The Times of India

Congress leader Jairam Ramesh attacked the Centre over the proposed India-US interim trade pact, calling it Abki baar Trump se haar and demanding it be put in cold storage and renegotiated. He warned agri import liberalisation would hurt farmers across states and questioned the deals timing amid US tariff turmoil after a Supreme Court ruling against Donald Trumps earlier measures.

Prime Minister Modi, in his Mann Ki Baat address, highlighted AI's role in animal healthcare and agriculture, showcasing innovations at the AI Impact Summit. He also remembered Jayalalithaa, urged embracing Indian culture over foreign influences, and cautioned against digital fraud, emphasizing the importance of local products and organ donation.

Eight individuals with alleged links to Pakistan's ISI and Bangladesh-based extremist groups were apprehended in Tamil Nadu and West Bengal. Intelligence reports indicated a potential terror plot targeting Delhi's Red Fort and prominent temples. The arrests followed specific inputs about a module planning subversive activities, with digital materials being analyzed to uncover a wider network.

Brazilian President Lula da Silva was touched by India's musical tribute during his state visit, recalling a similar gesture he made for PM Modi in Brazil. The visit saw both leaders aiming to boost bilateral trade to $20 billion in five years and signing agreements on rare earth minerals, digital partnership, and mining cooperation.

Nine states in Phase 2 of the special intensive revision (SIR) have seen their combined electorate drop by 7.9% to 19.7 crore. Over 1.7 crore electors were removed, with Andaman & Nicobar and Gujarat experiencing the steepest declines. Three states are yet to publish their final rolls.

Union Home Minister Amit Shah vowed to remove infiltrators from Assam's electoral rolls and deport them within five years if the BJP returns to power. He accused the opposition of turning infiltrators into a vote bank, claiming they encroached on vast tracts of land.

India and Brazil inked a critical minerals agreement and set a $30 billion trade target by 2030, aiming to build resilient supply chains and reduce dependence on China. Leaders also discussed UN reforms and technology cooperation, emphasizing Global South solidarity and shared progress.

Niti Aayog CEO BVR Subrahmanyam emphasized that states must now lead the reform charge for India to achieve developed nation status by 2047, as the Centre has completed most of its crucial tasks. He highlighted that land, labor, electricity, water, and roads are all state subjects, directly impacting growth outcomes.

Opposition leaders and Congress allies have criticised the Indian Youth Congress's semi-nude protest at the AI Impact Summit, deeming it inappropriate and shameful on an international stage. Around 10 IYC workers were detained for raising slogans against PM Modi, wearing T-shirts with controversial slogans, sparking widespread condemnation for tarnishing the country's image.

Delhi's chief minister Rekha Gupta has launched an advanced digital initiative, the 'CM Jansunwai Portal' and its accompanying mobile app, empowering citizens to voice their concerns with just a few clicks. This new platform is designed to promote clarity and accelerate the handling of public complaints.

Prime Minister Modi emphasized self-reliance for India's technological future, highlighting the critical role of 'Made in India' chips. A new Rs 3,700 crore joint venture between HCL and Foxconn will establish an Outsourced Semiconductor Assembly & Test facility in Greater Noida, aiming to produce display driver chips and boost India's manufacturing prowess.

Clashes erupted between BJP and Congress workers during a BJP protest against an Indian Youth Congress (IYC) demonstration at the India AI Impact Summit. Stone-pelting occurred, leading to police intervention and injuries. Four IYC workers were arrested and sent to police custody for investigation into a potential larger conspiracy.

A special POCSO court in Prayagraj has ordered the police to register an FIR against Swami Avimukteshwaranand Saraswati and his disciple over sexual exploitation allegations. This directive follows a complaint filed by Ashutosh Brahmachari Maharaj. The move occurs amidst ongoing controversy surrounding Swami Avimukteshwaranand, including a recent protest over being prevented from a ritual dip at Sangam.

NCP (SP) leader Rohit Pawar has urged Prime Minister Narendra Modi to seek the resignation of Civil Aviation Minister K Ram Mohan Naidu pending an inquiry into the January 28 plane crash that killed Ajit Pawar. Pawar alleged potential links between the aircraft's owner, VSR, and the minister's party, demanding an independent probe into the incident and possible conspiracy.

BJP staged nationwide protests after Indian Youth Congress workers disrupted the India AI Impact Summit, displaying slogans against PM Modi. Four IYC leaders were arrested. BJP workers also showed black flags to Rahul Gandhi in Mumbai, accusing the Congress of an 'anti-national' act and demanding an apology for the 'shameful' summit disruption.

Updates in marriage rules proposed by state govt give role to parents, but caste and village bodies have drawn up their own codes laying down fines, boycott, etc for those marrying outside the community.

Over Half Dead Or Disabled In Three Months

A viral video from Indore showed a woman attacked on child-lifting suspicion. This incident led to a surprising reunion. Her daughter, seeing the clip, traveled to Indore. She found her mother, Rekha Devi, who had been missing for over a year and a half. Rekha Devi had gone missing from Meerut after family tragedies.

Defeated candidates in Telangana are reportedly demanding cash and gifts back from voters after municipal election results. Viral videos show confrontations as residents refuse to return items distributed during campaigns. Incidents have been reported across multiple districts, highlighting post-poll tensions and alleged vote-buying practices.

A Kerala court has handed life sentences to five men for the brutal 2016 murder of a 42-year-old man in a moral policing incident. The judge described the lynching as akin to terrorism. The convicts, found guilty of murder and rioting, were also given additional rigorous imprisonment and fines. Crucial evidence included visuals of the assault recorded by some accused.

Congress leader Rahul Gandhi appeared in a Sultanpur court Friday to record his statement in a 2018 defamation case concerning remarks against Union Home Minister Amit Shah. Gandhi asserted the allegations were politically motivated and aimed at damaging his and his party's image. He denied using derogatory language, calling the complaint a distortion.

The Union home ministry has formed a second empowered committee in West Bengal to expedite citizenship applications under the CAA. This move comes as the volume of applications has surged, particularly from the Matua community. The new committee, headed by the deputy registrar general, aims to share the workload and reduce processing times for eligible immigrants.

A six-year-old girl's murder case saw her stepfather acquitted by the Supreme Court. The court found the evidence weak, citing a botched investigation. The stepfather was the last person seen with the child. His statement leading to the discovery of her remains was deemed inadmissible. The court highlighted the lack of corpus delicti and specified time of death.