Politics / The Times of India
Security forces in Jammu and Kashmir thwarted a potential terror plot in Handwara, recovering M4 rifles and other ammunition. A joint operation in the Neeriyan forest area led to the discovery of a major hideout. Separately, police are inspecting doctors' lockers in medical institutions to prevent misuse.
A police report submitted to a judicial magistrate's court found no evidence of negligence by Shrine Board officials in the deaths of over 30 pilgrims during an August landslide. The action taken report stated no offense was established against the authorities, though a final report from a three-member committee is still awaited.
A judicial commission investigating the Sept 24 Leh violence has warned against threatening eyewitnesses, assuring confidentiality for those who come forward. The commission, formed after demands from local political groups, is urging people to share information freely before hearings begin. Evidence submission is open until November 28.
Indian diplomatic missions globally have resumed accepting tourist visa applications from Chinese nationals, a significant step following the resolution of military tensions in eastern Ladakh. This move, which began earlier this week, follows the earlier resumption of tourist visas in July and is part of broader citizen-focused initiatives to strengthen bilateral ties.
Ten central trade unions have slammed the government's notification of four new labour codes. They call the move a 'deceptive fraud' and have announced a nationwide protest on November 26. The unions allege the codes are 'anti-worker, pro-employer' and undermine worker welfare. The government, however, states the codes modernize the labor framework, strengthen worker rights, and boost economic growth.
India and Afghanistan are set to resume air freight operations on the Kabul-Delhi and Kabul-Amritsar routes soon, along with boosting trade ties. Both nations will also appoint trade attachs and have reactivated a joint working group to enhance bilateral commerce, which currently stands at approximately $1 billion, with significant potential for growth.
Kamala Nehru College celebrated its annual College Day with Union Minister Harsh Malhotra as Chief Guest. The event highlighted academic achievements, institutional growth, and infrastructural developments. Distinguished faculty and staff were recognized for their long service, alongside students awarded for outstanding performance. A vibrant cultural showcase and the release of college publications marked the occasion.
Jan Suraaj founder Prashant Kishor pledged to donate 90% of his income for the next five years to fund his party's campaign after its debut Bihar assembly election failure. He also criticised the Nitish Kumar cabinet as corrupt and accused the ruling alliance of vote-buying through cash transfers, vowing to ensure women receive promised funds.
A new Lancet Series highlights that ultra-processed foods (UPFs) are contributing to a global rise in obesity and diabetes, a trend rapidly unfolding in India. Experts urge immediate policy action, including clear definitions, warning labels, and taxes on UPFs, to address the growing health burden.
A groundbreaking study reveals kissing predates humans by millions of years, originating with ape ancestors in prehistoric Africa. Researchers define it as non-aggressive mouth-to-mouth contact, observing it across diverse species, particularly primates. This ancient behavior, possibly practiced by Neanderthals, may have evolved for mate assessment or social bonding, offering a glimpse into our deep evolutionary past.
Amidst opposition setbacks, Congress reaffirms its commitment to the INDIA bloc, vowing to strengthen the national alliance. Despite local electoral divergences, the party emphasizes its dedication to coordinating efforts against the BJP's politics at the national level.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi's use of the 'gamcha' during his victory speech and at the swearing-in ceremony in Patna resonated with supporters, highlighting its significance as a cultural symbol.
Nitish Kumar's rise was fueled by Kurmi and Kushwaha support, and their assembly representation has now reached a new high. This surge, particularly within Nitish's JDU, highlights the gains of these intermediary backward castes within the NDA's social coalition, while Muslim and Yadav representation has declined.
A decade after its implementation, India's juvenile justice system is failing children in conflict with the law. A new study reveals massive case backlogs, widespread vacancies in Juvenile Justice Boards, and a shocking lack of essential facilities, leaving thousands of children in limbo and facing prolonged institutionalization.
Seven key secretary-rank appointments were made Thursday, including new leaders for oil, telecom, and agriculture ministries. Neeraj Mittal takes charge as Petroleum Secretary, while Amit Agrawal moves to the Department of Telecom. Manoj Joshi transitions to pharmaceuticals, and V Vidyarthi is replaced in tourism. Atish Chandra is set to become the next Secretary for Agriculture and Farmers Welfare.
The Supreme Court has prohibited new mining leases in the Aravali hills to protect them from desertification, while allowing existing operations to continue. The court mandated the preparation of a sustainable mining management plan for the entire range across four states, emphasizing ecological impact analysis and restoration measures.
The Enforcement Directorate (ED) has filed a supplementary chargesheet against Robert Vadra in a money laundering case involving fugitive arms dealer Sanjay Bhandari. The ED alleges Vadra assisted Bhandari and benefited from a London property, claiming he possessed proceeds of crime. The court will decide on cognizance on December 6.
Two suspected ISI-backed module members were injured in a police encounter in Ludhiana after allegedly opening fire. Acting on intelligence, police intercepted the duo who were tasked by a Pakistan-based handler to exchange grenades. Recoveries included grenades, pistols, and ammunition.
Bihar Chief Minister Nitish Kumar was seen attempting to touch Prime Minister Narendra Modi's feet at Patna airport before the PM's departure. This marks a recurring gesture from Kumar, who has previously shown similar deference to Modi on multiple occasions. The incident occurred shortly after Kumar's swearing-in for his tenth term as chief minister.
India is advocating for the expansion of a bilateral Joint Crediting Mechanism (JCM) as a vital tool for global climate action. Spearheaded by Japan, this model allows countries to jointly develop mitigation projects and transparently allocate emission reduction credits, reinforcing multilateral climate objectives.
Russia has offered India unrestricted technology transfer for its Su-57 fifth-generation fighter jets, including production and licensing for critical components. This significant defence partnership aims to bolster India's future fighter aircraft needs, ensuring domestic manufacturing capabilities and long-term upgrades, reinforcing over six decades of cooperation ahead of President Putin's visit.
Aam Aadmi Party's 'Provide Employment Ensure Social Justice' march, led by Sanjay Singh, reached Pratapgarh. The procession highlighted unemployment and escalating injustice against Dalits and backward communities in Uttar Pradesh, citing various incidents as evidence of government failure. The march saw participation from diverse groups and will continue towards Prayagraj.
The Supreme Court questioned the validity of Muslim men authorizing lawyers to issue Talaq-e-Hasan notices, deeming it a practice that leaves women vulnerable. The bench stressed that divorce requires the husband's direct pronouncement and signature, not delegation to third parties. This judicial scrutiny brings renewed attention to the constitutional validity of this divorce method.
Delhi Police alerted the Supreme Court about the danger of intellectuals becoming terrorists. The NIA is investigating the Red Fort blast, with four individuals in custody. Nepal's Bara district is under curfew due to protests. India's cricket captain Shubman Gill is out for the second Test.
Passengers on IndiGo flight 6E 930 from Guwahati to Delhi faced a significant three-hour delay on Thursday due to a technical snag. Engineers identified the issue, grounding the aircraft at Lokpriya Gopinath Bordoloi International Airport. The airline is offering refreshments and options for refunds or rebooking.
West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee has described the ongoing Special Intensive Revision as unplanned, chaotic, and dangerous, citing the deaths of multiple booth-level officers. She expressed grave concerns to the CEC about the alarming situation, alleging a lack of preparedness and pushing BLOs beyond human limits, risking voter roll credibility.
The Enforcement Directorate (ED) has filed a chargesheet naming Robert Vadra in a money-laundering case linked to UK-based defence dealer Sanjay Bhandari. The complaint, submitted before Delhis Rouse Avenue Court, follows Vadras PMLA statement recorded in July. Earlier, the ED charged him in a Rs 58-crore Gurgaon land deal case, naming 11 additional accused.
Governors cannot indefinitely delay Bills passed by state legislatures, the Supreme Court ruled, emphasizing cooperative federalism. However, courts cannot set hard deadlines for governors or the President on Bills, nor can they grant 'deemed assent' or compel the President to seek judicial opinions. The ruling clarifies the limits of judicial intervention while upholding constitutional accountability.
Jan Suraaj supremo Prashant Kishor observed a day-long maun vrat at Bihar's Bhitiharwa Gandhi Ashram following his party's electoral defeat. Kishor took full responsibility for the Jan Suraaj's poor performance, vowing to work harder to fulfill his resolve to improve Bihar. Meanwhile, Nitish Kumar was sworn in as Chief Minister for a record tenth time.

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