Samajwadi chief Akhilesh Yadav has urged the government to prioritize stronger relations with the United States, emphasizing its dominance in wealth creation and global innovation. This comes after the US imposed a 50% import tariff on Indian goods and warned of further punitive measures due to India's purchase of Russian oil.

In Wayanad, Kerala, a 51-year-old tribal man named Chinnan sustained injuries after being attacked by a wild elephant early Saturday. The incident occurred when Chinnan attempted to chase the jumbo away from his house in the Thirunelli panchayat, resulting in fractures to his ribs and shoulder.

GST rates have been rationalized on numerous items, significantly reducing the number of slabs and altering procedures. The Finance Minister emphasized a user-centric approach, considering daily use, aspirations, and the needs of farmers and MSMEs. These changes aim to ease compliance, boost consumption, and foster economic growth, while addressing concerns from states and exporters.

Uttar Pradesh is accelerating its goal to become a $1 trillion economy by unlocking land for investors and building world-class infrastructure. A high-level workshop addressed fast-tracking land allotment and resolving acquisition hurdles. Officials reviewed investment leads worth over Rs 1.68 lakh crore and are working to operationalize vacant industrial plots, aiming to boost investor confidence and create jobs.

Amid strained bilateral ties due to Washington's tariffs, PM Modi responded to President Trump's praise, reciprocating his sentiments and highlighting the positive strategic partnership between India and the US. Trump expressed disappointment over India's oil trade with Russia and defended the imposed tariffs, despite affirming his friendship with PM Modi and acknowledging the special relationship between the two nations.

Afghan Foreign Minister Amir Khan Muttaqi's planned visit to India faces a delay as the UNSC has yet to grant him the necessary travel waiver. India needs the Council's approval due to the UN travel ban imposed on the Taliban leader. Despite this hurdle, India's engagement with Kabul continues, marked by humanitarian aid and recent high-level discussions.

Swadeshi Jagran Manch (SJM) hailed the Centre's GST reforms, particularly the rate reductions, as a significant stride towards bolstering the domestic economy and realizing PM Modi's vision of 'Atmanirbhar Bharat.' SJM emphasized that the rationalization of GST rates would empower MSMEs, traders, and artisans, while also strengthening the 'Make-in-India' initiative.

Union Agriculture Minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan, after assessing flood-hit Punjab, highlighted illegal riverbed mining as a key factor weakening embankments along major rivers. He pledged to submit a comprehensive damage report to Prime Minister Modi, emphasizing the urgent need to reinforce these structures to prevent future disasters.

Across South India, coconut prices have surged from Rs 15-25 to Rs 80-100 due to pandemic-induced supply chain disruptions, climate change impacts, and pest infestations. Neglect of plantations, coupled with increased demand during festivals and tourism, has exacerbated the shortage.

In Bhopal's Gandhi Nagar, a 28-year-old man named Dinesh attacked a 22-year-old woman, slashing her nose after she refused his marriage proposal. The victim, currently receiving medical treatment, had been facing harassment from the accused for several days. The woman and her family opposed the marriage due to their familial relation.

The fragile peace process in Manipur faces setbacks as Meitei and Kuki-Zo groups reject Centre's deals aimed at restoring normalcy. Kuki-Zo groups deny reopening NH2 highway, while Meitei organizations criticize the extension of the SoO agreement with tribal militant outfits, deeming it illegitimate and undermining democratic principles amidst President's rule.

Donald Trump affirmed his enduring friendship with Narendra Modi. He voiced concerns regarding Modi's recent actions. Trump acknowledged India-US relations as special, despite disagreements. He mentioned India's oil purchases from Russia and tariffs. The Ministry of External Affairs highlighted the importance of the India-US strategic partnership. Both nations share interests and democratic values.

The Madhya Pradesh High Court has rejected 30 petitions from the Jabalpur ordnance factory against a Central Administration Tribunal (CAT) order that favored factory employees. The court also levied a ₹3 lakh fine on the Union government for submitting 'baseless' petitions. This dispute arose from the non-inclusion of allowances in overtime calculations, as recommended by the Sixth Pay Commission.

External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar will represent India at the Brics virtual summit convened by Brazil, focusing on Trump's tariffs and multilateralism. PM Modi's absence, despite India assuming the Brics presidency next year, signals a balancing act amid trade tensions with the US. The summit occurs amidst US Commerce Secretary's threats of tariffs against India for its Brics participation.

External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar is set to represent India at the upcoming UN General Assembly in New York. While a slot was reserved for PM Modi, his participation remains uncertain. Sources suggest a meeting with President Trump is unlikely due to ongoing trade talks and recent diplomatic tensions.

India's Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) has strongly refuted US trade advisor Peter Navarro's accusations of India «profiteering» from Russian crude and indirectly supporting the Ukraine war. The MEA emphasized the importance of the India-US strategic partnership, built on shared interests and mutual respect, while dismissing speculation about Trump's attendance at the upcoming Quad summit.

A PIL has been filed in the Supreme Court challenging the collegium system's practice of considering minority community status when recommending candidates for High Court judgeships. The petitioners argue that such quotas based on religion violate the principle of secularism enshrined in the Constitution.

India has reaffirmed its commitment to a swift resolution of the Ukraine conflict and the restoration of lasting peace, expressing support for recent peace initiatives. External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar discussed the situation with his Ukrainian counterpart, who sought India's active involvement in peace efforts.

In a daring rescue operation, the Indian Army's Fire and Fury Corps airlifted two critically ill South Korean mountaineers from a remote peak near Kongmarula in Ladakh. The challenging night evacuation was executed from an altitude of 17,000 feet, with the climbers transported to SNM Hospital in Leh. Tragically, one of the mountaineers passed away while undergoing treatment.

Following Friday prayers, unidentified individuals defaced a plaque bearing the National Emblem of India at Srinagar’s Hazratbal Shrine, sparking political tensions. J&K Waqf Board chairperson Darakhshan Andrabi blamed the National Conference, while politicians and religious clerics criticized the administration for not rescheduling the Eid-e-Milad-un-Nabi holiday according to the lunar calendar, further inflaming sentiments in the Valley.

Flooding rivers along the Jammu and Punjab borders have submerged 87 BSF outposts and damaged 110 km of border fencing. Despite this, the BSF maintains heightened vigilance, employing drones, searchlights, and night vision devices to thwart infiltration attempts from Pakistan. Personnel are conducting river patrols and positioning themselves strategically to counter any crossings, while repairs to forward posts are underway.

The Supreme Court reprimanded the MCD for neglecting cleanliness around the «Gumti of Shaikh Ali» monument, questioning their respect for court orders. The court directed the MCD commissioner to hold officers accountable and submit an action plan, emphasizing the need for daily monitoring by a senior official.

India has strongly condemned Peter Navarro's remarks about «Brahmins profiting from Russian crude» as inaccurate and misleading. The statement, linking India's oil purchases to funding Russia's war in Ukraine, has sparked widespread criticism across Indian political parties. Even Trump's comments on India's relationship with Russia and China at the SCO summit, adding fuel to the fire.