The Times of India

India's Air Force is set to significantly boost its capabilities by concluding major contracts in FY 2026-27. These include deals for 114 Rafale fighter jets, up to 60 medium transport aircraft, and additional airborne early warning systems. The increased capital budget will fund these crucial acquisitions and ongoing modernization efforts.

The Supreme Court has strongly condemned a family court's decision to involve police in a child custody dispute, calling it atrocious, unethical and unconstitutional. Justices questioned the jurisdiction of a Bhopal court over Gurgaon police in enforcing child handover. Both doctor parents and their child have been summoned to the Supreme Court for direct interaction.

The Supreme Court has demanded asset details of close relatives from both sides of a woman accused in a Rs 3,700 crore ponzi scam before considering her bail plea. The court expressed strong disapproval of the defense's claim that the accused couple has no assets, emphasizing the need to trace public funds allegedly siphoned off.

India's External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar discussed the West Asia conflict and its economic impact, including energy security, with his US counterpart. This follows US President Trump's decision to delay strikes on Iran, though Iran denies negotiations. India, concerned about attacks on energy infrastructure, has engaged with Gulf leaders and Iran's President. Potential US-Iran talks in Islamabad are also reported.

India is set to appoint a dedicated official at its London High Commission to handle International Maritime Organisation matters. This strategic move by the shipping ministry, now approved, aims to address frequent sea-based supply chain disruptions. With nearly all of India's trade by volume relying on maritime routes, this ensures better management of crucial sea trade.

Prime Minister Modi asserted India's unwavering focus on national interests amidst West Asian conflict, prioritizing peace and dialogue. He highlighted the government's strategic restraint and diversified ties as crucial for navigating global supply chain disruptions.

India hosts a key meeting of the Global Operational Network of Anti-Corruption Law Enforcement Authorities. Investigative agencies from 135 countries are represented. The gathering focuses on strategic direction and international cooperation. The Enforcement Directorate highlighted significant asset restitutions. This network facilitates direct agency-to-agency engagement.

The government is introducing a bill to amend the FCRA, enabling the takeover of foreign-funded assets when an organization's registration is cancelled or lapses. These assets can be used for public purposes or transferred to government bodies. The bill also introduces a new section for registration cessation and reduces jail terms for FCRA violations to one year.

Union Minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan lauded Prime Minister Narendra Modi, calling him an idea and an institution after Modi surpassed 8,931 days in public office. Chouhan highlighted Modi's relentless dedication to public welfare and nationalism as the driving force behind his work, citing initiatives like Make in India and Start-Up India that fostered investment and hope.

The Supreme Court has expressed strong disapproval of probe agencies' perceived hesitation in investigating Anil Ambani's ADAG group for alleged Rs 40,000 crore loan fraud. Directing CBI and ED to expedite a coordinated inquiry, the court emphasized transparency and fairness. Fresh status reports are mandated within four weeks, with the court urging action against all involved in irregular loan sanctions.

The Supreme Court sternly criticized the West Bengal government for obstructing the Kolkata Metro Orange Line's completion, calling their appeal frivolous and an obstinate anti-development agenda. The court rejected the state's plea for time until May, citing elections, and emphasized the government's dereliction of duty in delaying a vital public transport project.

Prime Minister Modi highlighted India's stance on the West Asia conflict in Parliament. He stressed opposition to attacks on infrastructure and trade routes. India advocates for diplomacy and peaceful resolution. Efforts are underway to ensure safe passage for Indian ships and secure vital supplies like oil and gas. The government is in contact with international partners to maintain maritime safety.

Two Indian-flagged LPG tankers, Jag Vasant and Pine Gas, carrying substantial cooking gas, successfully navigated the war-torn Strait of Hormuz. This marks the fourth Indian vessel passage since the conflict's onset, with four more Indian ships and crews awaiting safe transit. The government is prioritizing their secure passage amid regional tensions.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi assured that the government is actively working to maintain uninterrupted supplies of essential commodities like petrol, diesel, gas, and fertilizers amidst West Asian conflicts. Diversified energy import sources, increased ethanol blending, and extensive railway electrification have significantly reduced dependence on fossil fuels, bolstering India's energy security.

A study published in JAMA Neurology, tracking over 1.5 lakh adults, has found that healthier diets in midlife are associated with better memory and thinking abilities later. Those eating more fruits, vegetables, whole grains and fish were less susceptible to cognitive decline and performed better on cognitive tests. The study also flags diets high in red and processed meat and those linked to inflammation or sugar spikes as being associated with poorer brain outcomes.

A parliamentary committee has urged the government to create a unified, gender-sensitive cybercrime law following a significant rise in online offenses against women and children. The report highlights the need for age-appropriate social media regulations and stronger platform accountability, including mandatory KYC verification, to combat fake profiles and harassment.

Ladakhi delegates are urging the inclusion of environmentalist Sonam Wangchuk in future talks with the Centre, following his release from NSA detention. They emphasize sincerity in negotiations and call for the withdrawal of cases against protesters. The ongoing struggle for Ladakh's demands, including statehood and Sixth Schedule inclusion, continues after inconclusive dialogue rounds.

A University of Jammu committee recommended removing Jinnah, Sir Syed Ahmad Khan, and Iqbal from the MA Political Science syllabus following ABVP protests. This move has drawn strong condemnation from a local minister and a BJP leader, who label it as 'intellectual vandalism' and a threat to India's heritage.

Fugitive jeweller Nirav Modi appeared in a London court to contest a Rs 100 crore claim by Bank of India. The bank seeks repayment of a loan to his company, Firestar Diamond, for which Modi provided a personal guarantee.

Authorities in Pahalgam have registered a case against Hotel Misty Mountains for failing to report the arrival of 23 foreign guests, including 19 British nationals. The hotel management allegedly neglected to submit the mandatory Form C, a violation of security protocols. This action follows increased scrutiny of foreign visitor regulations in the Kashmir Valley after a past terror incident.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi congratulated the Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami-led Uttarakhand government on completing four years in office, lauding its efforts in driving development, ensuring good governance, and promoting public welfare across the state.

Rahul Gandhi accused Prime Minister Narendra Modi of being 'compromised' and controlled by US President Donald Trump, criticizing his speech on the West Asia conflict. Gandhi also voiced concerns over a trade deal he claims will harm Indian farmers and alleged the BJP-RSS are undermining tribal rights by promoting the term 'Vanvasi'.

Veteran Indian sports journalist S Thyagarajan, a renowned hockey writer, passed away at 85 after a battle with age-related ailments. He covered six Olympics and nine Asian Games during his extensive career with 'The Hindu' and 'The Indian Express'. His contributions to sports journalism and hockey were immense, leaving an irreparable loss for the fraternity.

A Tamil Nadu court convicted nine police officers for the 2020 custodial torture and deaths of father and son Jeyaraj and Beniks. The CBI investigation revealed the victims were subjected to brutal torture and evidence was destroyed to conceal the crime. The court's verdict brings a measure of justice for the victims.

US President Trump has paused planned strikes on Iran for five days following productive talks, a move Iran claims as a acking down. This de-escalation saw Brent crude fall sharply. Meanwhile, PM Modi highlighted the Middle East conflict's unprecedented challenges for India, as markets crashed, wiping out Rs 14 lakh crore amid surging oil prices and war fears.

Uttarakhand chief minister Pushkar Singh Dhami on Monday marked four years of his Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) government, emphasising its guiding mantra of development as well as heritage while fulfilling the dreams of the statehood agitators and the aspirations of the state's 1.25 crore residents.

Trans rights activists protested in Hyderabad against the proposed Transgender Persons (Protection of Rights) amendment bill. They demanded its withdrawal and explicit recognition of transmen in all laws. Protesters also called for the removal of medical boards for transgender certificates. They warned of nationwide protests if their rights are not granted.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi addressed the Lok Sabha on the West Asian crisis, highlighting its negative impact on the global economy and India. He assured that the government is providing full support to the nearly one crore Indians living and working in the Gulf region, with missions in constant contact and advisories being issued.

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Tension flared in Churachandpur as a mob attempted to storm the residence of Kuki Zo Council chairman H Thanglet. Protesters, alleging militants were present, first pelted stones and tried to force entry, prompting tear gas deployment. Later, armed individuals fired blank shots to deter a renewed attempt to breach the property, while separate tyre-burning protests were also dispersed.

Government seeks clarity on recovering hefty penalties from carmakers for missing fuel efficiency targets. With stricter norms ahead, the PMO is pushing ministries to define who evaluates, approves, and recovers the dues. Over Rs 8,800 crore in penalties have been levied for past non-compliance, yet no recovery has occurred.

Indian Railways has boosted Kilometrage Allowance and Allowance in lieu of Kilometrage by 25% for over two lakh running staff, effective January 2024. This decision aligns compensation with the 50% Dearness Allowance hike, addressing long-standing demands for better financial benefits for essential operational personnel.

The March 31 deadline for eliminating Left-wing extremism may pass without fanfare, having successfully created a psychological impetus for stakeholders. This pressure led to the neutralization or surrender of most CPI(Maoist) leadership, fracturing the group and pushing remaining members towards surrender.

SC judge Ujjal Bhuyan emphasized that a developed India by 2047 requires greater tolerance for debate and dissent, without criminalizing them. He highlighted that thousands arrested under the UAPA with minuscule convictions indicate overuse or misuse of the law, hindering justice delivery and the ideal of a developed nation.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi has become the longest-serving head of government, surpassing the record previously held by Pawan Kumar Chamling. This milestone marks 25 continuous years in leadership, beginning with his tenure as Gujarat Chief Minister in October 2001 and continuing as Prime Minister since May 2014.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi's cabinet committee on security discussed measures to diversify import sources for key sectors like chemicals and pharmaceuticals due to the West Asia conflict's global economic impact. The government is preparing short-, medium-, and long-term strategies to safeguard citizens and ensure the availability of essential goods like fertilizers and coal.

Former Pakistani envoy Abdul Basit stated that striking Indian cities like New Delhi and Mumbai would be Islamabad's default move if Pakistan were attacked by the US. He asserted that Pakistan's nuclear deterrence is India-specific, not aimed at the US, and that any aggression would be met with retaliation against India.