Leh was placed under curfew after violent protests over Ladakh’s demand for statehood and Sixth Schedule. Protesters set fire to the BJP office and vehicles, leaving dozens injured, including police. Authorities said the situation was brought under control, but tensions remain high. Climate activist Sonam Wangchuk, who had been on a hunger strike, ended his fast as clashes broke out. The government accused him of inciting unrest, while Opposition parties blamed the BJP’s broken promises. On Thursday, the Centre cancelled the FCRA license of Wangchuk’s NGO SECMOL, citing rule violations. Leaders have appealed for peace in the region. (PC: PSA)

India successfully launched its intermediate-range Agni-Prime missile from a rail-based mobile launcher, marking a first in its strategic missile tests. With a range up to 2,000 km, the missile was fired from a train-mounted platform that can move freely across the rail network without preparatory infrastructure. Defence officials say this mobility increases survivability and complicates enemy targeting, enhancing India’s second-strike capability. The test places India among a select group of nations with rail-mobile missile launch capability, bolstering its nuclear deterrence posture.   

The Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) has launched a preliminary inquiry into alleged violations of the Foreign Contribution (Regulation) Act (FCRA) by climate activist Sonam Wangchuk and his institute, the Himalayan Institute of Alternatives Ladakh (HIAL). The probe, initiated on a complaint from the Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA), began two months ago, with CBI officials recently visiting HIAL. The inquiry coincides with heightened tensions in Ladakh, where protests over statehood and Sixth Schedule status turned violent. The MHA accused Wangchuk of making provocative statements that fueled unrest, intensifying scrutiny of his activities. 

Indian authorities have imposed a strict curfew in Leh, the capital of Ladakh, after violent clashes between police and protesters left four dead and dozens injured. The unrest, the worst in decades, broke out during long-running protests demanding statehood and constitutional safeguards for Ladakh’s land, jobs, and identity. Protesters torched a BJP office and police vehicle, leading to police firing live rounds and tear gas. The government blamed activist Sonam Wangchuk for inciting violence—a charge he denies. The curfew follows growing frustration among youth over unemployment and delayed talks with the central government. Tensions remain high. (PC: BBC)

The Karnataka High Court has dismissed Elon Musk’s X case against the government’s Sahyog portal. X argued that the portal allowed officials to arbitrarily order content takedowns, but the court called the challenge “without merit.” The judge said social media cannot have “anarchic freedom” and termed Sahyog a “public good.” The verdict raises concerns about free speech and digital rights in India. X, with around 25 million Indian users, has challenged government takedown powers before. It is unclear whether the platform will appeal the ruling. (PC: X)

The BJP alleged that Congress councillor Stanzin Tsepang instigated the violent Ladakh protest, claiming he marched with a weapon and targeted the BJP office. Party spokesperson Sambit Patra said Congress was trying to create unrest like Bangladesh, Nepal, and the Philippines. Four people were killed and 80 injured in the clashes. Activist Sonam Wangchuk dismissed the claims, saying Congress lacks the influence to mobilize 5,000 youths. He said frustration among Gen Z over unfulfilled statehood demands triggered the violence. Wangchuk ended his 15-day hunger strike and expressed sadness at the deaths in Leh. (PC: HT)

On September 24, 2025, violent protests broke out in Leh, Ladakh, demanding full statehood and inclusion under the Sixth Schedule. The unrest resulted in at least four deaths and over 100 injuries, including 60–70 police personnel. Protesters engaged in arson, stone-pelting, and vandalism, targeting BJP offices and police vehicles. The Union Home Ministry attributed the violence to "provocative statements" by activist Sonam Wangchuk, who had been on a hunger strike since September 10. The BJP further alleged that Congress was behind the unrest, citing the involvement of Congress councillor Stanzin Tsepang in inciting violence. Wangchuk condemned the violence but emphasized that it stemmed from years of unmet demands and rising youth frustration. He called for a meeting with the Centre before October 6 to address the issues.

Activist Sonam Wangchuk has blamed the BJP’s reversal on promises and widespread unemployment for fueling the recent unrest in Ladakh. He described the protests—turning violent with arson and clashes—as an “organic outburst” of pent-up youth frustration demanding statehood and inclusion under the Sixth Schedule. At least four people died and over 70 were injured amid confrontations and curfews imposed in Leh. Wangchuk called the turn to violence a sad day, urging that promises now be kept.   

Several female students of a Delhi management institute have accused Swami Chaitanyananda Saraswati (aka Parth Sarthy) of sexual harassment. On 4 August, a complaint was filed at Vasant Kunj North Police Station regarding harassment of PGDM students under EWS quotas. During the investigation, statements from 32 students were recorded; 17 alleged abusive language, unsolicited obscene messages, and unwanted physical contact. Police discovered a Volvo with a forged diplomatic plate at the institute’s basement, linked to Saraswati. He remains absconding while police conduct raids and digital forensics. Meanwhile, the religious Peetham he was affiliated with has officially severed ties and condemned his actions. (PC: ANI)  

The Ministry of Home Affairs blamed activist Sonam Wangchuk for the violence in Leh that left five dead on Wednesday. Wangchuk, leading the Ladakh statehood movement since 2019-20, allegedly misled people by referencing Arab Spring-style protests and Gen Z movements in Nepal. He ended his hunger strike after condemning the violent turn of the protest. The government said talks with the Leh Apex Body and Kargil Democratic Alliance were progressing, with results like increased tribal reservations, women’s representation in hill councils, recognition of Bhoti and Purgi languages, and recruitment for 1,800 jobs. High-level talks continue. (PC: HT)