Times of India

India's Navy has launched Operation Urja Suraksha. More than five frontline warships are ensuring safe passage for India-bound cargo ships. These vessels carry vital supplies like LPG and crude oil. The operation escorts ships out of the troubled Strait of Hormuz. This protects critical maritime routes and Indian crew. Key successes have already been achieved.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi has once again been recognized as the world's most popular democratic leader, achieving a 68% approval rating in a recent Morning Consult survey. This significant endorsement highlights his strong public support, even as it shows a slight decrease from last year's figures. Modi continues to lead global leaders by a considerable margin.

Bengal's electoral rolls saw a significant reduction of approximately 12 lakh voters after judicial officers cleared just over half of the 60 lakh pending cases. This has led to widespread disenfranchisement in several rural pockets, with many long-term residents finding their names deleted despite submitting documentation.

PSL 2026 faces multiple issues, including a fuel crisis and venue changes. During a captains’ press conference, David Warner showed frustration at others talking, saying, “What’s wrong? Sorry gentlemen, we have got school kids here.” PCB confirmed travel restrictions and cancelled events due to the crisis, with matches now limited to Lahore and Karachi.

A man died by suicide in Rajasthan's Balotra district, with his family alleging harassment by usurers. The creditors reportedly recorded and viralized an apology video of the deceased on police station premises, despite a consensus on repayment being reached. Two accused have been detained.

Households with access to piped natural gas but still using LPG cylinders will face a supply cut in three months. This government move aims to reduce LPG imports, with exceptions for technically infeasible PNG connections. City gas firms will notify eligible consumers, while authorities must now grant pipeline permissions within set deadlines.

Indian Institutes of Technology are solidifying their global standing in engineering, with multiple disciplines ranking in the world's top 50. Management education is also advancing, as seen with IIM Ahmedabad's rise. Overall, India's higher education system shows significant quality improvement and global competitiveness.

The Union cabinet has approved the continuation of the immigration and visa tracking scheme for five more years until March 2031 with a Rs 1,800 crore outlay. This initiative aims to enhance national security and streamline the visa and immigration process for foreign visitors by inter-linking multiple databases for informed decision-making.

A UK court has dismissed fugitive diamantaire Nirav Modi's plea to reopen his extradition order, bringing him closer to facing charges in India for a Rs 6,500 crore Punjab National Bank scam. The High Court found no exceptional circumstances to revisit the earlier decision, despite Modi's concerns about ill-treatment. This development follows years of legal proceedings since his 2019 arrest.

A fresh Harry Potter era dawns as HBO unveils a teaser for its 'Philosopher's Stone' series, introducing new actors like Dominic McLaughlin as Harry. The trailer revisits iconic moments from Harry's early life and his arrival at Hogwarts. This reimagining promises a more detailed exploration of J.K. Rowling's beloved saga, set to premiere this Christmas on HBO Max.

Government and major oil companies have strongly refuted rumors of petrol and diesel shortages, urging the public to avoid panic buying. Officials confirmed ample fuel stocks nationwide and assured citizens that there are no impending price hikes.

A 42-year-old businessman was killed on Kalyan's incomplete Ring Road after being hit by a speeding car allegedly driven by a 17-year-old boy. The boy fled the scene but was apprehended later. The victim's brother highlighted the victim's new cycling habit for fitness, while locals expressed concern over speeding and stunts on the unfinished road.

A medical student in Dehradun died by suicide, with her father alleging harassment by her Head of Department. The student, a Master of Surgery candidate, was reportedly forced to sever ties with her thesis guide, leading to academic repercussions. The institute, however, stated the student had a history of mental illness and had attempted suicide previously, with her parents' awareness.

America's Central Command reports a record artillery strike in Iran using the Precision Strike Missile. This advanced weapon system demonstrates significant reach. India is also enhancing its rocket artillery, including the Pinaka system, to extend its strike capabilities. Modern warfare increasingly relies on such versatile rocket systems for precision targeting and strategic advantage.

Keralam Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan has strongly condemned misogynistic remarks made by a UDF leader against MLA U Prathibha, terming them an insult to all women in public life. Prathibha plans legal action, stating the comments were beyond character assassination and aimed at discouraging women. The UDF candidate distanced himself from the remarks.

The BJP has nominated Ratna Debnath, mother of the RG Kar Medical College rape and murder victim, from Panihati for the West Bengal Assembly elections. Her decision to contest on a BJP ticket stems from her pursuit of justice for her daughter and a broader fight for women's safety. This move has sparked debate among activists.