Draft Amendment Retains Four-Attempt Cap In First Year

Punjab's Cabinet has approved a plan to end contractual employment, paving the way for over 65,000 workers across 51 departments to be regularized. This historic decision aims to provide job security and dignity, transitioning outsourced staff to contractual roles and eventually to permanent positions. The move ensures direct employer-employee relationships and benefits for thousands serving the state.

A Pakistani journalist's query about India's alleged Agni-6 ICBM test at the Shangri-La Dialogue was based on misinformation. India confirmed a recent test involved an advanced Agni missile with MIRV technology, not the Agni-6. US Secretary of Defense Pete Hegseth avoided singling out either India or Pakistan as a threat.

TMC leader Abhishek Banerjee was allegedly attacked with stones and shoes in West Bengal's Sonarpur while visiting families affected by post-poll violence. Opposition parties, including the Congress and Samajwadi Party, condemned the incident, accusing the BJP of orchestrating the attack. The BJP denied involvement, attributing the incident to local anger.

Chief of Naval Staff Admiral Dinesh K Tripathi stated that distance from conflict no longer guarantees freedom from consequences, especially with ongoing tensions impacting maritime routes around the Strait of Hormuz. The Indian Navy has increased its presence and surveillance in the region to ensure the safe passage of trade and protect national interests amidst rising instability and strategic competition.

FSSAI has issued a statutory notice to IRCTC after a viral video showed catering staff washing utensils in a train toilet on the Lokmanya Tilak Terminus-Ernakulam Duronto Express. The food regulator called the act extremely unhygienic and a serious food safety concern, demanding an immediate action taken report and explanation.

Rahul Gandhi sharply criticized Prime Minister Modi over the NEET UG paper leak, accusing him of personally supervising the exam's integrity. This follows the Centre's assurance to the Supreme Court about the upcoming re-examination. The apex court expressed concern for students, while the NTA detailed extensive security reforms and new safeguards implemented to prevent future irregularities.

Doval and Patrushev assessed the status of proposals discussed during Patrushev's visit to New Delhi in November 2025. Their discussions focused on expanding cooperation in maritime connectivity, shipbuilding, defence collaboration, and the training of sailors for operations in polar waters.

RSS Prachar Pramukh Sunil Ambekar downplayed concerns about the satirical «Cockroach Janata Party» (CJP), stating that open debate and differing views are normal in a democratic society. He emphasized India's aware populace, transparent elections, free media, and active public discourse, asserting that institutions and political parties are capable of handling such discussions independently.

Pitch Amid Weak Rains Prediction

Varsities Cite Phased Pilots As Safer Way

AIMIM chief Asaduddin Owaisi criticized what he termed a double standard regarding religious practices, stating that if offering namaz on roads is deemed wrong, then restrictions should apply equally to all faiths, citing Article 25 of the Constitution. He questioned why objections are raised against Muslim prayers but not religious processions of other communities.

Rainfall Pegged At 90% Amid El Nino Shadow

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Kerala tops, Flap OPP

Karnataka's next Chief Minister, DK Shivakumar, is predicted by his astrologer to hold the top post for an extended period. Dwarkanath, who advises Shivakumar, revealed he provided three auspicious dates for the swearing-in ceremony. The astrologer also confidently stated Shivakumar will secure a victory in the 2028 elections, solidifying his long tenure and bringing prosperity to the state.