Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma said in the Assembly that singer Zubeen Garg’s death was not an accident but a “plain murder”. Garg, aged 52, died on September 19 while swimming in Singapore. Sarma made the statement during the Winter Session, after the opposition raised the issue through an adjournment motion. He clarified that the case did not involve culpable homicide or conspiracy, but insisted it was murder. A one-member inquiry commission, led by Justice Soumitra Saikia, is investigating the incident. The panel has extended the deadline for evidence and statements to December 12 as it examines all circumstances around the death.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Tuesday hoisted a saffron Dharma flag at the newly built Ram temple in Ayodhya, calling it a moment when “the wounds and pain of centuries are healing”. He said the act marked the fulfilment of a “500-year-old resolve”. The 10x20-ft flag, featuring the Sun, ‘Om’, and the Kovidara tree, was raised during the auspicious Abhijit Muhurat. Modi said the flag would stand as a “symbol of resolve” and embody “truth and righteousness”. Uttar Pradesh chief minister Yogi Adityanath, governor Anandiben Patel, and RSS chief Mohan Bhagwat were present at the ceremony. (PC: @NarendraModi/X)

Mumbai-based passenger Ritika Arora accused IndiGo Airlines of failing to protect her checked luggage after two suitcases were allegedly cut open on a Mumbai-Delhi flight, with items worth Rs 40,000 stolen. Sharing damaged luggage photos on LinkedIn, Arora criticized the airline's repeated generic response: "No pilferage found in CCTV." She highlighted that not all baggage areas had CCTV coverage and staff in non-monitored zones weren't checked. IndiGo expressed regret but claimed thorough investigation, including CCTV review, found no evidence supporting the allegations. The airline advised carrying valuables in cabin baggage per its Conditions of Carriage and offered cooperation if formal complaints were filed. Another passenger recently criticized IndiGo for unprofessional behavior during a five-hour flight delay.

A Bengaluru cab driver's compassionate act has gone viral after he bought sandwiches for content creator Yogita Rathore, who had missed meals due to her tight schedule while rushing to catch a flight. During a phone conversation, she mentioned being hungry, which the driver overheard. He stepped away briefly and returned with sandwiches, saying it would pain him if his own sister were hungry. The overwhelmed influencer shared the touching moment online, thanking Uber India and encouraging others to spread kindness. Social media users praised the gesture, though some expressed concerns about accepting food from strangers, highlighting the complex balance between appreciating kindness and maintaining personal safety.

Several flights were cancelled today as volcanic ash from Ethiopia’s Hayli Gubbi eruption moved toward India. The volcano erupted for the first time in nearly 12,000 years, sending a huge ash cloud across the Red Sea and the Arabian Sea. Weather agencies say parts of Rajasthan and Haryana are already seeing ash plumes, and Delhi may be affected soon. The DGCA has asked airlines to avoid ash-affected routes and report any unusual engine issues. Akasa Air, IndiGo and KLM cancelled flights to the Middle East and Europe. Airports have been told to monitor runways and keep checking satellite updates. (PC: X)

Bollywood legend Dharmendra died on Monday at the age of 89 at his home in Juhu. The actor had been recovering from a health scare earlier this month. He was cremated at the Pawan Hans crematorium in the presence of his family. Born in 1935, Dharmendra began his career in 1960 and became one of India’s most popular stars. He played romantic roles in the 60s and became Bollywood’s original action hero in the 70s and 80s. He worked in many hit films, including Sholay and Chupke Chupke. He is survived by wives Prakash Kaur and Hema Malini and six children. (PC: X)

Prime Minister Narendra Modi will hoist a saffron flag on the spire of the Ram temple in Ayodhya on Tuesday. The flag marks the formal completion of the temple after the Pran Pratishtha in January 2024. It carries the image of a radiant Sun, an ‘Om’, and the Kovidara tree. Security in the city has been increased with 6,970 personnel, including ATS and NSG teams. Thousands of devotees have reached the temple for darshan. PM Modi will also visit several nearby temples and perform rituals. Ayodhya has been decorated with nearly 100 tons of flowers for the event. (PC: HT)

A Delhi court heard serious claims from protesters detained during a demonstration at India Gate over toxic air. Several accused said police beat them in custody. Some women told the court they were groped by male officers. The court spoke to them privately. Protesters showed injury marks, and one medical report noted a neck injury. Police denied wrongdoing and said the group used chilli spray and shouted slogans supporting Naxal leader Madvi Hidma. Seventeen people, including 11 women, were sent to judicial custody for up to three days. Police said they will seek custody after checking seized phones. (PC: PTI)

Legendary actor Dharmendra, one of Indian cinema’s most loved stars, passed away at 89. He was known for his charm, action roles, and over 300 films in a career lasting six decades. Born in Punjab, he came to Mumbai with big dreams and became a superstar with hits like Sholay, Phool Aur Patthar, and Seeta Aur Geeta. Fans called him the “Greek God” and “Garam Dharam”. He also had a brief political career and later returned to films in character roles. Dharmendra stayed active on social media, sharing memories and messages for fans. Bollywood and fans nationwide mourn his loss. (PC: X)

Prime Minister Narendra Modi and President Droupadi Murmu led the nation in mourning the death of veteran actor Dharmendra, who died at 89 in Mumbai on Monday. PM Modi said Dharmendra’s passing is “the end of an era” and praised his “simplicity, humility and warmth.” President Murmu called him “a great loss to Indian cinema” and said his work will inspire future generations. Home Minister Amit Shah said Dharmendra created “an indelible identity” through his roles. The actor was cremated at the Pawan Hans crematorium with family and film stars present. Dharmendra would have turned 90 on December 8. (PC: NDTV)