India has dismissed reports of a security breach at the Bangladesh High Commission as misleading. The government said a small protest near the mission was peaceful and brief. MEA spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal said police quickly dispersed the group. There was no attempt to cross security barriers. India also expressed concern over the killing of Hindu man Dipu Chandra Das in Bangladesh. Officials urged swift action against the killers. Security around the mission in New Delhi has been increased. India said it remains committed to protecting all foreign missions under international law. (PC: HT)

Poet and lyricist Javed Akhtar took part in a public debate on the existence of God in New Delhi. The event was held at the Constitution Club. Islamic scholar Mufti Shamail Nadwi argued for faith and free will. Akhtar questioned belief by pointing to war and human suffering. He said violence in God’s name raises moral doubts. During the debate, Akhtar quipped that Narendra Modi was “better” because he at least cares for people. The remark went viral online. The debate sparked sharp reactions across social media. (PC: India Today)

Rights groups have condemned a sharp rise in executions in Saudi Arabia. At least 347 people have been executed this year. This is the highest number on record. UK-based group Reprieve said most cases were linked to drug crimes. Many of those executed were foreign nationals. Some were minors at the time of arrest. Families were often not informed in advance. Critics say trials were unfair and confessions forced. Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman has pushed reforms but dissent is tightly controlled. Saudi authorities deny wrongdoing and defend the death penalty.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi said Maharashtra’s civic poll result shows clear support for development. He said people voted for work, growth, and stable rule. The Mahayuti alliance won big across many city and local bodies. PM Modi thanked voters for their trust. He said the result reflects faith in better roads, water supply, and housing. Leaders of the alliance called it a strong mandate. They said the focus will stay on public services and jobs. The win strengthens the alliance before future elections. (PC: India Today)

Violence continued in Bangladesh after the death of student leader Sharif Osman Hadi. A mob set fire to the home of a leader from the Bangladesh Nationalist Party. The attack happened in Lakshmipur late at night. A seven-year-old girl died in the fire. Her father and two sisters suffered severe burns. They were taken to Dhaka Medical College Hospital. Police said the doors were locked before the house was set on fire. The country remains on high alert. Protests have spread to several cities. Leaders have called for calm amid rising tension. (PC: HT)

The Centre has rejected claims that new rules will allow large-scale mining in the Aravalli region. It said over 90 per cent of the area will remain protected. The government cited a Supreme Court-approved framework that freezes new mining leases. Mining will stay banned until a full management plan is ready. Environment Minister Bhupender Yadav said no relaxation has been given. He added that only 0.19 per cent of the region may be eligible for mining. The Centre said the new definition removes confusion and stops misuse. Illegal mining remains the main concern. (PC: NDTV)

Parents of children with thalassemia in India are devastated after their children tested HIV positive. Five children in Madhya Pradesh and five in Jharkhand were found infected during routine tests. The children depend on regular blood transfusions to survive. Authorities have ordered probes into blood banks and hospitals involved. Health officials said treatment has started and the children are stable. Parents fear social stigma and loss of schooling. Activists say the cases expose gaps in blood screening. They have urged faster passage of stronger blood safety laws. (PC: BBC)

President Droupadi Murmu has approved the VB-G RAM G Bill, 2025. The law replaces the MGNREGA scheme.   The new law raises guaranteed work from 100 to 125 days for rural families. It changes funding to a 60:40 Centre-state share. Earlier, the Centre paid most of the cost. Work can be paused for 60 days during farm seasons. Jobs will focus on water, roads, livelihoods, and climate needs. The government says the law fits the Viksit Bharat vision. The Opposition says it weakens workers’ rights. (PC: NDTV)

Shubman Gill was not picked in India’s squad for the T20 World Cup 2026. The decision ended the selectors’ four-month experiment with Gill in T20Is. Sanju Samson returned as India’s main opener. Ishan Kishan was named as back-up after strong domestic form. Former India cricketer Atul Wassan said Gill did not fit the T20 format. He said playing all formats puts unfair pressure on players. Gill is now expected to focus on Tests and ODIs. (PC: HT)

A video of an Indian pilot taking his 8-month-old son on his very first flight has captured hearts on social media. The clip, shared on Instagram by Gunjan Apte, shows baby Agastya dressed in a tiny pilot-style outfit matching his father Aakash Khanna’s uniform as he experiences the aircraft with wonder. In a touching scene, Khanna brings his son into the cockpit, introducing him to the controls, creating an unforgettable family memory. Social media users have widely praised the joyful moment, dubbing Agastya “Daddy’s little co-pilot” and celebrating the father-son bond.