Prime Minister Narendra Modi accused the 1937 Congress government of removing stanzas from Vande Mataram, claiming it fractured the song and sowed seeds of partition. He emphasized the song's enduring inspiration for nation-building and highlighted India's civilisational ethos of the nation as a mother and Shakti.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi launched a year-long national celebration for 'Vande Mataram'. He inaugurated a special portal and released commemorative stamps and coins. The Prime Minister described the song as a symbol of devotion and national unity. Millions across India joined in singing the full version of the iconic anthem. The event honored freedom fighters and the timeless composition.

The Supreme Court has issued notices to cricketer Mohammad Shami and the West Bengal government regarding a petition by his estranged wife, Hasin Jahan. She seeks an increased alimony for herself and their daughter, challenging the Calcutta High Court's Rs 4 lakh monthly order. Jahan claims Shami's substantial income contrasts with her meager earnings and high expenses.

Union Home Minister Amit Shah warned Bihar voters against the opposition Mahagathbandhan, alleging they would establish an «Apaharan (kidnapping) ministry» if they win. He contrasted this with the NDA's promise to make Bihar flood-free and asserted that lawlessness would not return under their rule.

Rahul Gandhi accused Prime Minister Narendra Modi of «stealing elections» and vowed to expose this to Gen Z. He presented evidence from the Election Commission, alleging fake votes and photographs, and claimed the BJP and EC are attacking the Constitution. Gandhi highlighted instances of multiple votes by one person and a Brazilian woman's photo being misused.

A significant security lapse occurred at New Delhi's Indira Gandhi International Airport (IGI) when a British national, Fitz Patrick, reportedly bypassed immigration after arriving from Bangkok. Authorities have launched a manhunt using technical and human intelligence to locate the individual, who is believed to have exited without completing mandatory checks.

Prashant Kishor slammed Bihar's deteriorating law and order after Deputy CM Vijay Sinha's convoy was attacked. Kishor stated Sinha's remarks confirmed the ruling NDA government's failure, asserting no one is safe. The incident saw Sinha accuse RJD supporters of stone-pelting and cow dung attacks, prompting the Election Commission to demand immediate action against miscreants.

Rahul Gandhi accused Prime Minister Narendra Modi and the BJP of electoral malpractice, alleging «chunav chori» (election theft). He claimed systematic manipulation, citing Haryana as an example of «wholesale chori» and «one man, multiple votes,» and stated the Prime Minister came to power through such means.

Delhi Airport is experiencing significant flight delays since Thursday evening due to a software issue with the Aeronautical Message Switching System (AMSS) in air traffic control. This technical problem has slowed down flight movements, leading to stacked-up delays and impacting both departures and arrivals. Authorities are working to resolve the issue, with rectification expected by Friday evening.

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'Voted For Jobs, Development & Accountability'

Bihar's first election phase saw a record 64.66% voter turnout, with enthusiastic participation from women. Despite peaceful polling, stray incidents of violence and accusations between leaders, including deputy CM Vijay Kumar Sinha and RJD MLC Ajay Kumar, were reported. Prashant Kishor's party also made its presence felt, advocating for prohibition law repeal.

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Bihar Deputy Chief Minister Vijay Kumar Sinha accused RJD supporters of attacking his convoy and hurling stones and cow dung. He reprimanded the Lakhisarai SP, calling him «weak and cowardly» for failing to control the situation and prevent voters from exercising their franchise. The SP stated tensions arose upon Sinha's arrival.

A woman Naxal with a Rs 17 lakh bounty surrendered in Chhattisgarh. Kamla Sodi, active for 14 years, was influenced by regional development and the state's rehabilitation policy. This follows a trend of nearly 360 Naxalites surrendering in Chhattisgarh and Maharashtra last month. The government aims to end Naxalism by March 2026.

A Brazilian model, Larissa, expressed shock after her photograph appeared multiple times in Haryana's voter list, a claim highlighted by Rahul Gandhi alleging widespread voter fraud. Gandhi presented evidence of a single foreign model's image being used for various Indian names, questioning the integrity of the electoral rolls. The Congress leader asserted that approximately 25 lakh voter records were manipulated.

As Bihar's first phase of voting commenced, RJD chief Lalu Prasad Yadav advocated for a «young government» led by his son Tejashwi Yadav, emphasizing the need for change after two decades. Meanwhile, Rabri Devi sharply criticized Prime Minister Modi and the BJP regarding law and order, accusing party members of violence and abduction.

A CBI probe is ordered into the mysterious death of Aqil Akhtar, son of former Punjab minister Razia Sultana. Emerging videos show Aqil making shocking allegations against his family, including his father, former DGP Mohammed Mustafa. Haryana police filed an FIR following a complaint, raising suspicions about foul play and a potential cover-up.

Prime Minister Modi fiercely attacked the RJD and Congress in Bihar, accusing them of protecting infiltrators. He highlighted the NDA's development initiatives under Nitish Kumar, contrasting it with the RJD's 'jungle raj' era of zero development. Modi praised the enthusiastic voter turnout in the first phase of polling, urging citizens to safeguard Bihar's progress.

The Rashtriya Janata Dal has raised serious allegations during Bihar's first phase of polling. The party claims police personnel and BJP workers intimidated voters and attacked RJD members. Incidents were reported in Mohiuddinagar constituency where police allegedly threatened residents. BJP workers were also accused of assaulting an RJD member. The Election Commission has not yet commented on these claims.

Bihar is voting today in the first phase of its Assembly elections. Prime Minister Narendra Modi has called on all eligible voters to cast their ballots with enthusiasm. He specifically congratulated young first-time voters. The elections will determine the state's political direction. Major political alliances are competing for control.