The Times of India

Prime Minister Narendra Modi has become India's longest-serving elected leader, surpassing Jawaharlal Nehru's record. Russia and Italy extended congratulations, highlighting India's economic progress under Modi's tenure. This milestone marks a significant achievement in his continuous service to the nation, a feat recognized internationally.

A Delhi court has remanded the hotel owner and accountant in the Malviya Nagar fire tragedy to 12 days' judicial custody. The blaze, which claimed 22 lives, including foreign nationals, reportedly began in the restaurant and kitchen. Investigators are probing alleged safety lapses and negligence, with a cook also arrested.

BJP leader Tarun Chugh offered prayers at Gurdwara Sri Bangla Sahib, celebrating Prime Minister Modi's 12 years in office and his record-breaking tenure.

With an alarming rate of food spoilage costing India billions every year, especially in rural areas due to lack of an efficient cold chain, Tan90 steps in with a groundbreaking Cooling-as-a-Service solution. By leveraging Phase Change Materials, this innovative model creates an on-demand cold storage system that supports farmers and fishermen, cutting down expenses and boosting their income dramatically.

Trinamool Congress has dismissed merger speculation with Congress as rumour, stating no such discussion occurred during Rahul Gandhi and Abhishek Banerjee's meeting. The leaders focused on coordinating efforts within the INDIA bloc to counter the BJP in West Bengal and the 2029 Lok Sabha polls.

Uttar Pradesh schools are now prohibited from forcing parents to buy books from private publishers or specific vendors, following a directive from the state government. This action stems from a National Human Rights Commission inquiry into allegations of a 'book mafia' exploiting parents.

Trinamool Congress has officially denied any merger talks with Congress, dismissing recent speculation as baseless rumors. This comes after meetings between Mamata Banerjee and Sonia Gandhi, and Abhishek Banerjee and Rahul Gandhi. Sources confirm discussions focused on opposition unity and strategy against the BJP, not a party merger.

Prime Minister Modi will lead the 11th NITI Aayog Governing Council meeting, focusing on Inclusive Human Development for Viksit Bharat @2047. Chief ministers and officials will discuss strategies for foundational human capital, employment, health, and equity.

Congress has urged the Election Commission to reinstate Rajya Sabha candidate Meenakshi Natarajan's nomination from Madhya Pradesh, calling its rejection 'egregious' and 'blatantly unlawful'. The party argues that a Telangana court's notice on a private complaint does not constitute a criminal case requiring disclosure. This rejection significantly impacts the Rajya Sabha election dynamics in the state.

Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni extended congratulations to Narendra Modi for becoming India's longest-serving elected Prime Minister, surpassing Jawaharlal Nehru's record. Meloni highlighted their recent meeting in Rome and the launch of a Special Strategic Partnership. She also recalled Modi's thoughtful gift of Melody toffees, a nod to their popular Melodi nickname.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi has set a new record as India's longest-serving elected Prime Minister. He has now served more consecutive days in office than Jawaharlal Nehru. Leaders from the United States, Malaysia, and Sri Lanka have sent congratulations. They praised his leadership and public service. The US ambassador highlighted his decades of dedication.

Ahead of PM Narendra Modis visit to France next week for the G7 summit, French ambassador Thierry Mathou tells TOI in an exclusive interview that Indias involvement with the group of the worlds most advanced and industrialised nations has become indispensable. Mathou said Indias participation in a defensive mission to secure Strait of Hormuz once the conflict is over would send a powerful signal.

Raises issue with CJ of Bombay HC ss threat originated in India

Airline refutes charge by former Gujarat CMs daughter

India's ship safety certifier, IRClass, will no longer certify vessels owned by Iranian or Russian entities due to Western sanctions. The organization has de-classed 235 ships since 2023 and removed 13 million gross tons of sanctioned tonnage. However, IRClass acknowledges limited control over cargo movements after certification.

In a significant move for regional consistency, the geographical scope of the National Capital Region will remain intact. The NCR Planning Board is poised to dismiss Haryana's request to divest five districts, despite the state's assertions of economic disadvantage.

The Election Commission is set to meet a Congress delegation regarding the rejection of Meenakshi Natarajan's Rajya Sabha nomination from Madhya Pradesh. Congress alleges the BJP is destroying democracy by rejecting the nomination, citing concealed information about a Telangana case as the reason. Madhya Pradesh CM welcomed the decision, urging Congress introspection.

During the Bonn climate negotiations, India urged advanced economies to amplify their commitments to emission reductions while significantly increasing climate finance. New Delhi emphasized that for developing countries, securing 'carbon space' is crucial to effectively tackle poverty and promote sustainable progress.

Prime Minister Modi held a crucial call with the Emir of Kuwait, addressing the escalating West Asian security situation. India voiced deep concern over rising tensions, emphasizing de-escalation and diplomacy. The discussion also covered the welfare of the large Indian community in Kuwait, with PM Modi thanking the Emir for his attention to their safety and well-being.

Deadly protests in Pakistan-occupied Kashmir have drawn international concern over communication restrictions and arrests. Meanwhile, CID investigators are probing alleged signature forgery at Mamata Banerjee's residence, while Delhi Police reveal a planned murder of a DU professor.

Ayodhya is experiencing an unprecedented surge in visitors, with numbers skyrocketing from 6 million in 2020 to over 164 million in 2024, fueled by the Ram Temple's inauguration and infrastructure upgrades. This boom has revitalized local businesses, boosting shopkeeper earnings fivefold and property values significantly. Projections indicate Ayodhya's tourism economy could reach 10,000 crore annually.

Arvind Kejriwal alleged the Enforcement Directorate is harassing Hindu traders in Punjab during ongoing raids linked to a real estate case. The ED conducted searches at six locations in Punjab, Uttar Pradesh, and Delhi-Noida concerning Hampton Sky Realty Ltd. Kejriwal urged traders not to panic, assuring them of the Punjab government's support.

Amidst Rajya Sabha polls in Madhya Pradesh, Congress MLAs are being moved to Karnataka, with party leaders alleging BJP poaching attempts. Congress claims BJP offered bribes to its legislators. The move aims to prevent cross-voting and secure their candidate's victory, recalling the 2020 government collapse.

Karnataka Deputy Chief Minister DK Shivakumar's public gesture of biting apples from a ceremonial garland and tossing them to supporters has sparked a viral debate. While some hail it as an affectionate interaction, others criticize the act of distributing partially eaten food. The incident, captured in Kanakapura, has drawn mixed reactions online, prompting discussions about its appropriateness.

Trinamool MP Kalyan Banerjee fiercely criticized rebel leader Kakoli Ghosh Dastidar, labeling her faction desperate and accusing them of betraying Mamata Banerjee and colluding with the BJP. Dastidar, however, remained defiant, vowing to fight for Bengal and the nation, asserting her long-standing commitment to the party and its principles. This exchange highlights a deepening internal conflict within the TMC.

A new experimental diabetes jab, retatrutide, has shown promising Phase-3 trial results, helping type 2 diabetes patients lose up to 15% of body weight and significantly improve blood sugar control. The once-weekly injectable targets three hormone receptors, with the highest dose reducing HbA1c by 1.94 percentage points and body weight by 15.3%.

West Bengal has rejoined the Ayushman Bharat-PMJAY health insurance scheme, bringing nearly six crore people under its coverage. This move, fulfilling an election promise, marks the state's return after a previous withdrawal. The initiative aims to provide 5 lakh annual health cover to eligible families, including workers and senior citizens, facilitating cashless treatment nationwide.