An Indian Coast Guard ship intercepted a Pakistani fishing vessel, Al-Madina, with nine crew members, found operating within Indian waters near the International Maritime Boundary Line. The vessel attempted to flee towards Pakistan when challenged but was successfully intercepted and boarded. The boat is now being towed to Porbandar for further investigation.

Axis My India's exit poll projects a significant win for the BJP-led NDA in the BMC elections, potentially securing 131-151 of 227 seats. The election, held after a nine-year delay, saw a turnout of 46-50% and was marked by controversy over indelible ink allegations.

Exit polls project a significant victory for the Mahayuti alliance in the BMC polls, with projections indicating they will surpass 130 seats. The Shiv Sena (UBT)–MNS alliance is expected to secure just over 60 seats, falling short of expectations. The elections saw nearly 50% voter turnout across Mumbai and 28 other municipal corporations in Maharashtra.

An agitated mob vandalized and torched the Goalpokher-II BDO office in North Dinajpur, West Bengal, during a Special Intensive Revision hearing. Around 300 people reportedly destroyed property worth Rs 20 lakh and injured police and staff. This follows similar violence at the Farakka BDO office.

Once kingmakers, many Indian regional parties now grapple with internal strife and leadership crises. From the RJD's family disputes to the Shiv Sena's split and the NCP's factionalism, these parties face significant challenges. Internal conflicts and succession battles are weakening their once formidable influence across the political landscape.

The Supreme Court has issued a notice to West Bengal CM Mamata Banerjee and state officials regarding allegations by the ED of interference during raids on I-PAC. The court also restrained the state police from probing the FIR against ED.

The Indian Air Force swiftly deployed an Mi-17 V5 helicopter to combat a forest fire in Uttarakhand's Nanda Devi Biosphere Reserve. Responding to a state government request, the IAF's Central Air Command engaged in firefighting operations in the rocky terrain. Aerial surveillance confirms the Valley of Flowers and Hemkund Sahib remain safe amidst ongoing efforts.

Congress MP Shashi Tharoor delighted netizens by sharing an Instagram reel dancing to Taylor Swift's 'The Fate of Ophelia.' The politician, amidst a mountain of work, showcased a playful side, humorously noting his transformation into a «Swiftie.» The charming video, filmed in his study, quickly garnered a massive positive response online, with fans celebrating this unexpected pop culture moment.

Kashmiri parents are appealing to the Indian government to evacuate over 10,000 Indian nationals, including students, from Iran due to escalating tensions and an internet shutdown. The Indian Embassy has advised all citizens to leave by any available transport, as Iran closes its airspace amid protests.

In the 39-second clip, PM Modi was seen standing outdoors on a lawn in Lok Kalyan Marg, offering feed to the cows, which were adorned with decorative cloths, keeping with traditional festival practices. The festival marks the Sun’s transition into the zodiac sign of Capricorn (Makar) and is celebrated as a mid-winter harvest festival.

Mohan Bhagwat said elections are a mandatory part of democracy and hence, voting is the responsibility of all citizens.He appealed to electors that keeping the public interest in mind, everyone should vote for a suitable candidate during the elections.

And Why Concerns Over Quality Won't Go Away

Performances, P 11

'No infirmity in reply', P 12

Jaishankar And Iranian Minister Discuss Situation

'9 docus junked', P 12

The programme is being organised by the Directorate of Training and Technical Education (DTTE) of the Government of Delhi. On this occasion, the Union Minister of State and the Chief Minister interacted with young innovators, teachers, investors and startup founders from universities, colleges and technical institutions, and reviewed the exhibition of student-led innovations.

Senior IPS officer Rakesh Aggarwal has been officially appointed as the Director General of the National Investigation Agency (NIA). Previously holding the additional charge, Aggarwal, a 1994-batch officer, will now lead the premier counter-terrorism probe body until his superannuation in August 2028. This appointment solidifies his leadership of the agency's crucial national security mandate.