National / The Times of India
The Supreme Court reprimanded an Andhra Pradesh deputy collector for defying a High Court order by forcibly evicting slum-dwellers in Guntur. The officer's refusal to accept demotion as punishment for contempt led the apex court to assert that his actions cannot be ignored. The court highlighted the severity of demolishing homes with a large police force after a clear warning.
The Indian government has intervened to halt Sotheby's Hong Kong auction of sacred Buddhist relics excavated in India in 1898, demanding their repatriation. The Culture Ministry issued a legal notice to Sotheby's, seeking immediate cessation of the auction. Sotheby's has assured that full attention is given to this matter. These relics, from Piprahwa Stupa, are of immense historical and spiritual significance, with most already housed in the Indian Museum, Kolkata.
Air India diverted two international flights to Delhi due to air traffic disruptions following India's military action, 'Operation Sindoor', against terror camps in PoK. IndiGo and SpiceJet cautioned about potential delays and cancellations for flights to and from several northern cities.
The Supreme Court has made asset details of its judges public. Twenty-one out of thirty-three judges, including the Chief Justice, have declared their wealth. This information is available on the court's website. This move follows the 'cash-at-kothi' scandal. Judges will now declare assets upon assuming office and significant acquisitions to the CJI. These declarations will be mandatorily published online.
India's Gaganyaan mission, aiming to send humans into space, is now slated for the first quarter of 2027, announced by space minister Jitendra Singh. Following successful test missions, including TV-D1, the program involves multiple institutions and the armed forces. The budget has increased to Rs 20,193 crore to accommodate eight missions, including uncrewed flights with the robot Vyommitra.
Telecom Minister Jyotiraditya Scindia announced that Apple intends to manufacture all its mobile phones in India, highlighting the country's emergence as a reliable and affordable manufacturing hub. He emphasized the significant growth in the telecom equipment market, driven by the government's PLI scheme, resulting in substantial investments, sales, exports, and job creation.
In a retaliatory move for the Pahalgam terror attack, India launched Operation Sindoor, executing precision strikes on nine terrorist bases across Pakistan and Pakistan-occupied Kashmir.
Union Minister Jual Oram sparked a security alert after disappearing from a train at Damoh station during a journey to Jabalpur. A frantic search ensued when his security detail discovered him missing. He was found three hours later at Sihora Road station with minor injuries, reportedly due to a hypoglycemic episode and a subsequent fall while attempting to re-board the moving train.
Following a Calcutta High Court intervention, a 21-year-old rape survivor has been granted permission to terminate her 25-week-old pregnancy. The court directed the procedure to be carried out without delay at IPGMER after a medical board deemed it permissible. The survivor, who was raped by her cousin, experienced significant psychological distress, leading to the court's decision based on her mental and physical well-being.
The Supreme Court has released data revealing increasing diversity in high court judge appointments, with significant representation from women, OBCs, and minorities. While a small percentage have familial ties to judges, a majority come from diverse backgrounds, challenging perceptions of upper-caste dominance. A few recommendations are pending with the Centre, raising concerns about delays.
Indian Armed Forces launched 'Operation Sindoor,' targeting nine sites in Pakistan and Pakistan-occupied Jammu and Kashmir, focusing on terrorist infrastructure of Jaish-e-Mohammed and Lashkar-e-Taiba, including their headquarters in Bahawalpur and Muridke. The strikes, a response to the Pahalgam terror attack, were precise and non-escalatory, specifically avoiding Pakistani military facilities.
Foreign Minister Jaishankar highlighted the significance of skill development and international mobility in enhancing India's global influence, emphasizing the need for legal pathways and combating illegal migration. The government is reassessing the Emigration Act 1983 to align with current realities and promote opportunities while safeguarding vulnerable individuals. He also acknowledged the increasing expectations of Indian citizens abroad for government support, especially in challenging sit
Pragya Jaiswal, a 16-year-old from Singrauli, MP, achieved a perfect score in her Class 10 state board exams, a remarkable feat in a district with low female literacy. Her success has inspired her village to prioritize girls' education and seek government support for a girls' school. Supported by her teacher parents, Pragya aims to become an IAS officer and is now seeking better educational opportunities for her Class 12 studies.
After three years of negotiations, India and the UK have finalized a trade agreement that eliminates tariffs on 99% of Indian exports and reduces duties on 90% of tariff lines. The deal includes exemptions from social security contributions for Indian workers on temporary visas, potentially saving them around 20% of their salary. PM Modi highlighted the agreement's potential to boost trade, investment, and job creation in both economies.
Mumbai's municipal corporation is set for elections after three years under state-appointed administration, a period marked by significant infrastructure projects like road repairs costing 12,000 crore and rising liabilities. Former corporators lament the lack of accountability and neglect of local issues, while preparations for the upcoming polls are underway, with parties aiming to increase their representation and address citizen grievances.
Following India's 'Operation Sindoor' against terror camps in Pakistan-occupied Kashmir after the Pahalgam attack, IndiGo Airlines reports flight disruptions. Airspace changes over northern India are causing delays and cancellations for flights to and from Srinagar, Jammu, Amritsar, Leh, Chandigarh, Dharamshala, and Bikaner. Indian air defence units along the border are on high alert amid heightened tensions.
In response to the Pahalgam terror attack that killed 25 Indians and one Nepalese citizen, Indian Armed Forces initiated 'Operation Sindoor,' targeting nine terrorist infrastructure sites in Pakistan and Pakistan-occupied Jammu and Kashmir. The strikes were described as focused and non-escalatory, avoiding Pakistani military facilities.
The 2025 Human Development Report recognises India as a burgeoning AI powerhouse, showcasing significant AI skills penetration and improved talent retention. Notably, 20% of Indian AI researchers now stay in the country, a stark contrast to 2019. The report emphasises AI's potential to revitalise development, with surveys indicating widespread optimism about its impact on productivity and job creation.
Following India's launch of Operation Sindoor, National Security Advisor Ajit Doval briefed his US counterpart and Secretary of State Marco Rubio, assuring them the strikes were precise, non-escalatory, and targeted only terror camps. US President Donald Trump, upon being informed, expressed hope for swift de-escalation.
Following the deadly Pahalgam terror attack that killed 26, the Indian Army launched Operation Sindoor, targeting terrorist infrastructure in Pakistan and Pakistan-occupied Jammu and Kashmir. The government emphasized the strikes were precise and non-escalatory, avoiding Pakistani military facilities. In response, Pakistan violated the ceasefire with artillery fire in Bhimber Gali, prompting a calibrated retaliation from the Indian Army.
India launched precision air strikes, dubbed 'Operation Sindoor,' on nine locations in Pakistan, including Muzaffarabad and Bahawalpur, targeting alleged terror camps. Pakistan's military confirmed the strikes, condemning them as a cowardly attack. The operation was a response to the recent terror attack in Pahalgam, Jammu and Kashmir, which resulted in 26 fatalities.
In response to the deadly Pahalgam attack that killed 26, India launched Operation Sindoor, targeting nine terrorist camps in Pakistan and Pakistan-occupied Kashmir. The strikes were described as precise, measured, and non-escalatory, with no Pakistani military facilities targeted. This action follows Prime Minister Modi granting the armed forces full operational freedom.
Unseasonal rain, thunderstorms, and strong winds have tragically resulted in 17 deaths across Gujarat in the past 24 hours. The severe weather, impacting 168 talukas, caused fatalities due to lightning, electrocution, and structural collapses. Amreli and Bhavnagar experienced heavy rainfall and fierce winds, providing relief from the heat but causing significant damage to crops like mango, onion, sesame, and bajra.
In a historic move, IIT Roorkee has dismissed Professor Zillur Rahman from his position in the department of management studies after a PhD student filed a sexual harassment complaint against him. Following an internal inquiry and opportunities for Rahman to present his case, the Board of Governors approved his dismissal. This marks the first instance of such action in the institute's history.
The Maldives is amending existing defense agreements with India to safeguard its sovereignty, according to Defence Minister Mohamed Ghassan Maumoon. He clarified that the 74 Indian soldiers previously stationed in the Maldives were unarmed and have been repatriated. These actions follow President Muizzu's pledge to review agreements and ensure national sovereignty, addressing concerns raised by the opposition.
Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi's recent diplomatic efforts in Islamabad, including meetings with Pakistani leaders, centered on mediating the escalating tensions between India and Pakistan following the Pahalgam terrorist attack. Despite India's reluctance to accept third-party mediation, Iran is positioning itself as a regional conciliator, leveraging its ties with both nations to push for de-escalation.
Following the Pahalgam attack, Omar Abdullah and Mehbooba Mufti voiced concerns over large-scale detentions in J&K, fearing a message of collective punishment. Mehbooba highlighted that thousands of civilians have been taken into custody, with over 3,000 arrests and nearly 100 PSA detentions reported, urging a review of this approach to avoid deepening the trust deficit.
The RBI's FY25 income from foreign exchange reserves is projected to be higher due to elevated US treasury yields, potentially boosting the central bank's dividend payout to the government. Increased interest earnings on foreign currency assets and substantial dollar sales are expected to contribute to this rise.
A passenger bus accident in Jammu and Kashmir's Poonch district resulted in the tragic loss of four lives, including an Army soldier on leave, and left over 40 individuals injured. The bus, en route from Ghani to Mendhar, veered off course and plunged into a deep gorge, prompting immediate rescue efforts by locals, police, Army, and CRPF personnel.
In a tragic incident near the Line of Control in Kupwara, an Army vehicle accident resulted in the death of two soldiers and injuries to two others. The vehicle plunged into a deep gorge after the driver lost control. This unfortunate event follows a similar accident in Ramban just two days prior, where three Army personnel lost their lives.
China's finance minister has criticized US tariffs for destabilizing the global economy, while the foreign ministry insists the US must drop its threatening stance for any agreement. The ongoing trade dispute escalates as the US imposes high tariffs, prompting retaliation from Beijing. Despite hints of possible trade talks, China demands the removal of tariffs, a condition President Trump has dismissed.
The government has notified a scheme for free cashless treatment to road accident victims nationwide, complying with a Supreme Court deadline. Up to 1.5 lakh will be provided for treatment for a maximum of seven days at 30,000 designated hospitals. A steering committee will monitor the scheme's implementation, with 272 crore allocated for 2025-26.
Pakistan's attempt to raise India-Pakistan tensions at a closed-door UN Security Council meeting failed to gain traction. Council members urged bilateral resolution and accountability for the Pahalgam terrorist attack, suspected to involve Lashkar-e-Taiba. Concerns were raised about Pakistan's nuclear rhetoric and missile tests.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi announced a significant change in India's water policy, stating that the nation's water resources will now be exclusively utilized for national benefit and not allowed to flow outside the country. This declaration follows the government's suspension of the Indus Waters Treaty after the Pahalgam terror attack.
Industry organizations have lauded the India-UK Free Trade Agreement (FTA), anticipating significant support for Indian exporters aiming to expand in the UK market amidst global economic uncertainties. The FTA aspires to elevate bilateral trade to USD 100 billion by 2030, removing customs duties on 99% of Indian goods entering British markets.
Indian ambassador Akhilesh Mishra strongly criticized The Irish Times for its editorial on the Pahalgam terror attack, accusing it of downplaying terrorism and echoing narratives that support its perpetrators. Mishra highlighted the editorial's failure to condemn the attack unequivocally and its criticism of PM Modi.
Mallikarjun Kharge alleged PM Modi cancelled his Kashmir visit after an intelligence report warned of an attack and questioned why security wasn't reinforced for civilians if there was intelligent inputs. The BJP strongly condemned Kharge's remarks, accusing him of echoing Pakistan's narrative and demanding an apology.
The US trade deficit soared to a record $140.5 billion in March, marking the largest shortfall since 1992, according to government data. Imports surged by 4.4 percent to $419.0 billion as businesses stocked up ahead of anticipated tariffs, particularly in consumer goods. While exports saw a slight increase, the overall imbalance exceeded analysts' expectations.
India and the UK have finalized a Free Trade Agreement, poised to boost economic growth and trade relations. The agreement eliminates tariffs on approximately 99% of traded goods, benefiting sectors like manufacturing, textiles, and automotive. It also includes provisions for professional visas and reduced duties on products like Scotch whisky and cars, fostering job creation and deeper collaboration.