National News

After three days of protests in Pithampur against the proposed incineration of Union Carbide waste, residents decided to wait for Monday’s hearing at Madhya Pradesh HC. Government officials addressed concerns about safety and misinformation, while protestors demanded the waste be removed from the facility.

The Committee on Tribal Unity (CoTU) has lifted the economic blockade in Manipur, effective from Sunday 2am, which had halted traffic and essential supplies. They issued a 48-hour ultimatum for state government to withdraw CAPF personnel from Saibol, following violent clashes at year-end.

IT ministry has come out with draft rules on Digital Personal Data Protection (DPDP) law which seek parental consent for children to join social media. IT secretary S Krishnan does not feel the need to follow the Australian model where children should be banned completely. Excerpts from an interview with TOI‘s Pankaj Doval.

The Karnataka high court ordered the state forest department to refund Rs 4.3 lakh with 6% annual interest to a Kodagu landowner who deposited the money in 1982. This decision, made after the landowner's death in 2023, highlighted a misclassification error in his tree-felling application.

Pakistan's defence minister Khawaja Muhammad Asif's remarks about Mahmud of Ghazni being 'merely a plunderer' have sparked controversy. His comments have initiated a domestic debate and strained relations with Afghanistan. This also questions the suitability of naming Pakistani missiles after historical figures who invaded India.

Of late, the State Congress leadership has been warming up to the Trinamool Congress, particularly after Subhankar Sarkar took over reins of the State unit of the party from Adhir Ranjan Chowdhury

A Kandivli man transferred Rs 32 lakh and a private company vice-president lost Rs 1.6 crore in digital detention scams, believing they faced legal trouble based on fake documents from 'Supreme Court' and 'CBI'. The fraudsters convinced them by creating fake arrest warrants and threatening severe consequences, including arrest of family members.

The Lucknow NIA court labeled the 2018 Kasganj violence a premeditated conspiracy, sentencing 28 accused to life imprisonment. The judge raised concerns over NGOs aiding individuals accused of anti-national activities and called for an investigation into their funding and objectives, sending a message against such crimes.

The programme will bring together 502 elected women representatives from Scheduled Tribes of 22 States and Union Territories, ensuring a diverse and inclusive group, the Lok Sabha secretariat said

A controversy has erupted in Karnataka over the sale of an 8,000sq ft site in Jayanagar by the BDA for Rs 2 crore, far below its actual market value. BJP has demanded an investigation, alleging the land was sold to benefit private interests. The plot was controversially sold citing a 2020 order, despite it being occupied since 1973.

Bihar CM Nitish Kumar reaffirmed his commitment to the BJP-led NDA, despite recent overtures from RJD and Lalu Prasad. Nitish emphasized his decision to stick with the NDA during his Pragati Yatra, while RJD leaders speculated about possible alliances. Union minister Jitan Ram Manjhi supported Nitish’s decision, highlighting his reputation for governance.

Parents of only daughters in Harda district, Madhya Pradesh, receive various discounts under the 'Revashakti' scheme to address the declining sex ratio. Enrolled parents get 'Keerti' cards for benefits, including discounts at schools, hospitals, and grocery stores, with 638 parents having registered so far.

A Special Investigation Team has uncovered a land scam involving the alteration of property records to convert Coastal Regulation Zone (CRZ) and No Development Zone (NDZ) lands into developable plots along the Mumbai coastline. Four individuals, including two ex-government employees, were arrested for manipulating 102 property maps, leading to ecological damage and government revenue loss.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi assures the continuation of public welfare schemes if BJP is voted to power in Delhi elections. Modi criticizes AAP for alleged corruption in scheme implementation, emphasizes the need for honest administration, and promotes infrastructural developments like highways and metro expansions.