Uttar Pradesh chief minister Yogi Adityanath on Monday mandated the singing of 'Vande Mataram' in all state educational institutions to foster national pride. This move follows Prime Minister Modi's criticism of the Congress party for allegedly removing stanzas from the national song, which he linked to the seeds of partition.

Jammu & Kashmir and Haryana Police jointly recovered 360 kg of suspected ammonium nitrate, arms, and bomb-making equipment in Faridabad. Two individuals, including a doctor, were arrested as part of a two-week-long investigation. Officials suspect the seized materials were intended for large-scale terror attacks in the Delhi-NCR region.

Opposition leaders, including Rahul Gandhi, have strongly criticized the government for detaining individuals protesting Delhi's severe air pollution at India Gate. Accusations of data manipulation and neglecting citizens' right to clean air have surfaced. Authorities directed protesters to Jantar Mantar, citing India Gate as an unauthorized demonstration zone, as the capital's AQI reached hazardous levels, triggering Stage II of GRAP.

An honest auto-rickshaw driver, Santosh Shirke, returned a woman passenger's bag containing gold ornaments worth Rs 16 lakhs, which she had accidentally left behind. Shirke, a resident of Ghansoli, deposited the bag at the Autorickshaw union office near Vashi railway station. The woman's son, Santosh Motilag, retrieved the valuables and praised Shirke for his integrity.

Assam's CM announced that the state will issue firearm licenses to indigenous people in vulnerable and remote areas by February 2026. This selective initiative aims to address security concerns for minority indigenous populations, particularly near the Bangladesh border, fulfilling a long-standing demand.

Protests erupted at India Gate against the Supreme Court's order to remove stray dogs from public spaces like schools and hospitals. Critics argue the directive, based on alleged fake reports, will worsen the problem and harm animals. They advocate for sterilization over relocation, demanding scientific solutions and urging the court to reconsider.

A mob in Gopalganj, Bihar, set a police vehicle ablaze. This happened after rumors circulated that a bike rider had died in an accident. Police stated three youths on a motorcycle swerved to avoid a speeding Scorpio, resulting in an accident. They were hospitalized. Authorities are investigating the accident and will take action against those responsible for the arson.