The Archaeological Survey of India (ASI) faces criticism for investigating historical mosques' origins, raising debates on its role in religious disputes. While court orders drive these surveys, experts emphasize the importance of preserving cultural heritage without political influence.

The article highlights the growing acceptance of men's makeup in India, driven by initiatives such as Yaan Man's launch and social media influence. Despite initial skepticism, the market for male grooming products is expanding, with increasing demand for items like concealers and tinted moisturizers.

Darshana Sreedhar Mini explores Kerala's adult film industry during the '90s and 2000s in her book. The soft porn cinema rise was fueled by financial crises in mainstream cinema, but oversaturation led to its decline. Starlets like Shakeela became synonymous with the genre, although their careers in mainstream cinema suffered as a result.

A Hindi teacher at Bhavans Rajaji Vidyashram School in Chennai was suspended for hitting and threatening a student who failed to recite a Hindi poem. The incident prompted the school administration to take action following a complaint from the student's parents. The Central Board of Secondary Education (CBSE) enforces a strict policy against teacher violence. Authorities are currently investigating the situation.

During the 119th episode of 'Mann Ki Baat', PM Narendra Modi celebrated Isro's 100th rocket launch, emphasizing the nation's resolve in space achievements and growing women's participation. He encouraged spending National Science Day with a scientific focus to spark curiosity among youth and highlighted India's advancements in AI.

Shashi Tharoor, a prominent Congress MP, has shown signs of growing dissatisfaction with the party, citing a leadership gap in Kerala Congress and seeking clarity on his role. Despite this, Kerala Congress leaders believe Tharoor will stay with the party. Tharoor has expressed interest in the chief minister role if Congress wins the Kerala assembly elections.

The law ministry has withdrawn the draft Advocates (Amendment) Bill, 2025 from public consultation after facing threats of protests from lawyers' bodies. The bill proposed disciplinary actions, including revoking licenses for disrupting court proceedings, and allowed foreign law firms to practice in India.

Chief Minister M K Stalin has criticized the Union government for the Advocates Amendment Bill 2025, claiming it threatens the legal profession's autonomy. Although withdrawn due to protests, Stalin urges its total withdrawal and accuses BJP of undermining Tamil identity and judicial independence. He also mentioned that TN’s population control work puts it at a disadvantage in the delimitation exercise, affirming rejection of the three language policy.

Delhi CM Rekha Gupta assured that despite the empty state coffers left by the previous AAP government, the BJP is committed to implementing the Rs 2,500-per month honorarium scheme for eligible women. Approximately 38 lakh women could benefit from this scheme, which is projected to cost over Rs 11,000 crore annually. The assembly session will prioritize development projects and address misuse of funds in previous reports.

Atishi, former CM and MLA of Kalkaji, was elected as the leader of opposition in Delhi assembly by consensus. This marks the first time in any Indian state that both the CM and LoP are women. Atishi emphasized AAP's commitment to ensuring BJP fulfills its promises, including financial support for women.

India has been implementing seven projects worth $750 million in collaboration with USAID. The focus is on agriculture, climate adaptation, water and sanitation, renewable energy, health, and disaster management. Ongoing since 1951, USAID has provided $17 billion over 73 years for 555 projects across multiple sectors.

Union agriculture minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan experienced discomfort on an Air India flight due to a sunken seat. Engineers clarified the seat was not broken but had lean cushioning. Chouhan criticized the airline for unethical practices, sparking an apology from Air India.

A group of 12 undocumented Indian immigrants deported from the US to Panama reached Delhi, facilitated by the International Organisation for Migration. This comes after the deportation of 332 others to Amritsar earlier this month. Cases have been registered against travel agents responsible for illegal facilitation.

Congress has accused BJP of spreading fake news by claiming that USAID funds intended for India were used for voter turnout. They also criticized BJP for remaining silent on US President Trump and Elon Musk's insults towards India to secure a pardon for Adani, who faces cases in America.

Maharashtra's Aveo Pharmaceuticals was raided by state and central drug inspectors following a BBC documentary exposing their illegal export of unlicensed, addictive opioid pills to West Africa, leading to halted production and seized inventory. Authorities issued stricter export and manufacturing directives in response.

PM Narendra Modi urged Indians to reduce their monthly edible oil consumption by 10% to combat obesity, highlighting its role in causing health issues. He shared messages from Olympic medallist Neeraj Chopra and boxer Nikhat Zareen, who emphasized the importance of a healthy diet and reduced oil use for better health and athletic performance.

BJP MP Praveen Khandelwal has countered Congress leader Rashid Alvi's criticism of the India vs Pakistan Champions Trophy match, emphasizing the separation of politics and sports. Alvi questioned the government's consent for the match with a country tied to terrorism, but Khandelwal expressed confidence in the Indian team's success.

Congressman Shashi Tharoor declined to comment on internal party criticism about his praise for Kerala's LDF government and PM Modi. He diverted attention to the India-Pakistan cricket match. Tharoor shared concerns about Congress's electoral prospects in Kerala, suggesting a leadership vacuum and hinting at alternative career options if not required by the party.

In rural Bihar, women have become agri-entrepreneurs, supporting farmers with climate-resilient farming techniques and sustainable practices. Initiatives like drone-based irrigation and organic fertilisers are transforming communities, helped by the state-level JEEVIKA programme which has reached thousands of farmers.

Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan urged Tamil Nadu to implement the three-language formula to ensure educational equality. Following this Tamil Nadu CM Stalin claimed that the BJP was using the NEP not to improve education but to secretly push Hindi. The three-language formula is a policy that encourages students in India to learn three languages: their mother tongue, Hindi, and English.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi criticized opposition leaders for their recent remarks on the Maha Kumbh, accusing them of attacking Hindu faith and culture. He emphasized the grandeur and unifying nature of the event, countering comments by West Bengal CM Mamata Banerjee and Congress president Mallikarjun Kharge.

Tamil Nadu Chief Minister M K Stalin has raised alarms over the potential reduction of the state's Parliamentary seats due to successful family planning measures. He stressed the importance of managing family size, attributing Tamil Nadu's effective adherence to these measures as a reason for the proposed delimitation.

US President Trump criticized USAID's $18 million funding to aid India's elections, questioning why such efforts aren’t made to boost voter turnout in the US. Trump also raised concerns about high tariffs on US goods and alleged misuse of funds in other countries like Bangladesh and Nepal.

Prime Minister Modi celebrated India's space achievements during his 'Mann Ki Baat' address, highlighting ISRO's 100th rocket launch and other milestones. He also announced that inspiring women will take over his social media accounts on National Women's Day and encouraged celebrating National Science Day by visiting research labs.

President Trump commented on a purported $21 million USAID allocation to boost voter turnout in India, suggesting potential interference. He previously implied this was a kickback during the Biden administration. Trump's claims are often marked by exaggerations and misleading information, including about India's trade surplus.

External affairs minister S Jaishankar addressed concerns regarding statements by the Trump administration suggesting foreign interference in Indian elections, with US President Trump questioning USAID's $21 million allotment to boost voter turnout. Jaishankar assured that the government is investigating the issue and stressed the need for transparency if any wrongdoing is discovered.