Times of India

A Telangana child welfare committee has cancelled a planned bonding exercise between 15 "rescued" children and the adoptive parents they were separated from due to a trafficking investigation. The children, aged seven months to four years, will remain in government shelters until legally adoptable. Authorities decided against the exercise to avoid setting a precedent that could validate illegal adoptions.

The Supreme Court ruled that mere harassment allegations are insufficient for abetment to suicide charges. Conviction requires proof that the accused instigated the deceased's fatal step. The court emphasized the need to establish mens rea, a clear intent to provoke suicide, through specific actions or behaviors beyond mere harassment.

The Supreme Court questioned the Chhattisgarh government over the prolonged investigation into the liquor scam case, leading to a heated exchange with the state's counsel. While hearing the bail plea of a former excise official, the court expressed concern over the delay in trial, despite multiple chargesheets filed.

Home Minister Amit Shah embarks on a three-day Chhattisgarh visit to review Left-Wing Extremism (LWE) strategies. He will honor the Chhattisgarh police, meet Naxal violence victims and surrendered Maoists, and encourage Bastar Olympics participants. Shah will also pay tribute to fallen security personnel, inspect development work, and chair a security review meeting focused on eliminating LWE by March 2026.

A Kuwait-based NRI allegedly stabbed his 12-year-old daughter's molester to death in Andhra Pradesh, India. He confessed to the murder in a selfie video, claiming police inaction after his wife reported the molestation. Police deny receiving a complaint and allege a family conspiracy, questioning the father's surrender claims.

Security forces in Bastar killed seven Maoists, including a central committee member, just two days before the Union home minister's visit. Over 1,000 troops launched a pre-dawn operation in Abujhmarh based on intelligence, leading to an ongoing encounter. The operation has resulted in the seizure of weapons and ammunition, with the death toll of Maoists reaching 220 this year.

A fire engulfed City Hospital, an orthopedic care facility in Dindigul, Thursday night, claiming the lives of at least seven people, including a child, primarily due to suffocation. Around 29 patients were transferred to nearby government hospitals. Authorities swiftly responded, rescuing six individuals trapped in a lift. An investigation into the fire's cause is underway.

In Hyderabad's Bharat Nagar, a couple was discovered hoarding hundreds of stolen shoes and slippers in their home. A neighbor's suspicion led to the discovery of the footwear fortress, where residents identified their missing belongings. The couple, caught on CCTV, had been selling the stolen footwear throughout the city. Police registered a theft case against them.

A four-month-old baby girl was abducted from a Ghaziabad railway station on Tuesday. The girl's father, Deepak, befriended two men while waiting for a train to Agra. One of the men, identified as Vikash, offered Deepak money for his daughter. While Deepak was intoxicated and his wife was using the restroom, Vikash abducted the child. Police are investigating the kidnapping.

TMC MP Sagarika Ghosh submitted a privilege motion against Union minister Kiren Rijiju for derogatory remarks towards opposition leaders. Rijiju's comments deemed opposition MPs "unworthy" of their positions after they moved a no-confidence motion against vice president Jagdeep Dhankhar. Ghosh's motion, backed by 60 opposition MPs, criticizes Rijiju's language and alleged misuse of his office.

D Gukesh won the World Chess Championship. He defeated Ding Liren in a thrilling final match. The 18-year-old made history. He became the youngest world chess champion. Gukesh secured victory after a crucial error by Ding. Gukesh is the second Indian to win the title. He joins the legendary Viswanathan Anand.

18-year-old Indian chess prodigy D Gukesh has made history, becoming the youngest-ever world chess champion. In a thrilling final match in Singapore, Gukesh defeated reigning champion Ding Liren, securing the title with a score of 7.5 to 6.5. He surpasses the previous record held by Garry Kasparov, who won the championship at age 22.

Advocate Ashwini Upadhyay challenged the Places of Worship Act, 1991, arguing the need for surveys at disputed religious sites. He asserted a place's religious character can't be determined by mere observation. The Supreme Court restrained all courts from ordering surveys in such cases while it reviews the Act's constitutionality.

Uttar Pradesh deputy CM Brajesh Pathak accused Rahul Gandhi of attempting to "incite people" and "spread anarchy" during his visit to the Hathras gang-rape victim's family. Pathak called Gandhi "confused" and suggested he attend a meditation center. Gandhi met the family privately and departed without addressing reporters. Congress shared a letter from the victim's father requesting justice, prompting Gandhi's visit.

Sunil Gavaskar advises Virat Kohli to avoid playing deliveries outside the off-stump until settled, emulating Sachin Tendulkar's Sydney approach. He believes Australia holds the momentum going into the third Test after their Adelaide victory disrupted India's earlier gained momentum.

50 Cent reignites his feud with Jay-Z, casting shade on the upcoming Super Bowl LIX amidst controversy surrounding Roc Nation's involvement. While Jay-Z's partnership with the NFL has revolutionized the halftime show, recent accusations against him have sparked speculation about the event's future, with 50 Cent adding fuel to the fire through social media and interviews.

Rajya Sabha saw a clash between the ruling and opposition parties. Congress leader Kharge accused Chairman Dhankar of stifling opposition voices. BJP connected Congress to investor George Soros. TMC MP Sagarika Ghose filed a privilege motion against minister Kiren Rijiju for his remarks on opposition members. The house witnessed heated exchanges between members.