Times of India

The Delhi High Court has directed Tihar Jail authorities to provide immediate medical treatment to separatist Yasin Malik, currently on a hunger strike. Malik, serving a life sentence for terror charges, claims to be suffering from severe cardiac and kidney ailments. The court has also sought a health status report and scheduled the next hearing for November 11.

India is expanding civilian access to its navigation system, NaVIC, by introducing new satellites with L1 band technology. The Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) aims to launch a dozen satellites annually by 2025 and is developing space law to support the burgeoning space sector. ISRO also plans to transfer its mini-launcher technology to the private sector within two years.

The Supreme Court has sought responses from the Karnataka government and Deputy Chief Minister D.K. Shivakumar regarding the CBI's challenge against the withdrawal of consent for a disproportionate assets case investigation. The CBI is contesting the Karnataka High Court's order, which upheld the state government's decision to revoke the consent previously granted during the BJP's tenure.

The Supreme Court has ruled that nuns and priests employed in government-aided missionary schools are subject to income tax deductions, even if they have taken vows of poverty. The court stated that salaries, even if transferred to religious congregations, are considered income and are therefore taxable.

Tejasvi Surya, BJP MP, is facing legal action in Karnataka for a social media post. Surya alleged a farmer's suicide was due to land confiscation by the Waqf Board, citing a media report. However, Karnataka's Chief Minister's office dismissed the report as false, leading to an FIR against Surya for inciting enmity.

A final report has found that the tragic Kanchanjunga Express train accident in June, which resulted in 10 fatalities and 43 injuries, could have been prevented. The Commissioner of Railway Safety attributed the accident to multiple failures, including incorrect authorization given to the freight train, a lack of cautionary orders, and inadequate communication equipment.

The Supreme Court has requested a Kuki organization to provide evidence supporting the authenticity of an audio tape that allegedly implicates Manipur's Chief Minister in inciting violence. The petitioner, represented by advocate Prashant Bhushan, claims the tape reveals the CM's role in orchestrating violence in Kuki-dominated areas. The Solicitor General argued that the petition undermines the Manipur High Court's authority and represents attempts to disrupt ongoing peace efforts.

A 31-year-old tribal mother of three was allegedly raped and murdered in her Jiribam district home. Armed intruders terrorized the village with gunfire, looting, and arson, leaving 17 dwellings destroyed. The victim's husband filed an FIR alleging "rape and murder based on racial and communal grounds" and demanded justice for the heinous crime.

Chief Justice of India (CJI) Dhananjaya Yeshwant Chandrachud completed his 25-year judicial tenure on Friday, receiving high praise from the legal community. His farewell ceremony, held in the Supreme Court's largest courtroom, was filled with accolades from lawyers of all ranks. Many remarked on his youthful energy and dedication to judicial reform, highlighting his impactful judgments and use of technology to improve court accessibility.

The BJP has stated that the central government will firmly present its stance on the Aligarh Muslim University's minority status case when a new Supreme Court bench resumes the hearing. BJP spokesperson Gaurav Bhatia emphasized the government's commitment to upholding the Constitution, while Amit Malviya, head of BJP's IT department, highlighted past parliamentary debates where prominent figures opposed granting AMU minority status.

Three judges on the seven-judge bench dissented from the majority opinion, arguing that Aligarh Muslim University (AMU) is not a minority institution. They argued that AMU was established by a law passed by the imperial parliament and is administered by the government, making it ineligible for minority status under Article 30(1) of the Constitution.

India experienced extreme weather events for 93% of the first nine months in 2024, leading to 3,238 deaths and widespread damage to homes and crops. The Centre for Science and Environment reported an increase in these events compared to the previous year, highlighting the escalating impact of climate change.

At a recent anti-terror conference in New Delhi, officials from central and state agencies stressed the need for stronger collaboration and a standardized approach to combat terrorism, particularly cybercrime and financial terrorism. Home Secretary Govind Mohan urged state police forces to prioritize capacity-building and information sharing to effectively address evolving terror threats.

The Indian government's PM Vishwakarma scheme has provided skills training to over 10.8 lakh artisans and craftspeople since its launch in September. The scheme focuses on traditional trades, with tailoring, masonry, and carpentry being the most popular. Nearly 40% of the trainees are women, and the program has also provided over Rs 132.4 crore in loans to help beneficiaries expand their businesses.

Supriya Sule, NCP (SCP) president, dismissed any possibility of an alliance with the BJP, accusing the party's leadership of orchestrating the NCP's split and attacking its reputation. She recounted her meeting with NCP 'rebels' before they joined the BJP-Shiv Sena alliance, stating that many denied their intentions. Sule expressed confidence in the MVA's prospects in the upcoming assembly elections.

Chief Election Commissioner Rajiv Kumar condemned the use of derogatory language against women in the Maharashtra election campaign and urged strict action against those violating the model code of conduct. Kumar emphasized vigilance against cash distribution and encouraged voter participation, highlighting higher turnouts in other states compared to urban areas like Mumbai.

The Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS) has initiated a campaign called 'Sajag Raho' in Maharashtra to consolidate the Hindu vote ahead of the assembly elections. The campaign, operating through various affiliated organizations, aims to counter what the RSS perceives as attempts to divide Hindus and weaken the BJP's electoral prospects.

India's Home Minister Amit Shah pledged to reinstate the traditional Nag Panchami cobra worship in Battis Shirala, Maharashtra. The Bombay High Court banned the practice in 2014 following a campaign by wildlife activists. Shah attributed the ban to "vote bank politics" and assured that the celebrations would resume under a BJP-led government while upholding legal boundaries.

Union home minister Amit Shah, during a rally in Karad, assured that Agniveers from Maharashtra would secure government jobs after their service. He criticized Rahul Gandhi for spreading misinformation about the Agnipath scheme and accused the Congress of failing to implement OROP. Shah also targeted Sharad Pawar and Rahul Gandhi on Article 370, stating that its restoration was impossible.

Zeelensky called Trump to congratulate him on the election win and Trump, according to the reports, "did not leave Zelensky with a feeling of despair". "Musk also weighed in during the call to say he will continue supporting Ukraine through his Starlink," reports said. Donald Trump's chat with Zelensky was also positive, the reports said.