The Times of India News

Madhya Pradesh High Court denied a 16-year-old rape survivor permission to terminate her 29-week pregnancy, as she wishes to continue and has married the accused. The court directed the Child Welfare Committee to care for her and the child until she turns 18. A medical board had advised against termination due to advanced stage risks.

Extreme weather events in 2025 inflicted over $122 billion in global damages, with India and Pakistan's devastating monsoon floods alone costing $5.6 billion and claiming 1,860 lives. While the US faced the highest financial toll from wildfires, poorer nations bore a disproportionate human cost. Experts warn continued fossil fuel use fuels this escalating crisis.

The CBI has approached the Supreme Court seeking a stay on the Delhi high court's order suspending the sentence of expelled BJP MLA Kuldeep Singh Sengar in the Unnao rape case. The High Court had ruled that Sengar, convicted for raping a minor, was wrongly classified as a public servant.

A Class 10 student died by suicide after allegedly being reprimanded by teachers and the principal at a Greater Noida West school for using AI on her mobile phone during pre-Board exams. Her father has filed a police complaint accusing the school of abetment to suicide and mental harassment.

'Hindu's killing a matter of grave concern'

Resident doctors in Himachal Pradesh have launched an indefinite strike, demanding the reinstatement of a doctor sacked for assaulting a patient. Despite a promise of a fresh inquiry, doctors deem the termination unjust, citing a lack of consideration for the doctor's perspective. The protest has disrupted routine medical services across the state.

India has introduced quality standards for incense sticks, prohibiting harmful insecticidal chemicals and synthetic fragrance intermediates. These new norms, aimed at improving safety and sustainability, classify agarbattis and set requirements for raw materials and burning quality. The voluntary standard, IS 19412:2025, seeks to protect public health and the environment from potentially hazardous substances.

Amidst persecution, Bangladesh Minority Janta Party (BMJP) is set to contest 91 seats in the upcoming polls, targeting Hindu and minority votes. The party president seeks alliances with mainstream parties like BNP to ensure minority safety and urges India to shift its support from Awami League to champion the cause of persecuted Hindus.

RSS chief Mohan Bhagwat stated India's global rise is certain, emphasizing the need for a humane development model. He cautioned against Western materialism's pitfalls, advocating for progress rooted in balance, restraint, and dharma for true 'sukh' over mere material gain.

President Murmu honored 20 young achievers with the Pradhan Mantri Rashtriya Bal Puraskar for their bravery, social service, and talent. Stories like Shavan Singh's support for soldiers and Vansh Tayal's care for an abandoned child highlight remarkable courage and compassion. The awards celebrated exceptional achievements across various fields, inspiring a nation.

Uttar Pradesh faces a significant challenge with 2.89 crore voters deemed 'uncollectable' during a special revision. This includes those who have shifted, passed away, or are untraceable. Lucknow alone saw 12 lakh voters uncollectable. The state aims for a clean electoral roll by February 2026, with draft lists due December 31, 2025.

Over 24,600 sent back from 81 countries: MEA

Atal Bihari Vajpayee, a statesman and former Prime Minister, is remembered for his blend of courage, compassion, and inclusiveness. His legacy of effective, corruption-free governance and concern for the common man continues to inspire transformative changes. Vajpayee's simplicity, sensitivity, and poetic nature endeared him to all, leaving an indelible mark on India's democratic journey.

Union home minister Amit Shah has called for a nationwide upgrade of anti-terror infrastructure, advocating for an impenetrable anti-terrorism grid and a common ATS structure across states. He also announced a 360-degree strike plan against organised crime, emphasizing data sharing and technological integration to combat evolving threats and ensure future security.

Prime Minister Modi lauded the Sahibzadas' supreme sacrifice as a testament to India's courage against religious fanaticism. He emphasized that their story, suppressed for decades due to a colonial mindset, is now being brought to the forefront.

Generations-old trades now face uncertainty

India's drug regulator has revoked the registration of QR 678-Neo, an anti-hair loss product. The cosmetic was illegally marketed online for treating medical conditions like post-chemotherapy hair loss and genetic baldness. This action by the CDSCO against M/s Esthetic Centers International Pvt Ltd serves as a stern warning to the booming cosmetic market about making unapproved therapeutic claims.

A man convicted of raping and murdering a five-year-old girl will spend 30 years in prison without remission. The Punjab and Haryana High Court commuted his death sentence, stating his incarceration is necessary to prevent future crimes. The court emphasized the need for societal change to protect children and women from such barbaric acts.

A fisherman's routine catch in the Jhelum River led to a significant discovery: a stone sculpture of goddess Durga. Recovered in Baramulla, the ancient artifact was promptly handed over to the archaeology department by the Jammu and Kashmir Police. This incident highlights the region's rich cultural heritage and the police's commitment to its preservation, encouraging citizens to report similar finds.

Mirwaiz Umar Farooq removed his Hurriyat Conference chairman title from social media, citing pressure from J&K authorities. He called it a Hobsons choice after his constituents were banned. This move, while drawing criticism, was defended by some as prioritizing peace. The BJP viewed it as a signal that separatism's path is over.

National Conference has accused Srinagar MP Aga Ruhullah Mehdi of acting on behalf of the central government regarding reservation policy. Minister Javed Ahmad Rana urged Mehdi to pressure his Delhi contacts to expedite the file, rather than protesting the state government's actions.

Leaders across India remembered former Prime Minister Manmohan Singh on his first death anniversary. Singh, who served from 2004 to 2014, was hailed as a transformative leader who boosted India's economy. His contributions to the nation's development were acknowledged by political figures. Singh's legacy as an economist and a dedicated public servant continues to inspire.

Union home minister Amit Shah revealed 40 kgs of explosives were used in a car blast near Red Fort, commending the J&K police for apprehending the entire conspiracy team. He announced a 360-degree assault on organized crime and emphasized seamless technology and data sharing among agencies to combat terrorism effectively.

An NRI's viral post highlights a New York friend's surprise at India's rapid growth and affordability, particularly in healthcare, transport, and digital services. While acknowledging better air quality in the US, the visitor noted significantly lower costs for mobile, health insurance, and property taxes in India. The post sparked discussions on civic sense and the nuances of cost-of-living comparisons.

India condemned recent violence against minorities in Bangladesh, demanding justice for a Hindu youth's killing. The Centre postponed a GST cut on air purifiers, citing health ministry guidelines. Cricketer Angkrish Raghuvanshi was hospitalised after a head injury, and a Hyderabad woman died after allegedly being set on fire by her husband.

India's Ministry of External Affairs has strongly condemned the recent violence against minorities in Bangladesh, including the killing of a Hindu man. The MEA stated that over 2,900 incidents against minorities have been documented, dismissing claims of media exaggeration or political violence.

Chief Justice of India Surya Kant outlined his vision of a multi-door courthouse where courts function as comprehensive dispute resolution centres offering mediation, arbitration and litigation. Speaking at a national mediation conference, he stressed that mediation is the laws highest evolution, can reduce judicial pendency, and requires an expansion of trained mediators across all levels of the judiciary.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi expressed confidence that Gen Z and Gen Alpha will lead India towards becoming a developed nation. Addressing students on Veer Baal Diwas, he honored the bravery of the Sahibzadas, emphasizing their courage against religious fanaticism. The observance of Veer Baal Diwas aims to recognize and encourage talented youth.

As 2025 concludes, India witnessed recurring themes: the BJP's continued dominance, the Congress's struggle to revive, persistent air pollution in Delhi, and Pakistan-linked terror. Misogynistic remarks by politicians, language debates, and name-changing initiatives also remained prominent. Cricket stars faced retirement speculation, while the rupee's slide and the perennial 'when will you marry?' question for public figures persisted.

The Punjab and Haryana high court ruled that character certificates cannot be denied to Army aspirants due to pending criminal cases before charges are framed. Justice Suvir Sehgal allowed a petition by Ramanpreet Singh, who was denied a certificate for an abetment to suicide case, stating mere registration of a case isn't guilt.

After 28 years, a CISF constable sacked in 1998 for assault and misconduct has been reinstated by the Punjab and Haryana High Court. The court deemed the punishment excessive, stating past conduct shouldn't justify removal when current allegations are unsubstantiated. The bench emphasized that punishment must be proportionate and not shock the conscience.

The Madras High Court has ordered an FIR and legal action against two Tamil Nadu police officers for allegedly torturing a passport applicant in Virudhunagar in 2020. Justice Sunder Mohan noted that disciplinary proceedings against sub-inspector S Manikandan and constable SP Selvaraj for torturing Thavakannan constituted cognizable offenses, warranting an FIR and subsequent action.

India's food safety watchdog, FSSAI, has mandated that only beverages derived solely from the Camellia sinensis plant can be labeled as 'tea'. This directive aims to prevent misbranding and consumer confusion, impacting products like rooibos and flower infusions. The move is expected to bring clarity to the market and consumer understanding of what constitutes true tea.

Prime Minister Modi, inaugurating a memorial in Lucknow, criticized past governments for glorifying a single family and neglecting national heroes. He stated the BJP government is rectifying this by honoring all contributors and dismantling barriers like Article 370. The memorial celebrates Jan Sangh stalwarts, emphasizing the BJP's commitment to merit-based recognition over dynastic politics.