Kerala's Raj Bhavan journal launch became a political flashpoint. CM Pinarayi Vijayan criticised an article in 'Rajhamsa' for not reflecting government views, while Shashi Tharoor suggested renaming 'Raj Bhavan' to 'Lok Bhavan'. Governor Arlekar defended the journal's open platform and welcomed the renaming idea, acknowledging past controversies surrounding his office.

An inmate, Ajay Kumar, facing serious charges, escaped from Central Jail Ambala on Saturday, marking the second security lapse in 45 days. He scaled an 18-foot electricity pole and used a wire to cross the boundary wall, exploiting power cuts. Two officials were suspended.

Shiv Sena (UBT) MP Sanjay Raut questioned nationalism ahead of the India-Pakistan Asia Cup 2025 final, arguing the match should not proceed due to recent terror attacks. He stated playing cricket with Pakistan contradicts India's stance on terrorism, claiming public sentiment opposes it and money drives the decision. Raut also criticized the BJP for allowing the series.

A Delhi court sent Partha Sarthy alias Chaityananda Saraswati to five-day police custody for allegedly molesting female students and forgery. The former institute chairman exploited EWS students by confiscating phones and certificates, and diverted funds through a fraudulent trust. His anticipatory bail was rejected, and more victims are now coming forward.

Rahul Gandhi criticized the BJP-led central government following violent protests in Ladakh that resulted in four deaths and the arrest of climate activist Sonam Wangchuk. Wangchuk was detained after demanding statehood and Sixth Schedule protection, with the MHA attributing the violence to his «provocative» speeches. Gandhi urged an end to the violence and demanded statehood for Ladakh.

India's cheetah reintroduction program will achieve a historic milestone as Mukhi, an India-born cub, reaches adulthood at Kuno National Park on Monday. Her survival, despite siblings' deaths, underscores the project's success, with Kuno's cub survival rate exceeding 61%. Officials plan to expand the gene pool, proving cheetahs can thrive and reproduce in Indian conditions.

External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar criticized growing trade protectionism and coercive supply chain practices by major global powers, implicitly targeting the US and China. He warned these actions erode trust and disproportionately hurt the Global South, citing US tariffs on Indian exports and Trump's pharma relocation demands. Jaishankar urged the Global South to resist such trends.

AIADMK general secretary Edappadi K Palaniswami strongly questioned the police and state government's role after a deadly stampede claimed 39 lives at actor Vijay's TVK event. Palaniswami alleged inadequate and biased security, criticizing organizers for safety lapses. He expressed skepticism over the official inquiry, highlighting doubts and calling the incident unprecedented in Tamil Nadu's political campaign history, demanding accountability.

Opposition parties have repeatedly questioned the government's intent following the UKSSSC paper leak and suggested that the youth of the state are discontented with the government but the results of student union elections held across more than 100 colleges in the state present a completely different picture, BJP leaders said here on Saturday.

Prime Minister Modi used his Mann Ki Baat address to praise the RSS ahead of its 100th anniversary, highlighting its service and discipline. He also encouraged Khadi purchases and announced efforts to get Chhath Puja recognized by UNESCO, reflecting India's culture. Modi further paid tribute to Bhagat Singh and Lata Mangeshkar.

Aam Aadmi Party and Congress engaged in a verbal spat. AAP questioned Rahul Gandhi's silence on Sonam Wangchuk's detention under NSA. Congress hit back, claiming AAP's foundation was RSS-backed and it seized power with false accusations. Meanwhile, Congress president Mallikarjun Kharge condemned the Centre's handling of the situation. He demanded a judicial inquiry into police firing in Ladakh.

Tamil Nadu CM MK Stalin visited Karur following a stampede at a TVK campaign event, which tragically killed 39 people and injured many. He announced Rs 10 lakh compensation for the deceased and Rs 1 lakh for the injured. A retired High Court judge will head an inquiry commission into the incident.

Russian foreign minister Sergey Lavrov announced President Putin's December visit to New Delhi, emphasising extensive bilateral cooperation. Lavrov affirmed India's independent trade decisions with Russia, despite US sanctions, highlighting their «particularly privileged strategic partnership.» He also reiterated Russia's strong support for India's permanent seat on the UN Security Council, advocating for global representation.

India's globally acclaimed basmati rice, while economically vital, conceals a severe environmental cost. Its widespread cultivation has driven a staggering 93% decline in traditional rice varieties, crucial for biodiversity and food resilience. The shift to high-yielding hybrids, though boosting production, fostered monoculture and pesticide reliance.

Neeraj Ghaywan's 'Homebound,' India's Oscar entry, powerfully revives collective memory of the 2020 migrant crisis. Based on a viral photo of two young men, it challenges society's amnesia regarding traumatic Covid-era events.

India's Foreign Minister S. Jaishankar warned the UN against nations sponsoring terror, implicitly calling Pakistan a global terrorism epicentre. India's representative further lambasted Pakistan, citing its history of sheltering terrorists and sponsoring groups like 'The Resistance Front' responsible for attacks. New Delhi asserted accountability for terrorists and their sponsors, rejecting third-party mediation.

BJP strongly criticized West Bengal CM Mamata Banerjee after a song referencing Kaaba and Madinah was sung at a Durga pandal in her presence. The party labeled it «extremist and appeasement politics,» questioning if it's part of the INDIA bloc's alleged agenda to «eradicate» Sanatan Dharma.

Unesco has designated India's Cold Desert Biosphere Reserve in the western Himalayas as part of its global network, making it the 13th Indian site. This 7,770 sq km reserve, established in 2009, is home to rare species like the snow leopard and is India's first high-altitude cold desert reserve, promoting sustainable living.

India has added two new wetlands in Bihar, Gokul Jalashay and Udaipur Jheel, to the global Ramsar list, increasing its total to 93 sites. This solidifies India's position as Asia's leader and third worldwide. These oxbow lakes support diverse biodiversity and local livelihoods, underscoring India's commitment to wetland conservation.

The SSC's CGLE 2025 Tier-1, which concluded Friday, uncovered significant malpractices including fake PwBD documents and remote access attempts. Candidates with clear evidence of wrongdoing will be debarred, while others with ambiguous cases or those affected by technical disruptions will re-appear. SSC is enhancing vigilance and technical solutions to prevent future incidents, also addressing operational feedback.

India sharply rebuked Pakistan at the UN, dismissing its victory claims in a recent war and demanding an end to terror sponsorship. New Delhi reminded the UN of Pakistan's history of sheltering terrorists like Osama bin Laden and its role in attacks, asserting accountability for both terrorists and their patrons, while rejecting third-party mediation.

A stampede-like situation at actor-turned-politician Vijay’s Karur rally tragically led to 10 deaths and 30 injuries. Vijay briefly paused his speech to aid supporters before resuming to attack the ruling DMK over an unfulfilled airport promise and a former minister's controversial reputation.

The BJP criticized West Bengal CM Mamata Banerjee after a video showed her clapping to a song 'Kaaba in my heart' sung by a TMC MLA at a Durga Pandal. BJP leaders called it appeasement politics and an attack on Hinduism, questioning the appropriateness of the song during Navratri. They warned of trampling Sanatan Dharma for radical votes.

TVK chief Vijay campaigned in Namakkal, accusing DMK of secret dealings with BJP and vowing to face them in 2026. He promised stringent measures against kidney theft, linking it to a DMK MLA's hospital and the government's failure to uplift weavers, whose plight drives such heinous acts.

Harjit Kaur, a 73-year-old Sikh woman, detailed her distressing deportation from the US after three decades, alleging severe mistreatment by ICE, including being denied a bed despite double knee replacements. Her unsuccessful appeals preceded her repatriation.

Tej Pratap Yadav, after forming Jan Shakti Janta Dal, criticised RJD and his brother Tejashwi for not featuring their parents' photos on party posters. He defended his own choice, stating that his parents belong to RJD, and they were in his heart. RJD supremo Lalu Prasad expelled him from the party for six years, citing ignorance of «moral values» in his personal life.