The Times of India

Congress MP Shashi Tharoor has clarified his stance on party lines. He stated his only public disagreement was on Operation Sindoor and India's counterterrorism position. Tharoor emphasized national interest above political differences. His remarks follow reports of internal party friction and his absence from a key meeting. He recalled past events and leaders' views on national security.

Air India has cancelled all flights to and from New York and Newark on January 25 and 26 due to a severe winter storm forecast. The airline cited safety concerns for passengers and crew as the storm is expected to bring heavy snowfall and icy conditions to the US East Coast.

Tamil Nadu chief minister MK Stalin sharply criticized governor RN Ravi in the state assembly, accusing him of undermining constitutional conventions by refusing to read his customary address. Stalin highlighted the Dravidian model government's achievements and dismissed law and order concerns.

The government will soon mandate mechanized covering for trucks carrying loose materials to prevent items from falling onto roads. This update to the Truck Body Code, aimed at improving safety and compliance with Supreme Court orders, will also include requirements for AC driver cabins and advanced driver assistance systems.

Republic Day parade features a unique contingent of 'animal soldiers' including Bactrian camels and Zanskar ponies. For the first time, the S-400 air defence system and drone shakti will be showcased. The event highlights indigenous military might, women's participation, and a flypast celebrating recent victories.

Over 300 dog carcasses were discovered in a pit in Jagtial district, Telangana, following alleged mass killings. This incident brings the total number of deceased dogs in the state this month to nearly 900. Animal rights activists claim the killings were ordered by the village sarpanch, leading to an FIR against local officials.

An FIR has been registered in Moradabad against five minor Muslim girls. They are accused of making their 16-year-old Hindu friend wear a burqa. The incident occurred on December 12, 2025. Police are investigating the matter following a complaint. The law carries a severe punishment for religious conversion by force or fraud.

Abandoned slippers and a broken wall in a forested ridge led police to crack a sexual assault case involving a 10-year-old girl. Investigators identified a red e-rickshaw with a white roof from CCTV footage, ultimately leading to the arrest of the 25-year-old suspect, Durgesh.

West Bengal's Chief Electoral Officer has directed district officials to immediately file FIRs against any destruction of public property or attacks on staff during SIR-related hearings. Hearings will be adjourned if violence persists, requiring CEO approval to resume. This directive follows an incident in Murshidabad where an MLA was not named in an FIR despite alleged vandalism and hate speech.

Rahul Gandhi criticized US tariffs for severely impacting India's textile sector, leading to job losses and factory shutdowns. He urged Prime Minister Modi to demonstrate accountability and negotiate a favorable trade deal with the US, emphasizing the stakes for millions of jobs and businesses.

The Supreme Court has ordered the CBI and ED to share their investigation findings on alleged financial fraud by the Anil Dhirubhai Ambani Group. Noting no appearance from Anil Ambani or ADAG despite notice, the court issued fresh summons, emphasizing a forensic audit revealed fund siphoning.

The Supreme Court has asked the Centre and Tamil Nadu government to respond to a plea seeking ASI control of Thirupparankundram Lord Murugan temple. The petition also requests the permanent lighting of a lamp atop a stone pillar for 24 hours daily.

Tarique Rahman's return as BNP chairman is viewed critically, citing his exile and alleged corruption. The article questions the legitimacy of upcoming elections due to the ban on the Awami League, attributing it to fear of their popularity. It also highlights the government's failure to protect minorities and its appeasement of extremist forces, impacting India-Bangladesh relations.

A proposed anti-corruption bill faces criticism from legal experts who warn that linking the removal of PMs, CMs, or ministers to 30 days of arrest on serious charges could be politically misused. Concerns were raised that this provision might override popular will, with some suggesting framing of charges as a more appropriate threshold for removal.

Security forces neutralized a top Jaish-e-Mohammad terrorist, Usman, in Kathua's Billawar during Operation Trashi-I. This operation, now in its sixth day, has seen intense combing operations and the discovery of a terrorist hideout. The ongoing hunt for more militants continues despite challenging conditions, marking a significant breakthrough for security forces.

Jammu and Kashmir was battered by heavy snowfall and fierce winds reaching 155kmph, causing widespread disruption. Highways were blocked, flights cancelled, schools shut, and power supply severely impacted. The Vaishno Devi pilgrimage was suspended as snow blanketed the Trikuta Hills. Authorities are bracing for further weather challenges.

Families of Hyderabad youths are pleading with the government for help, claiming their sons were lured to Thailand with fake job offers and are now held captive and tortured near the Myanmar border. These individuals were reportedly forced into long working hours, denied basic necessities, and beaten for attempting to leave.

Tamil Nadu CM M.K. Stalin rejected Prime Minister Narendra Modi's 'double engine' government pitch, asserting the state has achieved growth independently. Stalin accused the BJP of betraying Tamil Nadu and highlighted the growth in non-'double engine' states. Modi, in turn, criticized the DMK government as 'Corruption, Mafia, Crime' and accused them of misgovernance and vote-bank politics.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi launched the NDA's campaign in Tamil Nadu, asserting voters are ready to oust the corrupt DMK government. Chief Minister M.K. Stalin countered, accusing the NDA of betraying the state and highlighting pending demands, including financial aid and NEET exemption.

Tharoor, who is reportedly unhappy after Rahul Gandhi did not meet him during his visit to Kochi, will instead attend the Kerala literature festival. The controversy around Tharoor and his reported rift with the party erupted following a series of events that led to the experts connecting dots of the veteran leader's dissatisfaction with his current position in the grand old party.

In an advisory to passengers, the airline said the suspension could lead to extended wait times, both onboard aircraft and at the airport, as weather conditions continued to affect operations. It added that boarding formalities may be completed in advance so that flights can depart immediately once clearance is granted.

External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar met EU ambassadors, emphasizing that stronger India-EU trade, mobility, and security ties will stabilize the global order. He highlighted cooperation on resilient supply chains and public goods like HADR and anti-piracy operations. The upcoming summit is expected to finalize an FTA, a defense partnership, and a mobility agreement.

An FIR in UP details a woman's alleged gang-rape under the guise of 'halala' after an instant triple talaq. The law banning triple talaq has been invoked, alongside provisions for rape and other offenses. This case highlights the legal grey area surrounding halala, a practice not recognized by Indian statutory law.

The Indian Patent Office has rejected AbbVie's patent application for its cancer drug Venetoclax, citing a lack of inventive step and no enhancement in therapeutic efficacy. This decision, if upheld, could allow for the entry of more affordable generic versions of the drug into the Indian market.

A Meitei man visiting his Kuki fiance in Churachandpur was abducted and shot dead on camera, sparking protests and an NIA probe. Graphic footage of the killing circulated widely. The incident occurred amidst ongoing ethnic tensions between Meitei and Kuki-Zo communities in Manipur, highlighting the fragile peace in the region.

Brazilian President Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva will visit India from February 19-21 to strengthen the strategic partnership and discuss bilateral cooperation for the Global South. The leaders pledged to work together for UNSC reforms and peace in Gaza, with Lula also expected to attend the AI summit and a later BRICS summit.

India has strongly condemned the vandalism of its embassy in Zagreb by the Sikhs for Justice group, which attempted to replace the Tricolour with a Khalistan flag. New Delhi has officially raised the matter with Croatian authorities, demanding justice for the perpetrators and emphasizing the inviolability of diplomatic premises.

The Supreme Court has expedited the legal dispute over the Bhojshala Saraswati Temple cum Maulana Kamal Maula Mosque in Dhar, Madhya Pradesh. The court lifted its stay on the case pending with the MP High Court and decoupled it from the Places of Worship Act.

India's upcoming Census 2027 will collect detailed household information, including building materials, amenities like water and sanitation, and ownership status. For the first time since 1931, caste details will be gathered. The houselisting and housing phase runs April-September 2026, with population enumeration in February 2027.

The Supreme Court refused to stop the ED from accessing information from an I-PAC functionary's seized mobile phone, despite pleas of privacy violation. The court stated it knows how to protect innocent citizens. This comes as ED faced interruptions in Kolkata during a search, unlike in Delhi.

Tragedy struck in Ahmedabad as Congress MP Shaktisinh Gohil's nephew, Yashrajsinh Gohil, allegedly shot his wife Rajeshwari accidentally with a licensed revolver. Devastated by her death, he then reportedly took his own life. Police are investigating the incident, which occurred late Wednesday night in their apartment.

Heavy snowfall is expected in Kashmir Valley and Pir Panjal regions starting Friday. Two western disturbances will impact the weather for nearly a week. Authorities are preparing for the harsh winter spell. Moderate to heavy rainfall and snowfall are forecast for south and north Kashmir. High-altitude areas may receive significant snow. Farmers are advised to postpone agricultural activities.

Security forces engaged in an intense gun battle with terrorists in Kishtwar's Chatroo belt, continuing Operation Trashi-I. Searches were also intensified in border areas and localities with a high concentration of foreign nationals as a precautionary measure ahead of Republic Day.

Congress has issued a strong directive to its Punjab leaders, demanding an end to public displays of internal discord and factionalism. Party president Mallikarjun Kharge and Rahul Gandhi emphasized unity for the 2027 assembly elections, assuring no immediate leadership changes. Leaders must raise concerns internally, not through media, to present a united front for victory.

The Bombay High Court sharply questioned the Maharashtra government's adherence to the rule of law, asking if the Chief Minister was too helpless to act against a minister whose son has evaded arrest for weeks. The court's remarks came after the police failed to apprehend the minister's son following the rejection of his pre-arrest bail plea.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi held a productive phone call with Brazilian President Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva, emphasizing the crucial role of their nations in advancing the Global South's interests. Both leaders expressed optimism about scaling new heights in their strategic partnership and anticipate further collaboration, with President Lula expected to visit India soon.

Assam CM Himanta Biswa Sarma claims he was a victim of a rift between Rahul and Priyanka Gandhi during his Congress tenure. He also accused Assam Congress president Gaurav Gogoi and his wife of having links with Pakistan's ISI, emphasizing national security concerns.