Three former Trinamool Congress leaders formally joined the Bharatiya Janata Party in Kolkata. Their induction follows weeks of growing rebellion and internal turmoil within the TMC party. Sushmita Dev cited political and personal reasons for her departure from the TMC. Sukhendu Sekhar Ray and Prakash Chik Baraik also resigned from their Rajya Sabha seats. The TMC faces intensified political crisis with reports of more defections fueling speculation.

The Telangana high court granted regular bail to Bandi Bhagirath, son of Union minister Bandi Sanjay Kumar. He was arrested in May under the POCSO Act and later granted interim bail for exams. The case involves allegations of sexual harassment against a minor girl. Bhagirath denied charges and filed a counter-complaint alleging extortion. Both allegations and counter-allegations are currently under investigation.

Arvind Kejriwal criticized the Centre for high fuel prices. He stated petrol prices should drop from Rs 102 to Rs 82. Kejriwal noted global crude oil prices have declined significantly. He also questioned the impact of E20 ethanol-blended petrol. The AAP leader sought clarifications from automobile manufacturers on fuel concerns.

Heavy monsoon rains have caused widespread waterlogging and traffic disruptions across India. Several states are under red and orange alerts for severe weather conditions. Authorities are managing rescue operations and monitoring vulnerable areas. Maharashtra and Kerala continue to battle significant rainfall impacts. The India Meteorological Department forecasts continued heavy showers in many regions.

Prime Minister Modi highlighted India-Australia ties using cricket analogies during his visit. He stated that cricket serves as a diplomatic language between the two nations. Both countries will host major sporting events in the coming years. Terrorist attacks in Pahalgam and Sydney were strongly condemned by both leaders. A landmark atomic cooperation agreement was also announced by Prime Minister Modi.

An Indian delegation visited Kyrgyzstan for the inauguration of a new civilizational studies center. Trilateral cooperation agreements were signed between academic institutions from both nations. The first Hindi translation of the Kyrgyz epic Manas was also presented at the event. This initiative aims to foster scientific, educational, and cultural cooperation between India and Kyrgyzstan. The center will focus on comparative civilizational studies and intercultural dialogue.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Indonesian President Prabowo Subianto inaugurated a temple restoration project. This initiative highlights India's cultural diplomacy and shared civilizational links between the nations. The project involves restoring smaller temples within the Prambanan complex with Indonesian authorities. Prambanan, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, suffered damage from natural disasters and upheaval. Restoration work continues using traditional and modern techniques for this ancient Hindu temple complex.

Mamata Banerjee alleged police watch as house arrest and accused the administration of failing to ensure a peaceful protest. The Trinamool Congress chief stated that the police acted as BJP cadres, undermining a court order. She claimed participants were attacked despite court permission for the rally over a minor's alleged rape and murder. Banerjee further alleged a complete breakdown of law and order in West Bengal.

The Madras High Court granted anticipatory bail to DMK MLA Senthil Balaji and his brother. This bail was granted in a case alleging a Rs 35 crore bribe offer. The court directed both petitioners to appear daily before the investigating officer. Arguments presented highlighted the lack of conversation recordings and reliance on call detail records. The court questioned Balaji's specific role in the alleged bribery attempt.

Eggs were allegedly thrown at Mamata Banerjee's protest march in Kolkata on Wednesday. Clashes broke out between Trinamool Congress and BJP workers during the rally. Police resorted to a baton charge to control the escalating situation and restore order. Mamata Banerjee accused the police of acting as an arm of the BJP organization. The Calcutta High Court had previously allowed the protest march under specific conditions.

The graphic, styled as a fuel station receipt, described the product as «E20 Premium Receipt» and claimed the blend contained «Petrol 80%» and «Ethanol 20%». It also carried lines such as «Customer Choice 0%», «Price Reduction Rs 0.00», «Mileage Impact 20-30%», «Extra Maintenance Possible» and concluded with «TOTAL CHARGED Full petrol price» and «TOTAL VALUE Reduced mileage». Another line read, «Terms and conditions not explained».