Times of India

WHO recommends replacing regular table salt with Lower-Sodium Salt Substitutes (LSSS) to reduce sodium intake and decrease risks of heart attack and stroke. LSSS contains potassium chloride, which lowers blood pressure but is not suitable for individuals with kidney impairments. Uptake remains low due to costs and awareness issues.

The Supreme Court urged the Gujarat government to rethink the criminal proceedings against Congress MP Imran Pratapgarhi over a poem, emphasizing that it did not target any religion and stressed non-violence. The state has two weeks to review the case, highlighting the importance of creativity.

Pariksha Pe Charcha 2025 featured an open-air discussion where PM Narendra Modi engaged with students on various topics, emphasizing skill development and the importance of using technology wisely. He reassured students about exam stress and advised them on balancing hobbies with studies.

The Supreme Court questioned the rationale behind allowing convicted criminals to contest elections six years after serving their sentence while remaining barred from government employment. The court will examine the constitutional validity of sections within the RP Act and requested responses from the government and Election Commission.

President Trump has issued new threats of a 25% tariff on steel and aluminium imports, targeting countries like India. India's recent reductions in duties may help soothe tensions during PM Modi's upcoming meeting with Trump. Despite the tariff threat, Indian steel and aluminium exports to the US are unlikely to be significantly impacted.

AAP leader Arvind Kejriwal has summoned Punjab CM Bhagwant Mann and other party members to Delhi, sparking speculation about potential political upheavals. Rivals claim the move may signal Mann's removal, while Congress and BJP hint at unrest and possible mid-term polls in Punjab due to dissatisfaction over unfulfilled promises.

Ananthu Krishnan’s elaborate Ponzi scheme disguised as a CSR initiative duped 30,000-40,000 people in Kerala, amassing Rs 500 crore. Marketed as support for women, the fraudulent scheme promised scooters, laptops, and other goods at steep discounts. Police intervention uncovered the extent of the scam, implicating influential figures.

The road transport ministry has issued a draft notification for a sharp increase in fees for the renewal of registration and fitness tests for vehicles older than 20 years. This applies mainly to vehicles manufactured before the BS-II emission norms. Delhi-NCR is exempt due to existing court mandates.

The Supreme Court reserved its verdict on a petition by the West Bengal government against the Calcutta high court's order annulling the recruitment of over 25,000 teachers and non-teaching staff due to alleged irregularities. Discussions focused on whether the tainted candidates can be segregated from the untainted ones.

State public universities in India, enrolling 81% of higher education students, face significant faculty shortages and outdated infrastructure, impacting academic excellence and research. A Niti Aayog report recommends increasing public investment to 6% of GDP, implementing performance-based funding, and granting greater autonomy to improve governance and research capacity.

Congress MP Sonia Gandhi highlighted the delay in conducting the census by over four years, depriving 14 crore people of benefits under the National Food Security Act. She urged the government to prioritize the completion of the census to ensure deserving individuals receive their entitled food security benefits.

Opposition and treasury benches clashed over the Union Budget in parliament. Congress' P Chidambaram criticized the Budget for lacking philosophy and failing to cut fuel prices or raise wages, while BJP called it a "booster shot." Rising government debt and minimal benefits from tax rebates were also points of concern.

In one of the bloodiest encounters to date, security forces killed 31 Maoists in the Indravati national park, Chhattisgarh. The park, a previous safe haven for the Maoists, had provided a base for their operations and rehabilitation. This marked a significant loss for Maoists after the fall of Abujmarh.

BJP MP Nishikant Dubey alleged in Lok Sabha that USAID funded anti-India elements aligned with Congress, demanding a thorough investigation. Dubey's remarks gained attention amidst growing US controversy over USAID's funding for various international liberal initiatives and its collaboration with George Soros. Congress members protested strongly.

Bengal CM Mamata Banerjee criticized Congress's and AAP's refusal to form alliances in Delhi and Haryana, alleging this contributed to BJP victories in those states. She emphasized Trinamool Congress's independence for the next state elections and expressed concerns about opposition unity in the INDIA bloc.

The search for a successor to Manipur CM N Biren Singh remains ongoing. BJP's North-East in-charge Sambit Patra is assessing candidates focused on Meitei-Kuki reconciliation. Cabinet minister Yumnam Khemchand Singh is among those vying for the position, emphasizing the need for peace and restoring normalcy in the state.

India and France are finalizing two significant defense deals worth nearly Rs 1 lakh crore, involving 26 Rafale-Marine fighters and three additional Scorpene submarines. The Rafale-M deal is awaiting cabinet approval, and the submarines will be constructed with French collaboration. Both deals are expected to be finalized by the end of the fiscal year.