Times of India

The Maha Vikas Aghadi (MVA) released its manifesto for the upcoming Maharashtra assembly elections, promising a slew of social welfare measures. Key pledges include a caste-based census, monthly allowances for women, free travel for women on buses, and debt waivers for farmers.

Union Home Minister Amit Shah, during the release of BJP's election manifesto in Mumbai, promised a stringent anti-conversion law in Maharashtra if the Mahayuti is voted to power. Shah emphasized that the law will ensure zero religious conversions and a committee will be formed to draft it, involving discussions with all stakeholders.

Wildlife activists in Telangana express concern over the disappearance of 15-20 tigers from northern tiger corridors since 2013. While forest officials acknowledge the absence in certain areas, they maintain that some tigers have migrated or returned, citing recent evidence. However, the lack of resident tigers in Kawal Tiger Reserve raises concerns about habitat viability.

Opposition MPs on the Joint Parliamentary Committee (JPC) are boycotting a five-state tour organized by the committee's chairperson, Jagdambika Pal, to examine the Waqf (Amendment) Bill, 2024. They allege that Pal disregarded their concerns about the tour's timing and lack of quorum.

The Delhi High Court has issued a warning to the Defence Ministry regarding its repeated appeals against court rulings favoring ex-servicemen on pension and disability benefits. The court expressed concern over the ministry's persistence in challenging Armed Forces Tribunal (AFT) orders despite consistent upholdings by higher courts, hinting at potential penalties for continued disregard.

A recent study revealed that the land occupied by slums in Mumbai decreased by 8.6% between 2005 and 2022. While some slums expanded, others shrank or vanished, leading to increased density. Interestingly, slums near waterbodies and railways saw a decline, suggesting a shift in informal settlements towards the outskirts.

A right-wing group in Uttarakhand's Berinag held protests demanding the demolition of a structure they allege is an "illegal mosque." They claim the mosque was unlawfully built inside a house. Local authorities have summoned the homeowner, seeking clarification on the building's status while the land ownership case is pending in court.

The Sri Lankan navy detained 23 fishermen from Rameswaram and seized their three boats for allegedly intruding into their waters. The fishermen were taken to the Mayilitti naval base in Jaffna and are expected to appear in court on Monday.

India is expecting the delivery of its first guided-missile warship from Russia by the end of this month. However, the delivery of S-400 air defense systems and a nuclear-powered attack submarine has been delayed. Delivery of fourth and fifth squadrons of S-400 surface-to-air missile systems, under the $5.43 billion (Rs 40,000 crore) contract inked with Russia in 2018, in turn, will take place only by 2026.

Elon Musk's recent criticism of Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau over his handling of India-Canada relations has resonated with many Indians. Musk's comments, including a prediction of Trudeau's defeat in the upcoming election, come amidst heightened diplomatic tensions between the two countries following Canada's allegations of Indian involvement in the death of a Khalistani extremist.

A groom, his father, and brother, were killed in a car crash on the Agra-Lucknow Expressway in India. The family was returning from wedding preparations when their car collided with a stationary truck. Police suspect fog and high speed contributed to the accident. Cash, jewelry, and wedding items were recovered from the wreckage.

India is set to advocate for transparent climate finance definitions at COP29, emphasizing the need for predictable funding mechanisms. The nation will prioritize the principles of the UN Convention and Paris Agreement, particularly regarding developed nations' responsibilities in emissions reduction and financial contributions.

Southern states' high courts have successfully reduced judicial vacancies to as low as 4%, while larger courts in other regions face vacancies up to 49%. Timely recommendations by the collegium for judge appointments are cited as a contributing factor to the South's success.

Waghdari, a village of 300 in Maharashtra, will finally have its own polling station after 77 years of independence. Despite not being on the revenue map, the villagers, who face numerous hardships due to their remote location, will now be able to vote closer to home. Local SDO and revenue officer Kavali Meghana said the EC approved the polling station in Waghdari considering the challenging hilly terrain and dense forests.

The Indian National Congress has lodged a complaint with the Election Commission against the Bharatiya Janata Party's official Facebook page for Jharkhand. The complaint alleges that the BJP published an advertisement featuring actors resembling leaders from the JMM, INC, and RJD, making false accusations against them.

Assam CM Himanta Biswa Sarma urged the central government and the Jharkhand government to investigate the rising issue of infiltration in Jharkhand. He emphasized the need to acknowledge the problem to find solutions and criticized the state government's reluctance to admit its existence.

At rallies in Jharkhand, Prime Minister Narendra Modi accused the Congress and its allies of employing divisive tactics to retain power and exploit marginalized communities. He alleged that the JMM-led government, driven by corruption, had plundered the state's resources and facilitated exam paper leaks, jeopardizing the future of deserving youth.

Tensions arose in Hanakere village, Mandya district, as some villagers opposed Dalits' entry into the Kalabhairaveshwara Swamy temple. Despite a meeting allowing access for all, these villagers relocated the Utsava Murthi within the temple in protest. After a temporary closure, the temple reopened with police presence, allowing devotees from all castes.

A dispute arose at a Karnataka nursing college when Kashmiri students were denied entry for not adhering to grooming regulations requiring a clean-shaven or neatly trimmed beard. The college administration reached a compromise, permitting students to maintain a trimmed beard while emphasizing the importance of hygiene standards in medical settings.