The Times of India

India is contemplating deploying naval ships to escort its merchant vessels through the Strait of Hormuz amidst escalating Middle East tensions. This consideration follows urgent pleas from Indian shipowners seeking protection for their commercial fleets navigating the crucial, now high-risk, waterway.

Army columns were deployed in Meghalaya's West Garo Hills after two died in security forces' firing during violent clashes over GHADC election nominations. Tensions flared between tribal and non-tribal groups regarding candidate eligibility. A curfew is in effect, and internet services are suspended to quell unrest and restore order.

Indian Army troops thwarted an infiltration attempt along the Line of Control in Jammu and Kashmir's Jhangar sector on Tuesday. Acting on intelligence, alert soldiers engaged two terrorists, successfully eliminating one Pakistan-sponsored infiltrator and preventing any breach of the LoC. A search operation is underway for the second terrorist.

The Union Cabinet has approved declaring Madurai airport an international airport, a move aimed at boosting global connectivity to the temple city. This decision is expected to enhance air connectivity, strengthen Madurai's role as an educational and healthcare hub, and attract international pilgrims and businesses, supporting regional trade and economic activity.

Lok Sabha witnessed a heated debate as the opposition moved a resolution to remove Speaker Om Birla. Congress MPs questioned the authority of Jagdambika Pal, who was presiding, citing a constitutional vacuum due to the absence of a Deputy Speaker. The government defended Pal's position, leading to sharp exchanges.

The BJP has criticized Rahul Gandhi for backing the Youth Congress' shirtless protest at the AI Impact Summit in Delhi. Party leaders accused Gandhi of orchestrating the disruption, which they claim embarrassed India globally. Meanwhile, a court reserved its order on the bail pleas of three Youth Congress workers involved in the protest.

Two IndiGo flights were diverted to Bhopal due to loose bitumen on Indore's runway during recarpeting work. The issue was resolved within 20 minutes, and operations resumed. Separately, a fire in dry grass at the non-operational area of Indore Airport caused no casualties or flight disruptions.

The joint opposition is preparing to move a notice for the removal of Chief Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar in Rajya Sabha soon after the Lok Sabha addresses the notice against Speaker Om Birla. This move, spearheaded by TMC, stems from concerns over electoral roll reviews in West Bengal, with other INDIA bloc parties now reportedly on board.

The UPSC clarified that Akanksha Singh from Ghazipur, Uttar Pradesh, secured rank 301 in the Civil Services Examination 2025, resolving confusion over two candidates with the same name claiming the same rank. The commission confirmed the successful candidate's details, including roll number and parentage, amidst reports of another Akanksha Singh from Bihar also claiming the rank.