India's external affairs minister S Jaishankar conveyed Prime Minister Modi's condolences to BNP Acting Chairman Tarique Rahman in Dhaka following the passing of former PM Begum Khaleda Zia. Jaishankar highlighted Zia's significant influence on India-Bangladesh ties and expressed optimism for future partnership development. India is officially participating in the funeral rites.
The Ministry of Finance, Government of India, has extended significant financial assistance to the state of Uttarakhand. For the financial year 2025-26, a special assistance of Rs 200 crore (loan) has been approved for Uttarakhand under the "Scheme for Special Assistance to States for Capital Investment (SASCI)" to support reforms in the mining sector, the Chief Minister's Office said in a press release.
West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee retaliated against Union Home Minister Amit Shah, comparing him to Mahabharata characters Duryodhana and Dushasana. She accused the BJP of harassing citizens during voter list revisions and using illegal immigration as a political tool. Shah had earlier criticized the state government for corruption and fear, promising a revival of Bengal's heritage under BJP rule
Union Environment Minister Bhupender Yadav welcomed the Supreme Court's decision to stay its order on the Aravalli range's "new definition." The court has formed a committee to re-examine the issues. The government remains committed to protecting and restoring the Aravalli hills, with mining bans on new and renewed leases continuing. This follows widespread criticism of the previous definition.
Karnataka BJP leader R Ashoka has slammed Congress general secretary K C Venugopal for his remarks on the Bengaluru demolition drive, accusing him of interfering in state administration. Ashoka questioned Venugopal's authority and highlighted alleged hypocrisy regarding waste dumping from Kerala.
The BJP has accused the Congress of colluding with "anti-India" forces, citing Rahul Gandhi's participation in the "Global Progressive Alliance" during his Germany visit. Citing Sam Pitroda, the BJP claims this alliance promotes "anti-India" narratives and is linked to George Soros, questioning the Congress's association with such global networks.
India's Ministry of External Affairs has strongly condemned the recent violence against minorities in Bangladesh, including the killing of a Hindu man. The MEA stated that over 2,900 incidents against minorities have been documented, dismissing claims of media exaggeration or political violence.
The Army has unveiled new social media guidelines for its personnel. While platforms like Instagram and YouTube are restricted to viewing and information gathering, users can share unclassified general information on messaging apps like WhatsApp and Signal with known contacts. LinkedIn is permitted for professional networking and job seeking purposes only.
2025 saw political shifts with Nitish Kumar retaining power in Bihar and Siddaramaiah navigating a leadership tussle. While Nitin Nabin and Chirag Paswan rose, the Congress faced defeats and internal strife. Arvind Kejriwal's AAP lost Delhi, and Prashant Kishor's political venture faltered, highlighting power's dynamic nature.
India replaces the MGNREGA with the VB-G RAM G Act, shifting focus from guaranteed wage employment to rural asset creation and productivity. This reform acknowledges a transformed rural economy with robust safety nets and direct cash transfers, aiming to build capacity rather than just provide relief.
India's External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar inaugurated a vital 120-foot Bailey Bridge in Sri Lanka's Kilinochchi district, a region devastated by Cyclone Ditwah. This crucial infrastructure, airlifted from India under Operation Sagar Bandhu, restores connectivity. India also pledged a substantial USD 450 million reconstruction package, reinforcing its commitment to Sri Lanka's recovery.
Speaking on the Supreme Court's acceptance of the "new definition" of Aravalli, the minister said: "The ruling recognises and endorses the Government of India’s sustained efforts to protect the Aravalli range through scientific assessment, strict safeguards and initiatives such as the Aravalli Green Wall Project." Yadav explained that the Aravali range comprises all landforms located within 500 metres of two adjoining hills with a height of 100 metres or more.
Humayun Kabir, a West Bengal MLA, has launched his new political party, the Janata Unnayan Party. This move follows his suspension from the Trinamool Congress. Kabir plans to contest the 2026 West Bengal assembly elections. He aims to challenge Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee and has declared his intention to contest from two seats in Murshidabad
India has dismissed Bangladeshi media reports as "misleading propaganda" regarding a protest outside its High Commission in New Delhi. The demonstration, involving a small group, protested the killing of a minority member in Mymensingh. India is monitoring the situation in Bangladesh and has conveyed strong concerns over minority atrocities, urging justice for the victim.
Congress leader Sonia Gandhi has strongly criticized Prime Minister Narendra Modi's government. She claims the new VB-G RAM G Bill replaces MGNREGA and harms the poor. The government states the new law improves upon MGNREGA, which it says was plagued by corruption. The opposition protested the bill's passage in Parliament.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi has solidified his position as India's most influential political voice on X, dominating engagement with eight of the top 10 most-liked tweets. Globally, he ranks as the fourth most-followed person, surpassing entertainment icons and becoming the most-followed world leader in office.
Karnataka Assembly passed a hate speech bill despite BJP protests. The legislation defines hate speech broadly, aiming to curb expressions causing disharmony or enmity. It includes provisions for jail terms and victim compensation. Exemptions exist for public interest and good faith acts. The government asserts it's crucial for maintaining peace and order.
President Droupadi Murmu inaugurated the Param Vir Dirgha at Rashtrapati Bhavan on Vijay Diwas, a gallery honoring India's 21 Param Vir Chakra awardees. This new exhibition replaces colonial-era displays, symbolizing a shift towards celebrating national heroes and their sacrifices in defending the nation. Vijay Diwas commemorates India's 1971 victory and the liberation of Bangladesh.
Priyanka Gandhi Vadra accused the Centre of attempting to dismantle the MGNREGA by renaming it to G RAM G. She warned that proposed changes, including shifting financial burden to states and centralizing decision-making, could lead to the scheme's collapse and eventual scrapping, despite claims of expanding employment days.
In a recent statement, Jammu and Kashmir's Chief Minister Omar Abdullah clarified that his party does not align with the Congress-led 'vote chori' initiative, asserting that the INDIA coalition remains uninvolved. He underscored the importance of each political faction crafting its own narrative while urging the Election Commission to maintain its autonomy and impartiality, highlighting concerns raised in Bihar.
The Centre is set to replace MGNREGA with the VB–G RAM G Bill, 2025, guaranteeing 125 days of wage employment and focusing on water security, rural infrastructure, and climate resilience. This revamped law aims to boost the rural economy, benefit farmers and labourers through increased income, predictable work, and digital formalisation, addressing past systemic failures.
Pakistan-based propaganda accounts have been spreading fake news, claiming destruction of India's Rafale jets and S-400 systems. The PIB Fact Check unit debunked these claims, highlighting a doctored AI-generated video of former Army Chief General VP Malik. The unit stressed that such content aims to mislead citizens and undermine national defence confidence.
Former Union minister Ashwani Kumar emphasized the Congress party's indispensable role in effective opposition, urging it to introspect and address its shortcomings rather than blaming rivals. He cautioned against viewing the current government in absolute negative terms. Kumar also expressed his continued respect for Sonia Gandhi and the Congress leadership despite his departure.
Rahul Gandhi urged an urgent debate on worsening air pollution, emphasizing it's a non-ideological issue for cooperation. Parliamentary Affairs Minister Kiren Rijiju agreed, with the Lok Sabha's Business Advisory Committee to schedule the discussion. Delhi continues to face severe smog, with AQI reaching 'very poor' and 'severe' levels in some areas.
Goa police informed a Delhi court that nightclub co-owners Saurabh and Gaurav Luthra misled investigators and showed no cooperation after the deadly fire that killed 25. The brothers, who fled to Thailand, are seeking anticipatory bail, but police argue their actions disentitle them to such protection. The investigation into the blaze continues.
West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee condemned the assault on vendors selling non-veg food at a Gita recital event, stating such intimidation won't be tolerated in the state. She criticized the BJP for attempting to import communal division and questioned the need for public religious events for political mobilization.
Rahul Gandhi met PM Modi and Amit Shah to finalise key appointments for the Central Information Commission and Central Vigilance Commission, submitting a dissent note. This meeting occurred as Gandhi's upcoming Berlin visit for an Indian Overseas Congress event drew criticism from the BJP, accusing him of prioritizing foreign trips over parliamentary duties.
Two schools in Delhi's Sadiq Nagar and Laxmi Nagar received a bomb threat on Wednesday, said Delhi Police.
A key witness in the Sandeshkhali attack case, Bholanath Ghosh, was critically injured in a road accident where his car was hit by a truck. His son and driver died in the incident. Ghosh's family alleges a conspiracy by TMC leader Shahjahan Sheikh, currently in jail, to silence him. The accident occurred while Ghosh was en route to court.
Trinamool MP Sugata Roy objected to PM Modi referring to Bankim Chandra Chatterjee as "Bankim Da" in Lok Sabha, suggesting "Bankim Babu" instead. The Prime Minister accepted the correction, highlighting the song's significance in India's struggle against colonial rule and its role in the Swadeshi movement.
Aviation minister K Rammohan Naidu has vowed "very, very strict action" against IndiGo for its recent flight disruptions, citing internal lapses in crew management and roster planning. He clarified the issue is unrelated to past system malfunctions, emphasizing that the airline's mismanagement caused the crisis. Naidu stressed that accountability is paramount, promising to set an industry example.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi will initiate a significant 10-hour Lok Sabha debate on Monday commemorating the 150th anniversary of 'Vande Mataram'. The discussion aims to uncover lesser-known aspects of the national song's history. Similar deliberations are scheduled in the Rajya Sabha, with Home Minister Amit Shah leading the proceedings.
A Bharatiya Janata Party Member of Parliament has proposed removing the words 'secular' and 'socialist' from India's Constitution Preamble. The bill argues these terms were added undemocratically during the Emergency in 1976. The MP cited Constituent Assembly debates where Dr B R Ambedkar reportedly stated these words were not necessary. The original Constitution adopted in 1949 did not include them.
Lok Sabha MP Supriya Sule has proposed 'The Right to Disconnect Bill, 2025' to promote work-life balance. The bill aims to curb employee burnout from constant digital communication by granting workers the right to ignore work-related calls and emails outside office hours. Companies could face penalties for non-compliance, encouraging negotiation of out-of-hour service conditions.
Prime Minister Modi and President Putin held crucial talks, with India asserting it's not "neutral" on the Ukraine war, advocating for peace. Modi highlighted continuous contact and trust during the crisis. Putin briefed on peace efforts, acknowledging India's profound support and personal attention from the PM. Discussions also covered space and AI advancements.
Israel is urging India to officially label Hamas and other anti-Israel groups as terrorist organisations, highlighting India's significant regional influence. Jerusalem seeks reciprocation after designating Lashkar-e-Taiba, emphasizing shared threats and the need for a clear stance against groups like Hamas, which it claims are linked to transnational criminal networks.
IndiGo faces a nationwide operational crisis with widespread flight cancellations and delays, leaving lakhs of passengers stranded and sparking anger. The DGCA has summoned the airline's management to explain the "unprecedented disruptions" and present a plan to stabilize operations during the peak travel season.
Rahul Gandhi criticizes the central government for sidestepping the caste census discussion. He states the Modi government has failed the nation's Bahujan communities. The government's response in Parliament indicated no concrete plan or public dialogue for the upcoming census. The census is scheduled in phases for 2026 and 2027.
India's third indigenous nuclear-powered submarine is set for commissioning soon, announced Navy chief Admiral Dinesh K Tripathi. He also detailed how Operation Sindoor's aggressive naval action forced Pakistan's forces to remain near their coast. The Navy's extensive operations over the past year, including continuous anti-piracy duties and significant ship and flying hours, were also highlighted.
Gaurav Gogoi accused Prime Minister Modi of "hijacking Parliament" during the Winter Session, alleging the government refuses to discuss the Indian election system. Gogoi stated that while the opposition is willing to cooperate on government bills, the BJP is not accommodating opposition issues in the parliamentary agenda, undermining democratic functioning.
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