Times of India

India is reconsidering the procurement of six more P-8I maritime patrol aircraft from the US to enhance surveillance capabilities in the Indian Ocean due to increasing Chinese activity. The decision was put on hold three years ago, and the cost will be reassessed for feasibility.

A mining mafia attacked SDM Om Kant Thakur in Mandi, Himachal Pradesh, leaving him with a broken tooth. Thakur was inspecting illegal sand mining on the Beas river when he was assaulted. One arrest has been made while the search for others continues.

The Enforcement Directorate has begun recovering black money deposited during demonetisation, returning Rs 79 crore seized from Musaddilal Jewellers to SBI. The jeweller had deposited over Rs 111 crore in demonetised currency, later purchasing bullion and accruing unpaid loans exceeding Rs 120 crore.

Home Minister Amit Shah informed a parliamentary panel that the Indian Cyber Crime Coordination Centre (I4C) has blocked 805 applications and 3,266 website links. With the help of AI, efforts are in place to identify and close mule accounts used by cybercriminals. The ministry aims for zero cybercrime cases through enhanced coordination and public awareness.

Defence minister Rajnath Singh emphasized unity in governance at Invest Karnataka 2025, urging states and the Centre to cooperate for India's development. He praised Bengaluru's potential in AI and hailed the event as a symbol of cooperative federalism. Singh encouraged investors to believe in India's growth, citing GST as a successful economic reform.

PM Modi will visit Washington DC for a brief 36-hour trip, culminating in a meeting with President Trump. Key discussions will include tariffs, immigration, and strategic concerns, although larger strategic considerations are expected to take precedence over these issues. Modi is the fourth foreign leader to meet Trump in such a short period.

Pratapgarh police arrested four individuals, including a minor, in connection with the suicide of Gyandas Gautam, who was financially exploited through digital means. The cybercriminals posed as law enforcement officials to extort money, leading Gautam to pawn family jewelry and take loans to meet their demands.

A teacher accused of sexually harassing 39 girls was released from Yerawada central prison after a special court ruled his arrest illegal due to procedural errors by Pune rural police. The court noted that the teacher was not properly informed of his arrest, violating his fundamental rights.

Captain Karamjit Singh Bakshi and Naik Mukesh were killed in an IED attack near the LoC in Jammu's Akhnoor sector, marking the first security fatalities in the region this year. The attack occurred amid increased hostilities along the LoC, prompting heightened security measures and a review of hostile activities by military officials.

Haryana Minister Anil Vij was issued a show-cause notice for remarks against CM Nayab Saini. BJP leaders, including the CM, met with BJP President Nadda in New Delhi to discuss the issue. Vij has three days to respond, and the situation has caused unrest within the BJP quarters. Vij's sudden departure to Bengaluru has raised questions.

Pratapgarh police arrested four individuals, including a minor, for financial exploitation driving Gyandas Gautam to suicide. The cybercriminals impersonated Crime Branch officials, extorted money using digital platforms, and pushed Gautam to pawn family assets. The police seized fake IDs, mobile phones, and records of the extortion. Four suspects remain at large.

Amazon Pharmacy now offers online delivery across all serviceable pin codes in India, with same-day delivery in 23 cities. Using Amazon's logistics network, customers can conveniently access a wide range of prescription medications and healthcare essentials. There's also a free telemedicine consultation service, along with cashback offers and free delivery options for Prime and non-Prime members.

Jasprit Bumrah has been ruled out of the 2025 ICC Champions Trophy due to a lower back injury, with Harshit Rana stepping in as his replacement. Additionally, Varun Chakaravarthy joins the squad, replacing Yashasvi Jaiswal, who will remain a non-traveling reserve, along with Mohammed Siraj and Shivam Dube.

Two individuals named Antaryami Mishra are embroiled in a legal battle over the ownership of the 2023 Padma Shri award. A doctor and litterateur alleged that a former journalist impersonated him to claim the award. The Orissa high court has scheduled a hearing and instructed both parties to present evidence supporting their claims.

US President Donald Trump halted enforcement of the Foreign Corrupt Practices Act, claiming it hinders American competitiveness. This move comes ahead of PM Modi's Washington visit and offers implicit relief to Adani Group executives, previously charged under the law. Trump argues the law wastes resources and harms U.S. economic and national security interests.