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The Times of India

Politics / The Times of India

Over 3000 J&K govt schools have under 10 students: Minister

Of the 3,192 such schools,1494 are in Jammu division and 1,698 in Kashmir, National Conferences (NC) Itoo said in a written reply to a question from BJP legislator RS Pathania. In Jammu, Kathua district has the highest number of such schools at 508. In Kashmir, Baramulla district tops the list of such schools with 396.

29 Mar 2026 12:48 am
After Zoji La avalanche deaths, Ladakh hill council stakes claim on Zero Point

Addressing a press conference in Drass, LAHDC-Kargil councillors praised the Army, civil administration and Ladakh Police for prompt rescue efforts and retrieval of bodies from the snow following the accident on Friday afternoon. However, they expressed surprise over J&K Police investigating the incident on Saturday morning. While J&K claimed the area to be part of its territory, its administrative machinery was always slow to respond when any mishap occurred there, they alleged.

29 Mar 2026 12:48 am
PM Modi, Saudi Crown Prince discuss Middle East crisis, push for open sea lanes

Prime Minister Narendra Modi held a telephonic conversation with Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman, discussing the ongoing Middle East conflict. Both leaders emphasized the importance of ensuring freedom of navigation and keeping shipping lines open and secure, while India reiterated its condemnation of attacks on energy infrastructure.

28 Mar 2026 8:10 pm
Tamil Nadu assembly election 2026 SWOT analysis: Can Stalin hold the Dravidian fortress or will Vijays TVK disrupt the old order?

Tamil Nadu's political landscape is shifting from a bipolar contest to a multi-cornered fight, with the DMK facing anti-incumbency and a fragmented opposition. New entrant TVK and established players like AIADMK and NTK are vying for influence, making this election a crucial transition phase for the state's political future.

28 Mar 2026 6:11 pm
'Pakistan remains in denial': India reaffirms support for Bangladeshs justice push over 1971 atrocities

India reaffirmed its support for Bangladesh's pursuit of justice over Pakistan's 1971 atrocities, noting Islamabad's continued denial of its crimes. Marking March 25 as Genocide Day, Bangladesh remembers the systematic murder and mass sexual crimes during Operation Searchlight. India stands with Bangladesh in its desire for accountability for these historical events.

28 Mar 2026 4:30 pm
Cash, care and constant connect: How the 'Didi model' is shaping Bengals ballot

As the political landscape of West Bengal gears up for the 2026 elections, Mamata Banerjee's government is capitalizing on an extensive welfare system. Programs such as Lakshmir Bhandar and Khadya Sathi are at the forefront, addressing critical issues related to women's empowerment, food access, educational advancement, and job creation for the youth.

28 Mar 2026 4:14 pm
'Total disarray': BJP's CR Kesavan targets Congress amid row over candidate selection in Tamil Nadu

BJP spokesperson CR Kesavan slammed the Congress in Tamil Nadu, citing MP Jothimani's public criticism of opaque constituency selection for the 2026 Assembly polls. He alleged a deep divide and disarray within the party, linking it to alleged ticket selling and a compromised Congress.

28 Mar 2026 3:25 pm
'Why was a businessman present?': Congress questions PM Modi over Elon Musk's presence in Trump call

The Congress party has sharply criticized Prime Minister Narendra Modi following reports of Elon Musk's alleged presence during a call with US President Donald Trump. The opposition questioned the transparency and protocol of a private businessman participating in a high-level diplomatic discussion on the West Asia crisis.

28 Mar 2026 1:51 pm
EC seeks report on Mamatas provocative remark from CEO

With her statement seen as a provocation to TMC women workers and supporters to launch attacks at polling stations in rural areas, posing a risk to the central armed police forces deployed there, of facing criminal charges were they to intervene and stop them, EC will examine if the statement amounts of provocation and interferes in discharge of duties by poll and security personnel.

28 Mar 2026 4:43 am
ED chargesheets Anil aide in RCom laundering case

RCom, Ambani, his close associates and some family members are under investigation in the purchase and sale of an apartment worth over Rs 70 crore in Manhattan, New York. Sources said the chargesheet has mentioned Vaishali Jairam Mane, besides Garg, as an accused. Mane was an RCom employee based in the US. ED had questioned Ambani and his son in this case earlier.

28 Mar 2026 4:40 am
Pilots of VIP charters can now refuse to fly in unsafe conditions

Noting that VVIPs use air travel frequently for electioneering and other purposes in (small) aircraft and choppers, DGCA said, Analysis of earlier accidents/incidents associated with aircraft operations to/from airstrips/temporary helipads and during election flying has often revealed violation of instructions and safety was jeopardised. It is essential that adequate measures are taken by all concerned to ensure the highest standards of safety for operation of such flights.

28 Mar 2026 4:38 am
12L on Bengals 2nd supplementary list, but no clarity on who made the cut

As was the case when Election Commission released the first supplementary rolls close to midnight last Monday, there were more questions than CEO Manoj Agarwal had answers for. About 37 lakh of the 60 lakh pending cases have been disposed of till now. After receiving the list from Calcutta HC, EC will take 4-6 hours to process and upload it on our server, he said in the afternoon.

28 Mar 2026 4:36 am
US, Ukraine citizens who went to Mizoram posed no threat to India: Shah

This is the first time a govt functionary has clarified on record that the groups interest lay in Myanmar and India was merely a transit point. No threat was posed to Indias security. It is our policy that any foreigner who visits India for any wrong act will not be spared, he said.

28 Mar 2026 4:31 am
Defence ministry inks Rs 445cr deal for Tunguska missile systems with Russia, signs Rs 413cr P8I jet maintenance contract with Boeing

The contract for the procurement of Tunguska systems, valued at Rs 445 crore, for the Indian Army, was signed with JSC Rosoboronexport of Russia in the presence of defence secretary Rajesh Kumar Singh in New Delhi. These cutting-edge missiles will enhance Indias multi-layered air defence capabilities against aerial threats. Tunguska is designed to provide day-and- night protection for infantry and tank regiments against low-flying aircraft, helicopters, and cruise missiles in all-weather conditi

28 Mar 2026 4:30 am
Def council clears Rs 2.4L cr proposals for procurement of more S-400 units, transport aircraft, desi Bofors

The approval for additional S-400 Sudarshan systems, which had helped neutralise Pakistani missiles during last years conflict in May and had also to its credit the worlds longest-range kill of an enemy aircraft, has come at a time when IAF teams are in Russia to receive the fourth squadron under the earlier contract for five such systems. The fourth system is likely to arrive by May while the fifth squadron is expected by Dec.

28 Mar 2026 4:26 am
Evidence insufficient: Spl Delhi court clears ex-MP Darda, son & others in coal scam case

The case stemmed from the allocation in Maharashtras Bandar and led to the first CBI chargesheet in the larger coal block controversy dating back to the time Congress-led UPA was in office. The FIR was filed in 2012 and the chargesheet in 2014. Judge Sunena Sharma held that there was no proof of criminal conspiracy, noting the case was based on conjectures and lacked evidence of a meeting of minds or illegal agreement.

28 Mar 2026 3:57 am
Supreme Court rebukes courts for naming rape survivors

A bench of Justices Sanjay Karol and N K Singh expressed concern that despite statutory safeguards and repeated directions from SC, such lapses persist. The court made the observation while convicting a rape accused, noting that the name of the minor survivor was mentioned in lower court orders. The court rejected the argument of the womans family.

28 Mar 2026 3:56 am
Jewar in the crown: PM to open NCRs 2nd international airport today

The PM is scheduled to arrive at the airport at 11.30am on Saturday, go on a walkthrough of the terminal building, and formally inaugurate the airport around noon before addressing a public gathering. The event is expected to draw large crowds from Noida, Greater Noida, Ghaziabad, Bulandshahr and other parts of western UP. Three pandals have been set up to accommodate more than one lakh people.

28 Mar 2026 3:47 am
Indian ships face GPS jams, mine alerts in Hormuz

Ships in the region are reporting repeated radio broadcasts over maritime channels warning vessels against transit. Attention all ships This is the Sepah Navy navigation through Strait of Hormuz is forbidden no ship is allowed to pass until further notice, the radio messages repeatedly blare. Crews attributed these announcements to Irans Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) Navy.

28 Mar 2026 3:32 am
Commercial LPG allocation to states increased by 20%

In a letter to chief secretaries of states and UTs, petroleum secretary Neeraj Mittal said only those industrial units that have registered with oil marketing companies, declaring the end use of gas cylinders, and have also signed up for the piped gas network will be eligible for the additional quota of LPG. He added that if LPG is used by certain industrial units for special purposes that cannot be substituted by natural gas, such requirements would stand waived.

28 Mar 2026 3:32 am
Lockdown reportsharmful, baseless, says govt, allays fear

Home minister Shah accused opposition parties of spreading panic over the West Asia crisis, including the claim that a lockdown may be imposed. I want to assure everyone. Do not fear, nothing will happen. We have adequate reserves of petroleum products, he said. While many countries had taken emergency measures, India was working to tide over the crisis without compromising the daily lives of people, he said, adding that it had ensured regular gas supply to homemakers.

28 Mar 2026 3:25 am
Freedom of navigation important for global economic security: EAM Jaishankar

Jaishankar said on X he raised Global Souths concerns about energy challenges, fertiliser supplies and food security in the session on global governance. The uncertainties arising from the conflict in West Asia only make a stronger case for more resilient trade corridors and supply chains, he said. Jaishankar said on X Indias FTAs with the EU, EFTA members and the UK have enhanced the utility of IMEC.

28 Mar 2026 2:53 am
Diabetic drug metformin found to act on brain

A study published in Science Advances by Baylor College of Medicine has uncovered a hidden brain pathway that helps explain how metformin lowers blood sugar, offering fresh insight into a medicine used for over six decades. For years, metformin was believed to act mainly on the liver and gut. The new research shows it also works through the ventromedial hypothalamus a small but crucial brain region that controls hunger, energy use and glucose balance.

28 Mar 2026 2:53 am
Jan Vishwas bill moots fine, jail for grabbing govt land

The bill introduced in Lok Sabha on Friday proposes to amend Section-11 of the Public Premises (Eviction of Unauthorised Occupants) Act that at present provides for six months jail or with Rs 5,000 penalty or both. As per the proposal, the fine would be 5% of land value for every year of occupation or both penalty and jail. Officials said this would deter encroachment and check land grabbing.

28 Mar 2026 2:44 am
Interview | Iran will never go nuclear, India can help end this war, says Khameneis representative

Our supreme leader issued a fatwa. He said nuclear weapons are forbidden, haraam. So, we don't have it. We don't want to have it. We are not looking for it, said Ilahi. Ending the war in West Asia depends on countries that started it, he said. He dismissed Pakistans claim that it was mediating between Iran and the US.

28 Mar 2026 2:40 am
Unite to face West Asia crisis, PM tells CMs; urges to boost peoplesconfidence

While he focused on preparing for prolonged disruption of supply lines, Modi also conveyed assurance about the country being in good stead, saying efforts...in recent years to strengthen Indias economic and supply systems have proved beneficial. In his virtual meeting with CMs except those of Assam, West Bengal, Tamil Nadu, Kerala and Puducherry where assembly polls are due next month on Friday, PM Modi said while addressing a challenge is a shared responsibility.

28 Mar 2026 2:30 am
Govt slashes excise duty on petrol, diesel to shield consumers, oil companies

The windfall tax will also help the Centre partly offset the impact of the excise duty cut. Central Board of Indirect Taxes and Customs chairman Vivek Chaturvedi said the windfall tax on exports will result in a gain of about Rs 1,500 crore in the first fortnight while the govt will have to forgo over Rs 7,000 crore in revenue because of the excise duty cut. He said the export tax will be reviewed fortnightly.

28 Mar 2026 2:24 am
Elon Musk joined Trump's call with PM Modi on Iran war earlier this week: Report

The conversation focused on the evolving situation in West Asia, with both leaders emphasising the importance of keeping the Strait of Hormuz open, secure and accessible. The key maritime corridor handles a significant share of global oil shipments and remains critical to international energy markets. However, it remains unclear why Musk was included in the call or whether he spoke.

28 Mar 2026 1:49 am
7 killed as multiple avalanches hit SrinagarLeh national highway, several vehicles trapped under snow - top developments

Multiple avalanches struck the SrinagarLeh national highway on Friday, resulting in the tragic deaths of seven people and injuring five others. The avalanches hit the stretch between Zero Point and Minimarg, trapping several vehicles. Rescue operations are underway, with officials personally monitoring the situation and providing assistance.

27 Mar 2026 9:35 pm
Avalanches at Zoji La pass: 7 killed, 5 injured in Ladakh; Srinagar-Leh highway blocked

Tragedy struck Zoji La in Ladakh on Friday as an avalanche claimed at least seven lives and left several injured. The devastating snowslide also caused a significant disruption, blocking the vital Srinagar-Leh highway and halting traffic. Immediate rescue and relief operations are in full swing, with authorities expressing deep sorrow and offering condolences to affected families.

27 Mar 2026 8:42 pm
Synergy, Team India spirit: What was discussed in key PM Modi-CMs meet amid Iran war

Prime Minister Narendra Modi held a virtual meeting with Chief Ministers. The focus was on the Middle East conflict's impact on fuel supply, inflation, and logistics. Discussions aimed to ensure coordinated action between the Centre and states. Preparedness for potential disruptions and maintaining stability in essential sectors were key. Contingency planning for fuel availability and price pressures was also reviewed.

27 Mar 2026 7:34 pm
Panjab University Vice Chancellor gets 4 month extension a day before tenure to end

Panjab University's Vice-Chancellor, Prof Renu Cheema Vig, has secured a four-month extension, averting a leadership vacuum. The Centre issued the notification just before her tenure ended, ensuring administrative continuity. This development comes amid delays in forming a new selection committee, granting authorities more time to appoint a regular VC.

27 Mar 2026 7:13 pm
'Systemic victimisation of minorities': India slams Pakistan army chiefs go to Iran remark to Shia community

India has strongly criticized Pakistan Army chief Asim Munir's reported remarks telling Shias to go to Iran, labeling it as part of the systemic victimization of minorities. The MEA spokesperson highlighted the shrinking minority numbers in Pakistan as evidence of decades of fear and oppression by the state.

27 Mar 2026 6:53 pm
Uttarakhand CM Dhami meets PM Modi, discusses development and key projects

Uttarakhand Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami met Prime Minister Narendra Modi in Delhi, highlighting the state's development progress and seeking support for key infrastructure and connectivity projects. Dhami extended an invitation to the Prime Minister to visit Uttarakhand and presented him with local specialties. The meeting also covered initiatives in tourism, spiritual economy, and entrepreneurship.

27 Mar 2026 3:55 pm