The Times of India
Elections 2026Top News / The Times of India
The Home Ministry has established two new empowered committees in West Bengal to expedite citizenship applications under the CAA, bringing the total to four. These panels will finalize citizenship grants for persecuted minorities from Pakistan, Afghanistan, and Bangladesh who arrived before December 31, 2014.
Delhi High Court has revived disciplinary proceedings against IRS officer Sameer Wankhede concerning drugs seized in a 2021 case. This decision overturns a previous relief granted by the Central Administrative Tribunal. The proceedings relate to allegations of Wankhede threatening to implicate actor Shah Rukh Khan's son in the Cordelia cruise drug bust.
A US-Israel attack on Iran and the killing of its supreme leader have created a significant divide. Opposition parties, including Congress and Left, are criticizing the government's response. They call for condemnation of the killings and emphasize diplomacy. The Prime Minister's recent visit to Israel is also a point of contention. India has urged restraint and dialogue to ease tensions.
Amidst rising doping cases, the National Medical Commission has urged doctors nationwide to exercise caution when prescribing to athletes. This directive aims to prevent banned substances from entering sports through routine prescriptions, contaminated supplements, or deliberate cheating. Doctors are advised to familiarize themselves with WADA's prohibited list and ensure proper documentation for any necessary banned medications.
Air India Express will resume flights to and from Muscat on Tuesday, March 3, after a temporary halt due to the Middle East conflict. Services to Bahrain, Kuwait, Qatar, Saudi Arabia, and the UAE will continue to be suspended until March 3. The airline cited airspace closures in the region impacting operations.
The Supreme Court has issued a stern warning, declaring that judicial orders based on AI-generated, non-existent judgments will be treated as misconduct, not mere errors. The apex court is examining the implications of artificial intelligence in court proceedings and has sought responses from top legal officials. This move follows a case where a trial court relied on fabricated judgments.
Tamilaga Vettri Kazhagam (TVK) leader C T R Nirmal Kumar asserted the ruling DMK would struggle to win over 30 seats without the Congress, citing the national party as a 'natural partner'. Kumar also criticized the BJP's 'religious-based politics' and accused the DMK of inaction, while TVK finalized its preparations for all 234 constituencies.
An Indian national has died after an oil tanker, the MKD VYOM, was attacked by an unmanned boat off the coast of Oman. The strike caused a fire and explosion in the vessel's engine room. This incident occurs amid heightened tensions and ongoing retaliation campaigns in the Gulf region.
Delhi Chief Minister Rekha Gupta on Monday launched key women-centric initiatives at the Sashakt Nari, Samriddh Delhi programme, including the free LPG cylinder scheme for ration card holders and the Delhi Lakhpati Bitiya Yojana.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi voiced deep concern over the escalating Middle East situation. This follows significant military action by the United States and Israel against Iran. The strikes led to the death of Iran's Supreme Leader, Ayatollah Ali Khamenei. India will work with regional nations to ensure the safety of its citizens.
The Ministry of Home Affairs has alerted states to potential tensions due to the Iran conflict, urging vigilance against inflammatory religious gatherings and radical preachers. Authorities are monitoring individuals and groups to prevent unrest, with precautionary measures already implemented in Jammu and Kashmir following protests over the killing of Iran's supreme leader.
India is updating its seasonal flu vaccine for the 2026-27 season to combat a rapidly spreading new A(H3N2) variant. The World Health Organization's recommendations highlight the need for this change due to the strain's increased transmissibility. Experts urge early vaccination, especially for vulnerable groups, to prevent severe illness and hospitalizations.
Thousands of Indians are stranded across West Asia as US-Israel strikes on Iran triggered retaliatory actions, leading to widespread airspace closures. Dubai, a major transit hub, is severely affected, with numerous flights cancelled. Tourists, expatriates, and families are facing financial hardship and uncertainty, with some seeking shelter with locals.
India is debating a ban on social media for children under 15. Global trends show stricter digital safety laws for minors. Experts cite risks like addiction and bullying. The country must balance protection with access. Solutions may involve design reform and digital literacy. This decision impacts millions of young users.
Prime Minister Modi launched a scathing attack on Tamil Nadu's DMK, accusing leaders of prioritizing scams over public welfare and failing to protect state interests. Addressing a rally, he asserted NDA's victory in the upcoming elections, highlighting issues like Katchatheevu, Jallikattu, and women's safety, while also inaugurating development projects.
Around 60 lakh electors in West Bengal have been classified as 'doubtful' and await adjudication by judicial officers, following a Supreme Court directive. These voters, potentially illegal immigrants from Bangladesh, will be excluded from the electoral list until their cases are resolved, creating a race against time before the upcoming assembly elections.
'INC Has Become Muslim League Maoist Congress'
Jammu and Kashmir achieved a historic Ranji Trophy victory, thrashing favorites Karnataka in a remarkable Cinderella story. This triumph offers a non-political avenue for Kashmiri integration into the Indian mainstream, potentially shifting focus from alienation to national pride through cricket's unifying power.
Indian Railways is gearing up to lay fifth and sixth lines on crucial High Density Network (HDN) corridors connecting Delhi, Howrah, Mumbai, and Chennai. This expansion aims to significantly boost passenger and freight train capacity on these vital routes, which currently handle a disproportionate amount of traffic, often exceeding line capacity.
India is deeply concerned at the recent developments in Iran and the Gulf region. We urge all sides to exercise restraint, avoid escalation, and prioritise the safety of civilians. Dialogue and diplomacy should be pursued to de-escalate tensions and address underlying issues, the statement read. Israel and US on Saturday launched a daylight attack on Iran, closing the window for a diplomatic solution to Tehran's long-running nuclear dispute with the West.
A fatal Learjet 45XR crash in Baramati, killing five, has been attributed by the AAIB to low visibility and a lack of meteorological facilities at the uncontrolled airfield. The aircraft experienced a go-around before crashing during its second landing attempt. The preliminary report highlights operational gaps and recommends enhanced safety measures for uncontrolled airfields.
Rahul Gandhi questioned PM Modi's swift Indo-US trade deal, alleging it harms Indian farmers and industries. He claimed the Prime Minister gave away data and guaranteed annual purchases of US products. Gandhi also alleged a lack of political response to Chinese border movements, citing an unpublished book by a former Army Chief.

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