The Times of India News

'Real-Term Rise In Air Ticket Prices Negative'

Air India Express pilots are protesting the recruitment of new A320 captains, fearing reduced flying hours and pay. Around 100 pilots have written to management, questioning external hiring when internal utilization is low. They worry this will further impact their ability to meet contracted flying hours and affect their overall compensation.

Month-Long Bastar Olympics Conclude Today

The Supreme Court expressed strong disapproval of the Madras High Court's handling of the Karur stampede case, stating something is going wrong in the HC. The apex court rejected the Tamil Nadu government's plea to let its own commission investigate the incident, emphasizing the need for a fair and impartial inquiry. The SC will examine the HC registrar general's report.

Rahul Gandhi has demanded a Lok Sabha debate on the severe air pollution plaguing Indian cities, urging the government to present a concrete plan. Meanwhile, Delhi's air quality remains 'very poor' and is predicted to turn 'severe' by Sunday, with light winds failing to disperse pollutants. Moderate fog is also expected.

The Supreme Court has ruled that individual liberty, while crucial, cannot override national security concerns in UAPA cases. Upholding this, the court denied bail to accused in the Jnaneshwari Express derailment case, emphasizing that barbaric acts endangering national integrity are not excusable, even after prolonged incarceration. The apex court stressed the need for expeditious trials in such grave matters.

Prime Minister Modi's upcoming visit to Oman is poised to forge a robust economic and strategic alliance, potentially including a free trade agreement and a joint defense partnership. India anticipates receiving spare parts for its retired Jaguar fleet from Oman.

India gears up for Census 2027 with a Rs 11,718 crore budget, marking the first digital enumeration and inclusion of a caste count. The two-phase exercise, starting April 2026, will utilize mobile apps for data collection. Reference date is March 1, 2027, with special provisions for snow-bound regions. This census aims to provide accurate population data for future development planning.

The Union Cabinet has approved the Viksit Bharat Shiksha Adhikshan Bill, aiming to consolidate higher education regulation under a single authority, excluding medical and legal fields. This move seeks to simplify governance and enhance academic quality. Meanwhile, a parliamentary committee will question IndiGo, DGCA, and ministry officials regarding recent flight cancellations and pilot rest rule implementation.

India has launched CoalSETU, a new policy for long-term coal linkage auctions aimed at industrial use and exports. This dedicated window allows any domestic industrial buyer to bid, simplifying procedures and boosting the utilization of coal reserves. Fuel supply agreements can extend up to 15 years, with flexible use within group companies, potentially reducing imports and creating export opportunities.

The Union Cabinet has greenlit a bill to open India's nuclear power sector to private players, a move crucial for achieving 100 GW nuclear capacity by 2047. The SHANTI Bill proposes changes to civil liability laws, caps supplier liability, and allows up to 49% foreign direct investment. This aims to boost domestic energy production and meet net-zero targets.

The government has approved a bill to replace MGNREGA with the Pujya Bapu Gramin Rozgar Guarantee Bill, promising 125 workdays per household. This move aims to counter opposition criticism on funding and boost employment claims, particularly in rural areas. Projects will align with Viksit Bharat National Infra Stack, prioritizing water security.

Alert BSF troops apprehended a Jaish-e-Mohammad terrorist near the Indo-Pak border in Akhnoor, Jammu and Kashmir. The operative, identified as Abdul Khalik from Rajouri, was found with an M-5 rifle and magazines. He had illegally migrated to Pakistan in 2021 and was handed over to local police for further investigation.

Jammu & Kashmir's education department has mandated teachers to report and manage stray dog populations, sparking outrage from political parties and teachers' unions. Critics deem the directives shocking and atrocious, arguing they undermine educators' dignity and professional roles. The orders, however, are reportedly based on Supreme Court guidelines amidst a surge in dog-bite incidents.

The road transport ministry has issued new guidelines emphasizing that authorities must take full responsibility for road tunnel projects, from inception to completion. These guidelines mandate weekly risk management meetings and a live risk register, ensuring accountability for mitigation measures.

A tragic bus accident in Andhra Pradesh's Alluri Sitharama Raju district claimed nine lives and injured twenty. Prime Minister Narendra Modi offered condolences to the affected families. An ex gratia of Rs 2 lakh was announced for the next of kin of the deceased and Rs 50,000 for the injured from the Prime Minister's National Relief Fund.

West Bengal's Leader of the Opposition, Suvendu Adhikari, felicitated three men arrested for assaulting chicken patty vendors at a religious event, shortly after their bail. Adhikari stated his primary duty is to protect his dharma and Hindu brothers and sisters, asserting his legal team facilitated their release.

Prime Minister Modi and President Trump held a productive conversation, reaffirming bilateral cooperation and discussing regional and global issues. The call signals renewed engagement, with progress noted in most areas except trade, where US tariffs remain a point of contention. Both leaders emphasized continued collaboration for global peace and prosperity.

A pregnant domestic worker, Sunali Khatun, recounts her harrowing experience of being deported to Bangladesh despite possessing Indian identity documents. Detained during an identity verification drive, she and her family were allegedly pushed across the border, leading to months of hardship and fear. Her father's legal intervention highlights the family's desperate plea for justice.

Traced To Hotel Based On Travel, Passport Details

The Election Commission has adjusted the special intensive revision schedule for poll rolls in several states and a Union Territory. New deadlines for submitting enumeration forms and publishing draft electoral rolls have been set, with final rolls expected in February 2026. This revision aims to ensure all eligible voters are included.

The Enforcement Directorate conducted extensive searches across 40 locations in Delhi, Kolkata, Maharashtra, and Uttar Pradesh targeting a radicalized IS module. Investigations revealed alleged use of crime proceeds for weapons, explosives, recruitment, and training of terror suspects. This money laundering probe stems from an NIA chargesheet, with intelligence suggesting illicit wood trade funding extremist activities.

The Supreme Court emphasised that electoral roll revisions must be thorough, not mere copies. The Election Commission's voter enumeration process will involve inquiries to confirm citizenship, rather than waiting for complaints. The Court noted migration as a valid reason for nationwide roll updates, even without specific statistics, and dismissed claims of arbitrariness in the selection of states for the exercise.

The Supreme Court has denied former IPS officer Sanjiv Bhatt's plea to suspend his 20-year jail sentence in a 1996 drug planting case. Bhatt, convicted by a Gujarat court, sought bail but the bench declined his request. The case involves allegations of framing a lawyer in Palanpur, with Bhatt accused of planting drugs to settle a property dispute.

The government has strongly refuted Rahul Gandhi's claims of marginalization in Central Information Commission appointments. Sources state that five out of eight recommended candidates are from disadvantaged sections, including SC, ST, OBC, and minority communities. The government highlighted past UPA inaction on SC/ST appointments, contrasting it with NDA's appointments, including the first SC CIC.

Reasi Police have bolstered village-level defence by forming 97 new Village Defence Guard (VDG) groups. This initiative includes replacing 726 aged personnel and recruiting 1,902 new members to enhance security preparedness across the district's remote and sensitive areas.

Construction at the 850-MW Ratle Hydroelectric Project in Kishtwar faces a shutdown threat due to alleged political interference and demands for local hiring. Management warns of halting work amidst union disputes and pressure to employ inexperienced individuals, echoing past disruptions that caused significant delays and losses.

Kashmir's apple farmers face a grave health crisis as studies reveal a strong link between pesticide exposure and malignant brain tumors. Decades of unchecked spraying, often exceeding recommended limits, have led to alarming incidences of cancer in fruit-growing districts. Lawmakers are now demanding urgent action to protect these vital workers.

Ladakh's campaign for statehood and Sixth Schedule status intensified as the Leh Apex Body presented its draft proposal. While proponents advocate for greater autonomy, concerns were raised about the region's financial viability as a state. The draft also seeks amnesty for protesters and constitutional safeguards.

The Election Commission has revised the schedule for the Special Intensive Revision of electoral rolls in five states and a Union Territory following requests from chief electoral officers. New deadlines for submitting enumeration forms and publishing draft electoral rolls have been set, with the final rolls to be published in February 2026.

NHPC is seeking an NOC from the environment ministry to use Subansiri Lower project assets for future debt financing without offering forest land as collateral. This clarification follows reports of the ministry rejecting a proposal, stating it was not tenable under the Forest Conservation Act.

Prime Minister Modi and President Trump held a productive call, reviewing the robust India-US Comprehensive Global Strategic Partnership. Both leaders expressed satisfaction with growing bilateral cooperation and discussed enhancing trade, critical technologies, energy, and defense. They also committed to collaborating on regional and global issues, reinforcing their commitment to a deepening strategic alliance.

A mini-truck carrying 22 labourers fell into a gorge in Arunachal Pradesh. The accident occurred on Monday night. A survivor reached a Border Roads Organisation camp to seek help. Eighteen bodies have been spotted. An NDRF team is en route for recovery operations. The Prime Minister's Office announced financial aid for the victims' families.

The World Bank has approved $599.66 million in financing for two major clean air programs in Uttar Pradesh and Haryana. These initiatives aim to improve air quality, reduce health impacts, and strengthen both states as attractive business destinations. The programs will invest in clean cooking, electric mobility, and cleaner industrial practices.