A key accused in the rape and murder of an 11-year-old girl in West Bengal's Baruipur was killed in a police encounter during a crime scene reconstruction, officials said. Police alleged Prabhash Mondol snatched a policeman's firearm, opened fire and attempted to escape, prompting retaliatory firing in which he was fatally injured. The case has triggered widespread outrage after the girl's body was recovered in a sack, with the post-mortem confirming sexual assault. Three people have been arrested under murder, gangrape and POCSO charges, while a Special Investigation Team is probing the case. Authorities are also investigating the lynching of another man who was allegedly mistaken for a suspect during protests. (PC: The Indian Express)

Meta has denied allegations that it knowingly targeted users in India with Instagram advertisements linked to child sexual exploitation and abuse material (CSEAM), calling the claims "categorically inaccurate." The response came after the Indian government issued a notice directing the company to immediately disable such advertisements and explain how they appeared on the platform. Meta said it has a zero-tolerance policy for child exploitation and uses technology, human reviewers and reporting tools to detect and remove such content. The controversy follows a BBC investigation that raised concerns over Instagram ads allegedly promoting access to child abuse material in India. (PC: HT)

A landslide triggered by heavy rain hit a tunnel project site near Meppady in Kerala's Wayanad district on Tuesday. At least five people were killed, and officials fear around 10 others may still be trapped under the debris. Six injured workers were taken to hospital and are in stable condition. Fire and Rescue Services and NDRF teams are carrying out rescue operations. The IMD has issued a red alert for Wayanad after very heavy rainfall. Kerala Chief Minister VD Satheesan ordered emergency rescue efforts. State ministers also reached the site to monitor the situation.

A landslide hit a tunnel project near Meppady in Wayanad on Tuesday after heavy rain. Two people died, and seven workers are still missing. Rescue teams from the police and fire department are searching the area. Eight people were rescued and taken to a nearby hospital. Local families were moved to safe shelters as a safety measure. The weather department has issued a red alert because more heavy rain is expected. Kerala Chief Minister VD Satheesan is monitoring the situation. The state government has started an inquiry after reports that the contractor ignored earlier orders to remove soil.

The Shiromani Gurdwara Parbandhak Committee (SGPC) has criticised the removal of Diljit Dosanjh's film Satluj from ZEE5, calling it an attempt to suppress historical truth. SGPC president Harjinder Singh Dhami urged authorities to restore the film, saying, "No ban can erase the history." The film is based on the life of Jaswant Singh Khalra, who exposed alleged illegal killings and disappearances in Punjab during the 1990s. The film was reportedly taken down following government directions citing security concerns, reigniting debate over censorship, historical representation and freedom of expression. 

Champat Rai has stepped down as General Secretary of the Shri Ram Janmabhoomi Teerth Kshetra Trust, with the Trust formally accepting his resignation amid the ongoing donation theft controversy. Trustee Anil Mishra also resigned, while Krishna Mohan was appointed interim General Secretary. The Trust maintained that Rai's resignation was not linked to any wrongdoing and described him as "untainted." It also said strict action would be taken against anyone found guilty in the alleged donation theft case. The leadership change comes as investigations into the alleged financial irregularities continue. (PC: India Today)

A controversy has erupted after BJP leader and animal rights activist Maneka Gandhi alleged that the use of peacock feathers in Jain monks' picchis encourages illegal trade and the killing of India's national bird. Gandhi urged the Jain community to adopt non-animal alternatives, saying the current demand fuels wildlife exploitation. Jain organisations strongly rejected the claim, arguing that Jainism is founded on non-violence and accusing Gandhi of hurting religious sentiments. Several groups have written to Prime Minister Narendra Modi and filed complaints against her. Meanwhile, PETA India backed Gandhi, saying avoiding peacock feathers is the safest way to protect the birds. (PC: X)

A 2021 NITI Aayog report has returned to focus amid debate over E20 petrol. The report shows the Society of Indian Automobile Manufacturers (SIAM) wanted E10 petrol to remain available during the shift to E20. SIAM said many older vehicles were designed for E10 and could face lower fuel efficiency, poor performance and possible compatibility issues with higher ethanol blends. It also warned that upgrading older vehicles would be difficult. However, the report said tests by ARAI, Indian Oil and other agencies found no major engine damage with E20. The government continues to maintain that E20 petrol is safe for use. (PC: Reuters)

Malayalam actor Mohanlal has declared possession of 10 elephant tusks and 13 ivory idols to the Kerala Forest Department under the state's one-time amnesty scheme. The declaration comes while he continues to face trial in a case involving the alleged illegal possession of wildlife articles. Forest officials said the newly declared tusks and idols, including figures of Lord Krishna, Lord Rama and Tirupati Balaji, will undergo DNA testing to verify their authenticity. Mohanlal has said most of the items were inherited or received as gifts. The trial related to the 2011 wildlife case is still ongoing. (PC: The Print)

At least 13 people have died as relentless monsoon rain wreaked havoc across Maharashtra, disrupting transport and triggering landslides. Mumbai remained under a red alert on Monday as the India Meteorological Department warned of heavy to very heavy rainfall, strong winds and flooding. Train services between Mumbai and Pune were suspended after landslides in the Bhor Ghat section, while a landslide in Pune's Maval area buried a house, leaving three people feared trapped. Rescue teams, including the NDRF, have been deployed as authorities continue search operations and urge residents to avoid unnecessary travel until conditions improve. (PC: India Today)