The Times of India

PDP chief Mehbooba Mufti criticized the Omar Abdullah government for its indifference to public concerns, particularly regarding the proposed railway line between Kakapora and Kunsoo. She argued the project threatens livelihoods by encroaching on productive apple orchards. Mufti accused the administration of ignoring protests and focusing on political rivals instead of addressing the people's issues.

India's first space mission of 2026, PSLV-C62, is set to launch on January 12, carrying DRDO's advanced defense satellite Anvesha (EOS-N1) for enhanced surveillance. The mission will also test on-orbit refuelling technology with OrbitAID's AyulSAT and deploy Nepal's Earth observation satellite Munal, alongside 13 other satellites from India and international partners.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi is set to launch thirteen new trains next week, including India's inaugural Vande Bharat sleeper service. Ten of these trains will depart from West Bengal, with three originating from Assam, both states heading for elections. This significant rollout highlights the Centre's commitment to enhancing transport infrastructure in West Bengal.

Punjab has launched the second phase of its anti-drug campaign, 'Yudh Nashian Virudh'. Over 1.5 lakh volunteers, known as 'Pind De Pehredar', will assist the police. An app will allow anonymous reporting of drug peddlers. Padyatras will be held across the state. The campaign aims to dismantle drug networks and ensure a drug-free Punjab.

Delhi chief minister Rekha Gupta held a Jan Sunwai, directly addressing residents' concerns and complaints. She instructed officials to resolve issues within fixed timelines and ensure follow-up actions, emphasizing the importance of public feedback in shaping administrative decisions and effective implementation.

External affairs minister S Jaishankar criticised western nations for offering unsolicited advice urging them to look at their own region for levels of violence. He emphasised India's independent approach to international relations, dealing with partners and adversaries differently. Jaishankar also highlighted India's concern for safety of the people of Venezuela amidst crisis.

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The National Medical Commission has withdrawn the Letter of Permission for Shri Mata Vaishno Devi Institute of Medical Excellence to run an MBBS course due to serious violations of minimum standards found during a surprise inspection. Students admitted for the 2025-26 academic year will be shifted to other medical colleges in Jammu and Kashmir as supernumerary seats.

A salon worker received a 10-year sentence for abducting and raping a woman with intellectual disability. The court, citing Supreme Court observations, deemed her testimony credible despite her challenges. This conviction under the Rights of Persons with Disabilities Act highlights a rare legal victory, emphasizing sensitivity towards victims with disabilities.

Despite the Supreme Court's Vishaka judgment mandating mechanisms against workplace sexual harassment, many high courts and district courts remain non-compliant. This lack of a gender-sensitized redressal structure violates women's constitutional rights and discourages their participation in the justice delivery process. The Supreme Court has now sought status reports from defaulting high courts and bar associations.

Madhya Pradesh government disbursed 2 lakh compensation to 18 families in Indore following a diarrhoea outbreak. While six deaths are confirmed due to contaminated water, the administration provided aid to all grieving families, prioritizing sensitivity. This support follows Chief Minister Mohan Yadav's directive for financial assistance and free medical care to those affected by the outbreak.

The Supreme Court has presented conflicting views on bail, asserting that while delay in trial and long incarceration aren't sole grounds for relief, the fundamental right to a speedy trial, irrespective of offense nature, can justify bail. This was highlighted when granting bail to a former chairperson after 16 months, contrasting with a recent rejection for activists.

Uttar Pradesh's draft voter rolls reveal nearly 3 crore deletions, with 18.7% of electors removed. Over 1.3 crore voters were identified as having permanently shifted, while others were untraceable or deceased. Citizens have until February 6 to file claims and objections to reinstate their names before final rolls are published on March 6.

The Supreme Court, led by CJI Surya Kant, asserted that the rich and influential cannot bypass judicial tiers to approach the SC directly. The bench refused to hear a plea challenging a PMLA provision, stating that influential individuals must face trial like ordinary citizens. The court indicated that similar pending pleas challenging the PMLA's validity would be heard together.

A primary school on Kolkata's outskirts, which received a Rs 12 lakh grant from Venezuela during Hugo Chavez's presidency, held a special prayer for peace in the South American nation. The funds, received in 2007, were used to construct new rooms and improve safety at the Bagu Junior Basic School.

The National Green Tribunal has ordered criminal proceedings against the administration of a Bhandara ordnance factory following a deadly blast that killed nine workers. The tribunal found Munitions India Ltd accountable for serious safety norm violations, citing a clear contravention of the Factories Act. The Bhandara collector is directed to initiate proceedings, pending central government approval.

Bihar's panchayati raj minister Deepak Prakash faces an uncertain future as his father Upendra Kushwaha's Rashtriya Lok Morcha (RLM) appears poised for a split. Three of the four RLM legislators are reportedly unhappy with Kushwaha's decision to make his son a minister, potentially impacting Kushwaha's own Rajya Sabha prospects.

Uttar Pradesh's cabinet has approved a significant concession for intra-family property transfers. Commercial and industrial properties can now be transferred via gift deeds with a concessional stamp duty capped at Rs 5,000. This relief, previously limited to agricultural and residential properties, aims to make these transfers more affordable and streamlined.

A Delhi court has permitted a forensic examination of the Unnao rape survivor's voice sample. This comes after an accused's lawyer argued that the survivor denied her voice in recorded conversations crucial to the trial. The recordings allegedly suggest she left her home voluntarily.

Lalu Prasad's daughter Rohini Acharya posted a picture with a gun, stating she can discern right from wrong with a perfect aim. This follows a public spat with her brother Tejashwi Yadav after the Bihar assembly election results, where she alleged mistreatment and quit politics.

In a surprising political development, the BJP and Congress have formed an alliance in Ambernath, joining forces with the Ajit Pawar-led NCP to control the municipal council. This coalition, named Ambernath Vikas Aghadi, excludes the Shiv Sena, which emerged as the single-largest party but failed to secure the municipal president's post.

The Supreme Court expressed surprise at the sheer volume of interlocutory applications filed in the stray dogs case, noting it exceeds typical human-related cases. A special bench is scheduled to hear the matter on Wednesday, addressing the alarming rise in dog bites within institutional areas and the relocation of stray canines.

The Supreme Court questioned Haryana's delay in granting sanction for Professor Mahmudabad's prosecution, noting the chargesheet was filed last year. The bench urged the state to consider magnanimity while warning the professor against irresponsible statements. An SIT was previously formed to probe his allegedly objectionable remarks.

The Atal Progress-way, or Chambal Expressway, has received in-principle approval, set to link the Delhi-Mumbai and Bundelkhand Expressways across Rajasthan, Uttar Pradesh, and Madhya Pradesh. This 420-km, 14,000 crore, six-lane project bypasses sensitive areas, promising to cut travel time significantly and boost connectivity for backward regions.

The 2026-27 budget is slated for presentation on February 1, a Sunday, marking a rare occurrence. The budget session may commence on January 28 with the President's speech, focusing on shedding colonial mentality and promoting eform, perform and transform to shield growth amidst global challenges.

Jawaharlal Nehru University will take the strictest action against students who raised slogans against Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Union home minister Amit Shah. The university stated it cannot be a laboratory of hate. Freedom of speech is a right, but universities are centers of learning. Violence and activities undermining national unity will not be tolerated.

The Election Commission informed the Supreme Court of its power and constitutional competence to conduct a Special Intensive Revision of electoral rolls to exclude foreigners. Appearing for the EC, senior advocate Rakesh Dwivedi argued that citizenship is a foundational requirement for holding public office and that the Constitution mandates the removal of non-citizens from voter lists.

Facing upcoming Class X and XII board exams, CBSE has launched free psycho-social counselling services until June 1. Students can access a 24/7 toll-free IVRS for guidance on stress and preparation. Weekdays offer tele-counselling with 73 trained professionals, including international experts. Digital resources on stress management are also available online, promoting emotional well-being for confident exam approaches.

Mamata Banerjee also accused the EC of adopting what she described as wrong, unconstitutional and undemocratic methods in carrying out the revision exercise ahead of assembly elections. The TMC supremos fresh set of allegations against the poll panel was made on a day when her party MP Derek OBrien moved the Supreme Court against the EC, claiming it has taken recourse to arbitrary and procedurally irregular actions for conducting the ongoing SIR in West Bengal.