Congress demanded immediate action against BJP spokesperson Pintu Mahadev for allegedly issuing a death threat to Rahul Gandhi during a live television debate. The party termed it a «cold and calculated death threat,» questioning if BJP endorses such intimidation and violence. They seek police action and a public apology from BJP leadership, warning of complicity if ignored.

Rahul Gandhi conveyed condolences to actor-politician Vijay and TN CM MK Stalin following a tragic stampede at a TVK event in Karur. The incident claimed 41 lives and hospitalized over 60, including a child. The Tamil Nadu government initiated a probe, while former CM EPS questioned crowd management and safety protocols, highlighting growing concerns over accountability in such political gatherings.

Indian nationals' departures reached 30.8 million in 2024, with the UAE leading as the top destination, attracting 7.8 million travelers. Leisure and diaspora visits primarily drove this significant increase, supported by higher disposable incomes and improved air connectivity. The 25-44 age group constituted the largest share of travelers, reflecting a robust post-pandemic recovery.

The Election Commission will deploy 470 officers from various civil services as general, police, and expenditure observers for the upcoming Bihar assembly election and bypolls in seven states. These observers will ensure fairness, impartiality, and credibility, acting as the EC's eyes and ears to oversee the electoral process and flag any abuse of money power.

A father-son duo was arrested for the murder of 56-year-old property dealer Lakhpat Singh Kataria in Malviya Nagar, culminating a decade-long vendetta. The 47-year-old father allegedly involved his 17-year-old son, timing the crime a day before his 18th birthday to exploit juvenile laws.

Cancer incidence in India surged by 26% since 1990, with deaths up 21%, contrasting sharply with declines in the US and China. This rise is attributed to high tobacco use, obesity, and inadequate early detection. Experts advocate for stronger prevention, expanded screening, and increased tobacco taxes to reverse this alarming trend.

The ED is intensifying its probe into the 1xBet online betting platform, considering property attachments for individuals linked to money laundering. Celebrities, including cricketers and filmstars, who endorsed the illegal platform, may be named as accused in the upcoming chargesheet. Some have appeared for questioning, while others face further summonses, indicating a widening investigation into illegal betting activities.

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.

India will streamline foreign national arrivals from October 1 by replacing physical disembarkation cards with optional digital e-arrival cards for work, tourism, study, or business visitors. This initiative, alongside the existing Fast Track Immigration - Trusted Traveller Programme for Indian citizens and OCI holders, aims to significantly reduce immigration delays at airports nationwide.

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.