Times of India

Kamala Harris revealed an economic initiative, the 'Opportunity Agenda for Black men,' targeting Black business owners with forgivable loans and national marijuana legalization for economic inclusion. Aiming to regain Black male support before the November election, her agenda also covers cryptocurrency regulations, educational opportunities, and a health equity initiative.

A potential oversight by Mumbai police in not thoroughly investigating Shubham Lonkar, a suspect in the Salman Khan shooting case, might have led to the killing of Baba Siddique. Lonkar, connected to the Bishnoi gang, allegedly recruited new shooters and claimed responsibility for Siddique's murder.

Bombay HC has reserved its decision on a plea by Shiv Sena (UBT) against the withdrawal of 12 MLC nominations from 2020. Meanwhile, the Mahayuti government has sent 7 new names for approval. Controversy arises as the EC code of conduct looms and legal challenges from Sena (UBT) are expected.

India will sign a $3.3 billion deal with the US for 31 weaponised MQ-9B Predator drones, enhancing its strategic ISR and precision strike capabilities, particularly in the Indian Ocean Region. Deliveries and assembly in India will commence within four years. The deal, cleared by the PM-led security panel, also includes a global MRO facility in India.

Punjab and Haryana High Court has ruled that military pensioners should receive benefits from their discharge date, not from the date of a court order. This decision came after Jaspal Singh, a former Army serviceman, challenged an earlier order. The court stated Singh deserved pension from his discharge date with 7% annual interest.

The Supreme Court has declined to entertain a plea against the LG of J&K's authority to nominate five assembly members, advising the petitioner to seek redress in the High Court. Senior advocate Abhishek Manu Singhvi raised concerns about the potential negation of electoral mandates, but the bench noted the LG had not yet exercised this power.

The Indian Army has secured contracts worth Rs 65 crore with three civil aviation firms for the first time to deliver logistical support to 44 forward posts in J&K and Ladakh during winter when these areas become inaccessible due to snowfall. This move aims to help sustain critical posts using civil helicopters, conserving military choppers for crucial operations.

The Supreme Court declined to entertain a plea urging the creation of laws punishing non-consensual unnatural sex, stating it falls within Parliament's legislative duties. Despite previous judgments creating offences, the bench emphasized its inability to compel legislative action. A contrasting Delhi High Court ruling had sought similar provisions in the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita, urging prompt government action.

Early Monday morning, tensions flared in Secunderabad after a man from a minority community damaged an idol in a local temple. Locals apprehended and assaulted him before he was taken to a hospital in critical condition. Police are investigating the incident and seeking motives.

Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau accused India of conducting activities that jeopardize public safety, including clandestine operations against South Asian Canadians. Trudeau highlighted Canada's unsuccessful attempts to collaborate with India and announced the expulsion of six Canadian diplomats following the allegations. The Indian government refuted these claims, recalling its High Commissioner from Canada in response.

BJP intensified its offensive against Congress chief Mallikarjun Kharge, demanding his resignation after his family returned five acres of state-owned land. BJP spokesperson Sudhansu Trivedi accused Congress leaders of being involved in multiple land scams, portraying the party as a group of property dealers.

The Centre assured Punjab's government of procuring all 184 lakh tonnes of approved paddy without any restrictions. Union food minister Pralhad Joshi and Punjab CM Bhagwant Mann discussed challenges and solutions related to paddy procurement, storage, and miller issues, including arhtiya commission restoration.

The Indian government has approved a 50% increase in the ceiling prices of several essential drugs used to treat various conditions, due to increased costs and unviability issues. The National Pharmaceutical Pricing Authority invoked extraordinary powers to ensure the continued availability of these crucial medicines.

Delhi High Court admonished Wikipedia for refusing to reveal user information in a defamation case filed by a news agency. The bench warned Wikipedia could lose its safe harbour privilege and be blocked in India if it doesn't comply with the law. The court demanded the removal of defamatory edits, stressing user anonymity cannot shield defamatory content.

Congress has accused the Punjab government, led by Bhagwant Mann, of colluding with the BJP to create a paddy storage crisis, potentially damaging the state's economy. Leader Partap Singh Bajwa claimed this could cause substantial losses and alleged a conspiracy to force farmers into distress sales, benefiting industrialists like Adani. Immediate intervention from the Centre was urged.

Two years after Congress councillor Tapan Kandu's murder in Purulia, his widow Purnima Kandu also died under mysterious circumstances. Declared dead upon arrival at a health center, an unnatural death case has been lodged. Family members allege 'slow poisoning.' A CBI inquiry has been demanded for an impartial investigation.

The Supreme Court dismissed a PIL seeking an investigation into alleged side effects of the Covishield vaccine, developed by AstraZeneca and Oxford and produced by Serum Institute of India. The petitioner demanded compensation for affected families and a review of the Covid vaccine policy. The bench emphasized that vaccines helped manage the pandemic and urged against sensationalizing the issue.

Four police officers in Bijnor were suspended for negligence after a 19-year-old, accused of eloping with a minor, was found dead at an investigating officer's house. The deceased's family alleges foul play, questioning the circumstances of the death and accusing the police and the girl's family of murder.