The Times of India News

Shiv Sena (UBT) leader Sanjay Raut alleged the BJP's agenda is to prevent a 'Marathi manoos' from becoming the mayor of BMC, claiming it's a conspiracy to hurt Marathi people. He stated this strategy aims to create an atmosphere against Shiv Sena (UBT) and MNS among outsiders, with UP and Bihar leaders expected to campaign for the BJP.

Haryana Congress president Rao Narendra Singh visited a gangrape victim in Faridabad, condemning the 'inhumane and heinous crime' and criticizing the BJP government's claims on women's safety. The 25-year-old mother of three was allegedly gangraped in a moving van and thrown out, suffering severe injuries. Singh demanded strict punishment for the arrested accused and called for a fast-track trial.

Jammu and Kashmir Police arrested two terror associates in Ganderbal, seizing a pistol, grenades, ammunition, and Rs 8.40 lakh cash. The operation, based on specific intelligence, also led to the recovery of an SLR rifle and ammunition in Doda district. Investigations are ongoing to uncover wider links and intent.

The Ministry of Education has directed Tezpur University Vice-Chancellor Shambhu Nath Singh to proceed on leave following sustained protests over alleged administrative, financial, and environmental irregularities. A high-level enquiry committee has been formed to investigate the allegations, with an interim pro-VC appointed to ensure continuity.

According to Jammu and Kashmir Police, the individual has been identified as Shariful Islam Bhuiyan, son of Mozibul Haque Bhuiyan. He is a resident of Adra village in Bangladeshs Comilla district. BSF officials told ANI that the operation is expected to begin next month and will continue till the end of January, a period considered critical ahead of Republic Day celebrations.

Opposition parties have sharply criticized the Madhya Pradesh government over the Indore water contamination incident, alleging misgovernance and a cover-up of the actual death toll. While the administration confirmed four deaths, residents claim the number is higher, sparking political confrontation and demands for accountability.

Unfazed by freezing temperatures and treacherous terrain, Army units have expanded their reach into higher and snowbound areas, targeting Pakistani terrorists who often try to use the harsh winter months for cover and movement. Traditionally, the peak winter period brings a slowdown in terrorist activity as heavy snowfall cuts off routes and isolates mountain regions. This year, however, security forces have changed tack.

Samajwadi Party chief Akhilesh Yadav expressed confidence in West Bengal chief minister Mamata Banerjee's victory in the 2026 Assembly elections, stating the BJP's conspiracy would fail. He also predicted the BJP's defeat in Uttar Pradesh in 2027, while criticizing UP CM Yogi Adityanath over voter list revisions.

India has firmly rejected China's claim of mediating its conflict with Pakistan. New Delhi reiterated that military action ceased after a request from the Pakistani DGMO to his Indian counterpart.

A sessions court in North Goa sentenced Sandeep Verlekar to 6 years and 6 months in prison for culpable homicide not amounting to murder after he assaulted his bed-ridden mother. The court considered his alcoholism and lack of intent to kill, ordering his release after accounting for time already served.

The Madhya Pradesh High Court upheld a Pocso court's 20-year sentence for a man who had a sexual relationship with a 17-year-old, despite their subsequent marriage and child. Justices Vivek Agarwal and R K Choubey stated that a minor's consent is immaterial and only the Supreme Court can suspend sentences under Article 142.

Chief Justice Surya Kant has introduced a new system to prioritize cases for the disadvantaged. Petitions from disabled individuals, acid attack survivors, senior citizens over 80, those below the poverty line, and legal aid recipients will now be fast-tracked. This initiative aims to ensure their cases don't get overlooked amidst the Supreme Court's massive caseload.

Prime Minister Modi highlighted Pragati's role in accelerating over Rs 85 lakh crore in projects over a decade, signifying a governance transformation. He emphasized eform, perform, transform for simplified processes and citizen-centric outcomes. Modi also reviewed five infrastructure projects and stressed PM SHRI schools becoming a national benchmark for holistic education.

The Enforcement Directorate (ED) has recovered over Rs 5 crore in unaccounted cash, Rs 8 crore in gold and diamond jewellery, and property documents worth Rs 35 crore during searches on alleged gangster Inderjit Singh Yadav's premises. The investigation into money laundering stems from Yadav's alleged illegal extortion and coercive loan settlements.

Dilip Ghosh's return to party meetings during Amit Shah's Kolkata visit signals a potential larger role for the former Bengal BJP chief. However, the absence of key Matua and Rajbangshi leaders from a recent BJP meeting highlights underlying unease within the party ahead of the 2026 polls.

The Election Commission has issued a stern warning against the intimidation of electoral staff by political workers, vowing stringent action. Following a meeting with a TMC delegation, the poll panel urged parties to prevent their representatives from threatening election duty personnel. The EC also pressed the West Bengal government to release enhanced honorariums for Booth Level Officers (BLOs).

Trinamool leader Abhishek Banerjee accused the Election Commission of failing to address concerns about electoral roll manipulation, alleging vote theft occurs through software and list discrepancies, not EVMs. He claimed opposition parties missed this tactic in recent state polls and vowed to prevent it in Bengal's upcoming elections, warning of legal action if issues aren't resolved.

Union Home Minister Amit Shah urged BJP workers in Bengal to aim for victory in the 2026 assembly elections, setting a target of winning 22 out of 28 seats in and around Kolkata. He also expressed concerns about infiltration and a changing demography in the region, while dismissing perceptions of organizational weakness.

A pan-India kidney trafficking syndicate with alleged international links has been exposed in Maharashtra. The illicit market saw transplants priced up to Rs 80 lakh, while impoverished donors reportedly received as little as Rs 5 lakh. Police have named two specialists as key players in the network, which allegedly conducted surgeries in Trichy.

The Enforcement Directorate (ED) has attached properties worth Rs 150 crore near Buckingham Palace in the UK, belonging to former S Kumars CMD Nitin Kasliwal. Kasliwal is accused of laundering Rs 1,400 crore of bank loans by establishing an offshore network of trusts and companies to acquire foreign assets.

Rocket debris, suspected to be from an ISRO heavy-lift rocket, washed ashore on Sri Lanka's eastern coast near Trincomalee. Local fishermen discovered the five-meter diameter, ten-meter long fragment, believed to be a payload fairing, prompting authorities to secure the site. This follows previous instances of Indian rocket debris found in the region and on Australia's coast.

ISRO is developing a third launchpad at Sriharikota to accommodate heavier satellites and future launches. Approved by the Union cabinet, the project, costing Rs 3,984.8 crore, aims for completion by March 2029. This expansion will enhance launch frequency, provide redundancy, and bolster India's position in the global space sector.

India's Defence Research and Development Organisation successfully launched two Pralay missiles in quick succession. This test validated the missile's reliability and precision. Pralay is an indigenously developed solid propellant quasi-ballistic missile. It is designed for high accuracy and can carry various warheads. This launch follows recent successful tests of other advanced missile systems, reinforcing India's defence capabilities.

A village defence guard fired shots after reportedly spotting a terror suspect in Rajouri's Kalakote area. Security forces have intensified surveillance and anti-terror operations in the Chenab region and frontier districts. Meanwhile, village defence guards are receiving enhanced training to bolster grassroots security, and a suspected Pakistani drone was briefly sighted near the International Border in Samba.

A Jammu and Kashmir court acquitted three individuals arrested in 2022 for alleged arms possession, citing a lack of independent witnesses and corroborative evidence. The prosecution failed to prove conscious and unauthorized possession of the recovered arms and ammunition, leading to the acquittal of all three accused.

The Jammu and Kashmir High Court has set aside the conviction of an elderly woman in a 1979 murder case, citing 46 years of prolonged proceedings and her age. The court ruled her sentence be treated as already undergone, closing the case due to the heat of passion and decades of litigation.

India welcomed the New Year 2026 with vibrant celebrations across major cities, featuring fireworks, cultural performances, and large public gatherings. Prime Minister Modi reflected on 2025 reforms, while President Murmu extended greetings wishing peace, prosperity, and renewed energy. Delhi Police urged safety, highlighting responsible celebrations as the nation stepped into 2026.

India's northern borders are stable yet sensitive, with the Army robustly deployed to handle any contingency. Bilateral talks have fostered positive developments and troop disengagement. Enhanced infrastructure and new equipment bolster defence preparedness. India's calibrated military actions aim for peace and mutual security, with communication channels actively used to address concerns.

India's Operation Sindoor, a decisive response to the Pahalgam attack, showcased unwavering resolve against terror. Precision strikes on Pakistani terror infrastructure delivered a calibrated blow, sending a clear message of retribution. The operation highlighted India's multi-domain capabilities and commitment to self-reliance, marking a defining moment in its military history.

The Union Cabinet greenlit a massive 374-km greenfield highway in Maharashtra, connecting Nashik to Solapur and Akkalkot, at an estimated Rs 19,142 crore. This project, part of the Surat-Chennai corridor, is set to be the country's largest BOT highway initiative. It promises to slash travel time by 45% and boost logistics, with completion targeted within two years.

India faced nearly 800 drone intrusions along its western border in 2025, highlighting increased smuggling and infiltration attempts. Forces successfully neutralized 237 drones, some carrying weapons and narcotics. Pakistan's persistent proxy war strategy was evident, though the security situation in Jammu and Kashmir remains under control with a focus on development and curbing local recruitment.

A magisterial inquiry found a Goa nightclub, where 25 died in a fire, was illegally built on a salt pan and operated without valid permissions. Systemic failures and alleged collusion by local authorities were highlighted, as the village panchayat issued a license despite it not being renewed, allowing the club to continue functioning.

Congress has slammed the BJP following the arrest of a Christian priest and 11 others in Nagpur during a prayer meeting, accusing the party of religious bigotry. MP KC Venugopal and Kerala LoP VD Satheesan condemned the arrests, demanding the FIR be withdrawn and calling for action against Bajrang Dal activists. They highlighted concerns over minority rights and constitutional freedoms.

Assam Congress leader Debabrata Saikia, who is Leader of Opposition in the state, has condemned the murder of Tripura student Anjel Chakma in Dehradun and accused the Uttarakhand government over purported remarks of state police that they have not found evidence of racial abuse.

Union Home Minister Amit Shah has urged BJP representatives in West Bengal to intensify grassroots outreach, dedicating at least four days weekly to constituencies and holding daily street-corner meetings. He emphasized performance for ticket consideration and signaled a renewed role for former state chief Dilip Ghosh in the upcoming assembly elections.

The CBI has busted a bribery ring within the Jhansi CGST office, arresting five individuals, including a deputy commissioner, two superintendents, an advocate, and a company owner. Officials were allegedly demanding Rs 1.5 crore for favourable treatment in GST evasion cases. A trap operation led to the recovery of Rs 1.60 crore in cash, jewellery, and valuables.