Jitan Ram Manjhi, former Bihar CM, expressed dissatisfaction with his treatment within the NDA, hinting at reconsidering his party's alliance if HAM isn't granted a Rajya Sabha seat. He stated his ministerial position is secondary to his party's due recognition, especially after receiving only one Lok Sabha seat despite promises of two.

Shiromani Akali Dal president Sukhbir Singh Badal condemned the disruption of a peaceful Sikh Nagar Kirtan in New Zealand, calling it a threat to religious freedom and universal brotherhood. He praised the Sikh community for maintaining restraint despite provocation and urged external affairs minister S Jaishankar to raise the issue with the New Zealand government, as police intervened to ensure the procession could continue safely.

Maharashtra's local body elections saw a significant win for the BJP-led Mahayuti alliance, securing a majority of councillor seats and municipal council presidencies. The ruling coalition attributed its success to development initiatives and strong organizational efforts. Opposition parties, however, alleged irregularities and unfair practices during the polls.

Congress MP Ranjeet Ranjan criticized the Union government's recent railway fare hike, stating it will burden the middle and lower middle class before the Union budget. She slammed the increase of Rs 10 per 500 km, impacting long-distance travel costs significantly.

RSS chief Mohan Bhagwat, speaking in Kolkata, voiced concerns about live-in relationships, deeming them an unwillingness to accept responsibility. He suggested renunciation for those avoiding marriage. Bhagwat also shared insights from experts, recommending early marriage (19-25) and three children for health and ego management, while acknowledging his personal lack of experience in these matters.

Following BJP's 2025 victories in Delhi and Bihar, 2026 presents a crucial comeback opportunity for the opposition. Key contests in West Bengal, Kerala, Tamil Nadu, Assam, and Puducherry will test incumbent governments and emerging political forces, with updated electoral rolls adding another layer of intrigue to these significant state elections.

BJP Minority Morcha National President Jamal Siddiqui condemned the lynching of a Hindu youth in Bangladesh, blaming rising radicalisation and alleging growing attacks on minorities. He criticised the Bangladeshi government’s response, and said India was closely monitoring the situation. Siddiqui also accused West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee of encouraging radicalisation for political gain, claiming the state risked following a similar path.

Senior Congress leader P Chidambaram strongly criticized the Centre's move to replace MGNREGA, calling it the «second killing of Mahatma Gandhi.» He stated the party will oppose the new VB-G RAM G bill until the original employment guarantee framework is restored, vowing to expose the alleged fraud.

India's food regulator has strongly refuted claims linking eggs to cancer, assuring the public that eggs sold domestically are safe. The FSSAI clarified that nitrofuran use is banned, and trace detections below regulatory thresholds pose no health risk. Global standards are met, and no health authority connects normal egg consumption to increased cancer.

Security forces are conducting a major search operation in Udhampur, Jammu and Kashmir, after two terrorists allegedly took food from a villager's home before disappearing into a nearby forest. This joint operation follows a recent encounter in the same region where a policeman lost his life. The combing effort aims to track down the militants.

Kashmir experienced fresh snowfall in higher reaches and rain in plains as Chillai-Kalan, the harshest winter period, commenced after a dry spell. Authorities have finalized preparations for potential heavy snowfall, anticipating improved air quality and a boost to winter tourism despite possible hardships.

Congress leader Salman Khurshid stated that alliance membership doesn't negate a constituent's political ideology, responding to J&K CM Omar Abdullah's distancing from the «vote chori» issue. Khurshid also highlighted the fight for Jammu and Kashmir's statehood and questioned the removal of Mahatma Gandhi's name from MGNREGA.

Nine years after a brutal gang rape and assault on NH-91, a special Pocso court convicted five men. The horrific 2016 incident, where a family was targeted by robbers, shocked the nation and prompted road safety reforms. Forensic evidence proved crucial in securing the convictions. Sentencing is scheduled for Monday.

Maharashtra government formed a special investigation team to probe a Chandrapur kidney racket. Farmers were allegedly coerced by illegal moneylenders to sell kidneys for debt repayment, with one farmer forced into an illegal transplant in Cambodia. The probe also revealed another case of severe financial exploitation in Brahmapuri.

An FIR has been lodged against two doctors and a hospital manager in Rae Bareli following the death of a 22-year-old man after kidney stone surgery. The family alleges both kidneys were operated on without consent, leading to a rapid deterioration of his condition. Despite assurances, the patient was later declared dead at a Lucknow hospital.

A Delhi court ordered Christian James Michel's release from custody in the AgustaWestland money laundering case, citing he has served the maximum period for the offense. While he will remain jailed due to a separate CBI case, the court acknowledged his entitlement to release in the ED matter. Michel has been in custody for nearly seven years.

A 35-year-old woman was stabbed several times by her lover in Delhi’s Uttam Nagar area after a dispute over her forced abortion. The accused, a married security guard, allegedly attacked her at her rented home, locked the house from outside, and fled. The woman was rushed to hospital with serious neck injuries, while police arrested the accused and sent him to judicial custody.

Aam Aadmi Party MP Sanjay Singh said he is receiving threats after invoking Lord Ram in Parliament, vowing not to be deterred from speaking against corruption. He announced legal action against the BJP and certain social media accounts for allegedly misrepresenting his speech and spreading false claims, including attributing former PM Vajpayee's quote to him.

Jammu and Kashmir chief miniister Omar Abdullah defended Congress leader Rahul Gandhi against BJP allegations of meeting “anti-India forces” during a foreign visit, saying overseas travel and interactions are normal for political leaders. He rejected the charges made over Gandhi’s Germany visit and also raised concerns about the impact of the prolonged dry spell on water supply, air quality, and winter tourism in the Union Territory.

India lowered its voting age from 21 to 18 in 1989 through the 61st Constitutional Amendment, significantly expanding voter participation. This landmark reform empowered millions of young citizens, reinforcing the principle of universal adult franchise and reflecting a commitment to inclusive democracy.

EAM S Jaishankar has pointed towards a significant shift in the global economic and political hierarchy, reflecting upon India's advantage in human resources as developed nations face demographic challenges. He emphasized that India is becoming a driver of the global workforce, creating new responsibilities for governments in managing cross-border mobility and citizen welfare.