National News

India and Russia are set to discuss advanced BrahMos missile development during President Putin's visit. Following its success in Operation Sindoor, India seeks lighter, versatile BrahMos-NG variants for its Air Force and extended-range systems. This collaboration underscores the strong Indo-Russian strategic partnership, with further talks on next-gen hypersonic and air-to-air missiles also anticipated.

A Bhopal gas tragedy commemoration rally turned contentious as BJP supporters alleged protesters intended to burn an RSS effigy alongside one representing Dow Chemical. Police intervened, removing the effigy after a complaint, citing it was offensive and warning against targeting any organisation. Survivor groups denied the accusation, stating effigies represented those responsible for the disaster.

President Trump unleashed over 160 posts on Truth Social in a late-night digital barrage, questioning his governing priorities and mental acuity. The frenetic output, exceeding one post per minute, included political attacks, conspiracy claims, and boasts, followed by a cabinet meeting where he appeared to nod off.

AI assistants are evolving from tools to emotional anchors, with people forming deep, private bonds with chatbots as therapists and friends. This reliance, driven by immediacy and comfort, blurs lines between reality and imagination, leading to potential emotional dependency and even 'AI psychosis.' While AI offers a low-effort outlet for unfiltered conversations, experts warn it cannot replace genuine human connection and empathy, highlighting the profound impact on our emotional landscapes.

Elden Campbell, a dependable big man for the Lakers in the '90s, has died at 57. The Los Angeles native played 8½ seasons with his hometown team, bridging eras before winning a championship with the Detroit Pistons in 2004. Known for his calm, fluid style, Campbell was a valued role player who earned respect throughout his 15-year NBA career.

Income tax refunds are significantly delayed this assessment year, with processing times extended even for routine cases. Official data shows a substantial drop in refund outgo compared to last year, attributed to late form releases, increased verification, and processing constraints. Experts anticipate a continued trend of slower processing, particularly for high-value refunds.

Karnataka Deputy CM DK Shivakumar arrived in Delhi, stating his visit is for a wedding and to arrange a rally, not for political discussions with the high command. Meanwhile, Chief Minister Siddaramaiah indicated he would only travel to Delhi if called by party leaders, as internal party dynamics continue to surface.

IndiGo has apologised for widespread flight disruptions over the past two days. The airline cited a combination of technical glitches, winter schedule changes, bad weather, airport congestion, and new crew rostering rules. To address the situation, IndiGo has adjusted its flight schedules for the next 48 hours. Affected passengers are being offered alternative flights or refunds.

The Los Angeles Clippers announced they are parting ways with veteran guard Chris Paul, just weeks into the 2025-2026 season. This decision came after Paul posted a cryptic Instagram story about being sent home. The team's statement clarified the departure, emphasizing that Paul is not to blame for their struggles and expressing gratitude for his contributions.

IndiGo faced massive disruptions Wednesday, cancelling over 70 flights and causing widespread delays due to crew shortages following new duty norms, technology glitches, and airport congestion. On-time performance plummeted, impacting thousands of passengers. Airlines are working to restore normalcy, but a clear timeline remains uncertain.

The Indian Rupee hit a historic low on Wednesday, crossing the 90-per-dollar mark for the first time. This decline was driven by foreign fund outflows, rising crude oil prices, and uncertainty surrounding the India-US trade deal. Market watchers noted a lack of Reserve Bank of India intervention for much of the session.

IndiGo is experiencing significant flight delays and cancellations, impacting nearly two out of three domestic passengers. This disruption stems from a critical crew shortage following the implementation of new flight duty time limitations. The airline, known for its punctuality, has seen its on-time performance plummet, causing widespread inconvenience during the peak travel season.

In a dire report from Delhi, healthcare facilities have logged more than 200,000 cases of acute respiratory issues, predominantly threatening at-risk groups such as those with diabetes and heart ailments. The toxic smog is not just a nuisance; it intensifies pre-existing health conditions, causing rapid arterial narrowing and extra stress on the heart.

The government has withdrawn its mandate for mobile manufacturers to pre-install the Sanchar Saathi app on new smartphones. This decision follows concerns about privacy and surveillance, with the government clarifying the app's purpose is solely for citizen cybersecurity. The app's growing user acceptance has led to the voluntary installation option.

The Supreme Court allowed a pregnant woman and her child to enter India on humanitarian grounds after their deportation to Bangladesh. The court directed the West Bengal government to provide care and medical support, including delivery, for the woman. This decision follows the Centre's challenge to a Calcutta High Court order that deemed the deportation illegal.

“Several districts reported that land for the purpose has been identified, while the process was still pending in some districts,” an official release said

The Court’s ruling reinforces the distinction between entry-level admissions and transfers, emphasising that the Right to Education Act permits screening for students seeking advancement to specialised institutions like CM SHRI Schools

Russian President Putin's India visit is crucial for trade dynamics amidst US pressure. India's energy security is now heavily reliant on discounted Russian crude, reshaping its procurement patterns. The visit aims to manage dependence in a fractured world, focusing on securing fuel, weapons, and payments.