Prime Minister Narendra Modi delivered a powerful message of national strength and resilience, declaring that “Naya Bharat will not bow down before any force.” Speaking at a public event, he invoked the symbolism of the Sudarshan Chakra, stating that India’s resolve, like the divine weapon, is firm and unshakeable when confronting enemies and threats to national security. He emphasized that modern India is prepared to defend its sovereignty with determination, unity, and technological capability. Modi added that citizens’ trust and the nation’s growing global stature reflect a new era where India stands confident, self-reliant, and fearless on the world stage.  

Congress leader Rahul Gandhi has sharply criticised Prime Minister Narendra Modi for remaining silent amid Delhi’s crippling air pollution, calling it a “health emergency.” He urged an urgent parliamentary debate and demanded a strict, enforceable action plan to clean the capital’s toxic air. Sharing a video of conversations with worried mothers, Rahul said, “India’s children are choking … How can you stay silent? Why no accountability, no plan?” Delhi has endured “very poor” to “severe” air quality for over two weeks, heightening concerns over long-term health risks for children and vulnerable groups. 

Following the shooting of two United States National Guard members in Washington D.C., Trump declared he will “permanently pause migration from all third‐world countries”. In a late-night social media post, he pledged to end federal benefits for non-citizens, deport those not deemed “net assets”, and denaturalise migrants viewed as threats to “domestic tranquility”. His administration also initiated a review of asylum approvals and suspended immigration processing for Afghan nationals. Legal experts warn the sweeping policy faces major constitutional and practical hurdles.

Israeli security forces shot dead two Palestinian men, Montasir Abdullah (26) and Yusuf Asasa (37), during a raid in Jenin, West Bank, despite video footage showing them appearing to surrender. The men exited a building, raised their shirts to show they were unarmed, and lay on the ground before being directed inside again — and then were fired upon at close range. The Israeli military says it has launched a “surrender procedure” and is reviewing the incident. Palestinians call it a “cold-blooded execution” and warn of potential impunity. 

Delhi Police’s Crime Branch has arrested Bandhu Man Singh, a close associate of gangster Goldy Dhillon, in connection with the shootings outside comedian Kapil Sharma’s Kap’s Café in Surrey, Canada. Investigators say he coordinated with Dhillon’s network, arranging weapons and logistics for the attacks. During the arrest, police recovered a Chinese-made PX-3 pistol along with live cartridges. This arrest marks a significant step in probing cross-border gang activities targeting high-profile individuals. (PC: The Hindu & Times Now)

After India’s recent Test loss to South Africa, the BCCI reportedly took issue with head coach Gautam Gambhir’s public praise of the turning pitch at Kolkata’s Eden Gardens. Gambhir insisted the black-soil track was exactly what the team wanted, calling it a test of technique and temperament — comments that irked board members. Although no immediate action is planned, insiders warn that another poor showing, especially at the upcoming T20 World Cup, could put his future under serious threat. (PC: PTI)

In a striking move, U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) and U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) have begun detaining individuals—many of them spouses of U.S. citizens—during routine green-card interviews at the USCIS San Diego office, even though they reportedly have no criminal history. Attorneys say the arrests target those who entered legally but overstayed their visas. ICE stated it is enforcing immigration laws at federal sites including USCIS offices. Legal counsel warn interviewees to attend as scheduled yet be prepared in case of detention, since skipping could lead to case abandonment. (PC: India Today)

Palash Muchhal and cricketer Smriti Mandhana’s wedding was postponed indefinitely after Smriti’s father suffered heart-attack-like symptoms just hours before their planned ceremony. The emotional turmoil also affected Palash, who was hospitalized due to stress. Palash’s mother, Amita, expressed her hope and faith in the union, recalling that her son “dreamt of coming home with his bride” and that she had even planned a special welcome for Smriti. Despite the delay, she remains confident that the wedding will happen soon. (PC: NDTV)

In Delhi’s Chhawla area, 35-year-old Virender Singh allegedly strangled his 44-year-old live-in partner, Radha, following a drunken argument. He then placed her body in the backseat of his Maruti Swift, reportedly deciding to dispose of it, but was too intoxicated to drive far. Instead, he returned home, resumed drinking, and fell asleep. The following morning, a neighbour spotted the body in the car and alerted the police, leading to Virender’s arrest. A murder case has been registered. (PC: X)

A catastrophic fire at the Wang Fuk Court housing complex in the Tai Po district of Hong Kong has claimed at least 94 lives, marking the worst blaze in the city in nearly eight decades. The eight-tower estate, housing over 4,600 residents and under renovation, was encased in bamboo scaffolding and green mesh when the fire erupted. Authorities have arrested three construction-company officials on suspicion of manslaughter over unsafe materials used during refurbishment. The rescue mission is approaching completion as firefighters work to reach remaining units and account for unresolved emergency calls. (PC: AP)