in Delhi. She spoke about her recent extended stay on the ISS, the challenges faced, and the growing commercialization of space. Williams also highlighted the importance of international cooperation in space exploration and inspired Indian students to pursue careers in the sector.

The Enforcement Directorate has urged the Tamil Nadu government to file an FIR against Minister KN Nehru, alleging Rs 366 crore in money laundering linked to corruption in official transfers within the Municipal Administration department. This marks the third such communication from the ED in three months, citing evidence of bribery and tender rigging.

The Central Administrative Tribunal has cleared IRS officer Sameer Wankhede of disciplinary charges. The tribunal found the charges framed by the Central Board of Indirect Taxes and Customs to be retaliatory. It observed that the action appeared to be an attempt to stall Wankhede's promotion.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi's use of the term 'urban Naxals' has drawn sharp criticism from the Congress party. The Congress pointed out that the Home Ministry itself does not use this phrase. They questioned if the Prime Minister considers anyone opposing him an 'urban Naxal'.

Lok Sabha MPs must now mark attendance from their designated seats during functioning hours, a change effective from the upcoming Budget session. Speaker Om Birla announced this reform to ensure attendance reflects active participation, not just presence within Parliament. This move aims to boost discipline and productivity in legislative proceedings.

Nitin Nabin, in his first address as BJP national president, urged party workers to defend Sanatan faith and its legacy, stating that parties opposing traditions like 'deepam' in Madurai or Ram Setu have no place in politics. He also encouraged youth to actively participate in politics, viewing it as a long-term commitment.

Political parties have strongly criticized police actions against Kashmiri journalists. They describe the summoning of reporters and demands for bonds as a ew low and an attempt to intimidate and silence independent voices. This comes amid reports of journalists being questioned for their coverage of sensitive issues in the region. The actions are seen as a threat to press freedom.