The Ministry of Home Affairs stated Monday that the government remains "always open for dialogue" with the Leh Apex Body and Kargil Democratic Alliance on Ladakh matters. This follows LAB's announcement to boycott talks with MHA's High Powered Committee until normalcy returns to Ladakh, which is under indefinite curfew following last week's unrest. The MHA emphasized that the dialogue mechanism established through the HPC has "yielded good results" and expressed confidence that continuous engagement would produce desired outcomes soon. The ministry reiterated its willingness to welcome discussions with LAB and KDA through the High Powered Committee or any alternative platform, maintaining commitment to resolving regional concerns through peaceful negotiations. (PC: X)

Tamil Nadu police have accused actor-politician Vijay of a “deliberate display of political power” during his Tamilaga Vettri Kazhagam (TVK) rally in Karur, where 41 people died in a stampede. Police said Vijay’s delayed arrival, repeated unsanctioned halts, and crowd-pulling tactics aggravated the situation, overwhelming security arrangements. The event, already under scrutiny for safety lapses, turned deadly when ropes and barricades blocked escape routes. Authorities allege his team ignored guidelines and prioritized optics over safety. The tragedy has sparked political controversy, with critics questioning both Vijay’s responsibility and the administration’s preparedness.  

Kolkata hosted its first AI-generated alpona near Newtown, blending tradition with digital design. Local artists collaborated with an electronics brand to create the pattern, which was then painted as a large street mural. Muralist Anindita Dev led the team, working overnight for six nights to bring the AI design to life. “It’s the first AI-generated alpona in the city. We worked all night for six days, putting everything into it. This is the biggest one I have done so far,” Dev said. The artwork is not linked to any pandal.

Durga Puja 2025 in Kolkata has amazed devotees with Dum Dum Park Bharatchakra’s silver jubilee theme, “Tanmatra Aura.” The pandal blends light, holograms, and spirituality, creating a calm and futuristic space. Visitors enter through a spiral of LED lights that symbolise aura energy. Inside, Goddess Durga appears in a peaceful form without weapons, alongside her children. Artist Sushanta Shibani Pal designed the pandal to reflect the unseen force of aura that surrounds every being. Marking its 25th year, the club’s creation shows how tradition and modern imagination can meet, offering both beauty and a deep spiritual message. (PC: X)

Congress leader Rahul Gandhi has accused the BJP and RSS of attacking Ladakh's unique cultural identity. His remarks come amid escalating protests in the region, where demonstrators are demanding statehood and inclusion under the Sixth Schedule of the Indian Constitution. The protests have intensified following the arrest of activist Sonam Wangchuk and the imposition of a curfew in Leh. Gandhi emphasized the need to preserve Ladakh's distinct traditions and autonomy, highlighting the region's concerns over political and cultural marginalization. The situation remains tense, with authorities monitoring developments closely. (PC: X)

Actor-turned-politician Vijay's Tamilaga Vettri Kazhagam (TVK) has approached the Madras High Court's Madurai Bench, requesting a CBI or Special Investigation Team (SIT) probe into the Karur rally stampede that resulted in 40 deaths and over 60 injuries. The party alleges a conspiracy, citing incidents of stone-pelting and a police lathi-charge at the venue. The court is scheduled to hear the plea today. Simultaneously, Vijay's Chennai residence received a bomb threat, prompting a security sweep by the police, including the deployment of sniffer dogs and a bomb disposal squad. The investigation into the threat is ongoing.

Gitanjali J. Angmo, wife of climate activist Sonam Wangchuk, has staunchly defended her husband following his arrest under the National Security Act (NSA). In an interview with ThePrint, she dismissed accusations of inciting violence in Leh, calling them a “witch-hunt”, and argued that his peaceful activism reflects Gandhian principles, not menace. She refuted claims of provocation during a protest that turned violent—where 4 died and over 70 were injured—saying his remarks were taken out of context. Angmo also addressed allegations of foreign links and misused funding, asserting that both HIAL and SECMOL (institutes founded by them) operate transparently with legitimate domestic funding. (PC: The Print)

Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Sunday said the government is working to get Chhath Puja included in UNESCO’s Intangible Cultural Heritage List. Speaking in his monthly Mann Ki Baat radio address, he said the festival dedicated to the Sun God has become global. Modi noted that millions celebrate it in India and abroad. He added that when included, the world will witness its grandeur and divinity. He recalled that Kolkata’s Durga Puja was earlier added to UNESCO’s list. Modi said India’s festivals keep culture alive and global recognition will help people everywhere understand and join them. (PC: The Hindu)

A stampede at Tamilaga Vettri Kazhagam (TVK) chief Vijay’s rally in Karur, Tamil Nadu, killed 40 people and injured dozens. The crowd, much larger than expected, caused panic and fainting, forcing Vijay to pause his speech and call for police help. Police have filed cases against TVK district secretary Mathiazhagan, general secretary Bussy Anand, and joint general secretary C T Nirmal Kumar under charges including culpable homicide and endangering life. Chief Minister MK Stalin visited victims, announced compensation, and set up an inquiry. Vijay expressed sorrow and promised support to families, while Prime Minister Modi condemned the tragedy. (PC: India Today)

In Varanasi’s Madanpura, a unique Durga Puja tradition continues for 260 years. The Durga idol at Purana Durga Bati, made in 1767 with Ganga clay, straw, bamboo, and jute, is still worshipped every year. Legend says the idol refused to move during visarjan. Even 15 strong men could not lift it. That night, Maa Durga appeared in the dream of Kali Prasanna Mukhopadhyay, saying she wished to stay in Kashi. Since then, the Mukherjee family and locals worship the same idol each year. The six-foot idol remains with her children—Laxmi, Saraswati, Kartik, and Ganesh. (PC: India Today)