The Times of India

The UPSC clarified that Akanksha Singh from Ghazipur, Uttar Pradesh, secured rank 301 in the Civil Services Examination 2025, resolving confusion over two candidates with the same name claiming the same rank. The commission confirmed the successful candidate's details, including roll number and parentage, amidst reports of another Akanksha Singh from Bihar also claiming the rank.

The Indian Embassy in Tehran has advised Indian nationals in Iran against approaching land border points for exit without prior coordination. The mission emphasized it cannot assist individuals stranded after leaving Iranian territory without entering a third country. This advisory follows the External Affairs Minister's statement on India's focus on dialogue and diplomacy to de-escalate Middle East tensions.

A Delhi court has granted Sharjeel Imam 10-day interim bail in a 2020 Delhi riots case, months after the Supreme Court denied him regular bail. The Supreme Court had previously stated that long incarceration alone isn't enough for bail under UAPA, especially in cases affecting public order and national security.

An IndiGo flight from Delhi to Manchester returned to Delhi shortly after takeoff. This happened due to sudden airspace restrictions. These restrictions are linked to the evolving situation in West Asia. IndiGo is working with authorities to resume the journey. The airline is also informing passengers about potential delays and diversions on other international routes.

Congress MPs Shashi Tharoor and K.C. Venugopal criticized External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar for delivering a statement on the West Asia conflict without allowing parliamentary debate. They emphasized the need for discussion on energy security and international law, urging the government to involve the opposition in its response to the escalating regional instability.

India advocates for dialogue and diplomacy to ease Middle East tensions, with PM Modi closely monitoring the situation. External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar highlighted concerns for over a crore Indians residing in the Gulf and the region's importance for energy security. The conflict's escalation has led to significant disruption and the tragic loss of two Indian mariners.

Lineman Diwas was celebrated in Delhi to honor the dedication of linemen and ground staff. Around 250 participants attended the event. A safety pledge was administered. Ministers and officials acknowledged their vital role in maintaining uninterrupted power supply. Modern technologies and safety practices were discussed. Awards were given to high-performing discoms and linemen.

The entire 1,506-km Western Dedicated Freight Corridor will soon be operational as its final 102-km stretch nears completion. This, along with the already functional Eastern Dedicated Freight Corridor, significantly boosts freight train speeds. Railways is now planning a new 2,150-km corridor connecting Dankuni to Surat, designed for faster, high-capacity bulk transport.

The issue reportedly arose after Mammootty expressed displeasure with CPMs Wayanad district secretary K Rafeeq standing close to him during the actors personal visit to the township on Saturday. According to reports, Mammootty, often considered a fellow traveller of the Marxist party, asked Rafeeq why he was standing near him and remarked that people might assume he had come there on behalf of the ruling party.

New Delhi [India], At a defining moment in India's clean energy transition, The Energy and Resources Institute (TERI) launched LaBL 2.0 (Lighting a Billion Lives 2.0) at an inspiring 'Dinner of Hope' in New Delhi -- reimagining decentralized renewable energy as a catalyst for green livelihoods, women-led entrepreneurship, and measurable climate action.

Accused Monu Manesar, out on bail after two-and-a-half years, returned to his Gurugram village Sunday. Residents welcomed him with celebrations, drums, and garlands. Manesar, real name Mohit Yadav, faces charges in the 2023 killing of Junaid and Nasir, whose bodies were found in a burnt vehicle. He was released from Rajasthan jail after the High Court granted him bail.

Speaking from the central Kolkata sit-in platform, Banerjee responded to Prime Minister Narendra Modis criticism earlier in the day, in which he accused the TMC government of insulting a woman tribal leader and the President of the country. In reply, Banerjee displayed an enlarged photograph showing the Prime Minister seated beside veteran BJP leader LK Advani while the President stood nearby.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi strongly criticized West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee and the Trinamool Congress for allegedly mismanaging and boycotting an event attended by President Droupadi Murmu. Modi termed the actions an insult to the President, the Constitution, and democratic traditions, warning that the people of West Bengal would not forgive this perceived disrespect towards a tribal woman leader.

Bihar Chief Minister Nitish Kumar's son, Nishant Kumar, has formally joined the JD(U). This development follows Nitish Kumar's decision to step down as CM, sparking speculation about his successor and potentially ushering in a new political era in Bihar. Nitish Kumar himself announced his intention to contest the Rajya Sabha elections.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi and President Droupadi Murmu extended heartfelt greetings on International Women's Day, celebrating 'Nari Shakti's' pivotal role in India's progress. Both leaders lauded women's determination, creativity, and zeal, emphasizing their empowerment as central to national development and the creation of an inclusive, prosperous society where every woman can achieve her full potential.

A political storm erupted after West Bengal's last-minute venue change for the International Santhal Conclave, drawing public displeasure from President Murmu. She questioned the reasoning and highlighted the community's struggle for recognition, sparking a fierce exchange between the TMC and BJP over alleged politicization of tribal issues and disrespect to the President's office.

Two women, Lt Col Randhawa (retd) and Major Jhingan (retd), shattered military barriers. Randhawa became India's first war widow officer after her husband's sacrifice, while Jhingan was Lady Cadet 001, paving the way for women in the armed forces. Their journeys inspire countless others to serve the nation.

Uttar Pradesh's voter count is approaching 13 crore. A voter roll revision exercise is nearing completion. Notices were issued and hearings held for millions of voters. Many names were removed due to migration or other reasons. Thousands of applications for corrections and updates were also processed. The final electoral roll will be published soon.

Nepal's elections saw a landslide victory for Balendra Shah's Rastriya Swatantra Party. Prime Minister Narendra Modi congratulated Nepal on its peaceful polls, highlighting the vibrant exercise of democratic rights. Shah, a rapper-turned-politician, projects a 'Nepal First' hyper-nationalism, emphasizing neutrality in foreign policy.

The government is set to recruit 1,000 young professionals to boost India's export potential. These individuals will work with businesses nationwide, encouraging greater use of Free Trade Agreement (FTA) benefits and aiding in product and market diversification. This initiative aims to invigorate manufacturing by promoting goods moving overseas through preferential duties, especially for FTAs with lower utilization rates.

The PMO is pushing for independent third-party audits in road and rail projects to boost quality and speed up execution. Ministries are tasked with studying past successful construction practices, like those from the Golden Quadrilateral era, and international models from Indonesia and Malaysia.

India's decision to withdraw its updated seismic zonation map and earthquake design code has alarmed experts, who fear it weakens national preparedness for major seismic events. The revised framework, which placed the entire Himalayan arc in the highest risk zone, was seen as a crucial step in enhancing disaster resilience and ensuring safer construction practices against devastating earthquakes.

Congress criticizes the Modi government, calling Prime Minister Modi's actions cowardly after the US Treasury Secretary praised India for agreeing to halt Russian oil imports. The party also attacked the government over rising LPG prices, highlighting a contradiction with the Petroleum Minister's earlier statement on affordable fuel.

India's Chips to Startups programme is training engineers in semiconductor design. Students from 315 institutions are gaining hands-on experience. The government plans to expand this initiative to 500 institutions. This aims to build a strong talent pipeline for the growing global semiconductor industry. The programme is part of India's larger semiconductor mission.

Opposition-ruled states are fiercely criticizing the central government over surging LPG prices. West Bengal's Chief Minister urged women to protest on Women's Day against the hike and voter list deletions. Karnataka's CM blamed PM Modi's foreign policy for the price rise, demanding his resignation. Jharkhand's JMM spokesperson pointed to strained ties with Russia as a contributing factor.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi criticized the West Bengal government for disrespecting constitutional office and tribal communities after President Droupadi Murmu expressed disappointment over her reception and event organization. Modi called the incident shameful and unprecedented, highlighting the insult to the President and the casual treatment of Santal culture. Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee accused the BJP of political maneuvering.

Women relying on morning-after pills face health risks, doctors warn. Frequent use disrupts hormonal balance and menstrual cycles, with potential long-term reproductive health impacts. These pills are for emergencies, not routine contraception, and do not protect against STIs. Experts urge considering more reliable birth control methods if frequent use is needed.

Domestic LPG cylinders will now cost Rs 60 more, reaching Rs 913 in Delhi, while commercial prices saw a Rs 114.5 increase. This hike, attributed to global energy market pressures and the West Asia conflict, comes despite government efforts to shield households. Ujjwala beneficiaries will pay Rs 613, with a Rs 300 subsidy.