India will mandate Acoustic Vehicle Alerting Systems (AVAS) for electric cars, buses, and trucks from October 2027 to alert pedestrians at low speeds. New models must comply by October 2026. This regulation, however, excludes electric two- and three-wheelers, despite concerns raised by experts about increased accident risks due to their silent operation.

Home Minister Amit Shah rejected the CPI(Maoist) ceasefire offer, reaffirming the March 2026 deadline to end armed Naxalism. He stated no ceasefire for security forces, but offered rehabilitation for those who surrender. Shah also criticized civil society elements supporting Maoists, highlighting the Modi government's successful strategy in reducing LWE fatalities.

PM Narendra Modi hailed Zubeen Garg as the «Kohinoor of Assamese culture» during his Mann Ki Baat address, as grief over the music icon's death continued. Modi linked Garg's loss to Bhupen Hazarika's centenary celebrations. Union Minister Nitin Gadkari also cited Garg's life to highlight the supremacy of talent over other privileges.

Climate activist Sonam Wangchuk faced detention under NSA. His wife Gitanjali Angmo rejected all allegations against him. She denied Pakistan links and financial irregularities. Angmo stated Wangchuk always advocated peacefully for Ladakh's statehood. She clarified his foreign visits focused on climate issues. HIAL's funding details were also provided. She questioned police action during recent protests.

External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar highlighted global unpredictability, noting how «tweets» and rapid policy changes impact the world order. He urged de-risking through resilient supply chains and diverse production centres. Jaishankar also subtly criticised major powers like the US and China for trade protectionism and tariff volatility, which erode international trust and disproportionately affect the Global South.

Congress MP Shashi Tharoor passionately defended idli on X, calling it «a cloud, a whisper, a perfect dream» after a critic dismissed it as «steamed regret.» He likened enjoying idli to experiencing a Beethoven symphony, celebrating South Indian culinary heritage. His poetic post quickly went viral, garnering widespread praise and shared love for the dish.

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.