The Times of India News

The Supreme Court quashed an FIR against a husband, stating that asking his wife to maintain an Excel sheet for household expenses does not constitute cruelty. The court emphasized that such domestic disputes often stem from the 'daily wear and tear' of marriage and should not be used to initiate criminal proceedings without specific evidence of harm.

A special Pocso court sentenced a former headmaster and retired teacher of a school for the deaf to two years' rigorous imprisonment for sexually assaulting three students. The judge emphasized the betrayal of trust by those in positions of authority.

Adventure tourism leaders have declared Jammu and Kashmir safe, urging the reopening of all tourist spots closed after the Pahalgam terror attack. The Adventure Tour Operators Association of India successfully held its convention in Srinagar, with members visiting popular destinations without incident. They emphasize J&K's potential as a premier adventure hub, promoting safe and sustainable tourism.

PDP member Iltija Mufti filed a police complaint in Srinagar against Bihar CM Nitish Kumar for allegedly gesturing to an AYUSH graduate in a hijab to show her face. The complaint follows similar action by a Samajwadi Party spokesperson, with critics arguing the act undermines women's dignity and emboldens attackers.

Security forces launched extensive cordon and search operations in Rajouri district's villages after reports of suspicious movement. Troops from Rashtriya Rifles, J&K Police, and Special Operations Group conducted aggressive searches from midnight Thursday to Friday evening. A similar operation occurred in Samba district's Mansar area on December 17.

The government informed Parliament that no conclusive data directly links higher air quality index (AQI) levels to lung diseases, though air pollution is acknowledged as a triggering factor for respiratory ailments. This response aligns with previous statements on the complex interplay of factors affecting health, including lifestyle and genetics.

The Enforcement Directorate has appealed to the Delhi High Court after a trial court refused to take cognisance of its prosecution complaint against Sonia and Rahul Gandhi in the National Herald money laundering case.

Gujarat has removed nearly 74 lakh names from its electoral rolls, reducing the total voter count from 5.08 crore to 4.34 crore. This extensive clean-up, part of the Special Intensive Revision exercise, targeted deceased, absent, and duplicate voters. The updated draft rolls are now public, with a deadline of January 18 for objections and claims.

The Lok Sabha's 19-day Winter Session concluded with a productivity of 111 percent, marked by the passage of key bills like the Viksit BharatGuarantee for Rozgar and Ajeevika Mission (Gramin) Bill. The session witnessed heated debates, protests, and viral moments, including accusations of vaping, a Congress MP bringing a puppy, and unruly scenes during bill passages.

Enforcement Directorate's probe into the 'donkey' route uncovered a Haryana-based operator collecting property papers as security from aspirants for illegal US travel via Mexico. Searches across Punjab, Haryana, and Delhi yielded incriminating evidence, including documents and mobile phones, related to the syndicate's operations.

Karnataka Chief Minister Siddaramaiah has dismissed claims of a two-and-a-half-year power-sharing arrangement within the state government. He asserted that he will remain CM until the party high command decides otherwise, refuting opposition questions about a potential leadership change. Deputy CM D.K. Shivakumar also denied rumors of a dinner meeting, emphasizing party unity.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi has solidified his position as India's most influential political voice on X, dominating engagement with eight of the top 10 most-liked tweets. Globally, he ranks as the fourth most-followed person, surpassing entertainment icons and becoming the most-followed world leader in office.

Parliament's Winter Session concluded Friday with Lok Sabha and Rajya Sabha adjourned sine die. Despite disruptions over the VB-G RAM G Bill, both Houses saw significant legislative work, with Lok Sabha achieving 111% productivity. Key bills were passed, and leaders met to mark the session's end, though opposition protests continued.

Bangladesh slid back into turmoil after the killing of Sharif Osman Hadi, a prominent youth leader of last years July Uprising, triggered violent protests. The 32-year-old was shot by masked gunmen in central Dhaka while launching his election campaign and later died in hospital. His death has reignited political instability ahead of crucial national elections, with protests, arson and competing narratives deepening uncertainty at a critical moment for the country and its relations with New Delh

North India is grappling with a red alert for dense fog, severely impacting visibility and travel. Simultaneously, Delhi and surrounding regions are experiencing 'very poor' to 'severe' air quality, with authorities urging residents to limit outdoor exposure. Flights are facing delays due to the challenging weather conditions.

The Supreme Court will speak with the parents of Harish Rana, who has been in a vegetative state for 13 years, before deciding on his passive euthanasia plea. A secondary AIIMS medical report confirmed a negligible chance of recovery, prompting the court to seek personal interaction with the family.

Opposition parties staged an overnight dharna in Parliament protesting the passage of the VB-G RAM G Bill, which replaces MGNREGA. MPs accused the government of rushing the legislation without debate, calling it an insult to the poor and a murder of democracy. The government defended the new law, citing its necessity for rural development and employment.

Parliament has passed the Viksit Bharat Guarantee for Rozgar and Ajeevika Mission (Gramin) or VB-G Ram G Bill, 2025, replacing MGNREGA. The new law aims to enhance rural employment by focusing on durable asset creation and transparency, despite opposition protests over alleged removal of Mahatma Gandhi's name.

Lok Sabha passed the VB-G Ram G bill, replacing MGNREGA, amid opposition protests. Minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan defended the new law, highlighting its improvements over the previous scheme's corruption and inefficiency. He also countered criticism regarding Mahatma Gandhi's name, stating it was added later and that the new bill aims for asset creation and transparency.

Central forces will secure the West Bengal Chief Electoral Officer's office from Friday following protests by BLOs concerned about work pressure and safety. The Election Commission is increasing scrutiny of the electoral roll revision process after several BLOs died. Meanwhile, a voter received a show-cause notice for being registered in two constituencies.

India faces its greatest strategic challenge in Bangladesh since 1971. A parliamentary committee warns of Islamist resurgence, weakening political structures, and growing Chinese and Pakistani influence. This situation poses a long-term strategic test for India's regional stability and neighborhood policy. The government is monitoring developments and engaging with Bangladesh's interim government.