The Times of India News

Right-wing activists disrupted a birthday party in Bareilly, falsely accusing two Muslim guests of love jihad despite most attendees being Hindu. Police booked the Muslim guests and a cafe staffer for breach of peace, though an inquiry found no wrongdoing by the students. The victim stated the love jihad claim was unfounded.

Digvijaya Singh asserted Congress unity amidst a BJP controversy over his praise for the RSS's organizational strength. He accused the BJP of trying to divide the Nehru-Gandhi family, emphasizing the party's solidarity. Singh clarified his stance, stating his opposition to the RSS and PM Modi while supporting a strong organizational framework.

In 2025, women emerged as the decisive force, shaping outcomes across various spheres. From Operation Sindoor's symbolic and active response to terror, to women voters determining Bihar's fate, their influence was undeniable. New women leaders reshaped global politics, athletes dominated sports, and Roshni Nadar redefined economic power, marking a year of profound change.

The National Medical Commission is establishing a national pool of government medical college faculty for surprise inspections to enhance scrutiny of medical institutions. This initiative, starting with 2026-27 academic year approvals, aims to ensure compliance with norms and maintain quality as medical seats expand. Assessors will be compensated and their inspection days treated as official duty.

Why the Matua-Namasudra community views politics the way it does becomes clearer when one looks beyond electoral arithmetic, beyond BJP versus Trinamool Congress (TMC), and even before the creation of Bangladesh. The Matua movement, by the early twentieth century, had become as much a social force as a religious one.

Senior Congress leader Digvijay Singh's praise for the RSS's organizational strength sparked internal debate within the party. While Singh admired the RSS's ability to elevate grassroots workers, several Congress leaders dismissed the comparison, emphasizing their party's Gandhian roots and opposing the RSS ideology.

Nothing seems to deter cybercriminals from striking at will and defrauding unsuspecting victims. Diffused networks and transnational cartels put them virtually beyond the reach of police across states. Now, SC has asked CBI to crack down on fraudsters. The hope is that the central agency has the reach and teeth to make an impact 22,846 cr

A tragic accident claimed the life of a 30-year-old engineer in Mumbai. A speeding MSRTC bus struck him while he stood by his parked scooter. The Motor Accident Claims Tribunal ordered the transport corporation to pay over Rs 2.21 crore to his grieving family, citing driver negligence.

A 17-year-old domestic violence case took an unexpected turn when a woman's current husband testified, confirming her second marriage. This revelation led a Borivli court to rule she was no longer entitled to maintenance from her ex-husband, effectively ending her claim for protection and monetary relief initiated in 2009.

A group of over 70 Indians, defying age and physical limitations, are embracing adventure. From skydiving and scuba diving to trekking in Antarctica, these seniors are living life to the fullest. Couples like the Kotharis, Thakors, and Vakils are proving that age is merely a number, prioritizing experiences and curiosity over potential hardships, with their bucket lists still growing.

A nine-year-old boy, Ajay Raj Nishad, received the Pradhan Mantri Rashtriya Bal Puraskar for his bravery after saving his father from a crocodile attack in the Chambal river. Armed with a stick, Ajay struck the predator's eye, forcing it to release his father. Inspired by the award ceremony, Ajay aspires to join the defence forces.

A 24-year-old MBA student from Tripura tragically died after confronting men who hurled racial slurs at him and his brother in Dehradun. The brutal stabbing occurred when the victim asserted his Indian identity. The incident has sparked outrage and calls for justice, with protests erupting across the northeast and student organizations demanding a national law against racial hate crimes.

BJP alleges Congress is a mouthpiece for anti-India global forces, citing Sam Pitroda's confirmation of the party's membership in George Soros-linked Global Progressive Alliance. Rahul Gandhi's role in its presidium is highlighted, questioning his foreign visits and meetings with anti-India entities. BJP demands answers on Congress's priorities.

The CBI has urged the Supreme Court to overturn a Delhi High Court decision that excluded MLA Kuldeep Singh Sengar from being prosecuted under the POCSO Act. Citing the L K Advani case, the CBI argued that lawmakers, as public servants, should face stricter penalties for offenses involving children, emphasizing their public trust and authority.

Himachal Pradesh government hospitals saw services halt Saturday as doctors struck indefinitely. They demand the reinstatement of a doctor sacked for assaulting a patient, arguing his side was ignored. While emergency care continues, non-urgent procedures are postponed, causing significant patient hardship. Officials are working towards a resolution.

Rural development minister Shivraj Chouhan has accused the Congress of spreading misinformation about the VB-G RAM G law, alleging they previously cut MGNREGA's budget and froze wages. He stated the new act ensures transparency and tangible benefits for workers, countering claims of removing Mahatma Gandhi's ideals. Chouhan asserted the VB-G RAM G Act embodies Gandhian principles for rural development.

Congress leader Digvijaya Singh's praise for the RSS-BJP's organizational prowess, highlighting Modi's grassroots rise, sparked internal debate during a CWC meeting. Singh advocated for decentralization within Congress, criticizing its over-centralized structure. The BJP seized on his remarks to attack the Congress leadership, contrasting their approach with Modi's rise.

CWC chalks out campaign from January 5 to force restoration of scheme

Tragedy struck on the Srinagar-Jammu highway as CBI prosecutor Sheikh Adil Nabi, 35, lost his life in a collision near Banihal. His car was struck from behind by a speeding Scorpio. Police have apprehended the Scorpio's driver, Mohammad Shafi, in connection with the incident.

Sajad Lone criticized Mirwaiz Umar Farooq's decision to remove his Hurriyat chairman title from X, calling it a surrender for protocol and security. Lone accused the cleric of double standards, recalling past vilification. Mirwaiz cited UAPA bans and restricted communication as reasons for his Hobson's choice. PDP and NC supported Mirwaiz, blaming authorities.

Protesters in Jammu demanded the cancellation of MBBS admissions at SMVDIME, citing that 42 out of 50 seats went to Muslim candidates. Activists, joined by BJP members and trade leaders, argued for Hindu-only reservations. The Sangharsh Samiti vows to continue the protest until their demands, linked to faith, are met.

The Supreme Court has taken suo motu cognisance of concerns regarding the definition of the Aravali Range, which has sparked debate over mining and environmental protection. A three-judge bench will hear the matter, as environmentalists fear the current definition could weaken conservation efforts for the ancient mountain system.

A Kashmiri shawl seller suffered severe injuries, including fractures, after an alleged assault in Himachal Pradesh. The J&K Students Association condemned the incident, marking it as the 16th targeting Kashmiri traders in the state this year. They urged the Himachal CM for immediate action. A similar harassment case in Haryana is also being addressed.

The Supreme Court will hear the CBI's appeal against the Delhi high court's decision to suspend former BJP leader Kuldeep Singh Sengar's life sentence in the Unnao rape case. This comes after the survivor alleged the investigating officer colluded with a judge to ensure Sengar's victory, days after his bail was granted.

In a significant move towards enhancing law enforcement, chief minister Yogi Adityanath of Uttar Pradesh unveiled the innovative YAKSH app powered by AI, alongside inaugurating 'Police Manthan'a two-day summit tailored for senior police officials. This pivotal event aims to redefine modern policing, addressing pressing issues such as cybercrime, human trafficking, and the complexities of social media.

India now has a national standard, IS 19445:2025, for testing bomb disposal systems, developed at the Home Ministry's request. This voluntary standard aims to ensure uniform testing, improve manufacturing quality, and boost confidence in equipment used by security forces against various explosive threats. It addresses local realities and draws from global practices.

Rabindranath Tagore's patriotic song, 'Jana Gana Mana' was sung publicly for the first time at a 1911 Congress session. It ultimately evolved into becoming India's National Anthem. Initially met with controversy regarding its inspiration, Tagore clarified it honored a timeless guiding spirit, not a monarch. Adopted in 1950 as the national anthem, Jana Gana Mana became a unifying national voice.

Madhya Pradesh High Court denied a 16-year-old rape survivor permission to terminate her 29-week pregnancy, as she wishes to continue and has married the accused. The court directed the Child Welfare Committee to care for her and the child until she turns 18. A medical board had advised against termination due to advanced stage risks.

Extreme weather events in 2025 inflicted over $122 billion in global damages, with India and Pakistan's devastating monsoon floods alone costing $5.6 billion and claiming 1,860 lives. While the US faced the highest financial toll from wildfires, poorer nations bore a disproportionate human cost. Experts warn continued fossil fuel use fuels this escalating crisis.

The CBI has approached the Supreme Court seeking a stay on the Delhi high court's order suspending the sentence of expelled BJP MLA Kuldeep Singh Sengar in the Unnao rape case. The High Court had ruled that Sengar, convicted for raping a minor, was wrongly classified as a public servant.

A Class 10 student died by suicide after allegedly being reprimanded by teachers and the principal at a Greater Noida West school for using AI on her mobile phone during pre-Board exams. Her father has filed a police complaint accusing the school of abetment to suicide and mental harassment.

'Hindu's killing a matter of grave concern'

Resident doctors in Himachal Pradesh have launched an indefinite strike, demanding the reinstatement of a doctor sacked for assaulting a patient. Despite a promise of a fresh inquiry, doctors deem the termination unjust, citing a lack of consideration for the doctor's perspective. The protest has disrupted routine medical services across the state.

India has introduced quality standards for incense sticks, prohibiting harmful insecticidal chemicals and synthetic fragrance intermediates. These new norms, aimed at improving safety and sustainability, classify agarbattis and set requirements for raw materials and burning quality. The voluntary standard, IS 19412:2025, seeks to protect public health and the environment from potentially hazardous substances.

Amidst persecution, Bangladesh Minority Janta Party (BMJP) is set to contest 91 seats in the upcoming polls, targeting Hindu and minority votes. The party president seeks alliances with mainstream parties like BNP to ensure minority safety and urges India to shift its support from Awami League to champion the cause of persecuted Hindus.

RSS chief Mohan Bhagwat stated India's global rise is certain, emphasizing the need for a humane development model. He cautioned against Western materialism's pitfalls, advocating for progress rooted in balance, restraint, and dharma for true 'sukh' over mere material gain.

President Murmu honored 20 young achievers with the Pradhan Mantri Rashtriya Bal Puraskar for their bravery, social service, and talent. Stories like Shavan Singh's support for soldiers and Vansh Tayal's care for an abandoned child highlight remarkable courage and compassion. The awards celebrated exceptional achievements across various fields, inspiring a nation.

Uttar Pradesh faces a significant challenge with 2.89 crore voters deemed 'uncollectable' during a special revision. This includes those who have shifted, passed away, or are untraceable. Lucknow alone saw 12 lakh voters uncollectable. The state aims for a clean electoral roll by February 2026, with draft lists due December 31, 2025.

Over 24,600 sent back from 81 countries: MEA

Atal Bihari Vajpayee, a statesman and former Prime Minister, is remembered for his blend of courage, compassion, and inclusiveness. His legacy of effective, corruption-free governance and concern for the common man continues to inspire transformative changes. Vajpayee's simplicity, sensitivity, and poetic nature endeared him to all, leaving an indelible mark on India's democratic journey.

Union home minister Amit Shah has called for a nationwide upgrade of anti-terror infrastructure, advocating for an impenetrable anti-terrorism grid and a common ATS structure across states. He also announced a 360-degree strike plan against organised crime, emphasizing data sharing and technological integration to combat evolving threats and ensure future security.