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The Times of India News

Politics / The Times of India

Rajasthan district schools forcing kids to dress as Santa to face action

An official order in Rajasthan's Sriganganagar district has cautioned private schools against compelling students to dress as Santa Claus for Christmas. The order cited the area's predominantly Sanatan population and the lack of justification for such programs, following a complaint from a Hindu nationalist group. The state education minister's office clarified the decision was local.

24 Dec 2025 5:53 am
Day after Punjab ex-IG's suicide bid, FIR filed over Rs 8cr fraud

A retired Punjab IG, Amar Singh Chahal, attempted suicide after an alleged Rs 8 crore online fraud. Scammers posing as wealth managers lured him with fake investment returns via WhatsApp and Telegram. Chahal, who borrowed heavily, detailed his distress in a note to the DGP. Police have frozen 25 bank accounts and are investigating the digital trail.

24 Dec 2025 5:50 am
22 Chhattisgarh Reds lay down arms in Odisha

Odisha's enhanced surrender package, offering nearly 20% higher rewards than Chhattisgarh, enticed 22 Maoist insurgents to lay down arms. This mass surrender, including 10 women and weapons valued over Rs 2 crore, marks a significant blow to the CPI (Maoist) ahead of the Centre's deadline to end left-wing extremism.

24 Dec 2025 5:38 am
Rahul Gandhi losing support within Congress, allies and even family: BJP

The BJP attacked Rahul Gandhi, citing comments from CPM MP John Brittas and Congress MP Imran Masood, to claim he is losing support within his party, allies, and even family. The party alleged that remarks from Robert Vadra and others signal a show of no-confidence in Rahul's leadership, prompting his foreign visit and anti-India remarks.

24 Dec 2025 5:34 am
Imran Masood backtracks from Priyanka Gandhi remark, says Rahul Gandhi is the leader

Congress MP Imran Masood clarified his remarks on Priyanka Gandhi Vadra, stating Rahul Gandhi is the acknowledged leader of the party. Masood's initial comment, suggesting Hindus wouldn't face persecution in Bangladesh if Priyanka were PM, had sparked a row and was seized upon by the BJP. The party is wary of Rahul vs Priyanka headlines.

24 Dec 2025 5:30 am
G RAM G will help farmers and labourers, says Shivraj Singh Chouhan

Union Minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan announced the Viksit Bharat-Guarantee for Rozgar and Aajeevika Mission (Gramin) Act, replacing MGNREGA. This new law guarantees 125 days of work annually for labourers, excluding two months for agricultural needs, aiming to resolve farm labour shortages and boost farmer and labourer incomes.

24 Dec 2025 5:25 am
Bangladesh conveys its concerns over unrest in Delhi, Bengal

Bangladesh expressed grave concern to India over vandalism at its diplomatic missions and visa center, while India summoned Bangladesh's high commissioner regarding incidents in Dhaka. Protests erupted in India against targeted attacks on Hindus in Bangladesh, leading to clashes with police and detentions.

24 Dec 2025 5:19 am
BJP criticises TMC government for 'targeted action' against Hindus

The BJP has accused the Trinamool Congress government in West Bengal of targeting Hindus, drawing parallels with alleged attacks by Jamaat-e-Islami in Bangladesh. BJP spokesperson Sudhanshu Trivedi claimed the state police used force on protesters expressing concern over minority violence in Bangladesh, alleging the TMC is acting on an agenda to 'eradicate sanatan dharma'.

24 Dec 2025 5:15 am
Fallen liquor truck uncorks loot in Gujarat

A liquor-laden truck overturned in Gujarat's Sanand, leading to a chaotic scene as locals looted spilled bottles before police arrived. The driver fled the accident, and authorities are now investigating the consignment's origin and destination while a significant amount of liquor was taken.

24 Dec 2025 4:29 am
Sync PG counselling dates with all-India process: NMC to states

The National Medical Commission has revamped the NEET-PG 2025 counselling schedule, mandating states to synchronize their admission timelines with the All India Quota. This move aims to eliminate past confusion, seat blockages, and prolonged admission cycles, ensuring a smoother process for medical colleges and aspiring postgraduates. Strict adherence to the new calendar is now compulsory.

24 Dec 2025 4:24 am
Man kills 8 month pregnant wife in drunken rage

A Ludhiana man, Vijay Kumar, has been arrested for allegedly beating his eight-month pregnant wife, Pushpa, to death during a drunken rage. Her brother filed a complaint after Vijay attempted to claim she died of natural causes, despite visible injuries. Police suspect Pushpa fought back before succumbing to the assault.

24 Dec 2025 4:11 am
Eased MBBS intake norms to continue amid doctor shortage

To address doctor shortages, the National Medical Commission will continue relaxed MBBS intake norms for existing colleges for the 2026-27 academic year, allowing up to 250 seats. This move, alongside applications for new colleges, aims to boost doctor supply while maintaining quality standards. Colleges must meet strict faculty and infrastructure requirements.

24 Dec 2025 3:57 am
NTA to roll out live photo, facial recognition checks

From 2026, the NTA will implement facial recognition for NEET-UG and JEE-Main to combat impersonation, following a successful pilot with Aadhaar-based authentication. This, along with mandatory live photo capture during application, aims to bolster exam integrity amid recent leak concerns. These enhanced security measures were recommended by a government committee.

24 Dec 2025 3:44 am
Renowned Hindi writer Vinod Shukla dies at 88

Renowned Hindi writer Vinod Kumar Shukla passed away at 88 after a lung ailment. The first Jnanpith awardee from Chhattisgarh, Shukla was known for his quiet grace and focus on ordinary people's inner worlds. He continued writing even in the ICU, leaving behind a legacy of profound literature.

24 Dec 2025 3:25 am
Court modifies bail conditions for Michel in Agusta case

A Delhi court has partially eased bail conditions for Christian Michel James in the AgustaWestland chopper scam case. The court allowed him to furnish a personal bond and cash surety instead of a surety bond, acknowledging his seven years in custody and the case's initial stage. Strict safeguards remain to prevent him from leaving the country.

24 Dec 2025 3:20 am
2 killed, 16 injured as fog triggers pile-up in Amethi

Dense fog led to a massive pile-up on the Lucknow-Varanasi National Highway in Amethi, claiming the lives of two truck drivers and injuring at least 16 others. The accident involved multiple trucks, a bus, and a car, causing significant traffic disruption.

24 Dec 2025 3:14 am
Tribal pushback over 'illegal settlers' kills 2 in Assam's West Karbi Anglong

Two people died and dozens of police officers were injured in violent tribal protests in Assam's West Karbi Anglong district. Demonstrators, armed with bows and crude bombs, clashed with security forces over alleged illegal non-tribal settlements on protected lands. Internet services were suspended as authorities vowed legal action against those involved.

24 Dec 2025 2:52 am
YouTuber under ED lens flew over 130 guests for Dubai for his cruise wedding

A UP-based YouTube influencer, Anurag Dwivedi, facing ED money-laundering probes for alleged ties to illegal betting, reportedly spent crores on a lavish Dubai destination wedding for over 130 guests. The lavish affair aboard a cruise ship, including flights and luxury stays, has drawn significant official scrutiny. The ED has seized assets worth an estimated Rs 20 crore.

24 Dec 2025 2:38 am
Madhya Pradesh electoral rolls cut by over 42.7 lakh after SIR, 8.4 lakh voters 'unmapped'

Madhya Pradesh has removed 42.7 lakh voters, 7.4% of its electorate, in a massive electoral roll clean-up. This extensive revision, involving door-to-door verification, aimed to ensure accuracy by deleting deceased, shifted, and duplicate entries. The process also identified 'unmapped' voters requiring further documentation.

24 Dec 2025 2:23 am
Indian Railways strengthens AI-based system to protect wildlife on railway tracks

In a groundbreaking move, Indian Railways has rolled out an Artificial Intelligence (AI)-powered Intrusion Detection System (IDS) to safeguard wildlife, especially elephants, lions and tigers, on railway tracks. The cutting-edge technology uses Distributed Acoustic System (DAS) to detect animal presence, alerting loco pilots and control rooms 0.5 kms in advance - a potential lifesaver.

23 Dec 2025 10:17 pm
US embassy, consulates in India to stay closed over Christmas period; routine services suspended check details

The US embassy in India will be closed from December 24 to December 26 due to a Presidential Executive Order mandating federal government closures. Routine consular services will be suspended, with only emergency assistance available for US citizens. Normal operations are set to resume on December 29.

23 Dec 2025 7:51 pm
A year on, no action on 30 docs for accepting foreign trips from pharma firm

A year after a special audit committee found AbbVie violated marketing practices by sponsoring luxury trips for doctors, no action has been taken. The National Medical Commission's ethics board, responsible for acting against the doctors, is largely vacant.

23 Dec 2025 6:19 pm
'Part-time politician': BJP president Nitin Nabin attacks Rahul Gandhi; claims leader visits Bihar only during elections

BJP national working president Nitin Nabin led a roadshow in Patna during his first visit to Bihar after taking charge in New Delhi on December 15. Speaking at the event, he accused Congress leader Rahul Gandhi of being a part-time politician who visits Bihar only during elections. Nabin emphasised commitment in politics, promising to meet peoples expectations and focus on the long-term development of the state.

23 Dec 2025 5:19 pm
'Demands from everywhere': Robert Vadra on Congress leader's Priyanka for PM pitch; claims many want him in politics

Robert Vadra backed Congress MP Imran Masoods push for Priyanka Gandhi as a potential PM face, saying there are demands from everywhere for her, and even for his own entry into politics, while stressing focus on real issues. Priyanka had flagged rising attacks on minorities in Bangladesh, where a Hindu youths lynching led to arrests and strong condemnation.

23 Dec 2025 5:10 pm
WHO begins global coding of ayurveda siddha unani paving way for mainstream integration

The World Health Organization is integrating Ayurveda, Siddha, and Unani interventions into the International Classification of Health Interventions, a global standard for healthcare procedures. This move, supported by India, aims to provide a common language for traditional medicine, enhancing its systematic recording, analysis, and comparison alongside modern medical practices worldwide.

23 Dec 2025 5:04 pm
22 Naxals surrender before Odisha Police in Malkanagiri

A total of 22 naxals surrendered before Odisha Police in Malkanagiri on Tuesday, marking another success in the central government's effort to curb Left-Wing Extremism and restore lasting peace in the region.

23 Dec 2025 4:46 pm
From space docking to semiconductors: India's scientific leaps in 2025

In 2025, India showcased significant scientific momentum, marked by advancements in space technology with ISRO's achievements and the successful Space Docking Experiment. The nation also made strides in semiconductors with its first indigenous processor and embraced AI for practical applications in agriculture and healthcare, alongside progress in quantum computing and supercomputing infrastructure.

23 Dec 2025 4:31 pm
Delhi pollution: 'No PUC, no fuel' to stay even after GRAP-IV, says Sirsa; government to allocate Rs 100 cr to restore water bodies

Delhi will continue its No PUC, No Fuel policy even after GRAP-IV restrictions are lifted, with vehicles without valid PUC certificates barred from operating. The government has suspended faulty PUC centres, approved new emission testing facilities, and proposed Rs 100 crore to restore water bodies across the city.

23 Dec 2025 3:19 pm
BJP MPs' first meeting today, strategy for Sansad Khel Mahotsav to be discussed

The first meeting of Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) Members of Parliament will be held on Tuesday and will be chaired by BJP President JP Nadda, along with National Working President Nitin Nabin. The meeting will be held on Tuesday at 9 pm through video conferencing.

23 Dec 2025 1:37 pm
'Sent a wrong message': CPM MP John Brittas targets Rahul, Priyanka; takes 'chai pe charcha' dig

A political rift has emerged within the INDIA bloc as CPI(M) MP John Brittas criticised Rahul Gandhi's absence from Parliament during the Winter Session. Brittas also expressed disapproval of Priyanka Gandhi's participation in a tea meeting with Prime Minister Modi, deeming it a wrong message after the passage of key legislation.

23 Dec 2025 12:54 pm
Cyclone Ditwah aftermath: S Jaishankar announces $450 million aid for Sri Lanka; what the package includes

India has pledged a comprehensive USD 450 million assistance package to Sri Lanka for reconstruction efforts following Cyclone Ditwah. This aid, comprising concessional credit and grants, builds on India's initial humanitarian response and aims to support critical infrastructure and recovery needs, reinforcing New Delhi's commitment to its neighbor's stability.

23 Dec 2025 12:47 pm
'Will deliver decisive treatment': Congress MP endorses Priyanka Gandhi for PM; draws Indira parallel on Bangladesh

Congress MP Imran Masood stated that Priyanka Gandhi would deliver a decisive treatment to Bangladesh if she becomes Prime Minister, drawing a parallel to Indira Gandhi's actions. Masood's remarks came amid protests in Dhaka over violence against minorities, specifically the mob lynching of Hindu youth Dipu Chandra Das over alleged blasphemy charges.

23 Dec 2025 12:29 pm
Sandesara Matter: Supreme Court closes case after Rs 5,100 crore deposit, orders quashing of all probes

The petitioners informed the Court that they had complied with the November 19 order by depositing a total sum of Rs 51,11,43,36,390.40, which also included an additional amount deposited as a measure of abundant caution.

23 Dec 2025 12:28 pm
Chinese visa scam: Charges framed against Karti Chidambaram; next hearing on January 16

A Delhi court has framed charges of criminal conspiracy against Congress MP Karti Chidambaram and others in the Chinese visa scam case. The allegations involve a Rs 50 lakh bribe for facilitating visa approvals for Chinese personnel. The next hearing is scheduled for January 16.

23 Dec 2025 11:33 am
'We should be prepared to fight high-intensity conflicts': CDS warns of evolving threats; cites terror, land disputes

India must prepare for both swift, high-intensity conflicts to counter terrorism and prolonged wars stemming from territorial disputes, Chief of Defence Staff General Anil Chauhan stated. He emphasized the need for multi-domain operations, citing Operation Sindoor as an example of simultaneous warfare across all domains.

23 Dec 2025 11:25 am
AAP won rural polls in Punjab by misusing official machinery, alleges Congress

Punjab Congress president Amrinder Singh Raja Warring alleged the ruling AAP manipulated the recent zila parishad and panchayat samiti elections through abuse of power. He claimed AAP's actual electoral wins were significantly lower than reported, with many seats won unopposed or through rejected nominations, despite the AAP claiming an emphatic victory.

23 Dec 2025 10:43 am