The Times of India News

The data reveals a shifting landscape where private banks and digital channels draw the most customer ire, while territories like Chandigarh and Delhi report disproportionately high complaint loads per lakh accounts.

BJP criticizes Rahul Gandhi's upcoming Germany visit, calling him 'Videsh Nayak' and 'leader of paryatan' as it coincides with Parliament's Winter Session. Gandhi, the Leader of Opposition, is scheduled to meet German lawmakers and the Indian community in Berlin. This trip follows his previous overseas visits where he raised concerns about India's democracy.

The government is launching a pilot project to link subsidized fertilizer allocation to farmers' land size, aiming to curb diversion and pilferage. This initiative comes as India faces high chemical nutrient use impacting soil health. Meanwhile, fertilizer imports are projected to rise significantly due to increased domestic demand.

Over 100 opposition MPs have submitted a notice to the Lok Sabha Speaker seeking the removal of Madras High Court Justice GR Swaminathan. They accuse him of misconduct and bias in a recent order concerning a lamp lighting at a temple near a dargah in Tamil Nadu.

The Supreme Court clarified that while the Election Commission cannot definitively determine citizenship, it can inquire about it if doubts arise regarding voters. The apex court emphasized that Indian citizenship is a constitutional prerequisite for voting, not merely a matter of residence and age. This ruling supports the EC's stance on verifying voter eligibility.

A nationwide school survey reveals alarming drug experimentation among Indian children, with initiation as early as 11 and an average age of 12.9. One in seven students has tried psychoactive substances, with opioids and cannabis prevalent. Experts warn of easy access and emotional distress driving this trend, urging early intervention and parental vigilance.

The government has doubled IndiGo's flight cuts to 10% following operational failures and crew norm non-compliance. This punitive action aims to stabilize the airline's services and reduce passenger disruptions. IndiGo's CEO was summoned to explain the mismanagement, with further reviews planned. Other airlines saw minor adjustments to their winter schedules.

Civil Aviation Minister K Ram Mohan Naidu has apologized for the IndiGo passenger disruptions and vowed strict action, potentially including the CEO's removal. The probe will scrutinize the airline's operations and the Directorate General of Civil Aviation's (DGCA) oversight. The minister acknowledged passenger distress, including exorbitant surge pricing, and assured accountability.

Holiday travel plans for countless domestic flyers face disruption as IndiGo slashes 200-400 flights daily. This significant capacity cut by India's largest airline is creating a sharp demand-supply gap, making new bookings difficult and potentially leading to cancellations for existing Yuletide travel. Other airlines are operating at maximum capacity, unable to fill the void quickly.

CBI has registered an FIR against Jai Anmol Ambani in a Rs 228 crore bank fraud case linked to Reliance Housing Finance. Searches were conducted at his residence. The agency is investigating allegations of cheating and criminal conspiracy causing wrongful loss to Union Bank of India. A second FIR targets RCFL and its officials for a Rs 57.

The Congress-led coalition of opposition parties is making strong demands for the reinstatement of ballot papers alongside a transformed collegium responsible for appointing election commissioners. Their criticisms target the Election Commission, claiming it has lost credibility, especially regarding electoral roll updates and those pesky model code infringements.

Key NDA allies JDU and TDP slammed the opposition for 'double standards' on EVMs, questioning why machines are deemed faulty only after electoral losses. Shiv Sena (Shinde) pushed for lowering the voting age to 18, advocating for remote voting for migrants and simultaneous polls. Allies emphasized voter maturity and dismissed manipulation claims.

US President Trump's threat of new rice tariffs is unlikely to significantly impact India, as exports to the US are a small fraction of global sales and already face high duties. Experts suggest this is a negotiation tactic amid ongoing trade deal talks, with India aiming to lift existing US tariffs.

The Supreme Court has mandated all states to provide robust security for booth-level officers during voter enumeration, warning of severe action against any threats or obstructions. The court emphasized that non-cooperation with the Election Commission's work is a serious matter, extending beyond West Bengal to all states, and stressed the need for BLOs' safety to prevent anarchy.

A crucial meeting is scheduled for Wednesday afternoon, with Prime Minister Narendra Modi and opposition leader in Lok Sabha Rahul Gandhi set to select the next Chief Information Commissioner and other Information Commissioners. The Central Information Commission has been operating with a significantly reduced staff since September, with eight commissioner posts vacant. This selection process is vital for the functioning of the CIC.

India is boosting its European ties, with German Chancellor Friedrich Merz set to visit New Delhi soon. This engagement follows President Putin's visit and precedes the India-EU summit. Discussions will focus on trade, technology, and sustainable development, building on existing partnerships. Germany's support for Ukraine and shared concerns over the Indo-Pacific will also be key topics.

The Jammu & Kashmir and Ladakh High Court has taken suo motu notice of a two-day paralysis in cardiac care services at Govt Super Speciality Hospital, Jammu. This occurred after vendors halted supplies of emergency cardiac devices due to unpaid dues of nearly Rs 30 crore under the Ayushman Bharat scheme, putting vulnerable patients at risk.

A doctor from Baramulla has been arrested as the eighth suspect in the November 10 Delhi car blast, which claimed 15 lives. The NIA identified him as a co-conspirator who allegedly provided support to the suicide bomber. This arrest is part of a larger investigation into a Jaish-e-Mohammed terror module involving professionals.

Jammu and Kashmir government has directed all five government medical colleges to increase MBBS seats, with Baramulla, Doda, and Kathua receiving 50 additional seats each, and Srinagar and Jammu adding 20 each. Principals are also urged to apply for more seats and strengthen super-specialty care, with SKIMS planning to seek around 130 postgraduate and 50 undergraduate seats.

The National Investigation Agency (NIA) has arrested Dr Bilal Naseer Malla for allegedly destroying evidence and harbouring a deceased accused in connection with the Red Fort car blast. This marks the eighth arrest in the case, which is being investigated as a terrorist strike linked to a Jaish-e-Mohammed module.

Aviation authorities have slashed IndiGo's winter flight schedule by 10% following widespread passenger disruptions. The airline, which previously faced a 5% cut, will now operate significantly fewer flights due to internal mismanagement of crew rosters and inadequate communication. This move aims to stabilize operations and reduce cancellations, with IndiGo submitting a revised schedule soon.

Advocate Rakesh Kishore reported an attack at Karkardooma Court. He stated 100-150 individuals assaulted him with slippers. They cited his previous shoe-hurling incident against former CJI B R Gavai. Kishore also mentioned they accused Gavai of insulting Sanatan Dharma. A video of the incident is circulating online. Kishore's license was suspended pending inquiry.

Union Home Minister Amit Shah asserted in Rajya Sabha that the division of 'Vande Mataram' for appeasement politics fueled India's partition. He emphasised the song's enduring relevance in fostering cultural nationalism and driving the nation towards a developed future. Shah criticised the opposition for linking the debate to West Bengal elections, highlighting the song's historical significance during the freedom struggle.

India's education loan schemes are failing deserving students, a parliamentary panel revealed. Despite promises of easy access, red tape, high interest, and unequal distribution plague the system, particularly impacting northern and rural students. The report highlights significant processing delays and the severe mental health toll of mounting debt, urging urgent reforms for equitable higher education access.

Days after a devastating fire at Birch by Romeo Lane claimed 25 lives, authorities demolished a section of the Romeo Lane restaurant in Goa's Vagator area. The structure, owned by Gaurav and Saurabh Luthra, was found to have encroached on the beach. Officials confirmed a 198-square-meter area was cleared.

Goa Police have issued Look Out Circulars against the owners of Birch by Romeo Lane, the nightclub where 25 people died in a fire, as they are currently abroad. Authorities are seeking their return with Interpol and CBI assistance. Meanwhile, a co-owner has been accused, and four staff members have been arrested.

Jake Chasan and Will Conte are MBA candidates at Stanford Graduate School of Business and former investment bankers at Goldman Sachs. They recently completed research on pharmaceutical supply chain resilience under the guidance of Stanford faculty Scott Brady (MS 00), Brett Jordan (MBA 16), and Garth Saloner (MS 81, PhD 82).

Rajya Sabha session on Vande Mataram's 150 years turned combative as Congress chief Mallikarjun Kharge accused BJP's predecessors of working for the British. Home minister Amit Shah rejected claims of political timing, urging members to view the song's significance beyond elections.

Union Home Minister Amit Shah rejected claims that the Vande Mataram debate was politically motivated for the West Bengal elections. He stated the discussion was to highlight the national song's importance, especially as it marked its 150th anniversary. Opposition leaders, however, linked the timing to the upcoming polls, accusing the government of distraction.

Civil Aviation Minister Ram Mohan Naidu stated in Lok Sabha that IndiGo is being held accountable for its operational crisis, with services rapidly stabilizing. He assured that passenger convenience and dignity are being protected, and long-term measures are in place to enhance India's aviation sector, emphasizing no airline will be permitted to inconvenience passengers.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi stressed that rules must aid, not harass the public, amidst IndiGo's ongoing flight crisis. The airline's operational issues stem from new pilot rest rules, impacting thousands of passengers. Union minister Kiren Rijiju conveyed the PM's concern, emphasising passenger convenience and urging MPs to focus on public-centric reforms.

The BJP has sharply criticised Telangana CM Revanth Reddy, accusing the Congress government of failing to fulfill poll promises and resorting to authoritarianism. The party alleged arrests followed a social media poster criticising the CM's wo-year failure, highlighting corruption and misgovernance. Congress defended its record, citing financial challenges and commitment to guarantees.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi extended birthday wishes to former Congress president Sonia Gandhi on her 79th birthday. The Congress party lauded her visionary leadership, attributing landmark rights-based laws like MGNREGA and the Right to Information to her tenure as UPA chairperson, which significantly impacted millions of lives.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi accused the Congress of betraying 'Vande Mataram' under pressure from Mohammed Ali Jinnah, citing appeasement politics. He highlighted Mahatma Gandhi's praise for the song, noting its significance as a unifying force against British rule. Modi criticized the Congress's 1937 decision to limit the song's recital, linking it to the eventual division of India.

Banks and RBI informed the Supreme Court that personal hearings before declaring accounts fraudulent are unfeasible due to a surge in cases. With tens of thousands of frauds annually, the sheer volume makes individual hearings impractical, potentially hindering the fraud declaration process. The regulator emphasized operational challenges and left the decision to banks' discretion.

The Supreme Court encountered its first AI misuse case where a litigant submitted a response with hundreds of fabricated legal precedents. Senior advocates highlighted the grave concern of AI-generated false case laws impacting judicial decisions. While acknowledging the error, the court proceeded to hear the case on its merits, emphasizing the need for caution.