The Times of India News

Prime Minister Narendra Modi will soon inaugurate India's first Vande Bharat Sleeper train connecting Guwahati and Howrah. This advanced overnight service, designed for speeds up to 180 kmph, promises a significantly faster and more comfortable journey. The railway minister highlighted this as part of a broader development push for eastern and northeastern India, with more such trains planned.

A state-appointed SIT has alleged a planned operation to strip and divert gold from Sabarimala temple's sacred structures. Gold-plated copper sheets were removed for repairs in 2019, chemically stripped of gold in Chennai, and returned with fresh plating to conceal the loss. Temple officials, intermediaries, and private jewelers are implicated in this criminal breach of trust.

Former Bengal BJP chief Dilip Ghosh questioned the electoral impact of mandir-masjid politics and criticized ecent entrants to the state unit. Ghosh, who met Union minister Amit Shah, also expressed his desire to contest his home seat in the 2026 assembly polls and spoke of being sidelined.

A Gujarat court refused the state government's plea to withdraw a criminal case against 19 Karni Sena activists accused of vandalizing property during a 2018 protest against the film 'Padmavat'. The court cited the damage of Rs 16.4 lakh and the offense being committed for personal and community interests, not public good.

A man accused in a 500-kg heroin smuggling case was denied temporary bail by a special NIA court. He had requested 30 days to persuade his wife against seeking a divorce. The court suggested he could contest the divorce proceedings via video conference or through family members.

Haryana's sex ratio at birth reached 923 in 2025, a significant rise after a dip last year. This improvement is attributed to intensified crackdowns on sex-selective abortions and illegal MTP kit sales. Despite ongoing challenges, the state's efforts show a positive trend, with specific districts leading the way in this crucial demographic shift.

A Supreme Court panel will inspect Bannerghatta National Park following a plea against a government decision to drastically shrink its eco-sensitive zone. Activists argue the move, reducing the zone from 268.9 sq km to 168.8 sq km, benefits mining and real estate interests, potentially harming wildlife and Bengaluru's green cover.

Strict action awaits Booth Level Officers (BLOs) and their supervisors if elderly, sick, or disabled voters are summoned for hearings. Despite prior instructions, reports indicate these vulnerable individuals, including pregnant women, were still asked to appear. The Election Commission now mandates home verification for such electors, aiming to prevent distress and uphold its image.

Nearly 40% of sanctioned faculty posts remain vacant across 11 AIIMS, revealing a significant staffing crunch at India's premier public hospitals. This widespread shortage, affecting both older and newer institutes, raises concerns about patient care, specialist services, and medical education amidst rising patient loads.

Medical colleges nationwide must now maintain constant stocks of anti-rabies vaccines and immunoglobulin, following Supreme Court directives. This crucial step ensures timely treatment for dog-bite victims, addressing rising incidents in public spaces. The National Medical Commission's order mandates uninterrupted availability, bolstering public health safety measures across institutions.

Tragedy struck Bhagirathpura as nine individuals succumbed to illness after consuming contaminated water. Diarrhoea and vomiting plagued residents since Monday, with initial reports indicating sewage contamination from a local police check post toilet. While authorities confirmed four deaths directly linked to the tainted supply, water sample tests revealed contamination, though the specific bacteria remain unidentified.

A contaminated water supply in Indore's Bhagirathpura has led to a severe diarrhoea outbreak, claiming nine lives and hospitalizing over 200 residents. A leaking toilet waste pit near a water line is blamed for the contamination. Families are grappling with loss and illness, with one teacher losing her six-month-old son.

The transport ministry is proposing mandatory fitness and pollution tests at automated test stations (ATS) for private vehicles, ending home-delivered certificates. A 10-second geo-tagged video of the vehicle during the test will be required. Vehicles failing fitness tests will be declared 'End of Life Vehicle' if not rectified within 180 days.

Air India faces scrutiny from Transport Canada after a pilot was found intoxicated before operating a flight from Vancouver on December 23, 2025. Canadian authorities reported the pilot failed a breathalyser test, leading to his removal from duty. Air India is investigating and has informed the DGCA, with potential enforcement action expected.

Medical aspirants will benefit from 171 additional postgraduate seats approved by the NMC across various clinical specialties. Counselling authorities are directed to include these seats immediately for the 2025-26 academic year, following appeals by medical colleges against earlier decisions. This move aims to maximize seat utilization and provide more opportunities for aspiring doctors.

Defence Minister Rajnath Singh lauded DRDO's crucial role in Operation Sindoor, highlighting its commitment to national security. He expressed confidence in DRDO's ability to develop the 'Sudarshan Chakra' anti-missile defence system, a key initiative for comprehensive aerial protection against evolving threats.

Union Fertilizers Minister J P Nadda launched an integrated e-bill system to digitally process fertilizer subsidies worth approximately Rs 2 lakh crore. This move replaces manual procedures with a fully digital workflow, enhancing transparency, efficiency, and accountability through a centralized, tamper-proof digital audit trail. The system accelerates payment timelines and strengthens financial controls.

Two notorious criminals, Vikas Gulia and Dhirpal, have been handed life imprisonment under the stringent MCOCA law in Delhi. The court found them guilty of sustained organized criminal activity, including murder and extortion, despite previous bail. This conviction highlights the police's success in curbing dangerous crime syndicates.

Shiv Sena (UBT) leader Sanjay Raut alleged the BJP's agenda is to prevent a 'Marathi manoos' from becoming the mayor of BMC, claiming it's a conspiracy to hurt Marathi people. He stated this strategy aims to create an atmosphere against Shiv Sena (UBT) and MNS among outsiders, with UP and Bihar leaders expected to campaign for the BJP.

Haryana Congress president Rao Narendra Singh visited a gangrape victim in Faridabad, condemning the 'inhumane and heinous crime' and criticizing the BJP government's claims on women's safety. The 25-year-old mother of three was allegedly gangraped in a moving van and thrown out, suffering severe injuries. Singh demanded strict punishment for the arrested accused and called for a fast-track trial.

Jammu and Kashmir Police arrested two terror associates in Ganderbal, seizing a pistol, grenades, ammunition, and Rs 8.40 lakh cash. The operation, based on specific intelligence, also led to the recovery of an SLR rifle and ammunition in Doda district. Investigations are ongoing to uncover wider links and intent.

The Ministry of Education has directed Tezpur University Vice-Chancellor Shambhu Nath Singh to proceed on leave following sustained protests over alleged administrative, financial, and environmental irregularities. A high-level enquiry committee has been formed to investigate the allegations, with an interim pro-VC appointed to ensure continuity.

According to Jammu and Kashmir Police, the individual has been identified as Shariful Islam Bhuiyan, son of Mozibul Haque Bhuiyan. He is a resident of Adra village in Bangladeshs Comilla district. BSF officials told ANI that the operation is expected to begin next month and will continue till the end of January, a period considered critical ahead of Republic Day celebrations.

Opposition parties have sharply criticized the Madhya Pradesh government over the Indore water contamination incident, alleging misgovernance and a cover-up of the actual death toll. While the administration confirmed four deaths, residents claim the number is higher, sparking political confrontation and demands for accountability.

Unfazed by freezing temperatures and treacherous terrain, Army units have expanded their reach into higher and snowbound areas, targeting Pakistani terrorists who often try to use the harsh winter months for cover and movement. Traditionally, the peak winter period brings a slowdown in terrorist activity as heavy snowfall cuts off routes and isolates mountain regions. This year, however, security forces have changed tack.

Samajwadi Party chief Akhilesh Yadav expressed confidence in West Bengal chief minister Mamata Banerjee's victory in the 2026 Assembly elections, stating the BJP's conspiracy would fail. He also predicted the BJP's defeat in Uttar Pradesh in 2027, while criticizing UP CM Yogi Adityanath over voter list revisions.

India has firmly rejected China's claim of mediating its conflict with Pakistan. New Delhi reiterated that military action ceased after a request from the Pakistani DGMO to his Indian counterpart.

A sessions court in North Goa sentenced Sandeep Verlekar to 6 years and 6 months in prison for culpable homicide not amounting to murder after he assaulted his bed-ridden mother. The court considered his alcoholism and lack of intent to kill, ordering his release after accounting for time already served.

The Madhya Pradesh High Court upheld a Pocso court's 20-year sentence for a man who had a sexual relationship with a 17-year-old, despite their subsequent marriage and child. Justices Vivek Agarwal and R K Choubey stated that a minor's consent is immaterial and only the Supreme Court can suspend sentences under Article 142.

Chief Justice Surya Kant has introduced a new system to prioritize cases for the disadvantaged. Petitions from disabled individuals, acid attack survivors, senior citizens over 80, those below the poverty line, and legal aid recipients will now be fast-tracked. This initiative aims to ensure their cases don't get overlooked amidst the Supreme Court's massive caseload.

Prime Minister Modi highlighted Pragati's role in accelerating over Rs 85 lakh crore in projects over a decade, signifying a governance transformation. He emphasized eform, perform, transform for simplified processes and citizen-centric outcomes. Modi also reviewed five infrastructure projects and stressed PM SHRI schools becoming a national benchmark for holistic education.

The Enforcement Directorate (ED) has recovered over Rs 5 crore in unaccounted cash, Rs 8 crore in gold and diamond jewellery, and property documents worth Rs 35 crore during searches on alleged gangster Inderjit Singh Yadav's premises. The investigation into money laundering stems from Yadav's alleged illegal extortion and coercive loan settlements.

Dilip Ghosh's return to party meetings during Amit Shah's Kolkata visit signals a potential larger role for the former Bengal BJP chief. However, the absence of key Matua and Rajbangshi leaders from a recent BJP meeting highlights underlying unease within the party ahead of the 2026 polls.

The Election Commission has issued a stern warning against the intimidation of electoral staff by political workers, vowing stringent action. Following a meeting with a TMC delegation, the poll panel urged parties to prevent their representatives from threatening election duty personnel. The EC also pressed the West Bengal government to release enhanced honorariums for Booth Level Officers (BLOs).

Trinamool leader Abhishek Banerjee accused the Election Commission of failing to address concerns about electoral roll manipulation, alleging vote theft occurs through software and list discrepancies, not EVMs. He claimed opposition parties missed this tactic in recent state polls and vowed to prevent it in Bengal's upcoming elections, warning of legal action if issues aren't resolved.

Union Home Minister Amit Shah urged BJP workers in Bengal to aim for victory in the 2026 assembly elections, setting a target of winning 22 out of 28 seats in and around Kolkata. He also expressed concerns about infiltration and a changing demography in the region, while dismissing perceptions of organizational weakness.

A pan-India kidney trafficking syndicate with alleged international links has been exposed in Maharashtra. The illicit market saw transplants priced up to Rs 80 lakh, while impoverished donors reportedly received as little as Rs 5 lakh. Police have named two specialists as key players in the network, which allegedly conducted surgeries in Trichy.

The Enforcement Directorate (ED) has attached properties worth Rs 150 crore near Buckingham Palace in the UK, belonging to former S Kumars CMD Nitin Kasliwal. Kasliwal is accused of laundering Rs 1,400 crore of bank loans by establishing an offshore network of trusts and companies to acquire foreign assets.

Rocket debris, suspected to be from an ISRO heavy-lift rocket, washed ashore on Sri Lanka's eastern coast near Trincomalee. Local fishermen discovered the five-meter diameter, ten-meter long fragment, believed to be a payload fairing, prompting authorities to secure the site. This follows previous instances of Indian rocket debris found in the region and on Australia's coast.