Mumbai on 'Red Alert' as Heavy Rains Lash City
Mumbai has been hit by heavy overnight rains, with a 'red alert' issued by the India Meteorological Department (IMD) for continued heavy to very heavy rainfall. Some parts of the city recorded over 100 mm of rain in a 24-hour period, leading to delays in local train services. The IMD has forecast further intense spells accompanied by thunderstorms and gusty winds, raising concerns about waterlogging, especially during high tide. Similar alerts are in place for the neighbouring districts of Thane, Palghar, and Raigad.
Delhi 'Godman' Accused of Molesting 17 Students Arrested in Agra
Self-styled godman Chaitanyananda Saraswati, accused of sexually harassing 17 female students at a Delhi management institute, has been arrested in Agra. The 62-year-old, a former chairman of the institute, had been a fugitive since an FIR was registered in August. He allegedly forced students to his quarters late at night and sent inappropriate messages. Police traced him to a hotel and apprehended him. Authorities had earlier frozen ₹8 crore linked to Saraswati across multiple bank accounts.
Stampede at Political Rally in Tamil Nadu Kills at Least 39
A stampede at a political rally held by actor-politician Vijay's Tamilaga Vettri Kazhagam (TVK) party in Karur, Tamil Nadu, has resulted in the deaths of at least 39 people, including women and children, with over 80 injured. The tragedy occurred amid massive overcrowding as thousands gathered to see the popular film star. The state government has announced a judicial inquiry into the incident and sanctioned compensation for the victims' families, with Vijay's party also pledging financial assistance to those affected.
India Launches Indigenous 'Swadeshi' 4G Network for BSNL
India has launched BSNL's indigenous 4G network, commissioning over 97,500 mobile towers built with homegrown technology at a cost of approximately ₹37,000 crore. The launch marks India's entry into a select group of nations that manufacture their own telecom equipment. The new cloud-based network, which is future-ready for 5G upgrades, aims to connect over 26,700 remote, border, and left-wing extremism-affected villages, significantly boosting rural connectivity and advancing the 'Digital India' vision.
India Calls Pakistan 'Epicentre of Terrorism' at UN General Assembly
At the UN General Assembly, External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar described a neighbouring country, widely understood to be Pakistan, as an "epicentre of global terrorism" where terror hubs operate on an "industrial scale." Without being named, Pakistan responded, prompting an Indian diplomat to state the reaction was an "admission of their longstanding practice of cross-border terrorism." The exchange highlighted India's firm stance on counter-terrorism and its assertion that it will defend its people against cross-border attacks.
India Delivers Sharp Rebuke to Pakistan at UN General Assembly
Exercising its 'Right of Reply' at the UN General Assembly, India strongly countered claims made by Pakistan's Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif regarding the May conflict. Indian diplomat Petal Gahlot stated that Pakistan's military had "pleaded" for a ceasefire during India's 'Operation Sindoor', which targeted terror infrastructure. India dismissed Sharif's account as "absurd theatrics" and reiterated that bilateral issues would be addressed without third-party intervention, underscoring the deep diplomatic rift between the two nations.
Activist Sonam Wangchuk Probed for Alleged Pakistan Links, Says Ladakh Police
Ladakh's Director General of Police has stated that prominent activist Sonam Wangchuk, recently detained under the National Security Act, is being investigated for alleged links with Pakistan. The police claim a Pakistani Intelligence Operative, arrested last month, was sending videos of Wangchuk's protests across the border. Wangchuk has been a leading voice in the agitation for Ladakh's statehood and inclusion in the Sixth Schedule. The police chief described Wangchuk as the "main instigator" of recent violent protests in Leh.
Constable-Turned-Terrorist Extradited from UAE to India
Babbar Khalsa International (BKI) terrorist Parminder Singh, alias Pindi, has been extradited from the United Arab Emirates. A former constable with the Batala police, Pindi fled to the UAE in 2023 to evade arrest for his alleged involvement in multiple crimes, including petrol bomb attacks and extortions. He was identified as a local handler for a terror module backed by Pakistan-based terrorists. His extradition is being hailed as a major success resulting from coordinated efforts between Indian agencies and the UAE government.
Government Considers Extending Tenure of Parliamentary Committees to Two Years
The Indian government is considering a proposal to extend the tenure of parliamentary standing committees from one year to two. The move comes after some lawmakers argued that the current one-year term is insufficient to conduct meaningful deliberations and in-depth studies of chosen subjects. Often described as 'mini-parliaments,' these committees play a crucial role in legislative oversight. A final decision is expected after consultations with the presiding officers of both the Lok Sabha and the Rajya Sabha.
Oil India Announces Natural Gas Discovery in Andaman Offshore Block
State-owned Oil India Ltd has discovered natural gas in its offshore block in the Andaman and Nicobar Islands, a potentially significant development for India's energy security. The find was made in the second exploratory well drilled in the AN-OSHP-2018/1 block. While the commercial viability and size of the reserves are still under evaluation, the discovery confirms the presence of hydrocarbons in the Andaman basin, raising hopes for future exploration that could help reduce India's heavy reliance on imported gas.
Babbar Khalsa International Terrorist Extradited to India from UAE
In a major counter-terrorism success, Parminder Singh 'Pindi', a terrorist associated with Babbar Khalsa International (BKI), has been extradited from the UAE to India. Pindi, a close aide of foreign-based terrorists Harwinder Singh Rinda and Happy Passia, was wanted for multiple crimes in Punjab, including petrol bomb attacks and extortion. The extradition was the result of a coordinated operation between Punjab Police, central agencies, and UAE authorities, acting on a Red Corner Notice issued at India's request.
Bareilly Cleric Arrested After 'I Love Muhammad' Protest Turns Violent
Cleric Tauqeer Raza Khan and seven others have been arrested and sent to 14-day judicial custody following violent clashes in Bareilly, Uttar Pradesh. The unrest erupted after a protest called by Khan, supporting the 'I love Muhammad' campaign, was denied permission by authorities. Following Friday prayers, demonstrators clashed with police, who accused Khan of using inflammatory speeches to incite the violence. The controversy began after some groups objected to 'I Love Muhammad' posters being used during religious processions in the state.
India's Cold Desert Biosphere Reserve Earns UNESCO Designation
UNESCO has officially designated India's Cold Desert Biosphere Reserve as part of its World Network of Biosphere Reserves (WNBR). Located in the trans-Himalayan region of Himachal Pradesh, the high-altitude reserve is known for its fragile ecosystem and unique biodiversity, including the snow leopard. This recognition marks India's 13th site on the prestigious list, highlighting the country's commitment to conserving critical natural habitats and promoting sustainable development in conjunction with local communities.
US to Impose 100% Tariff on Imported Branded Pharmaceuticals
US President Donald Trump announced a 100% tariff on all imported branded or patented pharmaceutical products, effective October 1, 2025. The measure is intended to boost domestic manufacturing. Companies will be exempt if they are actively building production facilities in the United States, defined as having broken ground. The move is expected to significantly impact global pharmaceutical companies, including many in India which is a major drug exporter to the US, leading to a drop in Indian pharma stocks.
Climate Activist Sonam Wangchuk Arrested Under National Security Act in Ladakh
Climate activist Sonam Wangchuk has been arrested in Leh under the National Security Act and moved to a jail in Jodhpur. His detention follows violent protests demanding statehood and Sixth Schedule status for Ladakh, which resulted in four deaths and numerous injuries. The administration cited Wangchuk's alleged "provocative speeches" as a reason for the unrest, a claim he denies. The arrest has intensified tensions in the region, which remains under curfew with internet services suspended.