India has received the fourth squadron of the Russian-origin S-400 Triumf, strengthening its long-range air defence network. The delivery is part of a 2018 agreement with Russia for five squadrons, with three already operational and one remaining to be delivered. Each squadron includes command-and-control units, advanced radars, missile launchers and 128 missiles with engagement ranges from 120 km to 380 km. Delays caused by the Russia-Ukraine conflict had slowed deliveries. India has also approved plans to acquire five additional S-400 squadrons while simultaneously advancing the indigenous Project Kusha to develop comparable air defence capabilities. (PC: X)

In a dramatic escalation of the crisis within the All India Trinamool Congress, expelled MLA Ritabrata Banerjee was recognised as Leader of the Opposition in the West Bengal Assembly after 60 MLAs submitted letters backing his claim. The move came despite his expulsion two days earlier over alleged anti-party activities. Ritabrata insisted that Mamata Banerjee remains the party's leader and denied any intention to split the TMC. The rebellion follows a forged-signatures controversy linked to rival LoP nominations, prompting a CID probe and political turmoil. The development marks the biggest internal challenge to the TMC leadership in recent years. (PC: India Today)

The Union Cabinet on Wednesday approved two major schemes worth nearly ₹20,000 crore. A ₹10,000-crore Fuel Price Stabilisation Fund will help keep aviation turbine fuel (ATF) prices stable for airlines amid rising global oil prices. The government said the move will reduce pressure on airlines and help control airfare fluctuations. The Cabinet also cleared a ₹9,585-crore clean transport scheme for Delhi-NCR. The programme aims to replace old trucks and buses with cleaner BS-VI and electric vehicles. Officials said the scheme will help reduce air pollution, lower fuel use and support cleaner transport across the region.

Expelled TMC leader Ritabrata Banerjee was on Wednesday appointed Leader of the Opposition in the West Bengal Assembly. He claimed the support of 58 out of 80 TMC MLAs and said two more legislators could join his camp soon. Banerjee said the Speaker had accepted the revised composition of the legislature party and approved his appointment. “We would request Mamata Banerjee to play the role of the chief adviser of the legislative party,” he said. The development comes amid a growing rift within the TMC. The party recently expelled Banerjee and another MLA over internal disputes.

The Cockroach Janata Party (CJP) faced criticism after announcing an all-male team of spokespersons ahead of its planned protest in Delhi. Critics, including Shiv Sena (UBT) leader Priyanka Chaturvedi, questioned the lack of female representation. Responding to the criticism, founder Abhijeet Dipke said, “We respect their decision,” explaining that female team members chose not to take public-facing roles because of online threats and attacks. He invited more women to join the movement as spokespersons. CJP recently named three spokespersons and said they will lead public communication efforts. The group plans to hold a protest over examination-related issues.

India on Wednesday condemned Iran's attack on Kuwait International Airport that killed an Indian worker and injured dozens of people. The Ministry of External Affairs said, “Civilian population and civilian infrastructure must not be targeted,” and called for an end to such attacks. The Indian Embassy in Kuwait expressed “deepest condolences” to the victim's family and is providing assistance. Kuwait said one person was killed and 63 others were injured in the strike. Air traffic was temporarily suspended following the attack. With this incident, the number of Indians killed since the start of the West Asia conflict has risen to 10. (PC: X/ @steve_hanke)

India has received the fourth S-400 air defence squadron from Russia, boosting the country's defence capabilities. The delivery is part of a 2018 agreement for five S-400 squadrons. Three squadrons are already operational, while the fourth is expected to be deployed soon. The S-400 system can detect and destroy fighter jets, drones, cruise missiles and ballistic missiles at long distances. Deliveries were delayed due to the Russia-Ukraine conflict. Only one squadron remains to be delivered. India is also planning to buy five more S-400 squadrons and is developing its own long-range air defence system under Project Kusha.

An Indian national was killed and 63 others were injured after an Iranian missile and drone attack struck Kuwait International Airport on Wednesday. The attack hit Terminal One, causing casualties and damage to airport facilities, prompting authorities to suspend air traffic operations.   According to Kuwait's Health Ministry, the injured suffered serious wounds, including head injuries, cerebral haemorrhages, amputations and blast-related trauma. Twenty-five ambulances were deployed to the airport.   The Indian Embassy in Kuwait expressed condolences to the victim's family and said it is coordinating with Kuwaiti authorities to provide support and assistance.   Iran's Revolutionary Guards claimed responsibility for the attack, saying it was retaliation for recent US actions against Iranian targets. Gulf nations, including the UAE and Kuwait, strongly condemned the strike, calling for a united regional response against attacks on civilian infrastructure. (PC: NDTV)

At least 21 people were killed in a devastating fire at a hotel building in Delhi's Malviya Nagar on Wednesday, with 18 of the victims identified as foreign nationals. According to officials, those killed included citizens of Bangladesh, Afghanistan, Nigeria, Mozambique, Somalia and Liberia.   The fire broke out in a five-storey bed-and-breakfast building in the Hauz Rani area. Authorities are investigating the cause, with initial suspicion shifting from a cylinder blast to a possible short circuit.   Around 10 police personnel were injured during rescue operations. Firefighters and police teams rushed to the scene and evacuated several occupants as investigations into the tragedy continue. (PC: HT)

A major political crisis deepened within the Trinamool Congress on Wednesday as expelled MLA Ritabrata Banerjee was recognised as the Leader of the Opposition in the West Bengal Assembly. The Speaker accepted letters of support from 60 rebel TMC MLAs backing Ritabrata for the post.   Despite being expelled from the party two days ago, Ritabrata insisted that West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee remains their leader and said the rebel camp has no intention of splitting the party. He described the revolt as a fight against "individualism" and pledged to work under Mamata's leadership.   The development follows a forged signatures controversy over the opposition leader's post, prompting a CID investigation and further intensifying the TMC's internal turmoil.