The Times of India

Taslima Nasreen returned to Kolkata after nineteen years of exile and received a civic felicitation. The writer expressed gratitude for the new government's assurance of security and her right to visit. Her return highlights the city's evolving political landscape and its stance on free expression. The article explores whether this visit signifies a permanent homecoming or a ceremonial occasion.

After four days without food or water, Jharkhand student leader Devendra Nath Mahto drank water following an appeal from climate activist Sonam Wangchuk but said his indefinite fast over alleged irregularities in state recruitment examinations would continue.

Prime Minister Modi marked seven years since the abrogation of Articles 370 and 35A. This move ushered in a new chapter for Jammu and Kashmir and Ladakh. The region has seen wide-ranging transformation and expanded opportunities for its citizens. Constitutional rights have been ensured for all, empowering previously marginalized communities. The government reaffirms its commitment to the progress of these regions.

In response to mounting allegations of irregularities in recruitment exams, Jharkhand Chief Minister Hemant Soren reassured students of a fair resolution under the law. He emphasized that investigations into reported paper leaks are already in progress by government agencies. Meanwhile, students persist in their protests, calling for exam cancellations and significant reforms. A final decision from the government will follow the completion of these investigations.

West Bengal government has approved land acquisition for a new railway line. This project aims to improve connectivity to the India-China-Bhutan tri-junction area. The new rail link will boost tourism in the Jhaldhaka-Bindu-Todey Tangta region. Railways and the forest department will conduct a joint survey after the monsoon. This strategically important project was previously stalled due to state government non-cooperation.

The National Commission for Protection of Child Rights has taken action against Meta, prompted by allegations regarding advertisements associated with child exploitation materials on its platforms. Seeking accountability, the commission requested clarification from Meta about these grave concerns. After assessing the company's response, a formal investigation is now underway. This decision aligns with growing attention on child safety practices across digital platforms.

To comply with the upcoming Digital Personal Data Protection Act, WhatsApp is piloting new privacy-focused age verification methods for Indian users. This initiative is completely voluntary, allowing users to choose their participation. With the new law's emphasis on stricter regulations for children's personal data, WhatsApp is taking care to safeguard user privacy during this important verification process.

In an important meeting scheduled for this week, government officials will confront Meta executives regarding pressing issues. The discussions will center around the presence of child sexual abuse material, the rise of AI-created content, and the measures in place for takedowns involving notable personalities. Compliance with local laws and the efficiency of Meta's content moderation efforts, particularly in monitoring synthetic content, are also poised to be key topics of concern.

The government may allow a small charge on UPI payments exceeding two thousand rupees. This levy would apply to transactions made to businesses and not individuals. Official estimates suggest this change will impact only five percent of all UPI transactions. Most daily purchases like groceries and taxi fares will remain unaffected by this potential fee. Industry experts anticipate a possible ceiling on the absolute amount charged for these transactions.

Rizwan Hanif, a commander affiliated with Lashkar-e-Taiba, has alleged that Indian agents have systematically killed more than thirty individuals in different Pakistani locations since 2020. He characterized these murders as acts of religious persecution and rejected the authority of foreign entities. This statement comes amid heightened rhetoric from Pakistan's military, and experts suggest it serves as a strategic narrative amidst rising tensions.

The government informed the Supreme Court about considering NEET's shift to computer-based testing. This decision awaits the Nandan Nilekani task force's report on public examination systems. Measures are being taken to make the exam more secure and prevent unfair means. The National Testing Agency has already moved seven major exams to computer-based formats. NEET (UG) currently remains the only major pen-and-paper examination conducted by the NTA.

Dabur India has been instructed by the FSSAI to halt the sale of items claiming to be '100% pure.' This decision stems from a violation of food regulations deemed misleading to consumers. The FSSAI identified unauthorized organic claims on various products. Despite Dabur's assertion that its labels meet regulatory standards, the company will eliminate '100%' references from its marketing efforts.

Census authorities are considering allowing partially filled online forms for self-enumeration. This change aims to ease the process for respondents and enumerators alike. Previously, blank fields prevented form submission, discouraging self-enumeration. The population enumeration exercise is scheduled nationwide for February 2027. Select snow-bound regions will conduct enumeration earlier, from September 1 to 30.

Government brought back 274 fugitives from 36 countries since 2019. Assets worth over Rs 17,874 crore were attached during this period. This contrasts with the UPA government's record of fewer extraditions annually. Legal frameworks were updated, and diplomatic efforts intensified for fugitive recovery. This approach reflects a coordinated whole of government strategy for justice.

The BJP has called out the Congress party for its hypocritical stance on examination irregularities. They pointed to the Congress's lack of response to student protests in both Jharkhand and Karnataka. Additionally, the BJP criticized Priyank Kharge for his defense of police action against demonstrators, claiming that the opposition is purposefully causing disruption in Parliament over these issues. The BJP argues that this selective outrage stems from political motivations.

Oppn Protests Continue To Disrupt House

Court Also Suggests Such Vehicles Be Denied Fuel

India has achieved a remarkable milestone in clean energy, generating over one thousand billion units from nuclear power. This achievement helps avoid more than 860 million tonnes of carbon dioxide emissions. The government aims to increase nuclear power capacity to 100 GW by 2047, with an intermediate target of 22 GW by 2031-32. This expansion will involve multiple stakeholders and the introduction of new legislation.

A parliamentary panel has called attention to the frequent exclusion of MPs from events related to rural road schemes. To rectify this, the committee has urged the introduction of mandatory invitations for MPs to ceremonies. Additionally, it proposed uploading high-quality photos showcasing MP involvement online. A quarterly system will be implemented to monitor adherence to these protocols, ensuring that the established parliamentary etiquette is upheld for PMGSY projects.

Following intelligence indicating potential terror suspects in Poonch, security forces have launched coordinated operations in two strategic locations. Reports have confirmed sightings near Gujjar Naar and Kherowali dhok, prompting a thorough search in the isolated Dhara Sangla village by army and police units. As of Tuesday evening, no contact with the suspects has been reported. Earlier, a significant search initiative was executed in the Thanamandi area of Rajouri district.

The Jammu Chief Judicial Magistrate has taken decisive action by ordering the preservation of evidence in a troubling case of fake silver offerings amounting to Rs 550 crore. In response to a petition seeking to secure all relevant physical and electronic evidence, the court acknowledged allegations of adulteration and pilferage concerning around twenty tonnes of silver.

Kashmir's political landscape will witness separate protests from the NC and PDP this Wednesday, marking seven years since Article 370 was abrogated. The NC is pushing for the restoration of its statehood, whereas the PDP demands the reinstatement of Article 370. Meanwhile, BJP's celebratory events, including a Tiranga rally from Lal Chowk, suggest a contrasting narrative on the changes in Jammu and Kashmir's sentiments following the abrogation.

The NCPCR has initiated a formal investigation following alarming claims from a BBC report which suggested that advertisements on Metas platforms like Instagram were linked to the promotion of child abuse material. In response, the child rights organization has demanded clarity from Meta Platforms Inc. Furthermore, the NHRC has instructed the Delhi Police to look into these troubling assertions, as both entities scrutinize Meta's adherence to child protection regulations.

Uttarakhand Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami on Tuesday welcomed Kanwariyas arriving in Haridwar for the annual Kanwar Yatra, showering flower petals on Shiva devotees from a helicopter and washing the feet of five pilgrims as a mark of respect.

India is harnessing the power of artificial intelligence to address its various developmental challenges effectively. In educational settings, AI supports teachers in remote areas, while in agriculture, it assists farmers facing changing climate conditions. The healthcare system is being transformed through AI-driven diagnostics, and access to government services is increasing. Furthermore, AI contributes to strengthening climate resilience and streamlining agricultural loan assessments, prompti

A Pakistani drone was spotted over Kathua's Hiranagar sector, prompting a security search. Security forces also conducted a large anti-terror operation in Poonch district. An unexploded mortar shell was recovered from a house in Kathua. These events occur amid heightened tensions along the India-Pakistan border. India stated it will safeguard its national interests as needed.

Rahul Gandhi alleged increasing RSS involvement in Sainik Schools during a committee meeting. He referred to a media report while making his claim to the panel. The committee chair asked Rahul Gandhi to provide supporting documents for his allegations. Other BJP members also questioned the basis of his statements. Gandhi has previously accused the RSS of capturing public institutions.

Speaking to reporters at Vidhan Bhavan, Maurya alleged that madrassa students do not express patriotic slogans and linked their education to extremism. Anyone who receives a madrassa education does not chant 'Bharat Mata Ki Jai' nor sing 'Vande Mataram', and develops a terrorist-like mindset, he was quoted as saying by news agency PTI. The remarks were strongly criticised by senior Samajwadi Party leader Shivpal Yadav.

In a strong statement, the Ministry of External Affairs demanded action against cross-border terrorism, directly targeting groups like Lashkar-e-Taiba following claims about Indian agencies taking down their commanders. They lambasted the local elections in Pakistan-occupied Jammu and Kashmir as illegitimate, citing repression of civilians by Pakistani forces. Moreover, India urged the global community to address Pakistan's actions firmly.

India stated it will protect national interests after Pakistan deployed Chinese artillery guns. Pakistan has reportedly deployed around 250 Chinese-made SH-15 artillery systems. India criticized Pakistan's recent elections in Pakistan-occupied Jammu and Kashmir as a farce. The spokesperson noted civilian deaths during a crackdown in the region. Both nations continue to modernize their respective artillery capabilities.