Newssies

During a meeting with Polish Foreign Minister Radoslaw Sikorski, India’s External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar emphasized the need for Poland to take a firm stance against terrorism rather than supporting terrorist networks in India’s vicinity. Poland has been actively seeking to enhance its trade, defense, and energy relations with Pakistan, with Sikorski having visited Islamabad in October of the previous year to advance bilateral cooperation. Jaishankar, familiar with the region and its challenges related to cross-border terrorism, conveyed that Poland should adopt a zero-tolerance policy toward terrorism.

As per a report in TOI, the discussions also highlighted India’s disagreements with certain European nations over the Russia-Ukraine conflict. Jaishankar pointed out that India has been unfairly singled out regarding its position on Ukraine. When Sikorski suggested that Jaishankar might have been referring to trade tariffs imposed during the Trump administration, the Indian minister clarified that the selective criticism extended beyond tariffs.

Poland is among the European countries that have openly criticized India’s stance on the Ukraine war and its trade relations with Russia. India has countered these criticisms by highlighting what it describes as double standards, noting that the European Union continues to engage in trade with Russia involving energy, fertilizers, and other commodities. Jaishankar reiterated these points during his opening remarks, stating that he has previously expressed India’s views on the Ukraine conflict and the unfairness of selective targeting at international forums in New York and Paris.

Additionally, on the preceding Sunday, the Polish leader made remarks in Jaipur criticizing Russian President Vladimir Putin, asserting that Russia cannot be trusted.

In a development amid tense India-Bangladesh relations, the Chinese ambassador to Bangladesh, Yao Wen, visited a site near the Siliguri corridor, also known as Chicken’s Neck, on Monday. This narrow 22-kilometer land strip connects India’s mainland to its Northeastern states. The visit was connected to a technical evaluation under the Teesta River Comprehensive Management and Restoration Project, according to the interim government led by Muhammad Yunus. Yunus’s previous remarks last year about expanding China’s economic influence and describing India’s Northeast as “landlocked” had sparked protests in Bangladesh targeting Indian diplomatic missions.

Water resources adviser Syeda Rizwana Hasan, who accompanied the ambassador to the project location in Rangpur’s Tepamadhupur Taluk Shahbazpur, stated that China is eager to begin implementing the Teesta Master Plan (TMP) promptly. She added that both Bangladesh and China are dedicated to carrying out the TMP, but since the project’s review is still ongoing, work cannot commence yet. The Teesta River is vital for agriculture and livelihoods in northern Bangladesh, while it holds equal importance for West Bengal in India. The water-sharing arrangement for the Teesta has been under negotiation for decades, with no final agreement reached due to concerns from the West Bengal government.

As per a report in TOI, following a meeting between Ambassador Yao and Bangladesh’s national security adviser Khalilur Rahman on Sunday, the press office of Chief Adviser Yunus posted on X that both parties exchanged views on mutual interests, reaffirming the longstanding friendship and development cooperation between Bangladesh and China. The discussions covered the Teesta River project and the proposed Bangladesh–China Friendship Hospital. The ambassador confirmed his visit to the Teesta project site and reiterated China’s commitment to completing the technical assessment swiftly.

The ambassador also expressed his government’s continued support for Bangladesh’s democratic transition and extended best wishes for the upcoming national elections. Yunus, appointed chief adviser in 2024, had previously called on China in 2025 to build robust economic infrastructure in Bangladesh, highlighting the country’s strategic role as the “only guardian of the ocean” in the region.

NEW DELHI: On Wednesday, a parliamentary committee deliberated on whether opposition parties, which have declined to participate in the panel formed to examine a bill focused on the “decriminalisation” of politics, should be invited to provide their opinions on the proposed legislation. The committee also discussed if the leader of the opposition could be removed from office under the bill’s provisions.

As per a report in TOI, Dinesh Maheshwari, chairperson of the Law Commission of India, was among the prominent individuals who presented their views to the Joint Committee of Parliament reviewing the Constitution (130th Amendment) Bill and two associated bills. These bills propose the removal from office of the Prime Minister, Chief Ministers, and ministers if they are detained for 30 days or more on serious criminal charges.

According to sources, a BJP Member of Parliament raised concerns about a situation where the ruling party might not appoint a replacement for the Prime Minister or Chief Ministers if they are removed due to detention. The MP suggested that amendments should be introduced to address this gap to prevent governance disruption, particularly during crises at the national or state level. The proposal included legally empowering the President or state governors to exercise discretion in appointing replacements if the ruling party fails to do so.

Most opposition parties, including the Congress, have refused to join the committee, which is chaired by BJP’s Aparajita Sarangi, criticizing the bill as unconstitutional and politically driven. The committee currently includes only two opposition MPs: Supriya Sule from the Nationalist Congress Party and Asaduddin Owaisi from AIMIM.

When one member proposed inviting opposition parties to share their views on the bill, several MPs questioned this, noting that the opposition had disregarded repeated invitations from Lok Sabha Speaker Om Birla to participate in the panel. Some members also raised questions about whether the leader of the opposition could be removed under the bill’s terms.

While leaders of opposition in Parliament and state assemblies receive certain government protocols, they are not part of the executive branch and thus are not covered by the current bill provisions.

Sources indicated that both Maheshwari and Sri Krishna Deva Rao, Vice Chancellor of the National Academy of Legal Studies and Research in Hyderabad, supported the bill’s objective of decriminalising politics, alongside various suggestions made by themselves and other committee members.

ISRO is scheduled to commence the year 2026 with the PSLV C62 launch on Monday, January 12, at 10:17 AM from the first launchpad at the Sriharikota spaceport. The mission will deploy the advanced earth observation satellite EOS-N1, also known as ‘Anvesha,’ which is designed to enhance India’s surveillance capabilities from space. As per a report in TOI, alongside EOS-N1, the PSLV will carry a total of 18 other satellites, including a European demonstrator satellite and various payloads from Indian and international organizations.

EOS-N1 is a hyperspectral imaging satellite developed mainly for the Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO). It can detect materials on the ground by capturing data across hundreds of wavelengths, making it a significant asset for national security and surveillance. The satellite is expected to support border security and contribute to applications such as agriculture, urban mapping, and environmental monitoring.

The secondary payloads include Europe’s Kestrel Initial Demonstrator (KID), which involves an experimental re-entry of a small capsule in partnership with a Spanish startup, with a planned splashdown in the South Pacific Ocean. Other payloads consist of cubesats from Indian startups and academic institutions, including OrbitAID’s AayulSAT, CV Raman Global University’s CGUSAT-1, Dhruva Space’s DA-1, Space Kidz India’s SR-2, Assam Don Bosco University’s Lachit-1, Akshath Aerospace’s Solaras-S4, and Dayanand Sagar University’s DSAT-1.

Bengaluru-based startup OrbitAID Aerospace will debut AayulSAT, India’s first satellite refuelling payload designed to extend satellite operational life by enabling in-orbit refuelling and servicing, addressing issues related to space debris and sustainability.

This PSLV C62 mission also marks a return for the PSLV program after the PSLV-C61 mission in May 2025 failed to place the EOS-09 earth observation satellite into its intended sun-synchronous polar orbit. The failure was caused by a technical problem in the rocket’s third stage, specifically a drop in chamber pressure, although the first two stages functioned as expected.

NEW DELHI: The National Medical Commission (NMC) has approved approximately 450 additional postgraduate (PG) medical seats for the 2025–26 academic session through its appeal mechanism. As per a report in TOI, the commission has also implemented a non-refundable one-time registration charge of Rs 2 lakh plus 18% GST for institutions aiming to establish new MBBS colleges or expand undergraduate seats starting from the 2026–27 academic year. Additionally, the previous restriction limiting applications for an increase of up to 100 MBBS seats at a time has been removed.

Dr M K Ramesh, president of the Medical Assessment and Rating Board (MARB), stated that the approvals granted by the first appeal committee for PG seats are cumulative and ongoing. Earlier notifications mentioned 171 and then 262 additional seats, but the total number cleared through appeals has now reached around 450, with the possibility of further increments.

These extra PG seats, generally small increases of one to four seats per program, cover high-demand specialties such as general medicine, radiodiagnosis, dermatology, paediatrics, orthopaedics, obstetrics and gynaecology, psychiatry, and general surgery across medical colleges nationwide. Most of the new seats have been allocated to private medical colleges, although some government institutions are also included according to the available list.

The MARB has instructed counselling authorities to incorporate the newly approved PG seats without waiting for individual Letters of Permission (LoPs), accepting the consolidated list published on the NMC website as an official document for counselling purposes. Officials noted that publishing the consolidated appeal approvals online was introduced to expedite admissions and enhance transparency.

Separately, the NMC has introduced a one-time, non-refundable registration fee of Rs 2 lakh plus 18% GST for institutions applying to start new MBBS colleges or increase undergraduate seats from the 2026–27 academic year onward. Dr Ramesh explained that this fee is intended to ensure genuine commitment and accountability, emphasizing that establishing a medical college should not be treated as a routine business decision.

He clarified that this registration fee is distinct from the existing application fee of Rs 5 lakh for 50 MBBS seats, which increases with higher intake, and only partially covers the expenses related to inspections, including travel and accommodation for three to five assessors conducting multi-day evaluations. The fee applies equally to both government and private colleges, generates a unique registration number for tracking applications, and must be paid again only if an institution reapplies in a subsequent academic year, as reapplications within the same year are not allowed.

Regarding MBBS seat expansion, Dr Ramesh noted that the previous cap restricting applications to a maximum increase of 100 MBBS seats at a time was removed because it lacked explicit support in existing regulations and could not be legally upheld. Although the cap aimed to prevent sudden large increases from 50 to 250 seats, it was withdrawn after being found unsupported by law. New medical colleges may apply for up to 150 MBBS seats, while existing colleges with 150 seats can seek expansion up to 250 seats, with applications evaluated on an all-or-nothing basis. Inspections will be intensified for institutions requesting substantial single-cycle expansions.

CHENNAI: The Income Tax Department revealed on Thursday that it identified tax evasion exceeding Rs 1,000 crore and found an unexplained Rs 250 crore investment in a Switzerland-based pharmaceutical company amid ongoing search operations at Refex Group and its related entities. The searches, initiated on Tuesday by the Income Tax Department’s investigation directorate in Chennai, targeted Refex Industries Ltd — the group’s main company involved in refrigerant gases, ash handling, power trading, and solar power — along with financiers, hawala operators, and jewellery businesses connected to the promoters.

As per a report in TOI, officials disclosed that the searches uncovered Rs 1,112 crore in fake purchases, primarily linked to coal procurement and ash-handling contracts. It was also discovered that Refex Industries received Rs 382.68 crore in equity contributions from 53 individuals and entities, including 15 non-filers and 37 who did not report these transactions in their tax returns. Many contributors were employees or associates of the promoters, suggesting that the investments may involve unexplained funds routed through benami entities.

Documents seized during the operation indicated the group’s US$30 million investment in Swiss pharmaceutical company Astro Viz, the origin of which is under investigation. Investigators also noted Rs 115 crore invested in DN Energy Ltd, funds that were allegedly diverted shortly after being credited. The department found that the promoter established shell companies in the name of his driver, through which Rs 8.5 crore in cash deposits and over Rs 200 crore in transactions were processed.

Officials further reported significant expenditures by the promoter, including Rs 37 crore on a private jet, Rs 10 crore on luxury vehicles, and Rs 4 crore on high-end watches. Concurrently, searches were conducted on financier Rajesh Surana, who is said to have advanced Rs 312 crore to Aradhya Infra, which subsequently lent the money further. The involvement of hawala operators facilitating over Rs 10 crore through illegal non-banking channels is also being investigated.

To date, the department has identified more than Rs 1,000 crore in undisclosed income and recovered Rs 70 crore in unaccounted cash, gold, and silver. The investigation remains ongoing.

In a statement issued Thursday, Refex Group said it is cooperating fully with authorities to ensure the process is completed smoothly and transparently, adding that its business operations continue as usual. The company emphasized its commitment to legal compliance, ethical conduct, and regulatory transparency, and urged stakeholders and the public to refrain from relying on or spreading unverified information unless officially confirmed by competent authorities.

BATHINDA: On Tuesday, the Vande Bharat Express traveling from Ferozepur to Delhi was stopped for over 20 minutes near Goniana railway station following a protest by daily commuters. The group halted the high-speed train in response to repeated unscheduled delays caused by a local passenger train being held longer than usual to allow the express train to pass.

The local passenger train, numbered 54562, operates between Ferozepur and Bathinda, covering approximately 90 kilometers. It typically arrives at Goniana station at 8:33 am, departs at 8:35 am, and reaches Bathinda by 9 am, a schedule that suits many daily travelers commuting to work. As per a report in TOI, commuters reported experiencing frequent delays since the Vande Bharat service commenced about a month ago, as the passenger train was being stopped for extended periods.

Commuters expressed frustration over the delays, stating that they had been arriving late to their workplaces for nearly a month. They had issued a warning to railway officials, setting December 9 as a deadline to address the timing issues.

The Government Railway Police (GRP) and Railway Protection Force (RPF) are currently examining video recordings of the incident and considering taking action against those involved in the protest, which authorities described as an unlawful interruption of train operations.

Railway officials acknowledged receiving complaints regarding the persistent delays of the passenger train and said these concerns were being communicated to senior management. Bathinda DSP Pritpal Singh confirmed that the railway forces are reviewing footage to identify the protesters and that appropriate measures will be implemented.

NEW DELHI: The Supreme Court has initiated the next phase in the passive euthanasia process concerning 31-year-old Harish Rana, who has been in a permanent vegetative state with complete disability for 13 years. A medical panel of four specialists informed the court about Harish’s condition and the minimal likelihood of recovery. The court directed the director of AIIMS Delhi to form a secondary medical board, following the procedure established by the Supreme Court in 2018 and updated in 2023, to review the euthanasia plea filed by Harish’s father, Ashok Rana.

Reviewing the primary medical board’s report from Noida District Hospital, the bench comprising Justices J B Pardiwala and K V Viswanathan observed that there is no prospect of improvement. The report described Harish as bedridden with a tracheostomy tube for breathing and a gastrostomy tube for feeding, along with significant bed sores. The doctors concluded that his chances of recovery are negligible and that he has remained in this vegetative state for 13 years. The court stated that under these circumstances, the process should move forward.

As per a report in TOI, the Supreme Court’s guidelines require the formation of a secondary medical board after the primary board approves the withdrawal of artificial life support. This secondary board must include one registered medical practitioner nominated by the district’s chief medical officer and at least two specialists with a minimum of five years’ experience in the relevant field. Although advocate Rashmi Nandakumar, representing the petitioner, argued that a secondary board was unnecessary since the CMO was part of the primary board, the court decided to follow the established procedure.

The court requested the AIIMS director to constitute the secondary board and submit a report by December 17, with the matter scheduled for further hearing on December 18. The bench concluded the hearing by stating, “We will have to do something now. We can’t allow him to live like this. That’s for sure.”

This case marks the first instance where the court will oversee the euthanasia process since the Supreme Court set guidelines allowing passive euthanasia. In 2018, the court legalized passive euthanasia by permitting the withdrawal of life support for terminally ill patients and recognized the “right to die with dignity” as part of the fundamental right to life. The 2023 modification simplified the procedure by establishing a two-tier medical board system and allowed family members to approach the relevant high court if euthanasia is denied.

Harish Rana sustained his injury after falling from the fourth floor of his paying guest accommodation on August 20, 2013, while studying for a B Tech degree at Punjab University. Despite treatment at multiple hospitals, his condition did not improve. His father initially approached the Delhi High Court, which declined to refer the case to a primary medical board. Challenging this decision, Ashok Rana argued that Harish’s current state violates his fundamental right to dignity and that the high court failed to follow the Supreme Court’s guidelines.

Bengaluru: The Army Service Corps (ASC), recognized as the oldest and one of the largest logistical branches of the Indian Army, observed its 265th Corps Day at the ASC Centre and College in Bengaluru on Monday. The event was marked by acts of remembrance and tribute.

As per a report in TOI, the Corps was established in 1760 and has played a role in every significant military operation involving Indian forces. Over time, its responsibilities have evolved from managing traditional supply chains to operating a modern logistics network that supports missions in diverse environments such as high-altitude areas, deserts, forests, and active combat zones, according to a statement from the Ministry of Defence.

Prior to India’s independence, ASC personnel were awarded four Distinguished Service Orders and 25 Military Crosses. Since 1947, members of the Corps have received numerous honors, including a Padma Bhushan, a Padma Shri, a Maha Vir Chakra, 14 Vir Chakras, five Kirti Chakras, 24 Shaurya Chakras, and 148 Sena Medals.

The day’s proceedings commenced with a wreath-laying ceremony at the war memorial located on the campus. Lieutenant General JK Gera, Commandant of the ASC Centre and College, led officers and personnel in paying homage to those who lost their lives in service. He emphasized that the occasion served as a reminder of the Corps’ responsibility to uphold high standards of service and innovation to meet the Army’s changing logistical demands.

A separate event took place at the Animal Transport Memorial to honor the animals and their handlers who served in mountain and frontier posts. These units provided supplies to remote locations before the advent of modern transportation, often operating under difficult and dangerous conditions.

In his remarks, the Commandant extended greetings to active personnel, veterans, and their families, highlighting the Corps’ emphasis on efficiency, training, and preparedness. He noted that the ASC’s strength is rooted in its capacity to integrate new technologies while maintaining dependable support for field units and humanitarian efforts.

The Corps Day celebrations concluded with a reaffirmation of the ASC’s enduring motto, “Seva Asmakam Dharma,” underscoring its dedication to service and support throughout the Army.

New Delhi: On Monday, India and Australia enhanced their cooperation in education and skill development, with the University of New South Wales (UNSW), ranked among the top 20 globally, receiving a Letter of Intent to open a campus in India. This makes UNSW the fifth Australian university to obtain such approval. As per a report in TOI, the two countries also approved funding of Rs 9.84 crore under the Scheme for Promotion of Academic and Research Collaboration (SPARC) to support 10 new joint research initiatives in areas including advanced computing, sustainability, healthcare, and space.

These developments were announced during the third meeting of the Australia-India Education and Skills Council (AIESC), co-chaired by Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan and Australian Education Minister Jason Clare. Skill Development Minister Jayant Chaudhary and Australia’s Skills and Training Minister Andrew Giles were also in attendance. Following the meeting, Pradhan held bilateral discussions with Clare and Australian Assistant Minister for International Education Julian Hill.

A significant topic at the meeting was the integration of sports within school and higher education systems, as well as early childhood education and care (ECCE). Pradhan emphasized the importance of exploring opportunities for sports collaboration at both school and collegiate levels, facilitating student exchanges to experience each country’s sports environment. The two sides agreed to align the Central Board of Secondary Education’s (CBSE) early childhood curriculum with Australia’s Certificate III in Early Childhood Education to enhance teacher training, curriculum development, and workforce growth.

The Letter of Intent to UNSW was presented by Higher Education Secretary Vineet Joshi under the University Grants Commission’s 2023 regulations concerning foreign university campuses. UNSW joins La Trobe University, Victoria University, Western Sydney University, and the University of Western Australia, which had previously received similar approvals.

Under the SPARC initiative, the 10 joint research projects will involve Indian institutions such as IIT Kharagpur, BITS Pilani, VIT Vellore, NIT Trichy, and NIT Surathkal collaborating with Australian universities including Melbourne, Queensland, Monash, UNSW, and UWA. These projects cover fields like energy and climate, healthcare and medical technology, smart materials, and space and defense technologies.

Additionally, multiple Memorandums of Understanding (MoUs) were signed during the day in sectors such as agricultural technology innovation, marine sciences, disaster resilience, global job readiness, mining, and large-scale teacher training.