India

Punjab has seen a dramatic rise in stubble burning cases, reporting 353 incidents so far this season, with a three-fold increase in the last 10 days. Tarn Taran and Amritsar accounted for most fires, worsening pollution levels in Delhi-NCR during the Diwali season. Authorities have taken action including fines and FIRs, but crop residue burning remains a persistent environmental challenge.

Security forces in Jammu are executing nearly 120 anti-terror operations a day amid rising infiltration attempts by foreign militants. Officials described the situation as the region’s toughest in years, with Pakistani groups increasing cross-border movement. Forces have strengthened coordination under Operation Sarp Vinash to counter sleeper cells across Rajouri and Poonch districts.

Tamil Nadu is on high alert as heavy rains continue to lash coastal districts amid warnings of a possible cyclone formation over the Bay of Bengal. Authorities have evacuated thousands to relief centers, while schools remain closed in multiple regions. The IMD forecasts more rainfall, advising fishermen to avoid venturing into rough seas.

The Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) criticized the BJP-led Centre for inaction on Delhi’s post-Diwali air pollution, calling it a national emergency. AAP claimed that the air quality index reached ‘severe’ levels across NCR, accusing authorities of failing to enforce cracker and construction bans. The party urged the Centre to implement coordinated relief measures and air quality monitoring across states.

Political strategist and Jan Suraaj founder Prashant Kishor alleged that the BJP pressured three of his candidates to withdraw nominations from the Bihar Assembly bypolls. Kishor claimed the ruling party used coercion to weaken opposition participation. The Election Commission has not yet commented on the allegations as local observers call for fair and transparent investigations.

The Indian Army will soon introduce lightweight “pup tents” for soldiers stationed along icy border territories to enhance mobility and comfort. The new portable shelters are designed for extreme cold and altitude, replacing older, bulkier models. Army officials said the compact tents will boost efficiency in deployment and reduce logistical burdens during rapid movements across frozen terrain.

Andhra Pradesh Minister Nara Lokesh’s three-word post “He Chose Bharat” on X sparked political chatter amid the Google data hub row. The comment came after DMK and AIADMK clashed over Google’s $15 billion AI investment in Andhra Pradesh instead of Tamil Nadu, Sundar Pichai’s home state. Lokesh’s remark was seen as a subtle dig at Tamil Nadu’s leadership in the ongoing industrial competition.

A brutal domestic violence case emerged from Ahmedabad, where a woman attacked her husband on Diwali morning by pouring boiling water and throwing acid on him. The 33-year-old victim, Ronak, sustained severe burn injuries and remains hospitalized. The wife allegedly acted out of jealousy over suspected infidelity, escalating months of marital conflict and prior police interventions between the couple.

The Delhi High Court ruled that the phrase “physical relations” cannot alone constitute evidence of rape without clear, corroborative proof. The court acquitted a man serving a 10-year sentence, noting the prosecution failed to substantiate claims with forensic or consistent witness testimony. The verdict emphasized that clarity and context are crucial in sensitive cases involving minors and called for better investigation standards in future trials.

INDIA coalition parners and JMM are locking horns over tribal-dominated seats along the Bihar-Jharkhand border, which could decide outcomes in at least five constituencies. The rift emerged after JMM exited the INDIA bloc, accusing Congress and RJD of betrayal. Analysts say tribal influence in these border zones can shift the political balance ahead of the Bihar Assembly polls scheduled later this year.