The Times of India News

Union Home Minister Amit Shah predicted a BJP victory with a two-thirds majority in Bengal's 2026 assembly polls, vowing to end infiltration and restore the state's glory. He assured the Matua community of their citizenship rights under the CAA and criticized the TMC government for alleged corruption and failing to secure borders.

A doctor and patient involved in a Shimla assault case publicly reconciled, shaking hands and embracing after apologizing for their scuffle. The incident, which led to a statewide doctors' strike, was resolved through dialogue, with both parties expressing regret for the disruption caused.

India's food regulator, FSSAI, will now mandate scientific evidence for all food safety reviews and standard changes from January 1, 2026. Submissions must detail nutritional information, consumption patterns, toxicological studies, and allergy risks specific to Indian consumers. This move aims to ensure practical, science-based, and safer food regulations for the public.

Eight policemen, including a DSP, accused of illegally holding and torturing a J&K constable for six days in February 2023 have been granted bail by a Kupwara court. This follows the CBI dropping attempt-to-murder charges against the accused after a Supreme Court-directed investigation into the alleged abuse.

Turkish police detained 357 individuals suspected of Islamic State (IS) links in nationwide raids following a deadly encounter. The operations, targeting operatives planning attacks during holiday celebrations, involved simultaneous actions across 21 provinces. Recovered digital materials and suspected financial channeling connect detainees to IS fighters in conflict zones.

India's External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar will attend the funeral of former Bangladesh Prime Minister Begum Khaleda Zia in Dhaka. Prime Minister Narendra Modi remembered Zia's significant contributions to Bangladesh's development and India-Bangladesh relations, recalling a warm meeting in 2015. Zia, a pivotal figure in restoring democracy, passed away at 80 after a long political career.

Chinese state media, Global Times, has criticized Salman Khan's upcoming film 'Battle of Galwan,' accusing it of distorting facts about the 2020 Galwan Valley clashes. The movie, inspired by the deadly confrontation, features Khan as an Indian Army officer. Despite the film's portrayal, the PLA remains resolute in defending China's territory, according to the publication.

The Ministry of Finance, Government of India, has extended significant financial assistance to the state of Uttarakhand. For the financial year 2025-26, a special assistance of Rs 200 crore (loan) has been approved for Uttarakhand under the Scheme for Special Assistance to States for Capital Investment (SASCI) to support reforms in the mining sector, the Chief Minister's Office said in a press release.

Union minister Ramdas Athawale expressed his disappointment, calling the RPI(A)'s exclusion from the BJP-Shiv Sena seat-sharing for BMC polls a etrayal of trust. Despite this, his party will contest 38 seats independently to uphold worker dignity and Ambedkarite community participation in governance, while still supporting the broader Mahayuti alliance on other seats.

Amidst severe fog and low visibility impacting North India's flight operations, the Civil Aviation Ministry has directed airlines to strictly adhere to passenger facilitation norms. Passengers are urged to check flight statuses and allow extra travel time as 118 flights were cancelled and 16 diverted at Delhi airport.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi expressed deep sorrow over the passing of former Bangladesh Prime Minister Begum Khaleda Zia. He acknowledged her significant contributions to Bangladesh's development and the strengthening of India-Bangladesh relations, recalling a warm meeting in 2015. Zia, a towering political figure and the first woman PM of Bangladesh, died at 80 after a prolonged illness.

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.