The Jammu & Kashmir High Court has dismissed a Public Interest Litigation filed by former CM Mehbooba Mufti. The court deemed the petition vague, politically motivated, and lacking substantiation, stating it failed to meet legal standards for PILs.

'Continues to arm pak with latest weapons'

Move comes even as plea against life term is pending

The National Highways Authority of India has issued a final notice to Roadways Solutions India Infra Ltd (RSIL) for termination over severe delays on the Delhi-Mumbai Expressway in Gujarat. With construction progress as low as 4.9% on one 35-km stretch, the project's revised deadline is now at risk.

Unnao rape survivor and her mother met Rahul and Sonia Gandhi seeking help in their legal battle against convicted attacker Kuldeep Sengar, who received bail. The survivor also requested relocation to a Congress-ruled state for safety, fearing for her life. Rahul Gandhi pledged legal assistance and support for her relocation, while condemning police action against her protest.

The CBI will challenge the Delhi High Court's decision to suspend former BJP MLA Kuldeep Singh Sengar's life sentence and grant him bail in the Unnao rape case. Despite this, Sengar remains jailed due to a separate conviction. The survivor, calling the bail «death,» plans to appeal to the Supreme Court, citing safety fears.

A CRPF head constable sustained injuries when a leopard entered a paramilitary camp in Anantnag, attacking him in the mess. The animal subsequently escaped into a nearby forest. This incident follows a recent surge in wild animal sightings and attacks across Kashmir, prompting the government to develop a plan to address the issue.

A Junior Commissioned Officer of the Indian Army, Subedar Surjeet Singh, tragically lost his life from a gunshot wound while on duty in Samba district, Jammu and Kashmir. The terror angle has been ruled out, and the incident is currently under investigation. The Rising Star Corps has paid tribute to the brave soldier, offering unwavering support to his grieving family.

Congress slammed the Centre’s ban on new mining leases in the Aravallis as a “bogus attempt at damage control,” saying it fails to address concerns over the government’s new 100-metre hill definition. Jairam Ramesh alleged the redefinition weakens environmental protection despite expert objections, a charge the Centre has denied.

The Centre has ordered a complete ban on new mining leases in the Aravallis and directed states to expand protected zones. This move aims to conserve the ancient mountain range, extending from Delhi to Gujarat, and halt unregulated mining. The government also intends to expand restricted areas based on ecological assessments.

A Pentagon report suggests China is using eased border tensions with India to stabilize ties and counter growing US-India partnership. While Beijing seeks normalcy through resumed flights and visas, New Delhi remains skeptical of China's motives amid ongoing distrust. This strategic move aligns with China's long-term national rejuvenation goals.

Army troops have been deployed to West Karbi Anglong to restore order. Violent protests have erupted over alleged illegal settlements by non-tribals. Two people have died and dozens are injured. Curfew-like restrictions and internet suspension are in place. The chief minister stated immediate eviction is not possible due to a court stay. Tensions over land rights escalated into clashes.

Former Maldives VP Faisal Naseem lauded Atal Bihari Vajpayee as a statesman who championed peace through restraint and institutional respect. Naseem highlighted Vajpayee's enduring relevance for South Asia's turbulent democratic landscape, emphasizing his ability to be firm yet civil, decisive without being divisive. The lecture underscored Vajpayee's belief in parliamentary democracy and its role in fostering peace and stability.

ISRO's LVM3-M6 rocket successfully launched the BlueBird Block-2 satellite for AST SpaceMobile, offering a unique onboard camera perspective of the entire mission. The footage captured liftoff, booster separation, and satellite deployment into Low Earth Orbit, marking a significant commercial success for ISRO's heavy-lift vehicle.

India replaces the MGNREGA with the VB-G RAM G Act, shifting focus from guaranteed wage employment to rural asset creation and productivity. This reform acknowledges a transformed rural economy with robust safety nets and direct cash transfers, aiming to build capacity rather than just provide relief.

Commission for Air Quality Management (CAQM) lifted GRAP-IV restrictions with immediate effect, even though air quality in several areas remained in the ‘very poor’ category with AQI levels crossing 350. While the strictest curbs were withdrawn, Stage I, II and III measures will continue under the modified GRAP. The move came hours after the Delhi High Court pulled up the Centre

Prime Minister Narendra Modi lauded Isro's successful launch of the US communications satellite BlueBird Block-2, calling it a proud milestone for India's space sector. The LVM3 rocket, carrying the heaviest satellite launched from Indian soil, demonstrated India's heavy-lift capability and commitment to self-reliance, strengthening its global commercial launch market role.

In a post on X, Ramesh alleged that the Union Ministry of Environment, Forests and Climate Change was being «economical with the truth» on the Aravalli Hills issue. He claimed that the redefinition being adopted by the government had been «clearly and compellingly opposed» by key statutory and judicial bodies, including the Forest Survey of India, the Central Empowered Committee (CEC) of the Supreme Court, and the apex court's own amicus curiae.

Violent protests over alleged illegal non-tribal settlements in Assam's Karbi Anglong region have resulted in two deaths and dozens injured. Tensions over land rights escalated, leading to clashes between tribal protesters and security forces. The state government has imposed restrictions and suspended mobile internet services.

A 34-year-old man from Mathura has been sentenced to life imprisonment for raping a 13-year-old mentally challenged girl. The incident came to light when the girl was found injured and bleeding. The accused, a neighbor with multiple prior criminal cases, was arrested and convicted under the Pocso Act.

A Delhi court ordered charges against Karti P Chidambaram and six others in a visa scam. The case involves allegations of bribery for facilitating Chinese nationals' visas for a power company in 2011. The court found prima facie evidence of criminal conspiracy and illegal gratification, noting coordinated acts by the accused.

The Netherlands sees growing political and economic ties with India, amplified by global geopolitical shifts. Recent agreements in security, defense, and semiconductors underscore a shared commitment to democracy and the rule of law. Both nations are keen to strengthen cooperation in areas like semiconductor R&D and talent development, with the Netherlands also welcoming Indian students and a thriving diaspora.

Odisha's enhanced surrender package, offering nearly 20% higher rewards than Chhattisgarh, enticed 22 Maoist insurgents to lay down arms. This mass surrender, including 10 women and weapons valued over Rs 2 crore, marks a significant blow to the CPI (Maoist) ahead of the Centre's deadline to end left-wing extremism.

A retired Punjab IG, Amar Singh Chahal, attempted suicide after an alleged Rs 8 crore online fraud. Scammers posing as wealth managers lured him with fake investment returns via WhatsApp and Telegram. Chahal, who borrowed heavily, detailed his distress in a note to the DGP. Police have frozen 25 bank accounts and are investigating the digital trail.

An official order in Rajasthan's Sriganganagar district has cautioned private schools against compelling students to dress as Santa Claus for Christmas. The order cited the area's predominantly Sanatan population and the lack of justification for such programs, following a complaint from a Hindu nationalist group. The state education minister's office clarified the decision was local.

India has pledged a $450 million assistance package to Sri Lanka for cyclone recovery, including $350 million in concessional credit and $100 million in grants. External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar announced the commitment, which will focus on rebuilding infrastructure, housing, health, education, and agriculture sectors devastated by Cyclone Ditwah.