Music composer AR Rahman faced social media backlash over claims he refused to sing Vande Mataram in an interview. Journalist posts suggested Rahman had declined requests to perform the patriotic song. Singer Chinmayi Sripada defended him, tweeting that Rahman and his team had performed Vande Mataram with audiences at events, including a November 2025 concert in Pune, and that he often sings Maa Tujhe Salaam at shows — suggesting any refusal may have had non-controversial reasons. Actress Meerra Chopraa also supported Rahman, comparing his global stature to Priyanka Chopra and urging respect for the music legend. (PC: HT)

The West Bengal government has urged the Election Commission (EC) to rescind its directive to file FIRs against four electoral officers over alleged “ghost voters” found in electoral rolls during the Special Intensive Revision (SIR) exercise in Moyna (Purba Medinipur) and Baruipur East (South 24 Parganas). The state argued that the officials have already faced suspensions and departmental action, and that criminal prosecution for procedural lapses is excessive, citing legal advice from the Advocate General. FIRs have not yet been registered, and the chief electoral officer’s office has forwarded the request to the EC for a final decision.

Data reveals that **more than 77% of all illegal mining FIRs in Rajasthan were filed in districts within the Aravalli mountain region, despite it having relatively fewer mining leases and lower mineral production than other areas. This highlights the intensity of illegal extraction activities in one of India’s most ecologically sensitive landscapes, which spans much of the state. Environmentalists warn that any changes to the legal definition or protection of the Aravalli range could further exacerbate rampant violations. The trend underscores ongoing environmental and regulatory challenges in curbing unlawful mining and safeguarding the ancient hills. (PC: PTI)

Indian intelligence agencies have issued a high alert ahead of the 26 January Republic Day, warning that Khalistani terrorist outfits and Bangladesh-based terror groups may attempt to target Delhi and other major cities across the country. According to sources, Punjab-based gangsters are increasingly being used as foot soldiers by radical handlers abroad, establishing operational links with extremist networks active in Haryana, Delhi-NCR, Uttar Pradesh and Rajasthan. In response, authorities have heightened security measures and conducted mock anti-terror drills at sensitive locations like Red Fort and Chandni Chowk to improve preparedness and response. The alert underscores the emphasis on ensuring safety during the 77th Republic Day celebrations. (PC: PTI)

India’s aviation regulator, the Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA), has imposed a ₹22.2 crore fine on IndiGo Airlines following widespread flight disruptions in early December. The action came after an inquiry found serious operational and crew management failures, leading to mass cancellations, delays, and passenger inconvenience across several airports. The regulator also issued warnings to IndiGo’s senior management and highlighted violations related to duty time limits and operational preparedness. IndiGo stated that it has processed refunds, offered alternative arrangements to affected passengers, and taken corrective measures. Flight operations have since returned to normal, according to the airline. (PC: NDTV)

West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee inaugurated the permanent building of the Calcutta High Court’s Jalpaiguri Circuit Bench on Saturday, urging Chief Justice of India Surya Kant to safeguard the Constitution, democracy and judiciary. Banerjee expressed concern over citizens allegedly being wrongly targeted by investigative agencies, calling on the CJI to protect the people and uphold democratic rights. She also stressed that the judiciary must remain free of casteism, religionism, and media trial pressures. The event marks a milestone in expanding justice access for North Bengal residents. (PC: ANI)

Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Saturday flagged off India’s first Vande Bharat sleeper train from Malda Town in West Bengal. The train will connect Howrah with Kamakhya in Guwahati.   “This train will make long journeys faster, safer, and more comfortable,” the Prime Minister’s Office said. The sleeper train is fully air-conditioned and offers modern berths, clean linen, and advanced safety systems. It can reach 180 kmph but will run at 120–130 kmph.   The service is expected to cut travel time by 2.5 hours and boost tourism in eastern India.

The first commercial flights carrying Indian nationals from Iran arrived in Delhi late Friday amid recent unrest. The flights were regular services and not part of an evacuation operation. Several returnees described disrupted daily life due to internet shutdowns and street protests. “There was no internet and protests were dangerous,” one national said, adding that families could not be contacted. Another said protesters blocked roads and caused brief trouble. The Indian government had earlier advised against non-essential travel. The Indian Embassy in Tehran issued advisories and stayed in contact with citizens as the situation gradually stabilised. (PC: NDTV)

The Enforcement Directorate filed a charge sheet against Al-Falah University chairman Jawad Ahmed Siddiqui and the family-run Al-Falah Charitable Trust, attaching assets worth ₹139 crore including 54 acres of campus land. The probe links to the November 10 Red Fort terror attack where Al-Falah Medical College doctor Umar-un-Nabi conducted a suicide bombing killing 11 people. ED alleges the university generated ₹415 crore through fraudulent accreditation claims. Investigations revealed family-controlled firms received university contracts, undisclosed related-party transactions, and fund diversion for land acquisition. Siddiqui's children allegedly hold British nationality, with overseas entities established in the UK. The case connects to a wider white-collar terror module investigation. (PC: ANI)

A Mumbai to Krabi IndiGo flight (6E 1085) descended into chaos after the pilot refused to operate the plane, citing that his duty hours had expired, leading to a delay of over three hours before departure. Passengers, already aboard, engaged in heated arguments with cabin crew and were seen kicking the aircraft exit door in frustration over the long wait and lack of clear communication. IndiGo said the delay stemmed from the late arrival of the incoming aircraft, air traffic congestion, and crew duty-time limits. Two passengers were declared unruly and deboarded by security, causing further delay before the flight ultimately took off.