India

In Jammu & Kashmir’s first Rajya Sabha elections since Article 370’s abrogation, National Conference emerged dominant with three seats, BJP winning another amid allegations of cross-voting and “horse-trading.” The results ended J&K's Rajya Sabha vacancy since 2021, with leaders sparring and supporters celebrating.

External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar critiques the UN Security Council and Pakistan for obstructing anti-terror actions after the Pahalgam attack, saying the UN's mechanisms are “gridlocked” and urgent reforms are needed. He highlights the irony of victims and perpetrators being equated, slams members shielding terrorists, and warns that the slowdown of Sustainable Development Goals is a sign of distress for the Global South. Despite criticism, Jaishankar urges continued, if critical, support for the UN, emphasizing reform and resilience.

India’s medical-education sector now boasts the highest number of seats ever offered in medical colleges, yet competition has not eased. Graduating students face steeper competition due to rising aspirants, limited high-quality institutions and intense entrance exam pressure; the paradox highlights systemic bottlenecks despite scaled capacity.

Shradha Sharma, founder of the digital media platform YourStory, criticised the staff at Masala Art Taj Palace (Taj Delhi) over being asked to sit “properly”, sparking debates on sexism, service norms and influencer expectations in India’s premium hospitality segment.

Exclusive images of Arthur Road Jail in Mumbai, undergoing preparation ahead of housing fugitive diamond-magnate Mehul Choksi, have surfaced, shedding light on high-security measures, cell renovations and legal implications of the extradition process. The facility’s readiness, legal constraints and media attention converge as India’s judicial and custodial systems gear up for the controversial inmate’s transfer.

An IndiGo Airlines flight en route from Kolkata to Srinagar made an emergency landing at Varanasi after pilots detected a midair fuel leak. The Airbus A320 aircraft, carrying 168 passengers, landed safely with fire tenders and emergency teams on standby. Preliminary reports suggest a technical fault rather than sabotage. IndiGo has grounded similar aircraft for inspection while regulators initiated an independent inquiry. No injuries were reported.

A Jharkhand court sentenced a 60-year-old woman to life imprisonment for the murder of her daughter-in-law, a case that highlighted deep-rooted family conflicts escalating to fatal violence. The court found compelling evidence showing premeditated intent, rejecting the accused's defense during trial. The sentence reflects judicial commitment to addressing domestic violence and reinforces the consequences of lethal family disputes, urging societal attention to early interventions.

The Election Commission of India (ECI) disclosed significant seizures of illegal cash and unlicensed weapons during Bihar’s assembly and by-polls. Over a lakh complaints have been filed alleging violations of the electoral code of conduct. The ECI is intensifying monitoring to ensure free and fair elections amid concerns of muscle power and malpractice.

Telangana Rashtra Samithi (BRS) ministers have accused Congress leaders of misappropriating lakhs of crores through corrupt practices. The allegations were targeted at key Congress figures allegedly involved in financial scandals. The ruling party demanded accountability and transparency, with BRS leader K.T. Rama Rao (KTR) taking a prominent role in the accusations amid tense political rivalry.

Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS) Chief Mohan Bhagwat is set to attend the organization’s annual meeting in Jabalpur. The event is expected to focus on strengthening ideological outreach and political strategy ahead of upcoming elections. Leaders will discuss social and cultural issues central to RSS’s goals.