Politics / The Times of India
The Supreme Court questioned the validity of Muslim men authorizing lawyers to issue triple talaq notices, stating it's not a valid divorce without the husband's signature. The bench emphasized that such practices cannot harm Muslim women's dignity and will not permit unauthorized divorce notifications.
India must accelerate its growth to achieve a $30 trillion economy, focusing on health, nutrition, and smart urbanization for job creation. Skilling the educated workforce is crucial as skilled manpower is identified as a major constraint for business growth and new job opportunities.
Prominent citizens have written an open letter criticizing Rahul Gandhi. They accuse him of attacking the Election Commission's dignity with 'impotent rage' and 'unsubstantiated accusations' following electoral failures. Congress has challenged the letter writers, questioning the Election Commission's electoral rolls. The exchange highlights ongoing political debate surrounding electoral processes.
The Supreme Court criticized the CBI's friendly and cool approach in probing Indiabulls Housing Finance's financial irregularities. The court questioned the corporate affairs ministry's decision to close Sebi and ED-flagged governance issues, emphasizing the need for a thorough investigation into multi-layered transactions and loan round-tripping.
While women's turnout significantly boosted the NDA's Bihar victory, AIMIM secured three of the top five seats with highest female participation. The special revision exercise's impact on poll outcomes showed mixed results, with NDA winning a proportional share of seats affected by deletions and additions.
Jammu and Kashmir Chief Minister Omar Abdullah expressed concern that Kashmiris are being viewed with suspicion across India due to the actions of a few. He stated that stripping the region of its special status and statehood has not ended bloodshed, questioning those responsible for security about the current situation.
The government is constructing 29,000 aspirational toilets across India to enhance public sanitation at tourist spots and high-footfall areas. These modern, tech-enabled facilities will feature improved accessibility and smart amenities. The initiative aims to meet growing sanitation needs and improve dignity, particularly for women.
Patna gears up for a significant political event as Nitish Kumar is set to be sworn in as chief minister for a record tenth time. Following his resignation, the NDA alliance has elected him leader, and he will stake his claim to form the new government.
Political heat rises in Assam ahead of the 2026 assembly polls. Congress MP Gaurav Gogoi criticises the BJP's delimitation and voter revision plans. CM Himanta Biswa Sarma said that Gogoi should contest elections in Pakistan after BJP sweeps the 2026 polls. The Election Commission has ordered a special revision of electoral rolls, aiming to identify ineligible voters.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi envisioned India as a global natural farming hub, highlighting a significant transformation in the agriculture sector over the past decade. He noted agricultural exports have nearly doubled, with youth increasingly embracing farming as a modern career. The PM lauded Tamil Nadu farmers for their courage and innovation at a recent summit.
External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar on Wednesday inaugurated two new Consulates General in Russia, Yekaterinburg and Kazan. This move marks a significant step in deepening India and Russia bilateral ties. The new missions will foster economic, technological, and scientific cooperation. They will also support the large Indian community residing in Russia.
A group of 272 eminent citizens, including retired judges, bureaucrats, and military officers, have penned an open letter criticizing Rahul Gandhi and the Congress for allegedly undermining constitutional bodies, particularly the Election Commission. The letter accuses the opposition of baseless rhetoric and systematic and conspiratorial attacks against the ECI, urging civil society to support the institution.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi visited Puttaparthi to honor spiritual leader Sri Sathya Sai Baba's birth centenary, paying respects at his Mahasamadhi. Accompanied by Andhra Pradesh leaders, the PM also released commemorative stamps and a coin celebrating Baba's legacy. Later, he will inaugurate a natural farming summit in Coimbatore and release PM-KISAN funds for farmers.
Former Vice President Jagdeep Dhankhar met his successor C P Radhakrishnan in a courtesy meeting, marking their first formal interaction since Dhankhar's resignation. Dhankhar had stepped down citing health reasons and is currently residing in a private accommodation while awaiting his retirement residence.
The Supreme Court has urged the Centre and judiciary to expedite NIA case trials, aiming for completion within six months to address prolonged bail denials. Justices emphasized establishing dedicated NIA courts with adequate infrastructure, including virtual appearance facilities, to prevent delays.
Justice Ujjal Bhuyan dissented with CJI B R Gavai's recall of a prior judgment, arguing the majority overlooked environmental jurisprudence fundamentals. Justice Bhuyan defended the original verdict, emphasizing the precautionary principle over the 'polluter pays' principle. CJI Gavai noted his departure from tradition by not altering his judgment after receiving the dissent.
NDA allies BJP and JDU are resisting LJP(RV)'s demand for a deputy chief minister post in the new Bihar government. Discussions are ongoing as the BJP may retain the Speaker's position, while LJP(RV) seeks representation for its Dalit vote base. The new government's composition reflects shifting power dynamics after the recent election victory.
Fugitive Anmol Bishnoi, wanted for the murder of NCP leader Baba Siddique, has been deported from the US and is reportedly en route to India. The NIA is coordinating his return, with Zeeshan Siddique confirming official notification of Bishnoi's emoval from the United States.
India is urging developed nations to accelerate their net-zero targets and fulfill climate finance commitments ahead of its own 2035 pledges. Environment Minister Bhupender Yadav highlighted India's successful development alongside environmental stewardship, exceeding its non-fossil fuel energy capacity target early. The country aims for net-zero by 2070, supported by its Nuclear and Green Hydrogen Missions.
Tej Pratap Yadav has urged Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Home Minister Amit Shah to investigate alleged mental and physical pressure on his parents, Lalu Prasad and Rabri Devi. He called it an attack on the RJD's soul, naming individuals he claims harassed his sister Rohini Acharya.
In a recent AICC meet, Rahul Gandhi has expressed deep apprehension regarding the Special Intensive Revision (SIR) of electoral rolls, fearing it may unjustly disenfranchise genuine voters. He called upon Congress to tackle this issue from political, organizational, and legal fronts.
External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar urged the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO) to adopt a zero tolerance approach to terrorism, emphasizing its founding purpose. Speaking in Moscow, he also called for reforms in the organization's working methods to adapt to the evolving global landscape. Jaishankar highlighted India's right to defend its people against terrorism.
Four Jungian archetypes explain why Bihar voted the way it did.
BJP spokesperson Shehzad Poonawalla criticized Congress MP Imran Masood for calling suicide bomber Umar Un Nabi a misguided youth. Poonawalla accused the Congress of prioritizing vote bank politics over national interest, citing past instances where opposition leaders allegedly downplayed terror acts. The remarks came after a video emerged of the bomber justifying his actions.
Bengal BJP assures Hindus and Muslims face no fear regarding voter list deletions during the Special Intensive Revision (SIR) process. Opposition parties, including TMC and SP, question the SIR, alleging it's a 'silent, invisible rigging' by the Election Commission at BJP's behest, while BJP dismisses these claims as 'cry of the losers'.
Solicitor General Tushar Mehta told the Supreme Court that the 2020 Delhi riots were a pre-planned attempt to divide society communally, not a spontaneous protest. He argued accused activists are responsible for trial delays. Meanwhile, the Delhi high court directed police to update on riot investigations, noting petitions have been pending for six years without pursuing alternate legal remedies.
Jan Suraaj supremo Prashant Kishor accepted full responsibility for his party's complete failure in the 2025 Bihar Assembly elections, admitting he could not earn voters' trust. Despite contesting 238 seats, Jan Suraaj won none, with Kishor vowing to intensify his work in Bihar and observe a silent fast as atonement.
Prashant Kishor, the leader of Jan Suraaj, has openly accepted accountability for his party's disappointing outcome in the 2025 Bihar Assembly elections, where they secured no seats. He emphasized that despite a genuine commitment to merit-based governance, his party could not connect with the electorate. Acknowledging flaws in both strategy and communication, Kishor stressed the importance of regaining public trust.
Pakistani rapper Talha Anjum caused a stir by waving the Indian flag during a concert in Nepal. He later defended his actions, stating his art has no borders and he does not care about propaganda. While some Pakistanis criticised the move, many Indians praised the gesture. The incident has generated significant social media discussion.

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