The Times of India News

India's 2026 Republic Day parade will showcase the Army's animal contingent, featuring Bactrian camels, Zanskar ponies, raptors, and dogs. This historic display highlights their crucial role in extreme terrains, emphasizing endurance, sacrifice, and India's growing self-reliance in defence capabilities. The parade underscores the integration of tradition and innovation in military operations.

The central government has imposed an immediate ban on the manufacture, sale and distribution of all oral formulations of the painkiller nimesulide containing more than 100 mg in immediate-release form, citing risks to human health and the availability of safer alternatives. The decision, taken under the Drugs and Cosmetics Act after expert consultation, was notified by the health ministry. Separately, the ministry proposed changes to the Drugs Rules, inviting public feedback within 30 days.

BJP spokesperson Shehzad Poonawalla criticized Rahul Gandhi for calling India a dead economy after the nation surpassed Japan to become the world's fourth-largest economy. Poonawalla accused Gandhi of spreading malicious propaganda and highlighted India's economic rise from 11th to 4th position under the current government.

2025 was dominated by Donald Trump's return to the White House, with striking photographs capturing his inauguration and key diplomatic encounters. The year also saw significant moments like Trudeau's resignation, hostage releases, protests in Nepal, and strategic alliances forming between global leaders.

External affairs minister S. Jaishankar conveyed India's condolences during his visit to Dhaka as Bangladesh mourns former prime minister Khaleda Zia. Bangladesh high commissioner Riaz Hamidullah said Jaishankar also recognised her contribution to democracy and expressed hope for stronger ties after Bangladesh's democratic transition.

Congress has questioned the Centre's silence after China claimed to have mediated between India and Pakistan during the May tensions. Leader Jairam Ramesh stated China's claim contradicts India's stance and undermines national security, especially given China's alignment with Pakistan.

Congress leader Shama Mohamed has voiced concerns over rising threats against minorities following the death of Tripura student Angel Chakma in Dehradun. Meanwhile, thousands in Agartala held a candle march demanding justice and the harshest punishment for the perpetrators. Five accused have been arrested, with efforts ongoing to apprehend the sixth.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi highlighted 2025 as a year of continuous reforms, emphasizing collaboration and facilitation over control. Key measures included opening the nuclear sector, 100% FDI in insurance, and new labor codes, all designed to foster inclusive growth and self-reliance.

Union Home Minister Amit Shah predicted a BJP victory with a two-thirds majority in Bengal's 2026 assembly polls, vowing to end infiltration and restore the state's glory. He assured the Matua community of their citizenship rights under the CAA and criticized the TMC government for alleged corruption and failing to secure borders.

A doctor and patient involved in a Shimla assault case publicly reconciled, shaking hands and embracing after apologizing for their scuffle. The incident, which led to a statewide doctors' strike, was resolved through dialogue, with both parties expressing regret for the disruption caused.

India's food regulator, FSSAI, will now mandate scientific evidence for all food safety reviews and standard changes from January 1, 2026. Submissions must detail nutritional information, consumption patterns, toxicological studies, and allergy risks specific to Indian consumers. This move aims to ensure practical, science-based, and safer food regulations for the public.

Eight policemen, including a DSP, accused of illegally holding and torturing a J&K constable for six days in February 2023 have been granted bail by a Kupwara court. This follows the CBI dropping attempt-to-murder charges against the accused after a Supreme Court-directed investigation into the alleged abuse.

Turkish police detained 357 individuals suspected of Islamic State (IS) links in nationwide raids following a deadly encounter. The operations, targeting operatives planning attacks during holiday celebrations, involved simultaneous actions across 21 provinces. Recovered digital materials and suspected financial channeling connect detainees to IS fighters in conflict zones.

India's External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar will attend the funeral of former Bangladesh Prime Minister Begum Khaleda Zia in Dhaka. Prime Minister Narendra Modi remembered Zia's significant contributions to Bangladesh's development and India-Bangladesh relations, recalling a warm meeting in 2015. Zia, a pivotal figure in restoring democracy, passed away at 80 after a long political career.

Chinese state media, Global Times, has criticized Salman Khan's upcoming film 'Battle of Galwan,' accusing it of distorting facts about the 2020 Galwan Valley clashes. The movie, inspired by the deadly confrontation, features Khan as an Indian Army officer. Despite the film's portrayal, the PLA remains resolute in defending China's territory, according to the publication.

The Ministry of Finance, Government of India, has extended significant financial assistance to the state of Uttarakhand. For the financial year 2025-26, a special assistance of Rs 200 crore (loan) has been approved for Uttarakhand under the Scheme for Special Assistance to States for Capital Investment (SASCI) to support reforms in the mining sector, the Chief Minister's Office said in a press release.

Union minister Ramdas Athawale expressed his disappointment, calling the RPI(A)'s exclusion from the BJP-Shiv Sena seat-sharing for BMC polls a etrayal of trust. Despite this, his party will contest 38 seats independently to uphold worker dignity and Ambedkarite community participation in governance, while still supporting the broader Mahayuti alliance on other seats.

Amidst severe fog and low visibility impacting North India's flight operations, the Civil Aviation Ministry has directed airlines to strictly adhere to passenger facilitation norms. Passengers are urged to check flight statuses and allow extra travel time as 118 flights were cancelled and 16 diverted at Delhi airport.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi expressed deep sorrow over the passing of former Bangladesh Prime Minister Begum Khaleda Zia. He acknowledged her significant contributions to Bangladesh's development and the strengthening of India-Bangladesh relations, recalling a warm meeting in 2015. Zia, a towering political figure and the first woman PM of Bangladesh, died at 80 after a prolonged illness.