The Times of India

In plain sight, found too late

Tej Pratap Yadav has denied social media rumors of fathering a child, Anushka Yadav. He accused RJD leaders Sanjay Yadav, Sunil Singh, former MLAs Shakti Singh Yadav and Mukesh Raushan, and Tejashwi Yadav's friend Rameez of hatching a conspiracy against him. Yadav vowed legal action against those he called 'Jaichands' for defamation.

NEET-PG qualifying standards were drastically lowered, resulting in postgraduate medical seats in government colleges being filled with extremely low scores. Candidates secured spots in high-risk clinical specialties and premier institutions with scores as low as single digits, raising significant concerns within the medical community.

Malaysia joined India in condemning cross-border terrorism, signaling a stronger alignment on the issue. Prime Minister Modi highlighted clear messages against terror with no double standards or compromise. The bilateral meeting saw numerous agreements signed, spanning defense, security, and economic cooperation, including semiconductors and social security for Indian workers.

Congress leader Rahul Gandhi advised Gen Z to be flexible and persevere, emphasizing that life is not linear. He shared insights from an interaction with NRI students, addressing their anxieties about confidence, judgment, and self-expression. Gandhi highlighted the importance of staying true to oneself amidst societal pressures and labels.

CPM and CPI(ML) Liberation have strongly criticized the Indo-US trade deal, alleging the BJP government has made significant concessions detrimental to India's economy, agriculture, and national sovereignty. Both parties demand the deal's details be made public and presented to Parliament, urging the government to halt any agreement harmful to Indian workers and farmers.

India's electronics manufacturing has surged six-fold in production and eight-fold in exports over 11 years, making it the world's second-largest mobile phone maker. Driven by the production-linked incentive scheme, mobile production alone saw a more than 100-fold export increase, transforming India into a net exporter.

Union Agriculture Minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan stated that the India-US interim trade deal will empower farmers, with key agricultural products like major grains, fruits, and dairy remaining secure from US imports. He asserted that the agreement protects farmers' interests and will boost Indian exports, particularly in textiles.

US President Trump's threat of a 25% penalty on Indian crude imports casts a shadow over the Nayara refinery, majority-owned by Russia's Rosneft. This situation fuels speculation about a change in ownership, as prospective buyers may be deterred by US sanctions.

India's space sector has achieved a significant milestone as Azista Space successfully imaged the International Space Station from its own satellite. This groundbreaking space watch capability, demonstrated by the ABA First Runner satellite, marks a first for any Indian company. The feat enhances India's space situational awareness, crucial for protecting national assets in orbit.

A young BJP legislator, Devyani Singh Rana, earned cross-party praise for her focused budget speech in the J&K Assembly. She highlighted critical issues like electricity shortages, climate vulnerabilities, and under-spending in education and disaster management, urging for stronger measures. Her pragmatic approach to budgetary concerns resonated with members from all parties.

Highway builders are urging Prime Minister Modi to revisit tight construction deadlines for major PPP projects, citing execution challenges and the risk of prolonged court battles due to restricted arbitration. The National Highways Builders Federation warns that current dispute resolution changes could hinder project completion and encourage litigation over actual construction, impacting the PPP highway program's goals.

In a groundbreaking collaboration, India and Canada are setting new standards for national security and law enforcement by introducing a cooperative work plan and appointing liaison officers. This strategic alliance is designed to combat shared threats such as drug trafficking and organized crime, highlighting a pivotal moment in repairing diplomatic ties.

Bundelkhand's long struggle with water scarcity has ended as tap water now reaches homes, a dream realized for millions. Women no longer trek miles, and villages once defined by drought now boast flowing water. This transformation, driven by the Jal Jeevan Mission, brings hope and a better future to the region.

Addressing a press conference ahead of the assembly elections, Assam CM Himanta Biswa Sarma claimed that Gogoi had undertaken a very confidential visit to Pakistan in December 2013 and was believed to have undergone some kind of training during his 10-day stay. He stayed there for 10 days. Strangely, Gogoi was digitally silent and no social media post was made. We suspect he went through some kind of training in that period, the chief minister said.

A significant number of Indian men grapple with profound loneliness, often masked by societal expectations of stoicism and duty. This widespread issue, extending beyond romantic relationships, stems from cultural norms that discourage emotional expression. Addressing this requires integrated mental health support and community initiatives, moving beyond blame to foster understanding and well-being for all.

A Red Bird training aircraft made a forced landing near Vijayapura due to suspected fuel starvation, approximately 50-70 km before its destination in Belagavi. Both the flight instructor and student pilot on board the 1975-built Cessna 172 are safe, though the aircraft sustained damage. Aviation authorities are investigating the incident.

The BJP and AIADMK have rekindled their alliance for the upcoming Tamil Nadu Assembly elections, marking another chapter in their cyclical relationship of partnership and rupture. Driven by political necessity, the alliance aims to challenge the incumbent Stalin-led DMK government, despite past tensions and strategic divergences between the two parties.

Of the total allocation released by the Finance Department, 1,100 crore has been earmarked for the payment of salaries, pensions, and other statutory dues of DTC employees and pensioners. The remaining 100 crore has been allocated to transport modernisation and the adoption of advanced technologies to ensure smoother traffic flow and promote sustainable mobility, according to a release.

Indian exporters gain a competitive edge in the US market with reduced tariffs, while a tragic accident at the Surajkund Mela claimed an inspector's life and injured twelve. Meanwhile, the ICC and PCB are nearing a decision on the India-Pakistan T20 World Cup match.

Inspector Jagdish Prasad, 58, died while attempting to rescue those trapped in the swing, officials said. He had joined the Haryana Armed Police in 1989 and was scheduled to retire in March after completing 36 years of service. His body was handed over to his family on Sunday following a post-mortem examination.

The Congress party has accused the BJP of promoting hate and targeting minorities. This follows a video posted by the BJP's Assam unit showing Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma firing a rifle at two individuals identified as minorities. The Congress has demanded strict judicial action, calling the video a call to genocide.

ISRO is procuring a sophisticated 1,700-meter rail system for its new Kulasekarapattinam spaceport, designed to transport small rockets. This advanced track, capable of carrying 570 tonnes with extreme precision, will enhance payload capacity for polar orbits, making it ideal for SSLV launches and private sector missions. The facility is slated for commissioning in 2026-27.

India and Malaysia are set to bolster security cooperation, including counter-terrorism and intelligence sharing, Prime Minister Narendra Modi announced in Kuala Lumpur. He emphasized India's unwavering stance against terrorism, stating there will be o double standards and no compromise.

Tamil Nadu Chief Minister M.K. Stalin has urged Prime Minister Narendra Modi to expedite sanctioned railway projects in the state. Stalin highlighted delays in fund releases by the Ministry of Railways, impacting land acquisition and causing uncertainty for landowners. He requested full and priority funding for ongoing projects and the revival of those in abeyance.

The US has accused China of a covert nuclear test on June 22, 2020, shortly after the deadly Galwan Valley clash. This allegation, coupled with the expiry of the New START treaty, highlights the urgent need for a new global arms control framework.

Congress criticized the India-US trade deal framework as a surrender, citing concerns over unspecified additional products for tariff reductions. Leaders argued the deal is heavily tilted towards the US and will negatively impact farmers, highlighting a lack of transparency in the agreement's details.

India and the United States have reached an interim trade agreement. This deal is expected to boost India's economic growth and manufacturing sector. Government leaders stated that the agreement safeguards the nation's core interests. It aims to create more jobs and opportunities for farmers, entrepreneurs, and businesses across the country.

Prime Minister Modi highlighted recent trade agreements with the US and other nations as proof of growing global trust in India. He emphasized the country's shift from a mere market to an investment and trade hub, fostering 'Make in India' and creating jobs. These deals, he stated, reflect a dynamic partnership and commitment to innovation and shared prosperity.

Sonia Gandhi Saturday termed a criminal revision petition against a magisterial order as politically motivated and frivolous. The petition alleges her name was included in electoral rolls in 1980 using forged documents, despite her acquiring Indian citizenship later. Gandhi argued citizenship and electoral roll issues fall outside criminal court jurisdiction.

Prime Minister Modi lauded Tamil culture at a Kuala Lumpur event, highlighting its global reach and the significant presence of Tamilians in India's leadership. He announced UPI's upcoming availability in Malaysia and the opening of India's first consulate there, strengthening bilateral ties and community outreach. Modi also pledged a new Thiruvalluvar Centre to honor shared heritage.

Government spending on major schemes lags significantly, with only 41.2% of the budgeted amount disbursed in the first nine months. Revised estimates for 47 out of 53 large projects are lower than initially planned. Several key initiatives, including the Jal Jeevan Mission, show drastically reduced spending, raising concerns about project execution and fund utilization.

India's Defence Acquisition Council is set to consider a major proposal to purchase 114 Rafale fighter jets from France for approximately Rs 3.25 lakh crore. This significant procurement, with a substantial portion to be manufactured in India, aims to bolster the Indian Air Force's fighter squadron strength amidst rising regional security concerns.

Jammu & Kashmir welcomed over 1.7 crore tourists in 2025, including more than 36,000 international visitors. While no specific targets are set for 2026, the government is actively working to boost tourist numbers through various initiatives. The Home Stay program has proven successful and is slated for expansion, despite facing challenges like awareness and infrastructure gaps.

Union home minister Amit Shah reviewed Jammu and Kashmir's development projects. He also stressed hydropower potential and welfare scheme saturation. Aggressive tourism marketing and sports infrastructure development were highlighted. The region will receive 50-year interest-free loans for capital projects. The government aims for a developed Jammu and Kashmir by 2047.

A three-storey building collapsed in Rajasthan's Kota on Saturday. The incident occurred in the Talwandi area where a restaurant was located. Several people are feared trapped under the debris. Police and rescue teams are on the scene. Five individuals have been rescued so far and taken to the hospital for treatment.

Haryana's BJP government faces sharp criticism for allegedly withholding diet allowances for 37,000 players for ten months. Senior AAP leader Anurag Dhanda also highlighted the denial of pensions to over 75,000 elderly citizens, citing absurd income criteria. This has left athletes and seniors struggling, questioning the government's commitment to their welfare.

Tragedy struck the Surajkund Mela in Faridabad Saturday evening when a swing ride collapsed, killing a police inspector and injuring thirteen others. The brave officer lost his life attempting to rescue people as the ride tilted. Authorities have vowed swift action against the operator, with an FIR to be registered.