Times of India

The Supreme Court expressed disapproval of a PIL requesting separate enumeration of Denotified, Nomadic, and Semi-Nomadic Tribes in the upcoming census. The bench suggested the petition's motive might be to gain SC/ST status, calling such moves "calculated" and potentially aimed at dividing India. Despite recommendations for enumeration since 2000, the government has not acted.

The Supreme Court ruled that only individuals professing Hinduism, Sikhism, or Buddhism can be members of Scheduled Castes. Conversion to any other religion results in an absolute loss of SC status, preventing invocation of the SC/ST Act. This ruling contrasts with Scheduled Tribes, where religion is not a basis for exclusion.

Prime Minister Modi has cautioned about a prolonged disruption stemming from the West Asia conflict. He stated this crisis will be a major test for India, potentially leading to an energy crisis and serious global economic consequences.

The Supreme Court mandated that UAPA cases investigated by the NIA must conclude within a year through exclusive special courts. States must identify court needs and appoint dedicated prosecutors. The Centre offers funding for these courts, aiming to expedite trials and address bail concerns. Delhi leads in pending NIA cases.

In a shift from previous trends, Other Backward Classes (OBC) candidates outperformed Economically Weaker Sections (EWS) in the 2025 Civil Service Examinations final merit list. Despite lower interview scores, OBCs' strong performance in written exams secured them a higher overall cut-off than EWS, reversing a recent pattern.

Dayton James Webber, a quadruple amputee cornhole player, has been accused of killing Bradrick Michael Wells during an argument in Maryland. Police say he acted alone and later fled. Videos showing him firing guns have surfaced online. He is now in custody and awaiting extradition. The American Cornhole League has called the situation serious and ongoing.

Bengal a case apart, P 10

Frances Tiafoe and Ayan Broomfield have been together since 2015, growing through every stage of life and tennis. While Tiafoe rises in global rankings, Broomfield has her own strong background in college and professional tennis. From big wins to personal moments, their relationship shows steady support, long-term commitment, and a journey built on trust and shared dreams.

A 50-year-old beauty parlour owner was found hacked to death in her Garia establishment on Tuesday. The assailant, a 44-year-old man believed to be from Haryana or Kashmir, was discovered dead outside, with police suspecting he died by suicide. Investigators believe a relationship gone sour was the motive.

A 30-year-old woman, Harshil Kalia, died in a late-night road accident in Jaipur's Mansarovar area. Her car lost control, hit a divider, and overturned near the Nagar Nigam office on Shipra Path. She sustained severe head injuries and was declared dead at Jaipuria Hospital.

Indian Army and Air Force have successfully deployed a pontoon assault bridge using a Chinook helicopter. This joint exercise showcased seamless coordination and enhanced battlefield mobility. The capability allows swift river crossing, crucial for offensive operations and disaster relief. The versatile Chinook helicopter played a key role in this rapid deployment.

Defence Minister Rajnath Singh convened a high-level meeting to assess the West Asia crisis's impact on India's security. He stressed learning from the conflict to bolster defence preparedness, emphasizing a decade-long roadmap for integrated defence, self-reliance, and operational readiness. The meeting also reviewed supply chain resilience for defence equipment.

A Ghaziabad man allegedly shot dead his wife and her lover after discovering their two-year affair and her plans to leave him. The seven-year-old son witnessed the horrifying incident. The accused, Rashid, reportedly confronted the victims after dinner, leading to the fatal shootings. Police are actively searching for Rashid and the murder weapon.

President Trump and PM Modi discussed the West Asia situation, emphasizing the critical need to keep the Strait of Hormuz open and secure. Modi reiterated India's support for de-escalation and peace, highlighting the importance of safe passage for global stability and economic well-being.

The US is shifting its India strategy towards a pragmatic, interest-driven approach, emphasizing strength and collaboration for Indo-Pacific stability. Undersecretary Elbridge Colby highlighted India's crucial role as a "waxing power," suggesting a move away from idealistic notions towards realistic geopolitical partnerships. This focus on shared security outcomes and burden-sharing signals a more transactional engagement.

A consortium including Aditya Birla Group, Times of India, Bolt Ventures, and Blackstone has acquired Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) for $1.78 billion. This landmark deal encompasses both the men's and women's IPL and WPL franchises from United Spirits. Aryaman Vikram Birla will chair the team, with Satyan Gajwani as vice-chairman, following the 2026 IPL season.

The Lok Sabha has passed the Transgender Persons (Protection of Rights) Amendment Bill, 2026, defining transgender individuals to exclude those with different sexual orientations or self-perceived identities. The bill aims to protect a specific social and cultural group facing extreme discrimination, with new provisions for authority designation and graded punishments for offenses. Opposition members criticized the bill for limiting self-determination.

The US views India as crucial for a balanced Indo-Pacific, emphasizing deeper defense and strategic ties. A senior official highlighted shared interests in a region free from single-power dominance. Both nations aim to enhance operational interoperability and India's defense capabilities, fostering co-production and a strong domestic industry.