In Madhya Pradesh, 17 children have died over 43 days after consuming the cough syrup Coldrif, suspected to be contaminated with diethylene glycol (DEG) — a toxic industrial solvent. Two more toddlers recently died in Chhindwara, showing symptoms of kidney failure and brain damage. Tests revealed DEG levels at 48.6%, nearly 500 times the permissible limit of 0.1%. Doctors say DEG severely affects the brain and is nearly impossible to remove once ingested. Authorities have banned the product and launched a door-to-door campaign to seize remaining bottles from affected areas. (PC: The Hindu)

A gunfight broke out between security forces and terrorists in Rajouri district of Jammu and Kashmir on Tuesday evening. Around 7:20 pm, terrorists fired at a team of the Jammu and Kashmir Police’s Special Operations Group (SOG) in the Beeranthub area. The SOG team returned fire, leading to a fierce exchange of bullets. Four terrorists are believed to be trapped in the area. Additional forces, including the Army and CRPF, have been sent to assist as the region is covered in snow. So far, no casualties have been reported. The entire area has been cordoned off by security forces. (PC: India Today)

At least 18 people died after a massive landslide hit Himachal Pradesh’s Bilaspur district on Tuesday, burying a private bus under mud and rocks near Ballu Bridge. The bus, travelling on the Marotan–Kalaul route, was carrying over 30 passengers. Four people, including a young girl, were rescued alive as rescue teams used excavators to clear debris. Police, fire, and disaster response teams are working on the site. Prime Minister Narendra Modi expressed grief and announced ₹2 lakh for each victim’s family and ₹50,000 for the injured. Home Minister Amit Shah also offered condolences and said NDRF teams are on-site.

From January, Indian Railways will let passengers change the travel date of confirmed tickets online without any extra fee. Union Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw announced the new rule, calling it a passenger-friendly move. At present, travellers must cancel their tickets and book again, which often leads to deductions and higher costs. The new system aims to reduce inconvenience for passengers who need to reschedule their journeys. However, the change will depend on seat availability, and passengers must pay any fare difference if the new ticket costs more. The decision is expected to help millions of train travellers across India. (PC: NDTV)

A major landslide in Himachal Pradesh’s Bilaspur district killed at least 15 people on Tuesday evening. The bus, travelling from Marottan to Ghumarwin, was buried under huge rocks near Balughat. Around 30 passengers were on board when the incident happened around 6:30 pm. Locals, police, and rescue teams rushed to the spot. An excavator was used to tear open the bus roof to rescue people. Four passengers, including two children, were saved. The injured were taken to a nearby hospital. Chief Minister Sukhwinder Singh Sukhu and Prime Minister Narendra Modi expressed grief and announced compensation for the victims’ families. (PC: HT)

A woman from Meghalaya faced racism twice in one day in Delhi. First, in Kamla Nagar, men on a scooter mocked her, saying “Seng chong,” and laughed. Later, on the metro, another man called her “Ching Chong China.” She shared her experience in a heartfelt Instagram video, saying, “Only mistake is I'm born in India & look like this.” She urged people to respond with love, not revenge, and called on everyone to speak against racism. Her video sparked widespread discussion about discrimination faced by Northeastern communities in India.

Heavy rainfall hit Delhi and NCR on Tuesday evening, causing severe traffic jams. Commuters reported being stuck for hours on flooded roads. The Indira Gandhi International Airport (IGIA) faced disruptions, with 15 flights diverted—eight to Jaipur, five to Lucknow, and two to Chandigarh. Airlines including Air India, IndiGo, and SpiceJet issued advisories urging passengers to check flight status online before heading to the airport. The India Meteorological Department issued an orange alert for parts of the city. Airport teams are working to manage the situation and ensure smooth passenger operations amid the heavy rain. (PC: HT)

The Kerala High Court has ordered a Special Investigation Team (SIT) to probe alleged irregularities in the Sabarimala temple gold-plating project. Sponsor Unnikrishnan Potty, who funded the gold-plating of temple idols, had sought permission in 2019 to use leftover gold for a wedding. The Travancore Devaswom Board (TDB) approved the project, handing over 42.8 kg of gold-covered copper plates. When returned, the weight had dropped to 38.258 kg. The court censured TDB for not informing the Sabarimala Special Commissioner. Congress MP Shashi Tharoor demanded accountability from the Kerala government over the alleged gold theft. (PC: NDTV)

Police have broken up a gang suspected of smuggling up to 40,000 stolen phones from the UK to China. The investigation began after a victim tracked a stolen iPhone to a warehouse near Heathrow. Officers discovered almost 900 more phones there. Police arrested 18 suspects, including two Afghan men and a 29-year-old Indian man, and recovered over 2,000 stolen devices. A further 15 arrests were made last week, mostly women. Authorities believe the gang could be responsible for up to 40% of stolen phones in London. Phone thefts in the city have nearly tripled since 2020. (PC: BBC)

A 72-year-old lawyer, Rakesh Kishore, tried to throw his shoe at Chief Justice of India B.R. Gavai during a court session in Delhi. He said he acted after hearing the CJI’s remark on the Khajuraho temple idol case. Kishore told police, “The almighty asked me how I could rest after such an insult.” The Supreme Court refused to file charges, and he was released. Kishore also said he disagreed with the CJI’s recent speech in Mauritius about the rule of law. He added, “I feel no guilt. I was ready to go to jail for this.” (PC: HT)