The Times of India News

India's DRDO successfully test-fired its new Pinaka Long Range Guided Rocket (LRGR 120) from Chandipur, achieving its 120 km maximum range with pinpoint accuracy. This advanced rocket, designed for enhanced precision and deep-strike capabilities, will bolster the Indian Army's firepower. The Defence Acquisition Council also greenlit significant defense procurements, further strengthening the armed forces.

The Supreme Court has witnessed a concerning trend of overturning its own recent orders, including those on the Aravali controversy, stray dogs, and firecrackers. This judicial flip-flopping, noted by the court itself, risks undermining its credibility and public confidence. The trend suggests decisions may be made hastily, prioritizing judges over established legal principles.

The Supreme Court has halted the Delhi High Court's decision to suspend Kuldeep Singh Sengar's life sentence in the Unnao rape case. Judges acknowledged efforts to exploit the situation for political gain. Sengar remains in jail due to a separate custodial death sentence. The survivor expressed happiness and vowed to pursue the death penalty.

The National Mission for Clean Ganga has greenlit projects to revive the Gomti river's origin site, enhance bird habitats, and implement natural sewage treatment for Delhi's Yamuna drains. These initiatives aim to restore cultural identity, protect biodiversity, and improve water quality through innovative, nature-based solutions, marking a significant step in river rejuvenation efforts.

Ministry of external affairs has rejected Pakistan's accusations of attacks on minorities, labeling them as finger pointing and highlighting Pakistan's abysmal record on the issue. The MEA stated that Pakistan's horrific and systemic victimisation of minorities is a well-established fact, refuting claims made by Pakistan's foreign affairs spokesperson.

The Unnao survivor seeks the death penalty for Kuldeep Singh Sengar, welcoming the Supreme Court's stay on his bail. China launched massive drills near Taiwan, prompting a high alert. The Environment Minister praised the SC's stay on the Aravalli definition. Defence spending will see a Rs 79,000 crore boost. Lalit Modi apologized for his remarks with Vijay Mallya.

The Defence Acquisition Council has approved capital acquisition proposals totaling approximately Rs 79,000 crore to enhance the operational capabilities of the Armed Forces. These approvals, granted on December 29, 2025, cover a variety of equipment for the Army, Navy, and Air Force, including loiter munition systems, radars, guided rocket ammunition, and drone detection systems.

The Supreme Court has intervened in the Unnao rape case. It has halted the Delhi high court's decision to suspend former BJP leader Kuldeep Singh Sengar's life sentence. The apex court is examining if an MLA qualifies as a public servant under the POCSO Act. This move ensures Sengar remains in jail. The survivor welcomes the Supreme Court's action.

Union Environment Minister Bhupender Yadav welcomed the Supreme Court's decision to stay its order on the Aravalli range's ew definition. The court has formed a committee to re-examine the issues. The government remains committed to protecting and restoring the Aravalli hills, with mining bans on new and renewed leases continuing. This follows widespread criticism of the previous definition.

The Unnao rape survivor expressed joy and vowed to pursue capital punishment after the Supreme Court stayed the Delhi High Court's order suspending expelled BJP leader Kuldeep Singh Sengar's life sentence. The apex court's decision prevents Sengar's release, emphasizing the peculiar circumstances of his conviction for a grave offense. The survivor conveyed her faith in the judiciary's pursuit of justice.

China launched large-scale live-fire military drills around Taiwan, deploying warships and aircraft in a stern warning to independence supporters and foreign powers. Taiwan's military is on high alert, vowing to defend its democracy amid drills aimed at blockading key ports and simulating strikes.

Uttarakhand CM Pushkar Singh Dhami has assured justice for Tripura student Anjel Chakma, who died after a brutal attack in Dehradun. Five accused are arrested, with one suspect on the run and a reward announced. The incident, involving racial abuse and stabbing, has sparked outrage and calls for strict action against the perpetrators.

The Supreme Court has halted the Delhi High Court's bail order for ex-BJP MLA Kuldeep Singh Sengar in the Unnao rape case. The apex court questioned the suspension of his sentence, noting Sengar remains jailed for another conviction. The CBI had appealed the bail, highlighting the horrific nature of the crime against a minor.

The Indian Navy's stitched sailing vessel, INSV Kaundinya, embarks on its maiden voyage from Porbandar to Muscat, retracing ancient maritime routes. Built using traditional stitched-plank technology without modern propulsion, the ship highlights India's rich shipbuilding heritage and its historical connections with West Asia.

Thick smog and fog across northern India have led to significant flight delays, prompting the Ministry of Civil Aviation to issue a travel advisory. Airlines are urging passengers to check flight statuses and allow extra travel time as operations at select airports are impacted by reduced visibility and CAT III conditions.

A 68-year-old Mumbai woman was defrauded of Rs 3.75 crore by scammers who impersonated 'Justice Chandrachud' and staged a mock virtual court hearing. The fraudsters used high-pressure tactics, including demanding an essay about her life, to extract funds. Police have arrested one man in Gujarat for receiving a portion of the stolen money.

A 34-year legal battle over an ITDC employee's job termination concluded with the Supreme Court awarding 50% back wages to his family. The employee, D K Sharma, passed away a year before the apex court's verdict, which sided with him after a protracted journey through labor courts and the High Court.

India is poised to approve genome-edited mustard, potentially boosting oil production and reducing pungency, following the release of similar rice varieties. This advancement in gene-editing technology, distinct from GM crops, is being evaluated in trials and signifies India's move towards diversifying its agricultural landscape amidst opposition to GM crops.

Himachal Pradesh Chief Minister Sukhvinder Sukhu's appeal led to the Resident Doctors Association of IGMC-Shimla ending their strike. Following assurances of a detailed inquiry and a review of Dr. Raghav Narula's termination, doctors are set to resume duties. The CM acknowledged the strike, stating government decisions are open to review.

A Jalandhar man's search for his brother in Moscow has revealed a grim reality: at least ten Indians, including three from Punjab, have died fighting for the Russian army in Ukraine, with four others missing. Jagdeep Kumar, who made two trips to Russia, has obtained official confirmation of these deaths and is now working to repatriate the bodies.

Congress leader Shashi Tharoor backed Digvijaya Singh's call for organizational strengthening and discipline within the party. Singh's earlier praise for the RSS-BJP's organizational prowess had sparked debate. Tharoor emphasized the need for a robust Congress, while Singh asserted party unity and his opposition to BJP-RSS ideology. Salman Khurshid, however, stated the Congress doesn't need to learn from the RSS.

Congress leader Jairam Ramesh questioned Environment Minister Bhupender Yadav on the new Aravalli definition ahead of a Supreme Court hearing. He highlighted concerns about ecological integrity, citing FSI reports that emphasized the protective role of even smaller hill formations against desertification. Ramesh also pointed to past definitions and a CEC report on mining leases within the Aravallis.

'Consult docs, stay away from self-medication'

A former MBBS doctor, known as Dr. Rafiq, built a clandestine medical system for Maoists and Adivasis in Chhattisgarh's Bastar. He performed surgeries with limited resources, trained medics, and documented treatments for battlefield injuries and common ailments. Revered by locals, his network continues to function even after his departure, blending traditional knowledge with modern medicine.

The Supreme Court has consistently safeguarded the Aravalis for two decades, banning mining and groundwater extraction. Despite PMO interventions to prevent dilution of construction norms in ecologically sensitive zones, recent government reports appear to favor mining. Activists highlight ongoing efforts, particularly from Haryana, to permit non-forest activities under the guise of recreation, challenging the court's conservation directives.

Congress celebrated its 140th foundation day with leaders asserting the party's enduring ideology. Mallikarjun Kharge declared, Congress is an ideology and ideologies never die, while Rahul Gandhi called it he voice of India's soul. The party vowed to fight for truth, courage, and the Constitution against injustice and dictatorship, urging workers to build a mass movement for MGNREGA's restoration.

India is advancing its hydropower potential on the Chenab River with the approval of the 260 MW Dulhasti State-II project in Jammu & Kashmir. This strategic move, following the suspension of the Indus Waters Treaty, aims to harness the river's untapped capacity. The project, an extension of an existing facility, will contribute to India's hydropower generation goals.

Tripura CM Manik Saha has urged Uttarakhand counterpart Pushkar Singh Dhami to ensure justice for Anjel Chakma, a 24-year-old student from Tripura who tragically died after a racially motivated assault in Dehradun. Five suspects are arrested, with a manhunt for a sixth underway. Authorities are also seeking a fugitive in Nepal.

India's DRDO has equipped the Army with advanced camouflage software and a multispectral tank decoy to counter modern enemy detection. These technologies, developed after recent conflicts, help soldiers and equipment evade surveillance across visible, infrared, and radar spectrums. This boosts battlefield deception and survival, crucial for modern warfare.

Prime Minister Modi urged chief secretaries to prevent Maoism's resurgence in liberated areas by accelerating infrastructure and welfare projects. He emphasized all-round development, including rehabilitation for surrendered individuals, to ensure they remain in the mainstream. The PM also called for deregulation cells to boost reforms and improve ease of living and doing business.

The government is preparing to defend its new rural employment scheme, VB-G RAM G, against Congress protests. Ministers have been briefed on its advantages, including 125 guaranteed workdays and durable asset creation, aiming to boost local livelihoods and curb migration. Normative funding ensures predictable allocations, contrasting with previous models.

Authorities detained Srinagar MP Aga Ruhullah Mehdi and PDP leader Waheed Parra, halting a student protest against J&K's revised reservation policy. The changes, granting a 10% quota to Pahari-speaking people, have sparked debate over reduced open merit shares.

Ladakh's pristine cold desert faces a crisis as feral dogs, numbering nearly 45,000, threaten endangered wildlife like snow leopards and Pallas's cats. Human activities, including increased tourism and unmanaged waste, have fueled their rapid multiplication. Conservationists warn these canines, now outnumbering native predators, pose a significant ecological threat and have even attacked humans.

Latchiya Jananayaka Katchi (LJK) has expressed interest in an alliance with Tamilaga Vettri Kazhagam (TVK) for the 2026 Assembly elections. LJK leader Jose Charles Martin cited Vijay's stance against corruption as a reason for the potential partnership. He also clarified earlier criticisms of Vijay's political messaging, attributing it to the actor's aides.

India plans to establish coal exchanges to foster competitive markets for surplus thermal fuel as production is projected to exceed 1.5 billion tonnes by 2030. The Coal Controller Organisation will register and regulate these exchanges, facilitating commodity trading. This move aligns with policy reforms leading to increased domestic coal availability and demand.

A SWISS Airbus A330 en route from Zurich to Mumbai declared a PAN PAN urgency message due to a cabin pressurisation snag. The pilot safely landed the aircraft in Mumbai, with a spokesperson confirming no danger to passengers or crew. The plane was inspected and cleared for its return flight as scheduled.

Over 25 lakh households have now installed rooftop solar under the PM Surya Ghar Muft Bijli Yojana, receiving cleaner energy and reduced electricity bills. Launched in February 2024, the scheme aims for 1 crore installations by FY 2026-27, with subsidies up to Rs 78,000 available.