The Times of India

India's exports to China surged 37% to $14.2 billion in April-December, with December shipments jumping 67%. Imports, however, rose 13.5% to nearly $96 billion during the same period. The government highlighted that most Chinese imports are capital and intermediate goods, crucial for India's expanding electronics, pharma, and telecom sectors.

Iran reaffirms its commitment to the Chabahar port and cooperation with India, despite US sanctions uncertainty. While a recent budget showed no allocation, India has fulfilled its $120 million commitment and maintains a $250 million credit line for future development. Iran's ambassador highlighted the port's strategic importance for regional access and expressed confidence in India's management of the situation.

The Supreme Court sternly criticized the Jan Suraaj Party for challenging Bihar's assembly elections, questioning their motive after a significant electoral defeat. Justices noted the party's failure to win any seats and suggested their petition aimed at gaining popularity. The court emphasized that economic policy issues are for voters to address, not judicial annulment of elections.

Top commanders from Pakistan-based terror groups JeM and LeT have issued direct threats against India and global powers during rallies coinciding with 'Kashmir Solidarity Day'. Speeches incited violence, calling for jihad and targeting major Indian cities like Delhi and Agra. Intelligence agencies are on high alert for potential cross-border attacks.

The Enforcement Directorate (ED) has arrested Arvind Kumar, a former resolution professional for Richa Industries Ltd., on charges of collusion, asset siphoning, and money laundering during insolvency proceedings. This marks the first such arrest of an RP by an enforcement agency. The ED's investigation revealed unexplained cash deposits and illicit fund transfers linked to the company's original bank fraud.

The Union government has rejected the Supreme Court's suggestion to introduce a Romeo-Juliet clause for genuine adolescent relationships under the Pocso Act. Citing child safety concerns, the government stated that diluting the age of consent would increase exploitation risks and undermine child protection efforts.

Himachal Pradesh government has approached the Supreme Court. They are challenging a High Court ruling. The ruling prevented the withdrawal of 65 cases against politicians. These cases involve non-serious offenses. The government believes withdrawing these cases serves public interest. The Supreme Court has issued a notice and will hear the matter further.

NEET PG cut-off reduction to zero in 2023 disproportionately benefited private medical colleges, especially for clinical specialties. General category candidates saw the largest gains, with a significant portion of these seats going to them. The analysis highlights admissions with extremely low scores, raising questions about data completeness.

Commuters using partially operational expressways like Delhi-Mumbai will now pay the same toll as normal national highways. This relief, effective for one year or until full operationalization, addresses concerns that higher tolls deterred usage of incomplete stretches. The decision aims to boost traffic on these corridors.

Over 50 lakh highway car users have embraced the FASTag Annual Pass in six months, facilitating 26.5 crore toll payments. This scheme has spurred a 50% surge in trips for frequent travelers, with 28% of car transactions now utilizing the pass. Chandigarh, Tamil Nadu, and Delhi lead in adoption, paving the way for barrier-less toll collection.

Jammu and Kashmir Chief Minister Omar Abdullah presented a Rs 1.27-lakh crore budget for 2026-27, addressing challenges from recent attacks and floods. The budget includes provisions for emergency hospitals, bullet-proof ambulances, fee waivers for economically weaker students, and support for orphans and disabled individuals. Opposition leaders criticized the budget, calling it uninspiring and a repackaging of central schemes.

Seven Naxals, including top leader Prabhakar with a Rs 25 lakh bounty, were killed in an encounter with Maharashtra police in Gadchiroli. The operation, launched three days ago, also resulted in the death of a special force jawan, Deepak Chinna Madavi, while another jawan is out of danger. The anti-Naxal operation is ongoing.

India's tourism landscape is rapidly evolving beyond beaches and hills. A new generation is flocking to spiritual and heritage sites like Ayodhya and Varanasi, driven by religious revival, infrastructure growth, and social media influence. These destinations are now vibrant, year-round hubs attracting diverse travellers seeking cultural immersion and authentic experiences.

A suicide blast at a crowded Shia Imambargah in Islamabad killed at least 31 people and injured over 160 during Friday prayers. Meanwhile, Karnataka CM Siddaramaiah's son stated no leadership change is expected.

Chief Minister Rekha Gupta noted that Delhi's transport agencies have historically functioned in silos, with limited coordination in route planning, infrastructure development and service delivery.

A gas leak at a factory in Sarigam, Valsad district, Gujarat, has led to four people being hospitalised. The incident that occurred at Cynax Metachem, caused eye irritation. Authorities quickly contained the leak and cordoned off the area. An investigation is underway to determine the cause of the gas release.

Congress president Mallikarjun Kharge criticized Prime Minister Narendra Modi and the Union government for denying facts surrounding former Army chief General MM Naravanes memoir. Kharge accused the government of evading questions on national security and China, leading to an Opposition walkout from Rajya Sabha.

A political row erupted in Parliament over Rahul Gandhi quoting former Army Chief General MM Naravane's memoir. Parliamentary Affairs Minister Kiren Rijiju defended the government's decision to keep the Henderson Brooks-Bhagat report on the 1962 war classified. He stated the report is a sensitive defence document and should not be used for political purposes.

SC rejected Bengal govts defence it lacked funds and said it is not open for the State to shirk its responsibility of paying DA on account of financial difficulty, given that it is an obligation arising out of a statute of its own creation. SC said the least that is expected of a State in a democracy is that it honours its obligations and commitments arising from a legislation or judicial decisions, for such obligations are not discretionary.

Possibility of a re-unification grew stronger after Pawar Senior took the lead to minimise tension within the family when he went to meet Sunetra and her sons at their Baramati residence for the second consecutive day on Thursday. Some senior NCP members, including Patel and state chief Sunil Tatkare, have refuted Sharad Pawars claim that his nephew had initiated steps for NCPs merger.

India and Malaysia have an extradition treaty, but the case, as Malaysia maintains, will be resolved based on judicial consideration. The official said that Modi and his counterpart Anwar Ibrahim will review progress under the India-Malaysia Comprehensive Strategic Partnership, especially in priority areas of cooperation such as trade, investments, defence, security, semiconductors, digital technologies, renewable energy, education, healthcare, and people-to-people exchanges.

Addressing central observers at India International Institute of Democracy and Electoral Management (IIIDEM) here, chief election commissioner Gyanesh Kumar said they had been picked by EC to act as its beacons for the assembly polls in Assam, Kerala, Puducherry, Tamil Nadu and West Bengal. Polls in the four states and Puducherry are likely to be held in April-May. A total of 1,444 observers are to be briefed in three batches on Thursday and Friday.

Global Teacher Prize 2026 was presented at World Governments Summit in Dubai, an annual gathering of leaders and policymakers. Now in its tenth year, the prize an initiative of Varkey Foundation along with Unesco honours teachers whose work reshaped learning outcomes and communities. Nagi, who has developed pedagogy around art, began her work in the slums of Mumbai about a decade ago.

In a written reply, housing and urban affairs ministry said during 202324 and 202425, CPWD procured 300 air purifiers. The devices were issued to offices, chambers, VVIP lounges, dining halls of judges and registrar of SC, courtrooms, ministers, Constitution Club of India, LS/RS secretariats in Parliament complex and various offices of ministries, departments at Nirman Bhavan, Sewa Bhavan, Vigyan Bhavan, and CPWD offices at Jodhpur and Varanasi, it said.

Had such an unpleasant act happened, then its sight would have torn the countrys democratic traditions to shreds, Om Birla said amid protests from opposition MPs. PM Modis scheduled reply to the Motion of Thanks on the Presidents address was called off at last minute on Wednesday due to intense protest from opposition MPs.

As part of the arrangement, there will be devolution of powers relating to 46 subjects to FNTA, which will cover the districts of Tuensang, Mon, Kiphire, Longleng, Noklak and Shamator. The autonomy and greater say will address the long-standing grievances of ENPO over lack of equitable development in eastern Nagaland districts.

The withdrawal of the corporate resolution order by NCLT, a rare occurrence, happened after Enforcement Directorate approached the Delhi bench with evidence of money laundering by the group and how the promoters had allegedly created a front entity with proceeds of crime, making it a financial creditor with 97% voting rights to grab the firm under insolvency proceedings.

West Bengal governor CV Ananda Bose read out portions of the address highlighting law and order, including references to Kolkata being among the safest cities in the country. In a rare display of cordiality, he was even seen briefly holding hands and speaking with CM Mamata Banerjee after his address, prompting BJP legislators to sarcastically comment well done, as he exited the House.

Asked how the directive will be implemented, additional chief secretary (home) Sanjay Prasad said, We are working on a legal and procedural framework to ensure any death caused due to the use of banned Chinese manjha is treated as a case of murder. Clear instructions will be issued to the police so that strict action can be taken against all those involved in its sale, supply or use.

The influential Kuki Zo Council declared a social boycott of any legislator from the community joining CM Yumnam Khemchand Singhs govt. Protesters burned tyres and blocked roads in Kangpokpi district, and at least one group called for a shutdown in the hills. In Kangpokpi, roads littered with burning tyres signalled a return to unrest after a period of relative calm across the hills.

State-wise figures show Assam topping the list with Rs 1,012.87 crore pending across 35 projects, followed by Manipur (Rs 441.38 crore), Nagaland (Rs 406.09 crore) and Arunachal Pradesh (Rs 395.37 crore). Other states with large unpaid amounts include Tripura (Rs 308.71 crore), Mizoram (Rs 275.81 crore), Meghalaya (Rs 258.05 crore) and Sikkim (Rs 107.90 crore).

Consistent with Indias approach to energy security, India remains open to exploring the commercial merits of any new crude supply options, including from Venezuela, said the official. On Indias energy sourcing, the official recalled that govt had stated publicly on several occasions that ensuring the energy security of 1.4 billion Indians was the supreme priority of govt.

Kharges reference to LS proceedings drew a sharp response from BJP, with Leader of the House in RS JP Nadda mocking Rahul as abodh balak (ignorant child) and reminding Kharge that events of one House cannot be debated in another. Nadda asked Kharge not to let Congress become hostage to Rahul and said arrogance and ignorance should not dictate actions.

Enumerating various sections of the newly enacted Bharatiya Nagarik Suraksha Sanhita, 2023, a bench of Justices M M Sundresh and N K Singh said a notice under Section 35(3) of the law to an accused or any individual concerned, qua offences punishable with imprisonment of up to 7 years, is the rule.

PM Modis remarks in Rajya Sabha, during the debate on the motion of thanks on the Presidents address, came even as the treaty with the US is yet to be formally signed. Its being seen as an indication that the two sides may have resolved their differences. The formal announcement of the deal is likely next week.

A bench of Justices B V Nagarathna and Ujjal Bhuyan said in such cases, a woman was not eligible to get married due to the subsistence of her marriage and she could not invoke the ground of false promise of marriage. It passed the order while quashing criminal proceedings against a lawyer on a complaint filed by a woman advocate alleging that he had raped her on the false promise of marriage.

The row comes weeks after PDP president Mehbooba Mufti pitched for a separate administrative division comprising Rajouri and Poonch in Pir Panjal along with Chenab valley districts, citing remoteness, hilly terrain and lack of infrastructure a demand BJP opposed. The region refers to the mountainous belt along the Pir Panjal range south of Kashmir valley and close to the LoC.

Govt also sought clarity on the financial burden of granting Ladakh full statehood with a legislature, including salaries, provident fund liabilities and other expenditures for about 19,000 employees. Running a state or a Union territory with a legislature involves managing deficits and long-term fiscal responsibility, prompting the panel to press Ladakhi activists for detailed projections, the sources said.