Sarla Maheshwari, one of the most recognisable faces of Doordarshan’s retro era, passed away on Thursday. Maheshwari became a household name during the 1980s and 1990s, when Doordarshan dominated the television news space in India. For nearly three decades, from 1976 until 2005, she delivered Hindi news bulletins with composure and clarity, earning admiration for her measured tone and flawless diction.

BJP MP Nishikant Dubey has moved a motion in the Lok Sabha seeking termination of Rahul Gandhi's parliamentary membership and a lifetime ban from elections, accusing him of misleading the nation with «anti-India forces.» The motion follows Gandhi's speech alleging the Centre compromised national interests by allowing the US to weaponize energy and financial systems.

Jamiat Ulama-i-Hind president Arshad Madani criticised the Union Government's mandate to sing all six stanzas of 'Vande Mataram' in schools and official functions. He stated the decision infringes on religious freedom and minority rights, as some verses contradict monotheistic beliefs. Madani argued the move reflects electoral politics and a sectarian agenda rather than patriotism.

Karnataka Deputy Chief Minister DK Shivakumar has dismissed speculation about a leadership change, stating no discussions on the chief ministerial post occurred during his meetings with Congress leaders. He emphasized the party's focus on its broader vision and goals, with senior leaders to make decisions at an opportune time.

The Supreme Court reprimanded Congress MP Jairam Ramesh for challenging an Office Memorandum that implemented the apex court's judgment on retrospective environmental clearances. The bench warned of exemplary costs, stating the challenge was effectively against the judgment itself. Ramesh subsequently withdrew his plea.

A UN Security Council report has implicated Jaish-e-Mohammed in a car bombing near Delhi's Red Fort last November, which claimed 15 lives. The outfit's leader, Masood Azhar, reportedly established a women's wing to aid terror attacks. Investigations into the incident revealed a 'white-collar' terror module, leading to several arrests.

Rahul Gandhi voiced support for nationwide worker and farmer protests against government policies, citing concerns over labour codes, trade agreements, and MGNREGA. Ten trade unions and the Samyukta Kisan Morcha called for an all-India strike on Thursday to oppose these measures and demand policy changes.

Over 10 central trade unions, farmer organisations, and Left parties called for a 12-hour Bharat Bandh on Thursday, protesting against the Centre's alleged anti-worker, anti-farmer, and pro-corporate policies. The strike, supported by the Samyukt Kisan Morcha, aimed to oppose new labor codes, the Indo-US trade agreement, and changes to MGNREGA, with an estimated 30 crore workers participating across India.

Bangladesh votes Thursday in an election with significant implications for India. With Sheikh Hasina out, India hopes the frontrunner BNP can reset ties, despite historical friction. A tight contest is expected between the BNP alliance and a bloc led by Jamaat-e-Islami. India also eyes a constitutional referendum and key security concerns, including insurgent groups and Chinese influence.

Jammu and Kashmir assembly proceedings were disrupted after Chief Minister Omar Abdullah's remarks about BJP legislators being «shoe-beaten» by Union Home Minister Amit Shah. Opposition members protested and walked out, demanding an apology from Abdullah, who refused, stating his comments targeted the legislators and not individuals.

Delhi Chief Minister Rekha Gupta disbursed financial aid to 15,700 construction workers' children, totaling Rs 12.40 crore, to support their education. This initiative, marking the BJP government's first anniversary, offers monthly assistance ranging from Rs 500 to Rs 10,000 based on educational levels. The government also highlighted other welfare schemes and development projects.

Nearly one-third of faculty positions across India's AIIMS are vacant, with both older and newer institutes facing significant staffing gaps. Non-faculty positions are also severely understaffed, raising concerns about the pace of recruitment matching infrastructure and patient demand growth.

Within the Commission itself, out of 33 sanctioned posts — comprising the Chairman, ex-officio members and part-time members — 28 are in position. The Secretary’s post is filled. However, vacancies are more visible across the autonomous boards responsible for regulating undergraduate and postgraduate medical education, medical assessment and accreditation, and ethics and medical registration.

«I want to remind you that today, during the Parliament session, my name was mentioned in the context of some developments elsewhere—the Epstein files. I just want to share some information... I want to clarify that these facts are all public,» Puri said at a press conference. Puri said the meetings took place before he joined the Union Cabinet in 2017 and are already in the public domain.

Rahul Gandhi accused the Centre of «selling out Bharat Mata» and compromising India's energy security and farmers' interests through an interim trade deal with the US. He alleged the deal amounted to a «wholesale surrender,» with the US dictating India's oil purchases and monitoring its finances. Gandhi's claims were met with objections from treasury bench MPs.

Indian migration to the UK, spanning four distinct waves since 1947, has profoundly shaped the nation's economy. From filling post-war labor gaps and revitalizing local economies through entrepreneurship, to contributing significantly to the tech sector and addressing critical skills shortages today, the diaspora's economic impact is undeniable and continues to be strategically vital.

Tehri Garhwal district magistrate Nitika Khandelwal has reviewed preparations for the upcoming Tehri Lake Festival, directing officials on land use and arrangements. The event will feature competitions like Master Chef Tehri, photography, rap, and a fashion show, alongside adventure activities such as rafting, paragliding, and water sports.

Solicitor General Tushar Mehta made the submission before a bench of Justices Aravind Kumar and PB Varale in response to the Supreme Court’s earlier query, asking the authorities to consider Wangchuk’s release on medical grounds over his deteriorating health issue. SC had earlier directed authorities to conduct Wangchuk’s medical examination by a specialised doctor and file a report before it.