National News

Defence Ministry gears up to approve over Rs 1 lakh crore in acquisitions, including 300 K-9 Vajra howitzers and 600 HAMMER missiles for fighter jets. The Army will also bolster its air defence with Russian Verba systems. This significant procurement push aims to modernize India's military capabilities, with key defence chiefs attending the crucial Defence Acquisition Council meeting for the first time.

Jammu and Kashmir Chief Minister Omar Abdullah advocated for renewed India-Pakistan dialogue, emphasizing it's the sole path to de-escalate tensions. He questioned the criticism faced by J&K politicians for similar calls, contrasting it with the lack of backlash for RSS leaders advocating open talks. Abdullah highlighted the importance of improving neighborly relations, referencing former PM Vajpayee's sentiment.

Informal discussions are set to resume in Leh between central officials and Ladakh groups, focusing on previous meeting outcomes and other pressing matters. This follows a recent shutdown protesting alleged backtracking on key agreements, including a legislative body and constitutional safeguards. While a prominent activist continues a hunger strike in Delhi, these talks aim to bridge the gap on crucial demands for the Union Territory's future.

Mehbooba Mufti, the sole non-Shia politician from J&K and Ladakh, flew to Tehran for Ayatollah Ali Khamenei's funeral, an event arranged with a special aircraft due to suspended commercial flights. Several other prominent figures from the region were also invited. The invitation highlighted the deep historical and strategic ties between Iran and India, underscoring the significance of the attendees' presence.

Accused constables did not answer any queries during the questioning, SIT officials tell court; head constable Sambaiah and constable Babu Rao allegedly deleted CCTV footage and other evidence

The civic body requires all departments to conclude excavations by this date. It will authorise subsequent road cuts only after December. Work to restore major road cuts is already under way

He says all Collectors have been instructed to organise counselling sessions for students with bank managers in their respective districts to help them acquire loans to pursue higher education

The notification does not reflect the demands of subscribers such as increase in minimum pension and clarity in providing higher pension for the applicants, trade unions said

Several completed public facilities in Delhi, including Karol Bagh's Heritage Park and a Jangpura pet park, remain inaccessible to citizens years after construction. Bureaucratic inertia and procedural delays, even for projects with no financial constraints like the JPN Library, are preventing these valuable assets from serving the public, leading to significant underutilization of investment.

Cell or stem cell-derived products such as stem cell-based regenerative treatments and CAR-T cell therapies have seen increasing use in treatment of blood cancers such as leukemias and lymphomas; the Centre’s move is aimed at strengthening regulatory oversight of such advanced and emerging medical technologies

Japanese counterpart Sanae Takaichi says India and Japan are ‘perfectly aligned’ and emphasised on the need for ‘strategic cooperation’; both leaders attend economic forum

The Bombay High Court has quashed an externment order against a political party office-bearer, stating that opposing government decisions, even through protests and slogans like 'BJP Govt murdabad', cannot be grounds for forcing someone out of their locality. Justice Madhav Jamdar emphasized citizens' fundamental rights to express opinions and protest, questioning the validity of such actions against individuals for voicing dissent.

The case relates to misappropriation of multi-crore funds in Matoshri Hemareddy Mallamma Souharda Sahakara Sangha

Dozens of lawyers stormed into Station House Officer’s office in Ayodhya urging the immediate filing of a case, while police officials attempted to pacify them by assuring that appropriate legal action would follow