The Times of India News

Prime Minister Narendra Modi received Ethiopia's highest civilian honour, The Great Honour Nishan of Ethiopia, during his first bilateral visit. The two nations agreed to elevate their relationship to a strategic partnership, focusing on cooperation in economy, innovation, technology, defence, and health.

Gujarat has banned the sale and distribution of rolling papers and pre-rolled cones, commonly known as 'Gogo paper'. The state home department cited health risks and concerns that these products are being used by youth to smoke narcotic substances. The ban, effective immediately, targets harmful substances found in the papers, aiming to curb addiction among young people.

Over 7.7 lakh households are now receiving zero electricity bills thanks to rooftop solar installations under the PM Surya Ghar scheme. The government has provided significant subsidy support and sanctioned numerous loan applications. Additionally, farmers are earning substantial income by leasing land for solar projects under the PM-KUSUM scheme.

Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma issued a stern warning to Bangladesh, stating India will retaliate if Bangladeshi politicians continue to make remarks about the northeastern region. His comments followed a statement by a Bangladeshi leader suggesting isolation of India's northeast and support for separatists if India destabilizes Bangladesh.

The Trump administration's 2025 National Security Strategy redefines global power dynamics, placing India at a critical juncture. The document emphasizes unilateral action and self-interest, urging India to contribute more to Indo-Pacific security through initiatives like the Quad, signaling a shift towards transactional alliances.

India's External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar strongly condemned the terror attack at Sydney's Hanukkah celebration, emphasizing India and Israel's zero tolerance policy towards terrorism. Speaking alongside Israeli Foreign Minister Gideon Moshe Sa'ar, Jaishankar conveyed deep condolences for the lives lost and injured.

Bihar's Minority Affairs Minister Zama Khan defended Chief Minister Nitish Kumar after he removed a woman doctor's hijab during a public event. Khan described the act as fatherly affection, aiming to highlight minority women's progress. The incident sparked outrage, with the Congress demanding Kumar's resignation and questioning women's safety in the state.

Goa nightclub fire owners, Gaurav and Saurabh Luthra, were deported from Bangkok to Delhi on Tuesday morning after fleeing India hours after the December 6 blaze that killed 25. The brothers face culpable homicide and negligence charges for alleged fire safety norm violations. Their passports were cancelled and an Interpol notice issued before their detention in Thailand.

An Allahabad High Court judge, Justice Yashwant Varma, has approached the Supreme Court challenging the Lok Sabha Speaker's inquiry committee formed to probe corruption allegations against him. He argues the committee's constitution by the Speaker alone is a procedural lapse, as such a panel should be jointly formed by both Houses of Parliament.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi has commenced a significant two-day State visit to Ethiopia, marking his inaugural trip to the nation. Following a productive tour of Jordan, PM Modi will engage in extensive discussions with Ethiopian Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed Ali, focusing on strengthening bilateral ties and cooperation.

Goa nightclub owners, wanted for a fatal fire, were arrested in Delhi after fleeing to Bangkok. West Bengal's sports minister resigned following the Lionel Messi event chaos, with the CM taking charge. In IPL, Cameron Green was bought for Rs 25.20 crore. Delhi's environment minister apologized for air pollution, while Ukraine claimed responsibility for a Black Sea submarine attack.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi concluded a productive two-day visit to Jordan, marking 75 years of diplomatic ties. Discussions with King Abdullah II and Crown Prince Al-Hussein bin Abdullah II strengthened cooperation in renewable energy, water management, and digital transformation. The visit underscored the warm and growing India-Jordan partnership.

Estranged cousins Uddhav Thackeray and Raj Thackeray are set to unite their Shiv Sena (UBT) and MNS parties for upcoming civic polls in Mumbai, Thane, Pune, and Nashik. A formal announcement is expected next week, marking a significant political realignment after recent electoral setbacks. This alliance will contest elections in major cities, with local units deciding on tie-ups elsewhere.

West Bengal chief minister Mamata Banerjee is reportedly set to take over the state's sports ministry. This follows Sports Minister Aroop Biswas offering to resign amid allegations of mismanagement and security lapses during the Lionel Messi event in Kolkata. The controversy led to spectator anger and damage to stadium property.

Delhi's Environment Minister Manjinder Singh Sirsa stated that reducing air pollution within 9-10 months is unrealistic, apologizing for the current smog. He blamed the previous AAP government for the pollution crisis, claiming his administration is working to fix it.

West Bengal Sports Minister Aroop Biswas has reportedly offered to resign following allegations of mismanagement and security lapses at the Lionel Messi event in Kolkata. The move comes after angry spectators clashed with police, causing significant damage to stadium property. A Trinamool Congress leader shared a purported resignation letter, though its authenticity is being questioned.

West Bengal authorities have issued show-cause notices to top police officials, including the DGP and Bidhannagar CP, following chaos during the Lionel Messi GOAT Tour event. Lapses in crowd control, security, and coordination led to disorder, vandalism, and the early termination of the program, prompting administrative action and an inquiry.

Priyanka Gandhi Vadra accused the Centre of attempting to dismantle the MGNREGA by renaming it to G RAM G. She warned that proposed changes, including shifting financial burden to states and centralizing decision-making, could lead to the scheme's collapse and eventual scrapping, despite claims of expanding employment days.

Opposition MPs protested in Lok Sabha as the government tabled the Viksit Bharat Guarantee for Rozgar and Ajeevika Mission (Gramin) Bill, 2025, aiming to replace MGNREGA. Concerns were raised over removing Mahatma Gandhi's name and weakening the legal right to employment, with demands for committee scrutiny.

Delhi Chief Minister Rekha Gupta was met with chants of 'AQI, AQI' as she welcomed Lionel Messi, with the city's Air Quality Index reaching severe levels. The Aam Aadmi Party criticized the BJP governments for inaction as toxic air affected the region, with the prime minister remaining silent on the issue.

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Prime Minister Narendra Modi met with Jordan's King Abdullah II in Amman, marking a significant bilateral visit to strengthen ties and discuss regional stability, particularly concerning Gaza. The leaders celebrated 75 years of diplomatic relations and explored enhanced cooperation across various sectors, including counter-terrorism efforts and economic partnerships.

Congress MP Shashi Tharoor explained his absence from the party's Vote Chor, Gaddi Chhod rally, citing a prior international commitment made six months ago. He assured that there were no issues from his side, despite recently skipping other party meetings and praising Prime Minister Modi.

Dense fog crippled Delhi's airport on Monday, leading to 228 flight cancellations and five diversions. Visibility plummeted, impacting operations under CAT III conditions. Authorities urged passengers to check flight status, prioritizing safety amidst the severe air quality and persistent smog. Airlines also issued advisories, warning of schedule disruptions.

The Supreme Court urged the Centre and Tamil Nadu to avoid making the Jawahar Navodaya Vidyalaya (JNV) school establishment a language issue. Justices emphasized focusing on rural students' education and suggested the state present its two-language policy for consideration, viewing it as an opportunity, not an imposition.

Amid a barrage of AI deepfakes, U Sudhakar Reddy of STOI looks at how celebrities and courts are taking recourse to existing laws to counter the menace and protect their rights

Thane Regional Mental Hospital is undergoing redevelopment. This plan involves cutting down over half of its trees. This action will impact the environment and the therapeutic benefits nature provides to patients. Experts suggest decentralizing the hospital to preserve green spaces. The loss of these trees affects local biodiversity and urban well-being.

Security forces have established contact with terrorists in the Majalta area of Udhampur district, Jammu and Kashmir. The encounter began after a cordon-and-search operation, with intermittent firing reported. Reinforcements have been deployed, and escape routes are blocked.

The NIA has filed a chargesheet naming seven accused, including LeT and TRF, in the April 22 Pahalgam terror attack. The chargesheet identifies Pakistani handler Sajid Jatt and three slain Pakistani terrorists, along with two locals who harbored them. The attack resulted in the deaths of 26 civilians.