Punjab and Haryana HC has ordered a disability pension for the legal heirs of a soldier discharged due to neurosis from recurring nightmares after his lover's suicide. The soldier, invalided out in 1979, had moved HC in 2020 and passed away in 2021. Military authorities are directed to release benefits within three months.

A special NIA court in Bengaluru has sentenced Dr Syed Ismail Afaq to life imprisonment and two associates, Abdul Sabur and Saddam Hussain, to 10 years in jail for planning terror activities, including serial blasts ahead of US president Barack Obama's 2015 visit. Convicts are from Bhatkal, Karnataka, and were arrested by CCB sleuths.

The death toll from the LPG tanker accident on Jaipur-Ajmer national highway increased to 18, following the deaths of three additional burn victims, including a BEd student and two truck drivers. Fourteen patients remain in treatment at SMS Hospital, with one person being discharged.

Leaders of the National Democratic Alliance, including Amit Shah and Chandrababu Naidu, met in Delhi to counter Congress' criticism of Shah's Ambedkar remark. They emphasized good governance and people's welfare, reaffirmed unity in upcoming elections, and discussed Vajpayee's legacy and future strategies.

Life in Katra, Jammu, gets disrupted as Shri Mata Vaishno Devi Sangharsh Samiti leads a 72-hour shutdown, protesting the proposed ropeway project. The agitators argue that the project threatens local livelihoods and traditional pilgrimage practices. Despite police intervention and detentions, the strike continues, with support from BJP and Congress factions.

Police in Maharashtra arrested four men after a 17-year-old girl, who ran away due to academic pressure, alleged she was raped by them under the guise of offering help. The girl, a NEET aspirant, travelled to four different places where the incidents occurred. The Pocso Act has been invoked against the suspects.

Shankaracharya Swami Avimukteshwaranand Saraswati assured a group of Bangladeshi Hindus of raising their concerns about religious persecution with the Indian government. The Shankaracharya criticized RSS chief Mohan Bhagwat's statements on Hindu leadership issues. Uttar Pradesh has seen multiple temple-mosque disputes and RSS's Bhagwat expressed concern over the resurgence of such conflicts, advocating for a harmonious and inclusive society.

Union home minister Amit Shah inaugurates 10,000 multipurpose Primary Agriculture Credit Societies under an ambitious plan to create 2 lakh such societies nationwide in five years. These societies will support diverse activities and provide essential resources to farmers, promoting financial inclusion and global market integration.

Senior civil servant Arunish Chawla, currently the pharmaceuticals secretary, is appointed as the new revenue secretary. Amit Agrawal will succeed Chawla. Vineet Joshi is selected as the higher education secretary. The reorganisation also includes key shifts like Sanjay Sethi heading the national commission for minorities and Rachna Shah leading the department of personnel and training.

Film producer Dil Raju announced a meeting with Telangana CM Revanth Reddy to discuss support for the victims of the Pushpa 2 premiere stampede. Raju visited KIMS Hospital to check on eight-year-old Sri Tej, who is recovering. Actor Allu Arjun and his team provided financial aid, and long-term support plans are being formulated.

Ghaziabad Police arrested Rohit from Moradabad for spreading fake news about Union Home Minister Amit Shah's 'demise' on social media. The arrest followed an FIR lodged by BJP office-bearer Anil Sharma. Legal proceedings have been initiated, and further investigations are underway. Rohit admitted to posting the false news to gain followers.

Manipur CM N Biren Singh emphasized the BJP's commitment to unity and peace in the state amidst ethnic violence. He highlighted government efforts to aid internally displaced people and urged calm between communities. Singh asserted that only BJP's dedication to nationalism and social justice could save Manipur, referencing various inclusive projects like the Unity Mall.

Cow vigilantes and Indore municipal employees clashed during an anti-encroachment drive to remove a 30-year-old cow shelter. Several municipal vehicles were damaged, and both sides allegedly engaged in violence. Local Bajrang Dal members protested the treatment of cows during relocation, and police are awaiting complaints to investigate the incident.

Salman Rushdie's banned book «The Satanic Verses» is now available in limited stock at a Delhi bookstore. The ban, imposed in 1988, ended as the Delhi High Court noted the absence of the notification. Rushdie's controversial novel remains highly debated globally, and its release has reignited discussions on free speech and artistic expression.

The Supreme Court has restricted the Enforcement Directorate from accessing or copying content from electronic devices seized from Santiago Martin and his associates. The decision could impact investigative agencies' policies on confiscating digital devices. The case involves Martin's company allegedly monopolizing the lottery business in Meghalaya.

A man attempted suicide near the Parliament building in New Delhi by setting himself on fire. He has been hospitalized at RML Hospital. Delhi police identified the man as Jitendra from Uttar Pradesh. The incident is suspected to be related to personal enmity. An investigation is ongoing.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi criticized Congress-led governments for delaying development projects and neglecting water conservation, while emphasizing BJP's initiatives like the PM Kisan Samman Nidhi Yojana and river-linking projects. He highlighted the lasting impact of former PM Atal Bihari Vajpayee's vision, particularly in rural development, and praised BJP's governance as trusted by the people.

Actor Allu Arjun has decided to offer Rs 2 crore to the child injured in the Sandhya Theatre stampede during the premier show of 'Pushpa 2'. Allu Arjun, his producers, and the director collectively provided the amount to support the child and his family, with the boy reportedly recovering.

The Congress party's camaraderie with AAP during the Delhi Lok Sabha polls has turned to rivalry, with Congress leader Ajay Maken criticizing the alliance as a mistake. Maken condemned Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal, describing him as 'Farziwal' for failing to establish the Janlokpal anti-corruption ombudsman and for the plight of Delhi under AAP's rule.

This meeting is being held to ensure better coordination among the alliance partners.

Boosting India's blue-water combat, the Navy will commission two indigenous warships and a submarine in the coming month, bolstering capabilities to counter China's influence. This includes the AI-enabled destroyer Surat, stealth frigate Nilgiri, and submarine Vagsheer, all equipped with advanced sensors and weaponry for enhanced operational readiness.

Arvind Kejriwal alleges plans to arrest CM Atishi and senior AAP leaders in fake cases before the Delhi elections. He claims two new schemes by the AAP government have rattled BJP. BJP accuses AAP of making false promises and misleading the public. They warned against sharing personal data with AAP.

The Enforcement Directorate is investigating allegations of certain Canadian colleges and Indian entities involved in money laundering and human trafficking. The probe follows the death of an Indian family attempting to cross the Canada-US border. Authorities uncovered a network facilitating illegal immigration under the guise of academic admissions.

President Droupadi Murmu, PM Narendra Modi, and other BJP leaders honored Atal Bihari Vajpayee on his 100th birth anniversary at 'Sadaiv Atal'. The BJP commemorated the day as 'Good Governance Day' to celebrate Vajpayee's contributions to India, who served thrice as Prime Minister and was a Bharat Ratna awardee.

Aam Aadmi Party released an AI-generated video of Arvind Kejriwal as Santa Claus giving welfare schemes. The schemes include monthly monetary support for women, free healthcare for the elderly, and free bus rides. Kejriwal also announced an insurance scheme for auto drivers. These initiatives are promised for the upcoming 2025 Delhi Legislative Assembly election.

Telangana Congress MLA R Bhoopathi Reddy warned actor Allu Arjun against criticizing Chief Minister Revanth Reddy, hinting at a ban on his films in the state. This comes after a stampede at a theatre screening his film led to fatalities, with Allu Arjun denying any wrongful actions.

The BJP accuses AAP of aiding illegal Rohingya and Bangladeshi immigrants in Delhi by providing them with official documents to use them as a vote bank. AAP leaders, including Arvind Kejriwal, refute these claims, alleging BJP's attempts to manipulate votes. Delhi Police recently arrested 11 individuals related to illegal immigration.

Today marks the 100th birth anniversary of former Prime Minister Atal Bihari Vajpayee. Celebrated for his effective governance, he played a crucial role in India's technological and infrastructural advancements. His leadership is remembered for the Pokhran nuclear tests, pushing for economic growth, and bolstering education. Vajpayee's deep cultural roots and literary contributions continue to inspire.