Minister Nityanand Rai informed Parliament that there is no central data on casualties during the Maha Kumbh Mela stampede in Prayagraj, as religious congregation management is a state matter. He emphasized that crowd control and disaster response fall under state jurisdiction, and states are responsible for inquiries and assistance related to such incidents.

British Airways introduces an in-person service in local languages for Indian customers traveling to London. The free 'meet and assist' service, available in Hindi, Punjabi, Telugu, and Tamil, helps passengers with check-in, airport navigation, boarding, and transit at London Heathrow. This initiative aims to enhance accessibility and improve customer experience on BA flights from five Indian cities.

The Election Commission of India (ECI) expressed willingness to consider the demand for publishing booth-wise voter turnout data online during a Supreme Court hearing. The petitioners, TMC MP Mahua Moitra and Association for Democratic Reforms, have 10 days to make representations before the ECI. The ECI aims to address discrepancies in voter turnout data, ensuring transparency.

Maharashtra CM Devendra Fadnavis attributed recent violence in Nagpur to heightened emotions from the Chhaava movie, which depicts Maratha history. Violence erupted after protests against Aurangzeb's tomb, leading to curfew and multiple injuries. Authorities are investigating the premeditated attacks and ensure the responsible parties face consequences. Deputy CM Eknath Shinde also highlighted concerns about targeted conspiracies.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi praised Prayagraj's Maha Kumbh 2025 as a significant milestone for India during his address to the Lok Sabha. He credited the people of India, UP, and Prayagraj for their contributions and thanked them for the event's grand success, highlighting the global recognition it brought to India.

US director of national intelligence Tulsi Gabbard clarified that President Trump's 'America First' policy does not equate to 'America alone' at the Raisina Dialogue in Delhi. She expressed optimism about the continued strengthening of the India-US relationship under the leadership of PM Modi and President Trump.

External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar questioned the consistency of global standards on sovereignty, political interference, and territorial integrity. At the Raisina Dialogue, he discussed historical injustices, particularly citing the Kashmir issue as an example, and called for a review of global governance frameworks to acknowledge evolving power dynamics.

Opposition and NC legislators in J&K assembly called for an inquiry into the mysterious deaths of two Gujjar brothers in Kulgam, alleging a pattern of unexplained deaths within the community. There were also accusations of police brutality against mourners demanding a fair investigation.

The Telangana assembly passed two landmark bills to hike reservations in education and jobs from 50% to 70%, surpassing the Supreme Court's quota cap. The decision received unanimous political support, expecting to back their constitutional amendment proposal with extensive survey data.

The Supreme Court raised concerns about lower courts denying bail in minor offences, despite completed investigations. They highlighted an increasing trend of such cases reaching the apex court. SC emphasized a need for a new bail law to ensure timely decisions, criticizing mechanical arrests and advocating for liberal grant of bail to protect personal liberty.

India and China expressed mutual interest in fostering cooperation and strengthening relations following positive discussions between PM Modi and President Xi Jinping. Both countries aim to implement the understandings reached during their October meeting in Kazan, emphasizing development, revitalization, and the overall progress of their civilizations.

US intelligence chief Tulsi Gabbard expressed concerns about persecution of minorities in Bangladesh and the global threat of Islamist terrorism. In a meeting with India's Defence Minister Rajnath Singh, she discussed the strategic security partnership and Singh urged the US to designate Sikhs For Justice as a terrorist organization.

Maharashtra CM Devendra Fadnavis warns of strict action against anyone attempting to glorify Mughal emperor Aurangzeb. This statement comes amid controversy over Congress leader Harshvardhan Sapkal comparing Fadnavis to Aurangzeb, which has sparked political uproar and demands for action against Sapkal.

The Supreme Court sought the government's response on a PIL demanding an independent procedure for appointing the CAG. The court questioned whether it should rewrite constitutional provisions granting the executive power to appoint the CAG, stressing the existing constitutional protections ensuring the auditor's independence.

India and New Zealand have bolstered their ties by enhancing defence and security collaborations, emphasizing a free Indo-Pacific region. Both nations expressed their commitment to combating terrorism and enhancing bilateral trade, while reiterating support for international law and a two-state solution for Gaza.

An ITBP constable shot and killed his senior colleague after an argument in Raipur, Chhattisgarh. The incident occurred at the ITBP battalion headquarters. The constable fired 20 rounds from his Insas rifle, which resulted in the death of the senior officer. A detailed investigation into the incident is currently underway.

The Telangana assembly passed two significant bills increasing reservations in education, government jobs, and self-governance from 50% to 70%. Proposing 42% for BCs, 18% for SCs, and 10% for STs, the legislation showcases political unity and aims for a constitutional amendment. Empirical data from a state-conducted survey backs this move, challenging the Supreme Court’s existing reservation cap.

Railway Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw highlighted significant improvements in railway safety, reducing accidents from an average of one per day to 30 annually. He also noted successful exports of locomotives and coaches, financial stability post-pandemic, and plans to increase the production of non-AC coaches.

SAD leader Bikram Singh Majithia appeared before the SIT in Patiala regarding a drug case against him. He was questioned about suspicious financial transactions linked to his and his family's firms. Majithia is summoned for further questioning, while efforts are ongoing to extradite three other accused from abroad.

Gamini, a South African female cheetah, and her four cubs were released into Kuno National Park, adding to the 17 cheetahs now in the wild, including 11 Indian-born cubs. With tourists receiving an improved opportunity to spot cheetahs on safari, MP CM Mohan Yadav highlighted this milestone in the cheetah reintroduction project.

Maha man, 55, kills leopard to save dog

Govardhan Dange, a farmer in Chandrapur, bravely fought off a tiger that attacked him while irrigating his field. Despite sustaining multiple injuries, he managed to escape by climbing into a well and calling for help. He is now recovering in a rural hospital.

The Islamic State has claimed responsibility for the assassination of Mufti Abdul Baqi Noorzai, a senior Jamiat Ulema-e-Islam official, in Quetta, Pakistan. The attack highlights ISKP's growing activities and the escalating violence driven by ideological and sectarian conflicts affecting the region.

Mufti Munir Shakir, a vocal critic of the Pakistani state, was killed in an IED attack in Peshawar, leading to significant backlash against the ISI and military. His funeral saw mourners blaming Pakistani intelligence and chanting slogans against the army, accusing them of targeting Pashtuns.

Bombay HC exonerated Adani Enterprises Ltd, Chairman Gautam Adani, and MD Rajesh Adani from cheating charges involving alleged share price manipulation. The court found no evidence of deception or wrongful loss to a specific victim, refuting SFIO's claims of artificial inflation of Adani scrip leading to gains.

IIT-Bombay will implement more activity-based learning, hands-on training, and discussion-oriented classroom interactions from the next academic year. The initiative includes voluntary summer internships for first-year students to address local issues in their hometowns. Faculty, students, and alumni have collaborated to develop these innovative teaching methods.

Security forces in Kashmir's Handwara district neutralized a Pakistani terrorist during a gunfight. The operation, which involved J&K police, the Army, and CRPF, was based on intelligence inputs. This was the first counterterrorism action in Kashmir this year since a previous incident in January.

Opposition parties in Rajya Sabha criticized PM Modi for not visiting Manipur after ethnic violence broke out in May 2023, arguing his absence suggested negligence. Treasury benches highlighted home minister Amit Shah's proactive measures, including a three-day visit and appointing former home secretary Ajay Bhalla as Manipur's governor.