Shiromani Akali Dal president Sukhbir Singh Badal reacted to the BJP's decision to contest the 2027 Punjab Assembly elections independently, stating that every party has the right to make its own alliance decisions. Badal emphasized Punjab's interests as paramount and expressed confidence in the SAD securing a landslide victory, differentiating his party from «Delhi-based parties.»

In recent weeks, the seer has found himself at the centre of a political and legal storm that stretches from allegations under the Protection of Children from Sexual Offences (POCSO) Act to a decades old dispute over who has the right to call himself the Shankaracharya of Jyotirmath. For many followers of Sanatan Dharm, the position of Shankaracharya is among the most revered spiritual roles in Hindu tradition.

Kerala minister VN Vasavan stated the LDF government maintains its 2007 affidavit, advocating for ritualistic experts to decide on women's entry at Sabarimala. He accused BJP-linked lawyers of initiating the legal battle that led to the 2018 Supreme Court verdict allowing entry, a decision the government only implemented.

India has strongly condemned Pakistan's airstrikes in Afghanistan, labeling them an «act of aggression» and emphasizing the need to respect Afghanistan's sovereignty. The strikes, which reportedly caused civilian casualties, follow accusations by the Afghan Taliban government against Pakistan. Pakistan claims its operations target Pakistani Taliban militants and their support networks.

Tragedy strikes as five Indians lose their lives and one remains missing amid escalating Middle East conflict. Meanwhile, two Indian LPG carriers have successfully navigated the Strait of Hormuz, en route to India with vital fuel supplies. Missions are working tirelessly to aid affected nationals and ensure repatriation.

Union Home Minister Amit Shah declared the BJP will contest the 2027 Punjab Assembly elections independently, aiming to form its own government. He asserted the party's growing vote share and criticized the AAP government's performance on law and order, drugs, and corruption. Shah also pledged to enact a law against religious conversions if the BJP wins.

Indian LPG vessels safely navigated the Strait of Hormuz amid Middle East tensions, with the government assuring all Indian crew are secure. Despite panic booking, LPG supplies remain stable. Climate activist Sonam Wangchuk was released after his NSA detention was revoked.

Tensions flared near Girish Park in Kolkata as TMC and BJP supporters clashed, pelting stones and raising slogans just before Prime Minister Modi's rally. Both parties accused each other of initiating the violence, with claims of damaged vehicles and hurled abuses. Police intervened to restore order in the area.

Despite India's rich intellectual tradition and early Nobel laureates like Tagore and Raman, the country has experienced long gaps in recognition. Factors like brain drain, limited funding, and an emphasis on publications over long-term innovation hinder the journey from research to global acclaim. The case of Mahatma Gandhi's missed Peace Prize also highlights complexities beyond merit.

Far-right activist Laura Loomer apologised for «anti-India» social media posts after facing backlash for racist remarks. While she expressed regret for offending people, Loomer stood firm on her opposition to the H-1B visa program, citing a need to protect American workers. She also criticized Pakistan, accusing it of supporting extremist networks.

Tamil Nadu is offering a Rs 2 per unit electricity subsidy for restaurants and food businesses switching from LPG to electric stoves, aiming to mitigate fuel shortage impacts. The state also provides subsidized loans for electric equipment and allows industries temporary use of alternative fuels. Measures are in place to support farmers and monitor LPG distribution.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi launched a strong attack on the TMC in Kolkata, accusing the party of protecting rapists and insulting President Droupadi Murmu. He also alleged that the TMC opposes electoral roll revisions to shield infiltrators and deliberately alters demographics, making Hindus a minority in several areas.

Climate activist Sonam Wangchuk's detention under the National Security Act has been revoked by the Centre with immediate effect. Wangchuk was detained over allegations of inciting unrest in Ladakh, with the government citing his remarks as potentially destabilizing. His wife had challenged the detention in the Supreme Court.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Saturday criticised the Congress during a public address in Silchar, Assam, accusing the party of neglecting the Barak Valley for decades after Independence. He said the region lost its historic trade strength after its link to the sea was cut due to the way borders were drawn. Modi also inaugurated projects worth around Rs 24,000 crore, including the Shillong–Silchar high-speed corridor.

A parliamentary panel urged the finance ministry to allocate fertilizer subsidy funds at the budget estimate stage to align with actual needs. The committee also recommended boosting domestic production due to higher subsidy burdens on imported urea and NPK fertilizers, citing significant cost differences.

The BJP has blamed alleged Muslim infiltrators from Bangladesh for recent violence in Meghalaya's West Garo Hills, citing demographic shifts and attempts to usurp tribal rights. Tensions escalated after tribals protested non-tribal nominations for council elections, following a high court ruling.

Two Indian nationals were killed and ten others injured in a drone strike in Oman's Sohar province. This incident brings the total number of Indian deaths in the ongoing West Asian conflict to five. The Indian mission is providing assistance to the affected individuals and their company.