Times of India

The cabinet made key decisions including setting up the eighth pay commission and approved extending a special package for fertilisers. PM Modi also launched several projects, including indigenously built naval combatants and Namo Bharat trains, highlighting an action-filled year aimed at boosting growth and welfare initiatives.

The Congress has filed a plea in the Supreme Court in favor of the Places of Worship (Special Provisions) Act, emphasizing its importance for maintaining secularism and communal harmony. They argue that any challenges to the Act could threaten India's secular fabric and fundamental constitutional principles.

Individuals are being scrutinized by the income tax department for fraudulent claims on donations, investments, and interest payments. Extensive searches revealed bogus donations to political parties and charities, as well as false claims on loans and house rent allowances. A new procedure is prompting taxpayers to revise returns or face penalties.

The Modi government announced the setting up of the eighth pay commission to benefit 1.1 crore central government employees and pensioners. This decision, made before Delhi votes, aims to enhance consumption demand and improve the quality of life. The implementation of the award is expected from 2026.

Abhay Singh, known as the IIT-Bombay Baba, suggests changes in the education system and introducing spirituality to reduce student suicides. Singh, an IIT-Bombay graduate, left a promising career for spiritual pursuits. His story has sparked a debate on student-friendly education and the role of spirituality in combating stress and depression.

Two robbers shot two security guards in Bidar, killing one and critically injuring the other. They stole Rs 87 lakh and escaped on a motorbike. The incident occurred while the guards were transporting money to an ATM van. Police are investigating the crime using CCTV footage and have leads on the suspects' identities.

Isro successfully completes India's first satellite-docking manoeuvre, marking a significant achievement towards future missions like Chandrayaan-4 and the country's own space station. The final docking attempt was made on Thursday after multiple postponements and used a precision alignment system. Prime Minister Modi and other officials hailed this achievement.

Union home minister Amit Shah inaugurated a museum in Prime Minister Narendra Modi's hometown, Vadnagar. The museum traces the 2,500-year history of the town and highlights its cultural and historical significance. Shah also opened a sports complex and the Prerna Centre to inspire future leaders.

Karnataka CM Siddaramaiah announced that the Socio-Economic and Education Survey report, dubbed the 'caste census,' will be discussed in the next cabinet meeting. The report has faced delays due to administrative concerns and pressures from various caste groups. State ministers urged inclusivity for Lingayat sub-sects.

A 21-year-old student from Padmavati lost Rs10 lakh to fraudsters who promised to help her participate in a beauty pageant in Egypt. The student frequently participated in beauty pageants and was exploited. Her parents took a loan to support her. The girl discovered the fraud when she found the travel ticket was fake. She then filed an FIR.

Saif Ali Khan was attacked in his Bandra residence, raising concerns about safety in Mumbai. Celebrities including Parineeti Chopra and Raveena Tandon expressed their shock and called for stronger security measures. Director Kunal Kohli and writer Shobhaa De questioned the law enforcement's efficacy, emphasizing the vulnerability of Bandra's high-profile residents.

Police are investigating an attack on Saif Ali Khan at his Bandra residence which lacked surveillance cameras and security arrangements. The intruder's image was captured on the building's CCTV. The reported incident raises concerns about security measures for high-profile individuals, referencing past threats to Salman Khan as similar risks.

A 52-year-old doctor was found murdered at his south Delhi flat on Thursday noon. Police arrested Sunny Sharma (23), a nutritionist, who claimed the doctor behaved inappropriately with him. The doctor had stab wounds and appeared to have been attacked the previous night. Further investigations revealed Sharma used a knife and scissors to commit the crime.

The Supreme Court is set to examine discrepancies in the Prohibition of Child Marriage Act regarding the annulment of underage marriages. The issue arises as males are considered legal adults at 18 but can marry only at 21. A woman challenges an order that annulled her marriage, arguing that her husband's plea was filed beyond the prescribed time.

Desun Hospital in Kolkata has added a rooftop helipad to airlift critical patients faster. This will help transport patients from remote areas and neighboring states directly to the hospital. Other city hospitals support the initiative, highlighting its potential to improve emergency care in the region. The new helipad could make patient transfers quicker and more efficient.

Fans speculate that wrestler Jey Uso cheated on his wife with Jaida Parker after a viral video showing them together. The controversy deepens as Jaida also faces backlash for liking a transphobic Instagram post. Both wrestlers remain silent on the alleged affair.

A security guard in Meerut confronted his wife and her lover in a car, leading to a dangerous situation where the lover tried to run him over. The guard clung to the bonnet as the car sped at 80-90 kmph until forced to stop by another vehicle.

An event at IIT-Bombay on the 'science of begetting a good progeny' sparked controversy, with students claiming it promoted pseudoscience. The seminar, led by an Ayurveda expert, reportedly discusses various aspects of pregnancy. Critics argue that organizing such an event at a science institute gives it undue legitimacy.

CBSE issued show-cause notices to 29 schools for violating affiliation bye-laws after unannounced inspections. Schools must submit explanations within 30 days. Inspections were conducted in multiple cities, underlining CBSE’s commitment to quality education and its zero-tolerance policy for regulatory breaches.