Times of India

US National Security Advisor Jake Sullivan's upcoming visit to India next week aims to assess the India-US Initiative on Critical and Emerging Technologies (iCET), involving discussions with Indian officials to review collaborations in AI, semiconductors, biotech, and defense innovation under the Biden administration.

Punjab government dismissed DSP Gursher Singh Sandhu for misconduct during gangster Lawrence Bishnoi's September 2022 interview in police custody. The state home secretary stated Sandhu, under suspension since October 2024, severely damaged Punjab Police's reputation and failed to cooperate with the inquiry.

Amid controversy surrounding claims of a temple beneath Ajmer Sharif dargah, PM Modi handed over a 'chadar' to be offered at the dargah during Urs in a gesture showing respect for spiritual heritage. A Rajasthan court accepted a petition to survey these claims, while SC imposed a stay on similar suits.

Supreme Court stays proceedings on the Bhojshala temple-Kamal Maula mosque dispute, directs it to be heard with other petitions challenging the Places of Worship Act. The 11th-century monument is contested by Hindus and Muslims, and the ASI is to conduct a non-invasive survey.

The Gujarat High Court upheld a labour court's ruling, stating that denying leave encashment to an employee violates constitutional rights. Ahmedabad Municipal Corporation had refused to pay retired employee Sadgunbhai Solanki's earned leave encashment after he resigned from his position. The court emphasized that earned leave encashment is a right and similar to salary.

Maldives Foreign Minister Abdulla Khaleel visits India to meet with Indian Foreign Minister S Jaishankar, focusing on bilateral cooperation in development support, trade, health, defence, and security. Maldives will reiterate its invitation for PM Modi to visit. Both nations aim to enhance maritime and security cooperation, as emphasized during President Mohamed Muizzu's previous visit to India.

A speeding Thar jeep driven by a minor crashed into a Sikh community procession in Raja Park, Jaipur, injuring four people. The minor, reportedly the son of a government official, was detained by police. The locals vandalized the vehicle and the Sikh community staged a protest, demanding swift action.

The devasthan department's commissioner in Udaipur has ruled against Siddhi Kumari, a BJP MLA, in favor of Rajyashree Kumari and other trustees in a trust management dispute. Siddhi Kumari was accused of misusing her position to control trusts established by Bikaner's last maharaja, Dr. Karni Singh.

The Cybertruck incident was initially thought of as a terror attack as it took place hours after the New Orleans mass carnage. The two incidents had eerie links like both the suspected attackers rented their trucks on Turo; both served in the Army; the cybertruck man was still in the Army when he died; and once they served in the same military base. However, the FBI clarified that the New Orleans ISIS man acted alone.

Defence Minister Rajnath Singh urges DRDO to stay updated with evolving technological ecosystems, focus on cutting-edge and niche technologies, enhance private sector collaboration, and involve start-ups in R&D efforts. DRDO labs are directed to complete two to three critical projects each by 2025, aiming for 100 projects by the next foundation year.

Santiago Martin, known as the 'lottery king,' faces an ED probe with assets worth over Rs 1,000 crore attached. His company, Future Gaming & Hotel Services, had a turnover of Rs 15,000 crore from lotteries. Significant donations to political parties were noted. Illegal sales and prize-winning lotteries manipulated properties acquisition.

The Modi government has shifted its narrative on Jammu and Kashmir to highlight its historic contributions to India's spiritual and cultural heritage. Home minister Amit Shah unveiled a new publication, emphasizing the region's significance and calling for a reassessment of history written from an Indian perspective.

The Supreme Court of India has directed the Uttar Pradesh government to engage forensic experts to reconstruct a 40-year-old FIR related to Kanpur anti-Sikh riots and ensure leading criminal lawyers are available to oppose closure reports. The 1984 case involved the murder of retired personnel Diwan Singh, highlighting efforts to bring culprits to book.

Bombay High Court intervened on behalf of a PG medical aspirant, Kalyani Chakrawar, who was denied participation in AIIMS Kalyani admission counselling due to a missed flight. The court deemed the case exceptional and directed AIIMS authorities to allow her in the ongoing admission process. She had an all-India rank of 119.

Nimisha Priya, on death row in Yemen, clings to hope for a last-minute pardon, with her husband Tomy Thomas appealing for forgiveness. Convicted of murdering her business sponsor, Talal Abdo Mahdi, she faces execution within a month. Efforts for her pardon include negotiations with the victim's family and the Indian government’s involvement.

A 19-year-old social media content creator, Ankur Nath, died by suicide live on Instagram in Janjgir Champa, Chhattisgarh, with 21 followers witnessing the tragic event. Attempts to save her failed, and preliminary investigations suggest heartbreak in love as the reason. Police are examining her mobile for clues.

Bengal CM Mamata Banerjee accused the BSF of facilitating illegal border-crossing from Bangladesh, alleging a central government agenda to undermine her administration. She plans to address this with the Centre. The BSF refuted the claims, emphasizing their commitment to their duties at the border. Banerjee also attributed the murder of a local TMC leader to police negligence.

A madrasa manager in Shravasti named Mubarak Ali, also known as Noori, was arrested along with four others for running a counterfeit currency operation. They used a room in the madrasa to print fake notes and distributed them through Noori's wives. Police recovered fake currency, printing equipment, and other items during the raid.

The Supreme Court criticized the Enforcement Directorate for its 'inhuman conduct' in interrogating former Haryana Congress MLA Surender Panwar for almost 15 hours, resulting in his arrest at 1.40 am. The court upheld the quashing of his arrest and directed the ED to adopt more humane and reasonable investigation practices.