The Times of India

India is grappling with a severe shortage of bitumen, threatening the pace of road construction and upkeep amid ongoing tensions in West Asia. Prices for key VG-40 bitumen have skyrocketed, nearly doubling, while available supplies have plummeted.

Parents of 'Cockroach Janta Party' founder Abhijeet Dipke express deep anxiety over his viral political satire platform, fearing legal trouble and arrest. Dipke, a Boston University student, launched the campaign a week ago, amassing millions of followers. His parents urge him to abandon politics for a safer career, citing his own expressed fears of detention upon returning to India.

Twisha Sharma's family questions husband Samarth Singh's anticipatory bail plea amid dowry harassment and suicide allegations. They accuse his mother, a retired judge, of intimidation and question the delay in FIR registration. Police have issued a Look Out Circular for Samarth, who claims the prosecution's case is based on 'imagination'.

Tamil Nadu Chief Minister M.K. Stalin expanded his cabinet, inducting Vanni Arasu from VCK and AM Shahjahan from IUML. This move strengthens coalition representation, bringing the total number of ministers to 33. The expansion follows a recent reshuffle, with key portfolios like Finance and Revenue reassigned.

In a strategic move, the US is pushing to wrap up a trade deal with India that seeks to expand market access and lower trade obstacles, aiming for a remarkable $500 billion in trade by 2030. This agreement is set to bolster supply chain resiliency and attract foreign investments.

India's space regulator is offering full technology transfer for the reliable PSLV rocket to private firms, aiming to boost commercial launches. This follows a similar move for the SSLV. Despite delays in the first industry-built PSLV and SSLV, the government seeks an industry-driven launch ecosystem, signaling a major shift from ISRO's production model.

NTA chief Abhishek Singh told a parliamentary panel the NEET-UG 2026 paper didn't leak through their system, with the CBI now investigating. Officials presented reforms, noting 70% of Radhakrishnan Committee recommendations are implemented. Concerns over staff shortages and future computer-based testing were also raised during the meeting.

The Calcutta High Court has upheld the West Bengal government's restrictions on slaughtering certain animals ahead of Bakr Eid. The court found the notification aligned with previous directives, emphasizing that cow sacrifice isn't a mandatory Islamic practice. Authorities must now decide on exemptions within 24 hours, ensuring proper certification and infrastructure for any permitted slaughter.

Umar Khalid has approached the Delhi High Court seeking 15 days' interim bail to attend his uncle's Chehlum ceremony and care for his mother undergoing surgery. A trial court had previously denied his request, deeming the ceremony ot that necessary and suggesting other family members could assist.

India is pivoting towards Europe as traditional partnerships become unreliable. The burgeoning India-Italy relationship, spearheaded by Prime Ministers Modi and Meloni, is central to this strategy. This partnership is building crucial economic architecture, including the India-Middle East-Europe Economic Corridor and a potential EU Free Trade Agreement, positioning Europe as India's primary strategic focus.

Rahul Gandhi has demanded Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan's resignation over the NEET paper leak, accusing the Centre of neglecting student concerns. He pledged the Congress's continued fight for affected students, advocating for a robust examination system.

India's beloved chai faces unprecedented challenges. Climate stress, rising costs, and global conflicts are impacting tea production and exports, making your daily cup more expensive. Despite these pressures, the nation's deep emotional connection to tea, a symbol of hospitality and connection, ensures its enduring cultural significance.

Union Minister Piyush Goyal strongly criticized Rahul Gandhi and the Congress party for using derogatory language against Prime Minister Narendra Modi. Goyal emphasized India's enhanced global reputation and robust strategic partnerships, citing strong ties with the US and significant investment deals secured during Prime Minister Modi's recent foreign visits. These engagements underscore India's growing influence and trusted partnership status worldwide.

Karnataka Deputy Chief Minister DK Shivakumar stated that ime will decide his potential elevation to Chief Minister, amidst growing speculation of a leadership change in the state's Congress government. This comes as the Siddaramaiah-led government approaches a significant milestone, fueling discussions about a possible power-sharing arrangement.

Following the Madhya Pradesh High Court's verdict recognizing Dhar's Bhojshala complex as Goddess Vagdevi's temple, Hindu petitioners have filed new pleas. They are demanding free entry for devotees, further excavation, and the opening of a locked room, asserting the court's order necessitates unrestricted access and removal of 'unauthorised Islamic symbols'.

The notification, issued by the states Personnel and Administrative Reforms Department on Wednesday night and signed by chief secretary Manoj Kumar Agarwal, said the restrictions are in line with provisions under the All India Services (Conduct) Rules, 1968, the West Bengal Service (Duties, Rights and Obligations of Government Employees) Rules, 1980, and the West Bengal Government Servants Conduct Rules, 1959.