Bangladesh votes Thursday in an election with significant implications for India. With Sheikh Hasina out, India hopes the frontrunner BNP can reset ties, despite historical friction. A tight contest is expected between the BNP alliance and a bloc led by Jamaat-e-Islami. India also eyes a constitutional referendum and key security concerns, including insurgent groups and Chinese influence.

Jammu and Kashmir assembly proceedings were disrupted after Chief Minister Omar Abdullah's remarks about BJP legislators being «shoe-beaten» by Union Home Minister Amit Shah. Opposition members protested and walked out, demanding an apology from Abdullah, who refused, stating his comments targeted the legislators and not individuals.

Delhi Chief Minister Rekha Gupta disbursed financial aid to 15,700 construction workers' children, totaling Rs 12.40 crore, to support their education. This initiative, marking the BJP government's first anniversary, offers monthly assistance ranging from Rs 500 to Rs 10,000 based on educational levels. The government also highlighted other welfare schemes and development projects.

Nearly one-third of faculty positions across India's AIIMS are vacant, with both older and newer institutes facing significant staffing gaps. Non-faculty positions are also severely understaffed, raising concerns about the pace of recruitment matching infrastructure and patient demand growth.

Within the Commission itself, out of 33 sanctioned posts — comprising the Chairman, ex-officio members and part-time members — 28 are in position. The Secretary’s post is filled. However, vacancies are more visible across the autonomous boards responsible for regulating undergraduate and postgraduate medical education, medical assessment and accreditation, and ethics and medical registration.

«I want to remind you that today, during the Parliament session, my name was mentioned in the context of some developments elsewhere—the Epstein files. I just want to share some information... I want to clarify that these facts are all public,» Puri said at a press conference. Puri said the meetings took place before he joined the Union Cabinet in 2017 and are already in the public domain.

Rahul Gandhi accused the Centre of «selling out Bharat Mata» and compromising India's energy security and farmers' interests through an interim trade deal with the US. He alleged the deal amounted to a «wholesale surrender,» with the US dictating India's oil purchases and monitoring its finances. Gandhi's claims were met with objections from treasury bench MPs.

Indian migration to the UK, spanning four distinct waves since 1947, has profoundly shaped the nation's economy. From filling post-war labor gaps and revitalizing local economies through entrepreneurship, to contributing significantly to the tech sector and addressing critical skills shortages today, the diaspora's economic impact is undeniable and continues to be strategically vital.

Tehri Garhwal district magistrate Nitika Khandelwal has reviewed preparations for the upcoming Tehri Lake Festival, directing officials on land use and arrangements. The event will feature competitions like Master Chef Tehri, photography, rap, and a fashion show, alongside adventure activities such as rafting, paragliding, and water sports.

Solicitor General Tushar Mehta made the submission before a bench of Justices Aravind Kumar and PB Varale in response to the Supreme Court’s earlier query, asking the authorities to consider Wangchuk’s release on medical grounds over his deteriorating health issue. SC had earlier directed authorities to conduct Wangchuk’s medical examination by a specialised doctor and file a report before it.

Congress MP Shashi Tharoor criticized the India-US interim trade deal, calling it a «pre-committed purchase agreement» that lacks reciprocity. He argued that Union ministers have failed to provide clear details on the agreement's scale, timeline, or fiscal impact. Tharoor also described the Union Budget as an «underwhelming» and «squandered opportunity.»

A political storm brewed in the Rajya Sabha as a BJP MP alleged encroachment of Kolkata Port land, citing the Kolkata mayor's controversial «mini Pakistan» remark. The MoS for Ports acknowledged significant encroachment and ongoing legal battles, admitting the authority's struggle to reclaim the land amidst opposition protests.

Responding to Supreme Court's push, the Centre will establish at least one special court in 17 states for NIA terror cases. Each state will receive ₹1 crore for costs, with existing courts to be designated for these trials. This move aims to expedite justice for serious crimes, preventing prolonged detentions due to overloaded dockets.

The Supreme Court has urged Madhya Pradesh's advocate general to ensure representation of marginalized communities and women as government lawyers. Justices M M Sundresh and N Kotiswar Singh highlighted the lack of ST advocates and low representation of SCs and OBCs, questioning how these communities can emerge without opportunity.

India's unemployment rate for those 15 and above in rural areas dropped to 4% in Oct-Dec 2025, down from 4.4% in the previous quarter. The overall Labour Force Participation Rate also saw a marginal increase to 55.8%, with female participation rising to 34.9%.

Opposition's bid to remove the Speaker failed, exposing internal rifts as pragmatic voices pushed for legislative business. The government emerged stronger, refusing Congress's demands, while regional parties' desire for discussions on their concerns helped end the impasse. The Speaker stepped aside until the notice is addressed.

Rahul Gandhi continues to cite Gen M M Naravane's memoir, 'Four Stars of Destiny', despite publisher Penguin India stating it remains unpublished. Gandhi insists Naravane's own social media post confirms its availability, challenging Penguin's claim and suggesting a contradiction. The publisher maintains pre-orders do not constitute publication and warns of legal action against unauthorized circulation.