As the Right to Information Act nears its 20th anniversary, a new report reveals over 4 lakh cases are pending in information commissions nationwide. Six commissions have been defunct, with Jharkhand and Himachal Pradesh still non-operational. Some states face decades-long backlogs, and key leadership positions remain vacant, raising concerns about transparency.

US President Donald Trump again claimed he brokered a peace deal between India and Pakistan within 24 hours, attributing it to trade leverage and tariffs. This assertion follows India's retaliatory Operation Sindoor in May, which targeted Pakistani terror infrastructure after a deadly attack. India has consistently rejected third-party mediation on the Kashmir issue.

Former Home Minister P Chidambaram has strongly refuted Prime Minister Narendra Modi's claims that the UPA government halted a military strike on Pakistan after the 26/11 attacks due to foreign pressure. Chidambaram stated that the Prime Minister's reported words were «terribly wrong» and imagined, accusing Modi of twisting facts for political gain.

Afghanistan's Foreign Minister Amir Khan Muttaqi arrived in India for a significant visit, the first by a top Taliban leader since 2021. This marks a deepening of engagement between India and the Taliban government, with discussions planned on bilateral relations and regional issues. India, a long-time provider of humanitarian aid, is set to explore further cooperation during Muttaqi's stay.

The Supreme Court has ruled that age restrictions in surrogacy law do not apply retrospectively. Couples who had frozen embryos before the law's enactment can now proceed with surrogacy, offering relief to three families. The court questioned the rationale behind age limits for surrogacy, especially when none exist for natural procreation.

Punjab Police's Counter-Intelligence unit has busted a Babbar Khalsa International terror module, apprehending two operatives and recovering 2.5 kg of IED. This operation, linked to UK-based handlers and a BKI mastermind, aimed to disrupt targeted attacks. Separately, Amritsar police dismantled a cross-border arms and narcotics smuggling ring, seizing heroin and sophisticated pistols intended for local criminals.

The Congress party is questioning the Special Summary Revision (SSR) process in Bihar, demanding clarity on 30 lakh voters removed from electoral rolls and their voting status in the Lok Sabha polls. They highlight discrepancies in voter addition forms, raising concerns about due process and the integrity of the final voter list.

The ED has flagged serious financial irregularities at Indiabulls Housing Finance (now Sammaan Capital), while an NGO alleges the Ministry of Corporate Affairs condoned governance violations despite SEBI's adverse reports. The Supreme Court has summoned an MCA officer with original files to examine the ministry's leniency in corporate governance issues.

Sunshine hours across most of India have declined over the past three decades, with the north Indian plains experiencing the steepest drop. This trend is linked to increased cloud cover and rising aerosol pollution from industrial and vehicular emissions. The reduction in sunlight has significant implications for solar energy generation and agriculture.

The government has unveiled a draft labour policy aiming to boost women's workforce participation to 35% by 2030 and establish universal, portable social security. The initiative will integrate various welfare schemes into a single account for easier worker access. Additionally, it plans to streamline skill development and employment services through a unified digital platform.

Defence Minister Rajnath Singh witnessed mid-air refuelling of an F-35 fighter jet aboard an Australian RAAF tanker aircraft. This event highlights India-Australia defence cooperation, with both nations signing an agreement for air-to-air refuelling. Singh's visit to Canberra further strengthens bilateral defence ties and strategic coordination.

Madhya Pradesh's Deputy CM visited the families of two young boys who died of renal failure, allegedly after consuming Coldrif cough syrup. Their deaths are now officially linked to the adulterated syrup, and their families will receive Rs 4 lakh each in compensation. The fathers are demanding strict action against those responsible.

The Supreme Court has given the Jharkhand government seven days to declare 314 sq km of Saranda forest a sanctuary. However, it permitted ongoing extraction of high-grade iron ore and manganese from existing mines within the forest for crucial national projects like Chandrayaan and anti-submarine warfare vessels. This decision balances conservation with defence and space sector needs.

The Delhi High Court has summoned Shah Rukh Khan's Red Chillies Entertainment and Netflix in a defamation suit filed by IRS officer Sameer Wankhede. Wankhede seeks Rs 2 crore in damages over the series «The Ba***ds of Bollywood,» alleging it tarnishes his reputation and prejudices pending cases. Notices were also issued to X Corp, Google, Meta, and RPSG Lifestyle Media.

The World Health Organization is awaiting a response from India's drug regulator, CDSCO, regarding cough syrups linked to alleged fatalities. This crucial information will determine if the WHO issues a medical product alert. The organization's decision hinges on whether these syrups were exported, a key detail for public safety.

Prime Minister Modi criticized the Congress government for allegedly caving to foreign pressure and preventing a military response to the 26/11 terror attacks. He inaugurated Navi Mumbai International Airport and the final stretch of Mumbai's Metro 3 line, highlighting national security and development achievements.

Two soldiers have gone missing in a forested area of south Kashmir's Anantnag district after encountering a severe snowstorm. An intense search and rescue operation, supported by choppers, is underway but hampered by adverse weather conditions. Officials believe the soldiers may be unable to communicate due to the inclement weather.

Jammu and Kashmir Police's SIA conducted widespread searches across seven districts, targeting an eight-location network. This operation aimed to dismantle a sleeper cell module linked to Lashkar-e-Taiba and Jaish-e-Mohammad, accused of spreading secessionist propaganda and recruiting youth. Incriminating evidence was seized, and suspects were detained for questioning regarding a conspiracy against India's sovereignty.

A terrorist has been sentenced to life imprisonment for the 2002 murder of a sarpanch in Jammu and Kashmir's Doda district. Irfan Ali was convicted under murder and arms act charges. The 17-year investigation concluded with his sentencing after a six-year trial.

The Leh Bar Association has demanded Rs 1 crore compensation for each family of the four killed in the September 24 firing and an impartial judicial inquiry headed by a retired Supreme Court judge.

Children's deaths in MP due to renal failure were initially reported in September, with authorities taking action after Nagpur hospitals alerted them. Biopsy reports confirmed acute tubular injury, leading to the identification of substandard cough syrups, including Coldrif, containing toxic diethylene glycol, prompting a state-wide ban.

Bihar's ruling NDA faces seat-sharing hurdles as smaller allies, including LJP (RV) and HAM, escalate their demands. The BJP and JD(U) are reportedly set to contest fewer seats than in 2020 to accommodate these requests. The alliance is working towards finalizing strategies and candidates ahead of the upcoming assembly elections.

Congress has raised concerns with the Election Commission of India regarding Bihar's voter list after the Special Intensive Revision. The party highlighted a significant decrease in registered voters and questioned the lack of a machine-readable list, making analysis difficult. They also pointed to unaccounted additions and deletions, as well as duplicate entries, urging for a frozen electoral roll.

Following an advocate's shoe-hurling attempt at the Chief Justice of India, Punjab Police have registered multiple FIRs against over 100 social media handles. These accounts are accused of posting objectionable content, including casteist remarks and incitement, aimed at disturbing peace and eroding respect for judicial institutions. Investigations are underway.

Sixteen Naxals surrendered in Narayanpur, Chhattisgarh. Nine carried rewards totaling Rs 48 lakh. They expressed disappointment with Maoist ideology and pressure from security forces. Top leaders were accused of exploiting tribals. This surrender signals a change in Bastar. Disillusioned youth chose peace and development. Security efforts and rehabilitation policies played a key role.