The Times of India

The India Meteorological Department has launched an AI-enabled monsoon forecasting system and a high-resolution rainfall forecast for Uttar Pradesh. These services will provide precise, location-specific weather information up to four weeks in advance to support farmers and various sectors. The initiative marks a shift towards impact-based forecasting.

Union Minister Nitin Gadkari questioned the effectiveness of Delhi's Environment Compensation Cess (ECC) in tackling air pollution, highlighting that its collection on national highways hinders seamless travel and damages the reputation of road infrastructure projects. He suggested alternative funding mechanisms for municipal bodies, urging the Delhi government to address the issue to alleviate commuter woes.

The Supreme Court has set aside lower courts' regressive findings, stating a qualified woman's pursuit of her profession and child's welfare cannot be deemed cruelty or desertion. The apex court emphasised that marriage doesn't erase a woman's individuality or subordinate her identity, upholding divorce solely on irretrievable breakdown.

Indian nurses, the backbone of healthcare, are critically undervalued despite their expanded roles in patient care, crisis management, and emotional support. Facing severe shortages and overwhelming workloads, their vital contributions often go unrecognized, a situation exacerbated by the pandemic. A reckoning is needed to truly appreciate and support these frontline caregivers.

Tamil Nadu's trust vote for CM-designate Vijay is overshadowed by a potential AIADMK rupture. Senior rebels are questioning party chief Palaniswami's leadership, accusing him of seeking an understanding with the rival DMK. This internal strife could signal the AIADMK's terminal decline as its MLAs consider shifting loyalty.

A single vote separated winners in a Tamil Nadu election, leading to a Madras High Court order. The court barred a TVK MLA from voting in the assembly floor test due to a potential postal vote mix-up. The DMK claims a recount could equalize votes, necessitating a coin toss. The election officer cited EVM issues and postal ballot re-verification.

After winning the BJP a brute majority in the 2026 Assam assembly polls, the question now is whether Himanta Biswa Sarma stands at par with chief ministers like Yogi Adityanath and Devendra Fadnavis, who are widely regarded as disciplined Sangh loyalists and potential next generation leaders of the BJP in the post Modi-Shah era.

Udhayanidhi Stalin, as Leader of Opposition in the Tamil Nadu assembly, reiterated his call for the eradication of Sanatan Dharma, stating it divides people. He also emphasized the primacy of the Tamil invocation song, Tamil Thai Vazhthu, at all government events, demanding it not be sidelined.

Rahul Gandhi and TMC have sharply criticised the appointment of former chief electoral officer Manoj Agarwal as West Bengal's chief secretary by the new BJP government. Critics allege this rewards Agarwal for his role in the recent Assembly elections, questioning the Election Commission's neutrality and the fairness of the polls. The BJP defends the decision, citing service rules.

NEET-UG 2026 exam has been cancelled by the National Testing Agency due to a massive guess paper leak, impacting over 22 lakh students. The government has ordered a CBI probe into the alleged irregularities. The re-examination dates will be announced soon, with existing registrations carrying forward. This decision aims to protect the integrity of the national examination system.

A faction of AIADMK, led by S.P. Velumani and C.V. Shanmugam, has announced support for Chief Minister Vijay's TVK government ahead of a crucial floor test. This move comes amid internal rifts within AIADMK over potential alliances, with the faction opposing any tie-up with DMK. Vijay is working to secure the required majority with support from various parties.

The Trinamool Congress has criticized the appointment of former Chief Electoral Officer Manoj Agarwal as West Bengal's Chief Secretary by the new BJP government. The party labeled the move shameless, questioning the neutrality of the election process after Agarwal oversaw the recent Assembly elections.

Defence Minister Rajnath Singh assured citizens that India is prepared for global supply chain disruptions, with ample petroleum products and robust foreign exchange reserves. He urged fuel conservation to ease the nation's financial burden amid high international crude prices. The government is implementing measures for fuel efficiency and responsible consumption.

The Supreme Court refused to entertain a plea challenging the environmental clearance for Pipavav port expansion in Gujarat, questioning environmentalists' stance on development projects. The court emphasized the necessity of infrastructure for national development, while allowing the environmentalist to approach the NGT again with specific objections.

'Advance Copy Of Petition To Be Given To Govts'

Opposition parties are criticizing PM Modi's call for austerity amidst the West Asia crisis, labeling it a tactic to evade accountability for economic failures. Leaders like Rahul Gandhi and Mallikarjun Kharge argue the PM is shifting responsibility onto the public. Akhilesh Yadav and Tejashwi Yadav also questioned the timing and perceived hypocrisy of these austerity demands.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi embarks on a five-nation tour starting Friday, with the UAE as his first stop. He will meet President Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan to discuss bilateral and regional issues, including energy cooperation. This visit marks his first to a Gulf country since the West Asia conflict began.

Congress is expanding consultations to select Kerala's new chief minister, with AICC general secretary K C Venugopal and leader of opposition V D Satheesan vying for the top post. The party leadership is engaging with former state presidents and other leaders to ensure the final nominee is well-received, amid speculation and potential backlash.

CPM's MA Baby defended Kerala CM Pinarayi Vijayan, stating the party's defeat is a collective responsibility, not an individual's. He emphasized self-criticism and corrective measures for the entire leadership. Baby also expressed concern over the rise of right-wing forces and the BJP's gains in Kerala.

Jammu and Kashmir Chief Minister Omar Abdullah defended the region's liquor policy, stating shops are for those whose religion permits consumption. His comments come amid a 100-day anti-drug campaign, with calls to extend it to liquor. Abdullah highlighted his government's efforts to prevent youth from consuming alcohol, including not opening new shops.

India recorded a 16.4% decline in environment and pollution-related crimes in 2024, with 57,670 cases reported. The majority of these offenses, over 80%, were violations of the Cigarette and Other Tobacco Products Act (COTPA). Noise pollution and forest-related acts followed as the next most reported offenses.

The Times Internet Half Marathon 2026 celebrated diversity and passion, with young runners like winner Rohit Singh Chauhan, Jigmet Stobdan from Ladakh, and Narottam Gaud from Uttar Pradesh showcasing remarkable speed and dedication. The event highlighted running's power to unite individuals from across India, fostering a shared love for the sport and celebrating diverse journeys and aspirations.

The Times Internet Half Marathon 2026 celebrated diverse journeys, with Aishani Saxena winning the 10K Under 29 Female category. Lakshmi Kumari from Bihar, a novice runner, secured first runner-up, while Armenia's Jebid Jouharian, who fosters a running community, took second. The event highlighted running's power to unite people across borders.

Manoj Kumar Agarwal

West Bengal's new BJP government, led by Chief Minister Suvendu Adhikari, has launched the Annapurna Bhandaar scheme. Eligible women will receive 3,000 monthly, replacing the previous Lakshmir Bhandar. The cabinet also approved integrating the state with central schemes like Ayushman Bharat and addressing illegal immigration.

In a separate direction, the state government also asked departments to discontinue the re-employment and service extensions granted to officers and officials who continued beyond the usual retirement age of 60 years. The government has issued an order to take necessary action to immediately terminate the tenures of the nominated members, directors, or chairpersons of different boards, organisations, non-statutory bodies and public sector undertakings of the state government, a senior bureaucrat

Rahul Gandhi criticizes PM Modi's economic appeals as a sign of failure, while a security scare involving explosives near the PM's convoy route prompts an NIA investigation. Meanwhile, Iran defends its peace proposal against US unreasonable demands, and a US passenger from a Hantavirus-hit cruise tests positive but shows no symptoms.