Times of India

The Jharkhand High Court has temporarily halted a state law mandating 75% job reservation for locals in private companies. The court's decision follows a legal challenge by an industry association arguing the law violates constitutional equality principles. The ruling JMM party plans to appeal the stay, while emphasizing the government's intent to boost local employment.

India voted with 158 other countries at the UN General Assembly for resolutions demanding an immediate ceasefire in Gaza, the release of hostages, and access to humanitarian aid. The assembly also supported the UN agency for Palestine refugees (UNRWA), despite Israel's ban on its operations, urging Israel to respect international law and allow aid delivery.

Maharashtra Deputy Chief Minister Ajit Pawar and his faction visited NCP chief Sharad Pawar on his birthday, sparking reunion rumors. Both factions, previously engaged in fierce campaigns against each other, discussed the Parbhani violence, Parliament disruption, and cabinet expansion.

Tamil Nadu CM M K Stalin and Kerala CM Pinarayi Vijayan inaugurated the renovated Thanthai Periyar memorial and library at Vaikom. Stalin emphasized creating societal equality, while Vijayan highlighted cooperation amidst encroachment on states' rights. Both leaders commemorated the Vaikom Satyagraha centenary, a pivotal struggle for equality.

Government data reveals significant gender disparity in leadership roles within public sector banks, with men holding most chairman and managing director positions. While women's representation in legislatures has increased over time, including a rise in Lok Sabha and Rajya Sabha, leadership in financial institutions remains predominantly male.

Biju Janata Dal (BJD) urged for more discussions with political parties regarding the "one nation, one election" initiative following the Union Cabinet's approval of related bills. BJD's Sasmit Patra highlighted the need for addressing constitutional concerns like hung parliaments or loss of confidence in governments before implementing such a significant change.

Congress criticized the government's clearance of simultaneous polls bills, calling it a diversionary tactic. They expressed concerns about the bills' impact on federalism and electoral integrity, citing Modi's past actions as inconsistent with the "one nation, one election" slogan. The party reiterated its stance that the concept violates the Constitution's basic structure.

The Union Cabinet approved bills for "one nation, one election," aiming to synchronize Lok Sabha, state, and local body polls. This move seeks to streamline governance and reduce election-related expenses. While BJP and allies support the initiative, several parties oppose it, sparking debate about its feasibility and impact on India's democracy.

A mosque on the Uday Pratap College campus in Varanasi is under double lock after a land dispute resurfaced. Students locked the mosque gates following protests sparked by a waqf board's claim, later withdrawn, on the mosque's land. The college administration holds the second set of keys, halting prayers and preventing further disputes.

The Supreme Court will hear a petition challenging a Karnataka High Court decision. The HC quashed criminal proceedings against individuals who shouted "Jai Shri Ram" inside a mosque. The petitioner argues that the HC's decision was premature as the police investigation was incomplete and the act could incite communal disharmony.

Union Culture Minister Gajendra Singh Shekhawat affirmed the government's commitment to safeguarding India's heritage. He highlighted concerns about forces attempting to obstruct the nation's progress, particularly regarding debates surrounding surveys of historical sites. Shekhawat emphasized the need to investigate these motivations. He also detailed security measures at ASI-protected monuments, citing deployed personnel and addressing recent vandalism incidents across various states.

The Supreme Court has paused lawsuits seeking reclamation of temples allegedly converted to mosques during Mughal rule, pending its review of the 1991 Places of Worship Act. This freeze on trial court proceedings, including surveys, sparked opposition from Hindu parties, while the court emphasized its authority to determine the Act's scope.

The Trinamool Congress (TMC) urged Prime Minister Narendra Modi to address Parliament regarding the safety of minorities in Bangladesh. TMC leader Derek O'Brien's request for a statement from the PM was denied, leading to protests by TMC MPs. The party emphasized the sensitivity of the situation and demanded clarification on the government's intended actions.

Trinamool Congress MP Kalyan Banerjee has issued a written apology to Lok Sabha Speaker Om Birla for his comments targeting Union Minister Jyotiraditya Scindia. Banerjee also apologized verbally in the House on Thursday.

Parliamentary proceedings were disrupted amidst a heated debate between the ruling party and the opposition. The BJP accused Congress of connections with George Soros and alleged Soros-funded organizations' involvement in anti-India activities. Opposition members protested against these allegations and raised concerns about the Adani issue, leading to adjournments in both Houses.

Congress president Mallikarjun Kharge has moved a no-confidence motion against Rajya Sabha chairman Jagdeep Dhankhar, accusing him of suppressing the opposition's voice and echoing BJP's views. Kharge criticized Dhankhar for praising the RSS and equating the Prime Minister with Mahatma Gandhi, while stifling opposition's right to speak and suspending members.

Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan criticized Rahul Gandhi and the Congress party for their "feudal mindset" and disconnect from the changing Indian landscape. He attributed the BJP's recent electoral successes to public trust in their leadership and policies. Pradhan defended the National Education Policy against accusations of ideological bias and dismissed claims of confrontational federalism.

India's first domestically produced chip is expected by mid-2024, as the nation establishes itself as a reliable alternative manufacturing hub. Five semiconductor production units are currently underway, fueled by new incentives. These investments, along with social, digital, and public infrastructure development, aim to propel India into the top three global economies by 2028.

Commerce Minister Piyush Goyal expressed confidence in India's economic recovery by the fiscal year-end, citing positive trends in festive spending, rural growth, and infrastructure investment. He projected exports to reach $1 trillion within the next two years and emphasized the government's commitment to structural reforms like the Waqf Amendment Bill and 'one nation, one election' initiative.

Bengaluru police are searching for the Singhania family in Jaunpur, UP, in connection with the suicide of AI executive Subhash Atul. Atul accused his estranged wife and her family of harassment and extortion amidst an ongoing divorce and child custody battle. The family is currently absconding, leaving their house locked.