India has strongly criticised Pakistan for its comments on the recent flag-hoisting at the Ram Temple in Ayodhya. The Ministry of External Affairs said Pakistan has “no moral standing” to speak on the issue. MEA spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal said Pakistan should look at its own poor human rights record instead of giving “hypocritical” lectures. India rejected Pakistan’s remarks and said the country has a long history of mistreating its minorities. Pakistan had earlier claimed that the flag-hoisting was part of rising pressure on religious minorities and an attempt to erase Muslim heritage. India dismissed these claims completely. (PC: HT)

Nearly 20 years after bodies of 19 children and women were found in Noida’s Nithari village, parents are demanding answers. Surinder Koli, last convicted in the case, was acquitted by the Supreme Court, ending the long judicial process. Families say the investigation was flawed and confessions were extracted under torture. Victims’ parents, like Sunita and Pappu Lal, remain anguished, asking, “If they are innocent, who killed our children?” Many victims’ families have left the area, while others struggle with grief and anger. Lawyers and officials say reinvestigation is unlikely due to the time elapsed. (PC: BBC)

Gautam Gambhir’s record as India’s Test coach has hit a new low. In just over a year, India has lost nearly two out of every three Tests under him. This loss rate is worse than any modern coach, including Greg Chappell. India have suffered five home Test defeats under Gambhir, including sweeps by New Zealand and South Africa. His team has struggled abroad too, losing in Australia and drawing in England. Comparatively, previous coaches like Rahul Dravid, Anil Kumble, and Ravi Shastri had far better records. Critics now call Gambhir India’s worst red-ball coach of the modern era. (PC: HT)

Haryana has suspended Rohtak’s District Sports Officer after two teenage basketball players died in separate pole-collapse accidents within 48 hours. The first death occurred in Bahadurgarh, followed by a similar incident in Rohtak. The 16-year-old Rohtak player, a national-level athlete, died after an iron pole fell on him during solo practice. State Sports Minister Gaurav Gautam has ordered a high-level review and strict inspections of all sports facilities. Officers must remove unsafe equipment, close risky buildings, and ensure personal accountability. The incidents have raised concerns over poor sports infrastructure and urgent reforms are expected in the coming days.

Severe flooding in southern Thailand has claimed at least 33 lives, as rain-swollen waters have displaced nearly 45,000 people across nine provinces. In the hardest-hit city of Hat Yai, the ground floor of a major hospital was submerged, forcing authorities to airlift critically ill patients—around 50 in intensive care—via more than 20 helicopters. The Thai navy even deployed its only aircraft carrier, the Chakri Naruebet, to assist in relief operations. Meanwhile, rescue teams are using boats to transport food, generators, and medical supplies as rain continues.

The Election Commission (EC) has told the Supreme Court that about 99% of enumeration forms for Kerala’s Special Intensive Revision (SIR) of electoral rolls have been distributed. The EC argued that there is no need to delay the SIR process, even though it overlaps with upcoming local body elections. Kerala’s Chief Electoral Officer confirmed that more than 96% of forms are with voters, and over half of them have already been digitized. Meanwhile, the state government had asked the Court to defer SIR, citing administrative concerns. 

The UK faces freezing weather as temperatures drop below 0°C in some areas. The Met Office has issued a yellow warning for strong winds up to 75 mph, affecting northern Scotland and coastal regions. Heavy rain is expected, spreading across England, Wales, and Northern Ireland. Authorities warn of large waves, power cuts, and transport delays. The Environment Agency has flood alerts for the River Derwent and other rivers. Meteorologist Clare Nasir said cold weather is caused by a sudden ridge, bringing showers and blustery winds. The cold snap will continue into the weekend. (PC: X)

In a strategic move, the Union Cabinet has approved a ₹7,280 crore scheme to develop India’s manufacturing capacity for sintered Rare Earth Permanent Magnets (REPM). The plan targets the establishment of 6,000 metric tonnes per annum of integrated REPM production through a global competitive bidding process, with five selected beneficiaries. Of the budget, ₹6,450 crore is allocated as sales-linked incentives over five years, and ₹750 crore as capital subsidies. These powerful magnets are key in electric vehicles, wind turbines, defence systems, electronics, and aerospace. The scheme aligns with India’s push for self-reliance, reduced import dependence, and its Net Zero 2070 commitment. (PC: AP)

Kolkata has been named PETA India’s Most Vegan-Friendly City for 2025. The award was given to Mayor Firhad Hakim during World Vegan Month. PETA India said the city has many naturally vegan Bengali dishes, such as aloo posto, cholar dal, tomato khejur chutney and puchka. Vegan-friendly cafes and restaurants in the city are also growing. Many now serve plant-based milk, tofu dishes and dairy-free desserts. Kolkata also saw more vegan events this year, including a Durga Puja installation promoting animal-friendly choices. PETA India said Kolkata is setting a strong example by supporting sustainable and cruelty-free living.

India’s proud home Test record has collapsed after a 2-0 series loss to South Africa, following a 3-0 defeat to New Zealand. The defeats have raised questions about coach Gautam Gambhir’s decisions on pitches and team selection. Critics say India looked confused and lacked fight. South Africa won the second Test by 408 runs, exposing India’s weak batting and poor temperament. Players like KL Rahul, Yashasvi Jaiswal and Rishabh Pant also struggled with basic errors. Analysts say young players were picked without enough domestic form, while key tactical calls backfired. India’s once-strong home advantage now looks lost. (PC: X)