Tamil Nadu police detained former BJP state president K Annamalai and party workers protesting against the dumping of waste from Tiruppur city in Chinnakalipalayam village. The BJP criticized the arrest, calling it a condemnable act by the Stalin government for supporting local residents.

India faces a severe water crisis, with 600 million people experiencing extreme stress. Groundwater, the nation's lifeline, is being depleted faster than it replenishes, particularly in agricultural regions. Over-extraction, pollution, and weak regulations are exacerbating the situation, pushing cities and rural areas towards 'Day Zero' scenarios. Urgent action is needed.

Jammu and Kashmir CM Omar Abdullah defended ally Congress, stating it's unfair to blame the entire party for former Maharashtra CM Prithviraj Chavan's remarks on Operation Sindoor. Abdullah emphasized that Chavan's comments were personal, not party policy, and reiterated Congress's past support for the government and army post-operation.

India faces its greatest strategic challenge in Bangladesh since 1971. A parliamentary committee warns of Islamist resurgence, weakening political structures, and growing Chinese and Pakistani influence. This situation poses a long-term strategic test for India's regional stability and neighborhood policy. The government is monitoring developments and engaging with Bangladesh's interim government.

The Supreme Court expressed concern over alleged «inhuman» treatment of stray dogs by the MCD, questioning the petitioner's «sense of humanity» and promising to show a video. The court is hearing a suo motu case on stray dog bites and rabies, with ongoing debates about relocation, sterilization, and shelter management.

India's Dhaka visa application centre has reopened after a temporary closure due to an anti-India protest. However, centres in Khulna and Rajshahi remain shut due to security concerns. India has expressed strong concern to Bangladesh over the deteriorating security environment around its mission.

Ashwagandha took center stage at the 2nd WHO Global Traditional Medicine Summit in Delhi, where international experts discussed its safe integration into modern healthcare. Discussions focused on its global use for stress, brain health, and immunity, emphasizing the need for rigorous research, standardized formulations, and strong safety monitoring to ensure its wider acceptance and credibility.

West Bengal's electoral roll reveals over 1.6 crore «logical discrepancies,» including electors claiming multiple siblings from the same parent and significant father's name mismatches. Notices will be issued to these individuals seeking explanations and proof of eligibility for enrollment.

In a significant legal development, Maharashtra minister Manikrao Kokate is on the brink of disqualification following a court's affirmation of his 1995 conviction for fraud related to housing quotas. He and his brother received a two-year rigorous imprisonment sentence for deceitfully inflating their income to obtain EWS flats.

'What If Orders Are Palpably Dishonest?'

Air India has issued a travel advisory warning passengers of possible flight disruptions over the next few days. Dense fog conditions are expected in northern and eastern India, particularly affecting Delhi. Passengers are advised to check flight statuses before traveling. The airline has launched 'FogCare' to offer advance alerts and options to reschedule or get refunds for affected flights.

To Be 'Enforced Strictly', Vital Services Exempt

Geospatial technologies are a foundational pillar of India's development journey, and the government is leveraging them as a national asset for Viksit Bharat, said Dr. Jitendra Singh, Union Minister of State (Independent Charge) for Science & Technology on Wednesday.

Congress MP Shashi Tharoor criticized hosting the India-South Africa T20I in Lucknow due to severe air pollution and dense fog, leading to its cancellation. He suggested Thiruvananthapuram as a better alternative with significantly improved air quality. The match was called off after repeated delays due to poor visibility, impacting cricket fans.