Jammu & Kashmir's transport minister has refuted claims of irregularities in the procurement of 133 luxury vehicles for FY 24-25. He stated purchases by departments and PSUs adhered strictly to norms, denying any extra burden on public funds. While admitting some norm relaxations for challenging terrains and operational needs, the minister maintained no deviations occurred.

Jammu and Kashmir government informed the assembly it has no plans for a separate women's commission, citing the National Commission for Women's dedicated «J&K and Ladakh Cell.» This decision drew criticism from Sajad Lone, who questioned the delay in reconstituting the commission, a move approved in 2022. Over 5,000 cases were pending when the previous commission was dissolved.

The All India Muslim Personal Law Board and Jamiat Ulama-i-Hind have strongly objected to the government's notification mandating the recitation of all six verses of 'Vande Mataram'. They deem the order unconstitutional and a violation of religious freedom, threatening legal challenges. Left parties and Trinamool Congress also oppose the move, citing constitutional provisions and the secular character of the nation.

Supriya Sule emphasized fulfilling Ajit Pawar's unfinished dreams. She mentioned merger discussions remain private. Sule also addressed concerns about the plane crash, noting a detailed inquiry is promised. She thanked leaders from various parties for their support during Sharad Pawar's hospitalization. The family is mourning and not commenting further at this time.

Bangladesh's Awami League has denounced the recent parliamentary election as a staged charade, asserting it violated democratic principles and the constitution. The party claims widespread voter apathy, intimidation, and ballot stuffing marred the process. They are demanding the election's annulment, the chief advisor's resignation, and fresh polls under a neutral government to reinstate citizens' voting rights.

A political storm brewed in Parliament as Rahul Gandhi confronted journalists over privilege motion queries, sparking BJP criticism. This follows his strong Lok Sabha attack on the government. Union Minister Kiren Rijiju accused Gandhi of avoiding questions and shared a video of alleged misconduct in the Speaker's chamber, which Priyanka Gandhi Vadra denied.

Congress MP Shashi Tharoor has slammed a fabricated AI-generated video falsely attributing praise for Pakistan's diplomatic handling of a T20 World Cup boycott to him. Tharoor clarified the video was fake, stating neither the language nor voice was his, and had previously called Pakistan's boycott «disgraceful.»

Rahul Gandhi said the Modi government's decision to import American «corn, soybeans, and fruits» is just a beginning and that the Centre would «open the doors of the entire agriculture market​​ for his friends, for people like Adani and Ambani, and for foreign powers.» He reiterated his «PM Modi has sold the nation» remark.

Sarla Maheshwari, one of the most recognisable faces of Doordarshan’s retro era, passed away on Thursday. Maheshwari became a household name during the 1980s and 1990s, when Doordarshan dominated the television news space in India. For nearly three decades, from 1976 until 2005, she delivered Hindi news bulletins with composure and clarity, earning admiration for her measured tone and flawless diction.

BJP MP Nishikant Dubey has moved a motion in the Lok Sabha seeking termination of Rahul Gandhi's parliamentary membership and a lifetime ban from elections, accusing him of misleading the nation with «anti-India forces.» The motion follows Gandhi's speech alleging the Centre compromised national interests by allowing the US to weaponize energy and financial systems.

Jamiat Ulama-i-Hind president Arshad Madani criticised the Union Government's mandate to sing all six stanzas of 'Vande Mataram' in schools and official functions. He stated the decision infringes on religious freedom and minority rights, as some verses contradict monotheistic beliefs. Madani argued the move reflects electoral politics and a sectarian agenda rather than patriotism.

Karnataka Deputy Chief Minister DK Shivakumar has dismissed speculation about a leadership change, stating no discussions on the chief ministerial post occurred during his meetings with Congress leaders. He emphasized the party's focus on its broader vision and goals, with senior leaders to make decisions at an opportune time.

The Supreme Court reprimanded Congress MP Jairam Ramesh for challenging an Office Memorandum that implemented the apex court's judgment on retrospective environmental clearances. The bench warned of exemplary costs, stating the challenge was effectively against the judgment itself. Ramesh subsequently withdrew his plea.

A UN Security Council report has implicated Jaish-e-Mohammed in a car bombing near Delhi's Red Fort last November, which claimed 15 lives. The outfit's leader, Masood Azhar, reportedly established a women's wing to aid terror attacks. Investigations into the incident revealed a 'white-collar' terror module, leading to several arrests.

Rahul Gandhi voiced support for nationwide worker and farmer protests against government policies, citing concerns over labour codes, trade agreements, and MGNREGA. Ten trade unions and the Samyukta Kisan Morcha called for an all-India strike on Thursday to oppose these measures and demand policy changes.

Over 10 central trade unions, farmer organisations, and Left parties called for a 12-hour Bharat Bandh on Thursday, protesting against the Centre's alleged anti-worker, anti-farmer, and pro-corporate policies. The strike, supported by the Samyukt Kisan Morcha, aimed to oppose new labor codes, the Indo-US trade agreement, and changes to MGNREGA, with an estimated 30 crore workers participating across India.

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.