Rahul Gandhi's remarks in Germany about India's institutional capture and China's production dominance drew sharp criticism from the BJP. Party spokesperson Pradeep Bhandari accused Gandhi of seeking chaos and unrest, calling his claims «fake news.» Gandhi argued that weaponized agencies and a shift of production to China are harming Indian democracy and job creation.

Chaitanya Baghel, son of former Chhattisgarh CM Bhupesh Baghel, allegedly received Rs 200-250 crore from a Rs 3,000 crore liquor scam. The ACB/EOW chargesheet claims he coordinated an extortion racket within the excise department, managing and transferring illicit proceeds. Evidence suggests he provided high-level protection for the syndicate's operations.

All India Imam Association president Maulana Sajid Rashidi criticized RSS chief Mohan Bhagwat's 'Hindu Rashtra' comments, deeming them unconstitutional and a threat to India's democratic fabric. Rashidi argued that such a concept would lead to the demise of the constitution and the implementation of Manusmriti, impacting Dalits and other religions.

Punjab Congress president Amrinder Singh Raja Warring alleged the ruling AAP manipulated the recent zila parishad and panchayat samiti elections through abuse of power. He claimed AAP's actual electoral wins were significantly lower than reported, with many seats won unopposed or through rejected nominations, despite the AAP claiming an emphatic victory.

The Supreme Court has stayed the conviction of NCP leader Manikrao Kokate in a 1995 cheating and forgery case. This relief prevents his disqualification from the Maharashtra assembly. While the conviction is stayed regarding his assembly membership, Kokate is barred from holding any office of profit. The court will examine the conviction's merits.

A doctor at Shimla's IGMC was suspended after a video showed him brutally assaulting a patient who objected to being addressed disrespectfully. The patient alleged the doctor began punching him after he asked for politeness. An inquiry is underway, with authorities promising exemplary action against the involved medical staff.

A five-year-old boy, the youngest to recover, has returned home after a 114-day battle with renal failure and coma, triggered by suspected cough syrup toxicity. He survived severe kidney and brain damage, a feat doctors describe as extraordinary, with AIIMS Nagpur waiving treatment costs.

A former Punjab police IG, Amar Singh Chahal, is critically injured after allegedly shooting himself following an Rs 8.1 crore online investment fraud. A detailed note found at his Patiala home outlines how he was duped by a group named «F-777 DBS Wealth Equity Research Group.» Police are investigating the sophisticated scam and tracing digital evidence.

The Supreme Court expressed shock over private individuals grabbing thousands of acres of forest land in Uttarakhand, with the state government acting as a silent spectator. The court has expanded the case to examine the alleged illegal leasing and allotment of 2,866 acres of forest land, ordering a probe and directing all parties to maintain status quo.

A murder investigation in Chhattisgarh took a strange turn when the «victim,» believed dead and buried for 61 days, reappeared after working in Jharkhand. His family had reported him missing, and four acquaintances were arrested for his alleged murder based on a charred body and confessions.

India's new SHANTI Act ushers in a significant overhaul of its civil nuclear framework, welcoming private participation and establishing a streamlined regulatory and liability regime. The United States has lauded the move, viewing it as a crucial step towards strengthening energy security and fostering peaceful civil nuclear cooperation between the two nations.

Speaking on the Supreme Court's acceptance of the «new definition» of Aravalli, the minister said: «The ruling recognises and endorses the Government of India’s sustained efforts to protect the Aravalli range through scientific assessment, strict safeguards and initiatives such as the Aravalli Green Wall Project.» Yadav explained that the Aravali range comprises all landforms located within 500 metres of two adjoining hills with a height of 100 metres or more.

Uttar Pradesh CM Yogi Adityanath targeted Akhilesh Yadav and Rahul Gandhi, calling them «two specimens» who flee the country during discussions. He denied deaths from codeine syrup, stating action will be taken under the NDPS Act and linking the biggest wholesaler to the SP's tenure. Akhilesh Yadav criticized the personal attacks and alleged the racket originated from the Prime Minister's constituency.

The Delhi High Court has issued notices to Sonia and Rahul Gandhi, among others, in the National Herald money laundering case. The Enforcement Directorate is challenging a trial court's refusal to take cognisance of its complaint, alleging assets worth ₹2,000 crore were acquired for just ₹50 lakh. The matter is scheduled for further hearing in March 2026.

Humayun Kabir, a West Bengal MLA, has launched his new political party, the Janata Unnayan Party. This move follows his suspension from the Trinamool Congress. Kabir plans to contest the 2026 West Bengal assembly elections. He aims to challenge Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee and has declared his intention to contest from two seats in Murshidabad

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.