The Times of India

The case stemmed from the allocation in Maharashtras Bandar and led to the first CBI chargesheet in the larger coal block controversy dating back to the time Congress-led UPA was in office. The FIR was filed in 2012 and the chargesheet in 2014. Judge Sunena Sharma held that there was no proof of criminal conspiracy, noting the case was based on conjectures and lacked evidence of a meeting of minds or illegal agreement.

A bench of Justices Sanjay Karol and N K Singh expressed concern that despite statutory safeguards and repeated directions from SC, such lapses persist. The court made the observation while convicting a rape accused, noting that the name of the minor survivor was mentioned in lower court orders. The court rejected the argument of the womans family.

The PM is scheduled to arrive at the airport at 11.30am on Saturday, go on a walkthrough of the terminal building, and formally inaugurate the airport around noon before addressing a public gathering. The event is expected to draw large crowds from Noida, Greater Noida, Ghaziabad, Bulandshahr and other parts of western UP. Three pandals have been set up to accommodate more than one lakh people.

Ships in the region are reporting repeated radio broadcasts over maritime channels warning vessels against transit. Attention all ships This is the Sepah Navy navigation through Strait of Hormuz is forbidden no ship is allowed to pass until further notice, the radio messages repeatedly blare. Crews attributed these announcements to Irans Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) Navy.

In a letter to chief secretaries of states and UTs, petroleum secretary Neeraj Mittal said only those industrial units that have registered with oil marketing companies, declaring the end use of gas cylinders, and have also signed up for the piped gas network will be eligible for the additional quota of LPG. He added that if LPG is used by certain industrial units for special purposes that cannot be substituted by natural gas, such requirements would stand waived.

Home minister Shah accused opposition parties of spreading panic over the West Asia crisis, including the claim that a lockdown may be imposed. I want to assure everyone. Do not fear, nothing will happen. We have adequate reserves of petroleum products, he said. While many countries had taken emergency measures, India was working to tide over the crisis without compromising the daily lives of people, he said, adding that it had ensured regular gas supply to homemakers.

Jaishankar said on X he raised Global Souths concerns about energy challenges, fertiliser supplies and food security in the session on global governance. The uncertainties arising from the conflict in West Asia only make a stronger case for more resilient trade corridors and supply chains, he said. Jaishankar said on X Indias FTAs with the EU, EFTA members and the UK have enhanced the utility of IMEC.

A study published in Science Advances by Baylor College of Medicine has uncovered a hidden brain pathway that helps explain how metformin lowers blood sugar, offering fresh insight into a medicine used for over six decades. For years, metformin was believed to act mainly on the liver and gut. The new research shows it also works through the ventromedial hypothalamus a small but crucial brain region that controls hunger, energy use and glucose balance.

The bill introduced in Lok Sabha on Friday proposes to amend Section-11 of the Public Premises (Eviction of Unauthorised Occupants) Act that at present provides for six months jail or with Rs 5,000 penalty or both. As per the proposal, the fine would be 5% of land value for every year of occupation or both penalty and jail. Officials said this would deter encroachment and check land grabbing.

Our supreme leader issued a fatwa. He said nuclear weapons are forbidden, haraam. So, we don't have it. We don't want to have it. We are not looking for it, said Ilahi. Ending the war in West Asia depends on countries that started it, he said. He dismissed Pakistans claim that it was mediating between Iran and the US.

While he focused on preparing for prolonged disruption of supply lines, Modi also conveyed assurance about the country being in good stead, saying efforts...in recent years to strengthen Indias economic and supply systems have proved beneficial. In his virtual meeting with CMs except those of Assam, West Bengal, Tamil Nadu, Kerala and Puducherry where assembly polls are due next month on Friday, PM Modi said while addressing a challenge is a shared responsibility.

The windfall tax will also help the Centre partly offset the impact of the excise duty cut. Central Board of Indirect Taxes and Customs chairman Vivek Chaturvedi said the windfall tax on exports will result in a gain of about Rs 1,500 crore in the first fortnight while the govt will have to forgo over Rs 7,000 crore in revenue because of the excise duty cut. He said the export tax will be reviewed fortnightly.

The conversation focused on the evolving situation in West Asia, with both leaders emphasising the importance of keeping the Strait of Hormuz open, secure and accessible. The key maritime corridor handles a significant share of global oil shipments and remains critical to international energy markets. However, it remains unclear why Musk was included in the call or whether he spoke.

Multiple avalanches struck the SrinagarLeh national highway on Friday, resulting in the tragic deaths of seven people and injuring five others. The avalanches hit the stretch between Zero Point and Minimarg, trapping several vehicles. Rescue operations are underway, with officials personally monitoring the situation and providing assistance.

Tragedy struck Zoji La in Ladakh on Friday as an avalanche claimed at least seven lives and left several injured. The devastating snowslide also caused a significant disruption, blocking the vital Srinagar-Leh highway and halting traffic. Immediate rescue and relief operations are in full swing, with authorities expressing deep sorrow and offering condolences to affected families.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi held a virtual meeting with Chief Ministers. The focus was on the Middle East conflict's impact on fuel supply, inflation, and logistics. Discussions aimed to ensure coordinated action between the Centre and states. Preparedness for potential disruptions and maintaining stability in essential sectors were key. Contingency planning for fuel availability and price pressures was also reviewed.

Panjab University's Vice-Chancellor, Prof Renu Cheema Vig, has secured a four-month extension, averting a leadership vacuum. The Centre issued the notification just before her tenure ended, ensuring administrative continuity. This development comes amid delays in forming a new selection committee, granting authorities more time to appoint a regular VC.

India has strongly criticized Pakistan Army chief Asim Munir's reported remarks telling Shias to go to Iran, labeling it as part of the systemic victimization of minorities. The MEA spokesperson highlighted the shrinking minority numbers in Pakistan as evidence of decades of fear and oppression by the state.

Uttarakhand Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami met Prime Minister Narendra Modi in Delhi, highlighting the state's development progress and seeking support for key infrastructure and connectivity projects. Dhami extended an invitation to the Prime Minister to visit Uttarakhand and presented him with local specialties. The meeting also covered initiatives in tourism, spiritual economy, and entrepreneurship.

Rajnath Singh will lead a new inter-ministerial group addressing the Middle East conflict's impact. Union ministers Amit Shah, Nirmala Sitharaman, and Hardeep Singh Puri are members. The group will focus on energy security, supply chains, and global order disruptions. Prime Minister Narendra Modi announced seven empowered groups to assess and mitigate economic effects.

National Conference MLAs protested the killing of former Iranian Supreme Leader Ayatollah Khamenei and US-Israel military actions in Iran within the Jammu and Kashmir Assembly. The protest led to a scuffle with BJP MLAs, prompting an adjournment. Chief Minister Omar Abdullah condemned the conflict, stating regime change cannot be achieved through military bombardment.

The Indian Army is bolstering its armoured regiments with dedicated drone units, 'Shaurya Squadrons', to enhance surveillance, precision strikes, and electronic warfare. Recently tested in a realistic battle scenario, these units aim to significantly boost battlefield awareness and response times for tank formations. This move reflects lessons learned from global drone-centric conflicts.

The Supreme Court has ruled that vague and unsupported allegations are insufficient to initiate criminal proceedings, quashing a dowry harassment case against an elderly couple. The bench emphasized that citizens must be vigilant about their rights and take timely action, especially in matrimonial disputes, as delays can cast aspersions on a case.

The Supreme Court ruled that if a private vehicle is requisitioned by a district administration and meets with an accident, the government, not the insurance company, is liable for compensation. The court stated that the owner is divested of custody and control during requisition, making the requisitioning authority responsible for incidents.

Elderly individuals, especially those frail or with limited life expectancy, may no longer need all their long-term medications. A global review suggests carefully stopping some drugs can be safe, reducing risks like falls and confusion. Doctors emphasize a shift towards patient-centered care, where medication reduction, when supervised, can improve well-being and energy levels.

Iran has permitted India to use the Strait of Hormuz, allowing 20 Indian cargo vessels and 18 LPG tankers to pass. This decision, following diplomatic efforts by India, eases concerns about energy supply disruptions. Iran stated that ships linked to its adversaries will be denied passage through the strategic waterway.

Union Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw highlighted the global challenge of social media's adverse effects on children. He also discussed the significant global impact of the West Asia conflict, asserting India's strong economic position. Vaishnaw criticized the opposition for what he termed a low level of political discourse. He stated that India's growth story remains robust.

India is actively participating in global discussions for 6G technology standards, a significant shift from previous generations. Communication Minister Jyotiraditya Scindia highlighted India's new role as a partner in setting international telecom standards. The Bharat 6G Alliance, formed in 2024, now boasts 85 members, underscoring the nation's commitment to shaping future communication networks.

The government has ruled out restrictions on petrol and diesel sales, assuring citizens of ample oil and gas availability and robust import arrangements. Despite global fuel use curbs and misinformation-driven queues, India's petroleum and LPG supply remains secure and under control, with reserves and ongoing procurements ensuring uninterrupted dispensing at all retail outlets.

Prime Minister Modi is set to convene a video conference with Chief Ministers, excluding those from poll-bound states, to assess national readiness for potential disruptions stemming from the West Asia conflict. The Team India spirit will guide discussions on energy supply concerns and preparedness, with the cabinet secretariat to engage excluded states separately.

India's diplomatic prowess in West Asia is highlighted by its ability to engage all parties in the conflict, according to Minister Kiren Rijiju. He emphasized that the nation's safe passage of ships and high-level dialogues with global leaders demonstrate its active role, countering claims of being a bystander.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi highlighted the media's crucial role in fostering public awareness and national unity at the Times Now Summit 2026. He emphasized that platforms like Times Group are vital in informing citizens, shaping discourse, and amplifying India's global voice.

Congress criticized the Modi government's foreign policy, stating that he self-styled Vishwaguru's diplomacy has transformed a roken country into a broker country. The party spokesperson highlighted India's extreme embarrassment and regional diplomacy setback as Pakistan emerges as a mediator in the West Asia war, despite its history of terrorism and nuclear proliferation.

The Supreme Court has cautioned high courts against granting bail in dowry death cases, deeming a Patna High Court order unsustainable. The bench emphasized the gravity of dowry deaths, a social evil causing thousands of women's unnatural deaths, and directed the accused husband to surrender.

Foreign airlines are boosting India routes as Gulf carriers scale back operations. SWISS is adding a second daily flight to Delhi, while British Airways will offer a third daily service from Delhi and Mumbai. These expansions aim to satisfy robust travel demand, with airlines reallocating capacity due to the evolving West Asia situation.

Domestic air travel is poised for a significant price increase this summer, mirroring international flight costs. A 12% reduction in weekly domestic flights, coupled with the removal of fare caps and anticipated Aviation Turbine Fuel hikes, will drive up ticket prices. Only financially robust airlines are expected to maintain operations as demand and operating costs fluctuate.

Poll inducements worth over Rs 400 crore have been seized across poll-bound states and UTs since February 26. This includes significant amounts of cash, liquor, drugs, precious metals, and other freebies. Tamil Nadu leads with the highest seizure value, as the Election Commission reviews poll readiness and deploys enforcement teams.

Over 140 legal professionals and activists have urged President Murmu to reject the Transgender Persons (Protection of Rights) Amendment Bill, 2026. They argue the bill, passed hastily, violates constitutional rights by removing the right to self-perceived gender identity and introducing a medical board for identity certificates, potentially excluding marginalized transgender individuals from essential protections.

Delhi leads national parties in donations for FY 2024-25, contributing Rs 2,639.4 crore. Maharashtra and Gujarat follow with significant contributions. The Association for Democratic Reforms report highlights a substantial increase in total donations, with corporate entities being the primary source.

CBI has registered a bank fraud case against former Reliance Telecom directors Satish Seth and Gautam Doshi, along with public servants, following a complaint by State Bank of India. The alleged fraud amounts to Rs 115 crore. Searches were conducted at the directors' residences, and documents related to loan transactions were recovered.

China's envoy to India, Xu Feihong, asserted that India and China's progress stems from their people's efforts, not external aid, subtly countering US remarks. He urged win-win cooperation and cautioned against those seeking to sow discord between the neighbours. Xu also highlighted the need for China and India to champion developing nations amidst rising global challenges.

Fugitive jeweller Nirav Modi has lost his final bid to reopen his extradition appeal in London. Judges expressed concern over the use of 'proscribed treatment' to obtain confessions in India, but stated they would have reopened the appeal were it not for government assurances. Modi now faces extradition within a month, with limited avenues for further legal challenge.

J&K police's economic offences wing raided three locations in Srinagar and Budgam in connection with an alleged fraud. Two men are accused of issuing fake medical procurement orders and impersonating government officials to siphon off funds during the Covid-19 pandemic. A Delhi-based firm filed a complaint alleging deceitful inducement for medical supplies, leading to the recovery of evidence.

In Shopian's Hirapora village, 55-year-old Ulfat Bano has been Kashmir's first postwoman for over three decades, delivering mail on foot through challenging terrain and harsh winters. Despite the physical toll, her passion for connecting people fuels her dedication. She finds immense satisfaction in bringing good news and parcels to her community, viewing her work as a vital service.

Counter Intelligence Kashmir busted a terror recruitment module with links to handlers across the LoC and Bangladesh. Raids across three districts yielded incriminating materials. A Bangladesh-based LeT operative, Shabir Ahmad Lone, allegedly coordinated recruitment and network expansion, operating as a most wanted terrorist from abroad. An associate was previously arrested.