US officials held secret talks with Houthi rebel leaders in Oman following intense American and British airstrikes on Houthi positions in Yemen. The strikes were in response to Houthi attacks on commercial shipping in the Red Sea, which the group launched in solidarity with Palestinians during the Israel-Gaza war. During the Oman meeting, Houthi leaders reportedly gave assurances about de-escalation. The diplomatic channel aimed to prevent further escalation while addressing maritime security threats disrupting global trade routes.

India's Ministry has informed a Parliamentary House panel that the old Census town criteria are inadequate to capture the country's evolving urbanisation patterns. The existing criteria classify a settlement as a Census town based on population (5,000+), density (400 per sq km), and 75% male workforce in non-agricultural activities. The Ministry argues these outdated parameters fail to reflect modern urban growth, satellite towns, and peri-urban areas expanding rapidly. Revised criteria are needed to accurately assess India's true urban footprint for better planning, resource allocation, and governance, especially as urbanisation accelerates beyond traditional city boundaries.

Maratha quota activist Manoj Jarange Patil resumed his march toward Mumbai, demanding OBC reservation for the Maratha community under the Kunbi caste certificate issue. Despite government appeals to halt, Jarange dared authorities to stop him, intensifying pressure on the Maharashtra government. Thousands of supporters joined the march, causing political tension ahead of elections. The government held talks but failed to meet his demands. Jarange warned of a massive protest in Mumbai if reservations weren't granted, keeping the Maratha agitation alive statewide.

The Allahabad High Court has issued notices to the Central government and Uttar Pradesh state government, seeking their response regarding the detention of journalist Satyam Verma under the National Security Act (NSA). Verma, a journalist based in Uttar Pradesh, was detained under the stringent preventive detention law, which allows authorities to hold individuals without formal charges. His detention raised concerns among press freedom advocates, who termed it an attempt to suppress journalism. The court sought a detailed reply from authorities justifying the detention, questioning its legality and necessity. The NSA permits detention up to 12 months without trial, drawing criticism from civil liberties groups.

Six students tragically drowned during Ganesh idol immersion in a lake at Sangareddy district, Telangana. The incident occurred when the group ventured into deep water while immersing the idol during the Ganesh Chaturthi festivities. Despite rescue efforts by locals and authorities, all six lost their lives. The victims were reportedly young students. Chief Minister and officials expressed grief, announcing ex-gratia for victims' families. The tragedy highlights recurring safety concerns during immersion events, prompting calls for stricter safety measures and designated immersion zones.

The Central Industrial Security Force (CISF) successfully managed the movement of over 1,000 delegates during the BRICS Summit held in India. The force ensured seamless security and logistics coordination across multiple venues, deploying extensive personnel for VIP protection, route security, and crowd management. CISF worked alongside other agencies to provide multi-layered security, including access control, baggage screening, and surveillance. The operation showcased CISF's expertise in handling large-scale international events efficiently.

Delhi High Court witnessed a heated exchange between Advocate Jai Dehadrai and the presiding judge during the bail hearing of YouTuber Ajeet Bharti. Bharti was arrested for allegedly making communal remarks in a video targeting a particular community. Dehadrai, representing Bharti, argued passionately for his client's release, citing free speech rights. The judge cautioned the advocate over his courtroom conduct and tone. The case has drawn significant attention amid ongoing debates over hate speech and press freedom in India.

भारत ने पाकिस्तान-चीन सीमा आयोग को पूरी तरह खारिज कर दिया है। भारत ने स्पष्ट कहा कि जम्मू-कश्मीर और लद्दाख भारत के अभिन्न अंग हैं। पाकिस्तान ने 1963 में अवैध रूप से PoK का कुछ हिस्सा चीन को सौंपा था, जिसे भारत कभी मान्यता नहीं देता। भारत ने पाकिस्तान से मांग की कि वह पाक अधिकृत कश्मीर पर अवैध कब्जा तुरंत छोड़े। विदेश मंत्रालय ने कहा कि कोई भी देश भारतीय भूमि पर सीमा समझौता नहीं कर सकता। यह भारत की संप्रभुता का मामला है और किसी तीसरे पक्ष की भूमिका अस्वीकार्य है।

EQT Group, a leading Swedish private equity firm, has announced an ambitious plan to invest $50 billion in India over the next four years, significantly expanding its presence in one of the world's fastest-growing economies. The investment will target key sectors including infrastructure, technology, healthcare, and climate transition. EQT aims to capitalize on India's booming digital economy, favorable demographics, and government reforms. This move underscores growing global investor confidence in India's market potential and economic trajectory.

PVR INOX at Forum Mall was fined ₹1.25 lakh by local civic authorities for violating waste management norms. During inspections, officials found improper segregation of wet and dry waste, lack of composting facilities, and non-compliance with Solid Waste Management Rules. The penalty was imposed on the mall and cinema staff for failing to follow mandatory waste disposal guidelines. Authorities warned of stricter action, including closure, if violations persist, urging commercial establishments to adopt sustainable waste practices.

Pakistan clarified its defence pact with Saudi Arabia carries "no aggressive element" amid escalating Houthi missile and drone strikes targeting Saudi Arabia, including attempts near Mecca. Pakistan emphasized the agreement focuses on training, defence cooperation, and advisory roles, not combat involvement against Yemen's Houthis. The statement came as regional tensions surged following US-backed Saudi operations and Houthi retaliatory attacks. Pakistan seeks to balance ties with Saudi Arabia and Iran, avoiding direct involvement in the Yemen conflict while honoring its strategic partnership with Riyadh.

Bitcoin faces intensified selling pressure as the Federal Reserve signals an upcoming interest rate hike, dampening appetite for risky assets. Higher rates strengthen the dollar and draw investors toward safer yields, making speculative assets like crypto less attractive. Bitcoin has already been struggling amid regulatory crackdowns, market volatility, and waning institutional confidence. The hawkish Fed stance compounds these challenges, pushing prices lower. Analysts warn further downside is possible if macroeconomic tightening continues.

Yathindra Siddaramaiah, son of Karnataka CM Siddaramaiah, launched a sharp attack on BJP leaders, comparing them to "vultures" who exploit communal tensions for political gain. He accused BJP of fanning communal disturbances to polarize voters and destabilize the Congress-led state government. His remarks came amid rising communal incidents in Karnataka, where BJP intensified its Hindutva agenda. Yathindra alleged BJP thrives on division rather than development, using religious conflicts as electoral tools. BJP condemned his statement as inflammatory, demanding an apology.

The BCCI announced Rishabh Pant as captain of Rest of India for the Irani Cup 2024-25 against Ranji Trophy champions Mumbai. Sarfaraz Khan has been named vice-captain. The prestigious match is scheduled to be played in Lucknow. This marks a significant leadership opportunity for Pant, who has been in excellent form. The selection highlights BCCI's trust in both players. Several top Indian cricketers are expected to feature in the Rest of India squad, making it a highly anticipated contest against a strong Mumbai side.

Bihar is reeling under severe floods affecting nearly 50 lakh people across 15 districts. Rivers flowing above danger levels have inundated vast areas, damaging crops, homes, and infrastructure. Several deaths have been reported, and thousands have been displaced to relief camps. The central government has deployed teams to assess the damage and coordinate relief efforts with state authorities. NDRF and SDRF teams are conducting rescue operations. Key affected districts include Darbhanga, Muzaffarpur, and Sitamarhi. The state government has sought additional financial aid from the Centre for rehabilitation and reconstruction efforts.