Kerala Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan assured strict action and justice for Ram Narayan Bakel, a Dalit migrant labourer from Chhattisgarh, who was beaten to death by a mob in Walayar, Palakkad. A special investigation team has been formed to probe the incident, which the CM termed unacceptable in a progressive society.

India's supersonic prowess is taking flight from Lucknow with the inauguration of a state-of-the-art BrahMos Aerospace Integration and Testing Facility. This 200-acre complex is set to become the epicentre for producing the formidable BrahMos cruise missile, catering to surging domestic and international demand, including significant export orders.

Mid air scare: Air India flight returns to Delhi after 'one engine shutdown'

At least 15 people died when an inter-province passenger bus veered off a toll road on Java, Indonesia, early Monday. The bus, en route from Jakarta to Yogyakarta with 34 passengers, struck a barrier and overturned. The cause of the crash and the condition of the injured are still being investigated.

Police intervened to prevent communal tension in Jabalpur after a prayer meeting was disrupted by a group alleging religious conversion. Organizers denied the allegations, stating they were assaulted and the venue vandalized. A similar incident occurred the previous day, with police investigating both events.

BJP secured the Kamptee municipal council president post for the first time in 40 years, with Ajay Agrawal winning by a narrow margin of 103 votes. The close contest saw allegations of malpractice from the runner-up, Congress' Shakur Nagani, who claimed a suspicious late shift in results.

In Nanded's Loha municipal council polls, the BJP faced criticism for fielding six family members, including a presidential nominee and corporator candidates. All six nominees from the same family were defeated. The NCP secured the president's post and won 17 seats in the elections.

A basement wall collapse in Agra's Bah sub-division tragically claimed two lives and left five others critically injured. Villagers were gathered around a bonfire near the newly built wall when it gave way, burying them under debris. The injured were rushed to a community health center, with two succumbing to their injuries.

Renowned sarod player Shiraz Ali Khan fled Bangladesh to Kolkata after his concert venue was vandalized. Hours before his performance, the cultural hub was attacked amid unrest. Khan, whose family has roots in Bangladesh, concealed his Indian identity to safely depart, while his tabla player remains stranded. He vows not to return until artists and cultural spaces are protected.

Assam Police and BSF deported 19 illegal immigrants to Bangladesh following their apprehension in Nagaon and Karbi Anglong. Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma declared it a «full Doomsday moment» for infiltrators, emphasizing a zero-tolerance policy. This operation is part of a larger campaign to safeguard Assam's demographic balance and security, sending a clear warning to those attempting illegal settlement.

RSS chief Mohan Bhagwat emphasized that viewing the Sangh through the BJP's lens is a «big mistake,» clarifying the organization's goal is the «organization of Hindu society» without opposing others. He defined «Hindus» as those respecting their motherland, irrespective of language or rituals, and urged Muslims to recognize their shared national and cultural identity.

A survivor of a brutal 2016 gang rape on NH-91, now a law student aiming to be a judge, shared her family's harrowing journey of constant relocation and vilification. Despite enduring «savage and inhuman» treatment and nightmares, they remained united. A recent court conviction offers hope, though healing remains a distant prospect.

A three-year-old tigress was flown from Pench Tiger Reserve to Ramgarh Vishdhari Tiger Reserve. This marks a significant step in an inter-state tiger translocation program. The operation involved extensive planning and use of technology. Air transport was chosen to minimize stress and travel time for the animal. This initiative is a template for future tiger movements between states.

The BJP-led Mahayuti coalition has secured a decisive victory in Maharashtra's civic elections, winning nearly 207 out of 288 council and nagar panchayat president posts. This performance mirrors their assembly election success, with the BJP emerging as the biggest gainer. The results consolidate Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis's position and are seen as a significant win for the ruling alliance.

India suspended visa operations in Chittagong following protests sparked by the lynching of a Hindu man for alleged blasphemy. New Delhi slammed attempts to equate protests targeting its facilities with a demonstration outside the Bangladesh High Commission in Delhi, calling them misleading propaganda.

Terrorists forced a villager to provide food in Udhampur before escaping into a forest, triggering a massive search operation. Security forces have cordoned off the forest belt and launched a coordinated combing operation. This incident follows a previous encounter where a special operations group officer was killed.

Scrapping electoral bonds has surprisingly boosted BJP's donations, with electoral trusts disbursing over Rs 3,577 crore in 2024-25. This marks a significant increase, with the party securing 83.6% of all trust contributions. While corporate donors sought anonymity, the BJP remains the primary beneficiary of this funding route.

A Reasi court dismissed a plea seeking an FIR against Vaishno Devi shrine board officials for the deaths of 35 pilgrims in a landslide, ruling a natural disaster was responsible. The judge stated no criminal negligence was made out, though this doesn't affect the LG's inquiry.

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.