The Times of India News

A 68-year-old Mumbai woman was defrauded of Rs 3.75 crore by scammers who impersonated 'Justice Chandrachud' and staged a mock virtual court hearing. The fraudsters used high-pressure tactics, including demanding an essay about her life, to extract funds. Police have arrested one man in Gujarat for receiving a portion of the stolen money.

A 34-year legal battle over an ITDC employee's job termination concluded with the Supreme Court awarding 50% back wages to his family. The employee, D K Sharma, passed away a year before the apex court's verdict, which sided with him after a protracted journey through labor courts and the High Court.

India is poised to approve genome-edited mustard, potentially boosting oil production and reducing pungency, following the release of similar rice varieties. This advancement in gene-editing technology, distinct from GM crops, is being evaluated in trials and signifies India's move towards diversifying its agricultural landscape amidst opposition to GM crops.

Himachal Pradesh Chief Minister Sukhvinder Sukhu's appeal led to the Resident Doctors Association of IGMC-Shimla ending their strike. Following assurances of a detailed inquiry and a review of Dr. Raghav Narula's termination, doctors are set to resume duties. The CM acknowledged the strike, stating government decisions are open to review.

A Jalandhar man's search for his brother in Moscow has revealed a grim reality: at least ten Indians, including three from Punjab, have died fighting for the Russian army in Ukraine, with four others missing. Jagdeep Kumar, who made two trips to Russia, has obtained official confirmation of these deaths and is now working to repatriate the bodies.

Congress leader Shashi Tharoor backed Digvijaya Singh's call for organizational strengthening and discipline within the party. Singh's earlier praise for the RSS-BJP's organizational prowess had sparked debate. Tharoor emphasized the need for a robust Congress, while Singh asserted party unity and his opposition to BJP-RSS ideology. Salman Khurshid, however, stated the Congress doesn't need to learn from the RSS.

Congress leader Jairam Ramesh questioned Environment Minister Bhupender Yadav on the new Aravalli definition ahead of a Supreme Court hearing. He highlighted concerns about ecological integrity, citing FSI reports that emphasized the protective role of even smaller hill formations against desertification. Ramesh also pointed to past definitions and a CEC report on mining leases within the Aravallis.

'Consult docs, stay away from self-medication'

A former MBBS doctor, known as Dr. Rafiq, built a clandestine medical system for Maoists and Adivasis in Chhattisgarh's Bastar. He performed surgeries with limited resources, trained medics, and documented treatments for battlefield injuries and common ailments. Revered by locals, his network continues to function even after his departure, blending traditional knowledge with modern medicine.

The Supreme Court has consistently safeguarded the Aravalis for two decades, banning mining and groundwater extraction. Despite PMO interventions to prevent dilution of construction norms in ecologically sensitive zones, recent government reports appear to favor mining. Activists highlight ongoing efforts, particularly from Haryana, to permit non-forest activities under the guise of recreation, challenging the court's conservation directives.

Congress celebrated its 140th foundation day with leaders asserting the party's enduring ideology. Mallikarjun Kharge declared, Congress is an ideology and ideologies never die, while Rahul Gandhi called it he voice of India's soul. The party vowed to fight for truth, courage, and the Constitution against injustice and dictatorship, urging workers to build a mass movement for MGNREGA's restoration.

India is advancing its hydropower potential on the Chenab River with the approval of the 260 MW Dulhasti State-II project in Jammu & Kashmir. This strategic move, following the suspension of the Indus Waters Treaty, aims to harness the river's untapped capacity. The project, an extension of an existing facility, will contribute to India's hydropower generation goals.

Tripura CM Manik Saha has urged Uttarakhand counterpart Pushkar Singh Dhami to ensure justice for Anjel Chakma, a 24-year-old student from Tripura who tragically died after a racially motivated assault in Dehradun. Five suspects are arrested, with a manhunt for a sixth underway. Authorities are also seeking a fugitive in Nepal.

India's DRDO has equipped the Army with advanced camouflage software and a multispectral tank decoy to counter modern enemy detection. These technologies, developed after recent conflicts, help soldiers and equipment evade surveillance across visible, infrared, and radar spectrums. This boosts battlefield deception and survival, crucial for modern warfare.

Prime Minister Modi urged chief secretaries to prevent Maoism's resurgence in liberated areas by accelerating infrastructure and welfare projects. He emphasized all-round development, including rehabilitation for surrendered individuals, to ensure they remain in the mainstream. The PM also called for deregulation cells to boost reforms and improve ease of living and doing business.

The government is preparing to defend its new rural employment scheme, VB-G RAM G, against Congress protests. Ministers have been briefed on its advantages, including 125 guaranteed workdays and durable asset creation, aiming to boost local livelihoods and curb migration. Normative funding ensures predictable allocations, contrasting with previous models.

Authorities detained Srinagar MP Aga Ruhullah Mehdi and PDP leader Waheed Parra, halting a student protest against J&K's revised reservation policy. The changes, granting a 10% quota to Pahari-speaking people, have sparked debate over reduced open merit shares.

Ladakh's pristine cold desert faces a crisis as feral dogs, numbering nearly 45,000, threaten endangered wildlife like snow leopards and Pallas's cats. Human activities, including increased tourism and unmanaged waste, have fueled their rapid multiplication. Conservationists warn these canines, now outnumbering native predators, pose a significant ecological threat and have even attacked humans.

Latchiya Jananayaka Katchi (LJK) has expressed interest in an alliance with Tamilaga Vettri Kazhagam (TVK) for the 2026 Assembly elections. LJK leader Jose Charles Martin cited Vijay's stance against corruption as a reason for the potential partnership. He also clarified earlier criticisms of Vijay's political messaging, attributing it to the actor's aides.

India plans to establish coal exchanges to foster competitive markets for surplus thermal fuel as production is projected to exceed 1.5 billion tonnes by 2030. The Coal Controller Organisation will register and regulate these exchanges, facilitating commodity trading. This move aligns with policy reforms leading to increased domestic coal availability and demand.

A SWISS Airbus A330 en route from Zurich to Mumbai declared a PAN PAN urgency message due to a cabin pressurisation snag. The pilot safely landed the aircraft in Mumbai, with a spokesperson confirming no danger to passengers or crew. The plane was inspected and cleared for its return flight as scheduled.

Over 25 lakh households have now installed rooftop solar under the PM Surya Ghar Muft Bijli Yojana, receiving cleaner energy and reduced electricity bills. Launched in February 2024, the scheme aims for 1 crore installations by FY 2026-27, with subsidies up to Rs 78,000 available.

A Congress-run local club near Thalassery was vandalized on Saturday night, with the party alleging CPM workers were responsible due to their election defeat. Furniture, flags, posters, and a Mahatma Gandhi portrait were damaged at the Priyadarshini Club, which served as a Congress election office. Police have registered a case and are investigating the incident.

Rajasthan has launched 'e-Swasthya Samvad', a digital platform to enhance governance and transparency in medical education. This initiative, directed by the Chief Minister and Medical Education Minister, aims to improve health services through technology. The platform will facilitate bi-weekly video conferences connecting all stakeholders for faster decision-making and effective program implementation.

Meghalaya security agencies have refuted claims by Bangladesh Police that killers of student leader Sharif Osman Hadi entered India. Officials stated there is no evidence of any individual crossing the border from the Haluaghat sector into Meghalaya, with the BSF maintaining high alert and constant surveillance.

Right-wing activists disrupted a birthday party in Bareilly, falsely accusing two Muslim guests of love jihad despite most attendees being Hindu. Police booked the Muslim guests and a cafe staffer for breach of peace, though an inquiry found no wrongdoing by the students. The victim stated the love jihad claim was unfounded.

Digvijaya Singh asserted Congress unity amidst a BJP controversy over his praise for the RSS's organizational strength. He accused the BJP of trying to divide the Nehru-Gandhi family, emphasizing the party's solidarity. Singh clarified his stance, stating his opposition to the RSS and PM Modi while supporting a strong organizational framework.

In 2025, women emerged as the decisive force, shaping outcomes across various spheres. From Operation Sindoor's symbolic and active response to terror, to women voters determining Bihar's fate, their influence was undeniable. New women leaders reshaped global politics, athletes dominated sports, and Roshni Nadar redefined economic power, marking a year of profound change.

The National Medical Commission is establishing a national pool of government medical college faculty for surprise inspections to enhance scrutiny of medical institutions. This initiative, starting with 2026-27 academic year approvals, aims to ensure compliance with norms and maintain quality as medical seats expand. Assessors will be compensated and their inspection days treated as official duty.

Why the Matua-Namasudra community views politics the way it does becomes clearer when one looks beyond electoral arithmetic, beyond BJP versus Trinamool Congress (TMC), and even before the creation of Bangladesh. The Matua movement, by the early twentieth century, had become as much a social force as a religious one.

Senior Congress leader Digvijay Singh's praise for the RSS's organizational strength sparked internal debate within the party. While Singh admired the RSS's ability to elevate grassroots workers, several Congress leaders dismissed the comparison, emphasizing their party's Gandhian roots and opposing the RSS ideology.

Nothing seems to deter cybercriminals from striking at will and defrauding unsuspecting victims. Diffused networks and transnational cartels put them virtually beyond the reach of police across states. Now, SC has asked CBI to crack down on fraudsters. The hope is that the central agency has the reach and teeth to make an impact 22,846 cr

A tragic accident claimed the life of a 30-year-old engineer in Mumbai. A speeding MSRTC bus struck him while he stood by his parked scooter. The Motor Accident Claims Tribunal ordered the transport corporation to pay over Rs 2.21 crore to his grieving family, citing driver negligence.

A 17-year-old domestic violence case took an unexpected turn when a woman's current husband testified, confirming her second marriage. This revelation led a Borivli court to rule she was no longer entitled to maintenance from her ex-husband, effectively ending her claim for protection and monetary relief initiated in 2009.

A group of over 70 Indians, defying age and physical limitations, are embracing adventure. From skydiving and scuba diving to trekking in Antarctica, these seniors are living life to the fullest. Couples like the Kotharis, Thakors, and Vakils are proving that age is merely a number, prioritizing experiences and curiosity over potential hardships, with their bucket lists still growing.

A nine-year-old boy, Ajay Raj Nishad, received the Pradhan Mantri Rashtriya Bal Puraskar for his bravery after saving his father from a crocodile attack in the Chambal river. Armed with a stick, Ajay struck the predator's eye, forcing it to release his father. Inspired by the award ceremony, Ajay aspires to join the defence forces.

A 24-year-old MBA student from Tripura tragically died after confronting men who hurled racial slurs at him and his brother in Dehradun. The brutal stabbing occurred when the victim asserted his Indian identity. The incident has sparked outrage and calls for justice, with protests erupting across the northeast and student organizations demanding a national law against racial hate crimes.

BJP alleges Congress is a mouthpiece for anti-India global forces, citing Sam Pitroda's confirmation of the party's membership in George Soros-linked Global Progressive Alliance. Rahul Gandhi's role in its presidium is highlighted, questioning his foreign visits and meetings with anti-India entities. BJP demands answers on Congress's priorities.

The CBI has urged the Supreme Court to overturn a Delhi High Court decision that excluded MLA Kuldeep Singh Sengar from being prosecuted under the POCSO Act. Citing the L K Advani case, the CBI argued that lawmakers, as public servants, should face stricter penalties for offenses involving children, emphasizing their public trust and authority.

Himachal Pradesh government hospitals saw services halt Saturday as doctors struck indefinitely. They demand the reinstatement of a doctor sacked for assaulting a patient, arguing his side was ignored. While emergency care continues, non-urgent procedures are postponed, causing significant patient hardship. Officials are working towards a resolution.

Rural development minister Shivraj Chouhan has accused the Congress of spreading misinformation about the VB-G RAM G law, alleging they previously cut MGNREGA's budget and froze wages. He stated the new act ensures transparency and tangible benefits for workers, countering claims of removing Mahatma Gandhi's ideals. Chouhan asserted the VB-G RAM G Act embodies Gandhian principles for rural development.

Congress leader Digvijaya Singh's praise for the RSS-BJP's organizational prowess, highlighting Modi's grassroots rise, sparked internal debate during a CWC meeting. Singh advocated for decentralization within Congress, criticizing its over-centralized structure. The BJP seized on his remarks to attack the Congress leadership, contrasting their approach with Modi's rise.

CWC chalks out campaign from January 5 to force restoration of scheme

Tragedy struck on the Srinagar-Jammu highway as CBI prosecutor Sheikh Adil Nabi, 35, lost his life in a collision near Banihal. His car was struck from behind by a speeding Scorpio. Police have apprehended the Scorpio's driver, Mohammad Shafi, in connection with the incident.

Sajad Lone criticized Mirwaiz Umar Farooq's decision to remove his Hurriyat chairman title from X, calling it a surrender for protocol and security. Lone accused the cleric of double standards, recalling past vilification. Mirwaiz cited UAPA bans and restricted communication as reasons for his Hobson's choice. PDP and NC supported Mirwaiz, blaming authorities.

Protesters in Jammu demanded the cancellation of MBBS admissions at SMVDIME, citing that 42 out of 50 seats went to Muslim candidates. Activists, joined by BJP members and trade leaders, argued for Hindu-only reservations. The Sangharsh Samiti vows to continue the protest until their demands, linked to faith, are met.