The Times of India News

Reasi Police have bolstered village-level defence by forming 97 new Village Defence Guard (VDG) groups. This initiative includes replacing 726 aged personnel and recruiting 1,902 new members to enhance security preparedness across the district's remote and sensitive areas.

Construction at the 850-MW Ratle Hydroelectric Project in Kishtwar faces a shutdown threat due to alleged political interference and demands for local hiring. Management warns of halting work amidst union disputes and pressure to employ inexperienced individuals, echoing past disruptions that caused significant delays and losses.

Kashmir's apple farmers face a grave health crisis as studies reveal a strong link between pesticide exposure and malignant brain tumors. Decades of unchecked spraying, often exceeding recommended limits, have led to alarming incidences of cancer in fruit-growing districts. Lawmakers are now demanding urgent action to protect these vital workers.

Ladakh's campaign for statehood and Sixth Schedule status intensified as the Leh Apex Body presented its draft proposal. While proponents advocate for greater autonomy, concerns were raised about the region's financial viability as a state. The draft also seeks amnesty for protesters and constitutional safeguards.

The Election Commission has revised the schedule for the Special Intensive Revision of electoral rolls in five states and a Union Territory following requests from chief electoral officers. New deadlines for submitting enumeration forms and publishing draft electoral rolls have been set, with the final rolls to be published in February 2026.

NHPC is seeking an NOC from the environment ministry to use Subansiri Lower project assets for future debt financing without offering forest land as collateral. This clarification follows reports of the ministry rejecting a proposal, stating it was not tenable under the Forest Conservation Act.

Prime Minister Modi and President Trump held a productive call, reviewing the robust India-US Comprehensive Global Strategic Partnership. Both leaders expressed satisfaction with growing bilateral cooperation and discussed enhancing trade, critical technologies, energy, and defense. They also committed to collaborating on regional and global issues, reinforcing their commitment to a deepening strategic alliance.

A mini-truck carrying 22 labourers fell into a gorge in Arunachal Pradesh. The accident occurred on Monday night. A survivor reached a Border Roads Organisation camp to seek help. Eighteen bodies have been spotted. An NDRF team is en route for recovery operations. The Prime Minister's Office announced financial aid for the victims' families.

The World Bank has approved $599.66 million in financing for two major clean air programs in Uttar Pradesh and Haryana. These initiatives aim to improve air quality, reduce health impacts, and strengthen both states as attractive business destinations. The programs will invest in clean cooking, electric mobility, and cleaner industrial practices.

The Supreme Court has ruled that acid-attackers who force victims to ingest acid must face charges of attempt to murder, not just grievous hurt. Chief Justice Surya Kant emphasized that such perpetrators pose a significant threat to society. This ruling came during a hearing on a PIL by an acid-attack survivor advocating for broader recognition of victims.

Tragedy struck in Arunachal Pradesh as at least 22 Assam labourers are feared dead after their mini truck plunged into a deep gorge near the Indo-China border. A lone survivor, severely injured, alerted authorities after a perilous journey. Rescue operations are underway, with specialized teams and the Army working to retrieve bodies from the treacherous terrain.

A Delhi court has granted interim bail to former JNU student leader Umar Khalid from December 16 to 29. This temporary relief allows him to attend his sister's wedding. Khalid, arrested under UAPA in the Delhi riots conspiracy case, will return to custody after the permitted period.

The Indian Coast Guard apprehended a Pakistani fishing boat with 11 crew members for illegally operating within Indian waters. This decisive action underscores India's commitment to protecting its maritime frontiers and upholding international maritime law. The operation highlights the Coast Guard's sustained vigilance and proactive approach to national maritime security.

West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee condemned the assault on vendors selling non-veg food at a Gita recital event, stating such intimidation won't be tolerated in the state. She criticized the BJP for attempting to import communal division and questioned the need for public religious events for political mobilization.

President Droupadi Murmu commenced a two-day visit to Manipur, her first since taking office and since the ethnic conflict began. Her itinerary includes attending a polo event, offering prayers at a temple, and participating in Nupi Lan celebrations. Security has been heightened due to a militant-called shutdown.

A parliamentary exchange saw Congress MP Jairam Ramesh present Defence Minister Rajnath Singh with Maniben Patel's diary. Ramesh stated the diary entries do not support Singh's recent claim regarding Jawaharlal Nehru and the Babri Masjid. Singh indicated he had an English version. The incident follows Singh's remarks in Gujarat, which Congress has challenged, citing Patel's daughter's writings.

BJP MP Anurag Thakur accused TMC MPs of vaping e-cigarettes in Lok Sabha, prompting Speaker Om Birla to state that no permission was granted and strict action would be taken if confirmed. The Speaker urged members to maintain decorum and assured action upon a formal written complaint.

Rahul Gandhi accused Home Minister Amit Shah of appearing nervous and using foul language during his Lok Sabha speech on electoral reforms. Gandhi challenged Shah to a debate on his press conference allegations, but Shah stated Parliament would not function according to Gandhi's wishes.

Speeding remains the primary killer on Indian roads, causing nearly 70% of the 1.24 lakh road deaths in 2024. Non-usage of helmets and seatbelts also contributed significantly to fatalities. States like Tamil Nadu, Karnataka, and Madhya Pradesh reported alarmingly high numbers of speed-related deaths, highlighting a persistent challenge in road safety.

Punjab's Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann reported significant investor interest from Japan and South Korea following a 10-day visit. Discussions focused on industrial progress, clean energy, electric vehicles, and skill development, aiming to boost employment. Several major companies expressed openness to exploring investment and collaboration opportunities in Punjab, setting the stage for future growth.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Union Home Minister Amit Shah honored former President Pranab Mukherjee on his birth anniversary. Modi lauded Mukherjee as a owering statesman and a scholar of exceptional depth, highlighting his dedication and intellectual contributions to Indian democracy. Shah emphasized Mukherjee's profound constitutional understanding, stating his life and work will continue to inspire the nation's democratic path.

A carpooling photo of Prime Minister Modi and President Putin became a talking point in the US Congress, highlighting concerns over the Trump administration's India policy. Representative Sydney Kamlager-Dove criticized past actions, stating that coercive partnerships damage crucial alliances. She emphasized the urgent need to mend the US-India partnership for mutual prosperity and global leadership.

In a significant move, the DGCA has formed an eight-member team to daily monitor IndiGo's operations, including flights and crew availability, following widespread cancellations. Two officials will track cancellations, refunds, and compensation, while two pilots will be stationed at the airline's Gurgaon office. This comes as IndiGo scrapped 25% of its domestic flights from December 1-9, causing airport chaos.

Congress leader Rahul Gandhi criticized Home Minister Amit Shah's response on electoral reforms as defensive, asserting that key opposition questions went unanswered. Gandhi highlighted concerns regarding transparent voter lists, EVM architecture, and alleged dual voting by BJP functionaries, noting Shah's silence on these points and the removal of the Chief Justice from the EC selection collegium.

BJP leaders Ravi Shankar Prasad and Kangana Ranaut strongly defended Electronic Voting Machines (EVMs) in Lok Sabha, dismissing calls to return to ballot papers as a move backward to booth capturing. They highlighted court validations for EVMs and the Election Commission's challenge for parties to hack them. Ranaut criticized the opposition's defeatist attitude and disruptive parliamentary behavior.

Opposition leaders slammed the Election Commission, calling it compromised and accusing the BJP of vote chori. Congress MP K C Venugopal highlighted the freezing of party bank accounts and the EC's inaction on PM Modi's alleged poll code violations.

Home Minister Amit Shah strongly refuted opposition claims of vote chori, attributing Congress's defeats to leadership failures. He defended electoral roll revisions and challenged allegations of institutional capture by the RSS. Shah highlighted past instances of alleged vote manipulation by Congress leaders and accused the opposition of opposing national interests.

President Murmu emphasized ensuring human rights for everyone, highlighting India's shift from entitlement to empowerment and charity to rights over the past decade. She noted government efforts to provide essential services like clean water, electricity, and healthcare, securing dignity for all households.

US trade representative Jamieson Greer highlighted India's est-ever offers in ongoing trade talks, calling the nation a ough nut to crack due to resistance on certain agricultural imports. Senior US officials are in New Delhi to advance negotiations for a mutually beneficial trade agreement, with India now seen as a viable alternative market for US commodities.

Speeding remains the primary killer on Indian roads, responsible for nearly 70% of the 1.2 lakh road deaths in 2024. Non-usage of helmets and seatbelts also contributed significantly to fatalities. Despite some dips, these dangerous behaviors continue to pose a major challenge to road safety across the nation.

Specialised tribunals, designed for swift justice, are overwhelmed by over 5.24 lakh pending cases, primarily due to significant member vacancies. Debt Recovery Tribunals lead with 2.5 lakh cases. Seven tribunals lack chairpersons, and 18% of member posts are unfilled, hindering efficient case resolution despite government efforts and technological adoption.

India's ISRO is set to launch its heaviest American commercial satellite, the 6.5-tonne BlueBird-6, on December 15 from Sriharikota. This marks a significant boost to Indo-US space cooperation. The LVM3 rocket will carry the satellite, designed to provide direct-to-device mobile broadband in areas with poor network coverage, aiming to bridge the digital divide.

Microsoft CEO Satya Nadella announced a significant $17.5 billion investment in India over four years, focusing on AI and cloud. He acknowledged India's need for sovereign control and local resilience in technology deployment. Nadella lauded India's unique virtuous cycle of policies, digital infrastructure, and market, highlighting the launch of Sovereign Public Cloud for enhanced governance and control.

The Supreme Court has overturned a Bombay High Court order sentencing a woman to jail for contempt. Justices Vikram Nath and Sandeep Mehta emphasized that mercy and forgiveness are crucial judicial principles. They stated that sincere remorse and an apology, even if qualified, should be accepted, particularly when a contemnor acknowledges their mistake and seeks atonement.

A Chinese national, apprehended for visiting Jammu and Kashmir and Ladakh without proper authorization, has been sent back to New Delhi. The 29-year-old tourist allegedly violated visa norms by traveling to restricted areas after arriving on a visa permitting only specific Buddhist pilgrimage sites. He was questioned for several days before his return.

Jammu and Kashmir Police's State Investigation Agency (SIA) attached the property of Zahid Hussain, a Pakistan-based Hizbul Mujahideen commander, in Doda district. Hussain, who illegally crossed to Pakistan in 2000, was involved in radicalizing and recruiting youth via social media. This action is part of a broader crackdown to dismantle the terror ecosystem in the Union Territory.

In response to the recent flight disruptions, IndiGo's chairman, Vikram Singh Mehta, extended his sincerest apologies, emphasizing that these disruptions were not intentional. He confirmed that the airline will engage external experts to delve into the root causes and implement measures for improvement. Mehta reassured that compliance with new pilot rest regulations was strictly upheld, prioritizing passenger safety.

Goa nightclub proprietors Saurabh and Gaurav Luthra whisked themselves away to Phuket mere hours after a catastrophic fire claimed 25 lives. This abrupt exodus has raised eyebrows among law enforcement, who view it as an attempt to dodge accountability.