Times of India

Kerala police face a dilemma with 35 FIRs related to the Hema Committee report on sexual abuse in the Malayalam film industry. Survivors are hesitant to pursue legal action, and the passage of time has hampered investigations. Actor Mala Parvathy has challenged the probe in the Supreme Court, while a nodal officer has been appointed to support survivors facing threats.

Bangladesh's foreign affairs adviser acknowledges a recent "stalemate" with India following reported attacks on Hindus. He expresses optimism for improved relations through upcoming foreign secretary-level talks, focusing on trade, border management, and other key bilateral issues. Indian Foreign Secretary Vikram Misri's visit marks the first high-level interaction since Bangladesh's interim government took power.

India's gross foreign direct investment (FDI) surged by nearly 29% to $42.3 billion in the first half of the current fiscal year, reaching a cumulative $1 trillion since April 2000. This growth, following two years of decline, signals renewed investor confidence. Equity inflows saw a notable 45% increase.

Congress criticized the Modi government's handling of India-China relations and its statement in Parliament. They demanded a full debate, emphasizing increased economic dependence on China since the 2020 border clash. Congress questioned the Prime Minister's 2020 statement downplaying Chinese incursions, calling it an insult to fallen soldiers and detrimental to negotiations.

The Enforcement Directorate (ED) has initiated the sale of over Rs 6,000 crore worth of attached properties to compensate 32 lakh victims of the Agri Gold ponzi scheme. With Supreme Court and Andhra Pradesh HC approval, the ED seeks to dispose of properties across multiple states to reimburse investors.

As rebels seized control of Damascus and declared President Bashar al-Assad ousted, the Indian embassy in Syria remained operational. All 90 Indian nationals in the country, including 14 UN workers, were reported safe. The Indian government advised against travel to Syria and urged citizens to depart via commercial flights if possible, though Damascus airport was reportedly closed.

Former deputy CAGs have petitioned the Supreme Court, advocating for a collegium system to appoint the Comptroller and Auditor General (CAG). They argue the current appointment process lacks a defined procedure, potentially compromising the CAG's independence. The proposed collegium would include parliamentary and judicial leaders.

Maoists in Chhattisgarh's Bijapur killed a second woman in two days, accusing her of being a police informant. Yalam Sukra, 40, was strangled in front of her family after being kidnapped and tortured. A Maoist leaflet claimed Sukra provided information leading to the deaths of seven Naxals. Her husband, also beaten, survived.

Thousands of undocumented Indians in the US face lengthy delays for asylum hearings, sometimes waiting until 2027. Detention, deportation threats, and arduous legal processes plague those seeking refuge, while human smugglers advise against claiming political persecution.

A 42-year-old self-proclaimed 'witch doctor' died in Gujarat police custody after confessing to 12 murders, including family members. He allegedly used sodium nitrite poisoning during tantrik rituals, a practice uncovered after a supposed accidental death revealed foul play. Chavda, who also ran a YouTube channel on occult practices, was arrested while attempting to kill a businessman.

The Punjab and Haryana High Court affirmed the Haryana government's authority to regulate mobile tower installations and impose fees. The court upheld the government's 2012 notification and rules, confirming its legislative power in this domain, while leaving the fee amount's validity to a separate bench.

Campus placements at NIT-Manipur have dropped to 50% for the 2025 UG batch due to the ongoing unrest, compared to 85% two years prior. Several companies delayed in-person recruitment, while some declined virtual options. However, IIIT Manipur has successfully conducted virtual IT sector placements for nearly all its 46 aspiring students.

A 32-year-old woman from the endangered Van Raji tribe was tragically raped and murdered near Jauljibi in Uttarakhand. The attack, believed to have occurred during the Jauljibi fair, was reported days later due to the community's fear of reprisal. Van Raji community members protested, demanding justice and protection for their reclusive tribe.

The National Medical Commission (NMC) has issued guidelines to identify fake patients in medical colleges seeking approval or increased MBBS seats. These guidelines highlight suspicious indicators like numerous recent admissions for minor ailments, lack of investigations, and unusually healthy pediatric patients.

Home Minister Amit Shah announced a new laser-equipped anti-drone system is proving effective, neutralizing 55% of drones along the Punjab border, up from 3%. The BSF has recovered or shot down 257 drones this year. Shah pledged to expand the comprehensive integrated border management system to all borders.

The BJP has escalated its accusations against Congress, alleging a nexus with George Soros. They claim Sonia Gandhi's association with a Soros-funded organization advocating for Kashmir's separate status and Rahul Gandhi's reliance on a Soros-funded platform to target the Adani Group and the Modi government.

US President Biden declared the Assad regime's collapse in Syria a "fundamental act of justice" but acknowledged the risks. While crediting US efforts, he expressed concern over the rebel group's past, confirming continued US troop presence to combat ISIS and pursue the return of journalist Austin Tice.

Vintage car enthusiasts in Lucknow, India, showcased over 15 classic vehicles, including a 1928 Ford and a 1945 Jaguar, in a 20-kilometer drive. Owners and mechanics discussed the challenges and passion involved in preserving these historical machines. Uttar Pradesh Tourism supported the event, aiming to promote the city's rich heritage and boost tourism.

Indian billionaires' wealth surged 42% to over $905 billion in the last financial year, making India the third largest billionaire base globally. This growth is fueled by family-led businesses, a favorable economic environment, and structural reforms. Globally, billionaire wealth growth has slowed, but India remains an exception, potentially mirroring China's prior growth trajectory.