Comedian Pranit More has apologised over his viral "Rs 370 ki biryani" video, saying he "got carried away" while making the remarks that sparked criticism on social media.   In a statement, More said he never intended to hurt anyone's sentiments and regretted that the video had caused offence. The clip drew backlash online, with many users accusing the comedian of being insensitive.   As the controversy grew, More issued a public apology and appealed to people not to misunderstand his intentions. The incident has once again highlighted the scrutiny faced by stand-up comedians over jokes and online content.  

The government has appointed Lt General Dhiraj Seth as the next Chief of the Indian Army. He will take over from General Upendra Dwivedi after the latter completes his tenure.   Lt General Seth is a senior officer with extensive operational and command experience, having served in several key positions during his military career. His appointment comes at a time when the Army is focused on modernisation, border security and strengthening combat readiness.   The change of command marks an important transition for the force, with Lt General Seth set to lead the Army through evolving security challenges and strategic priorities. (PC: The Indian Express)

An Indian Air Force AN-32 transport aircraft met with an accident while landing at the Jorhat airbase in Assam on Saturday. According to the IAF, the aircraft was involved in an accident, with initial reports suggesting that a fire broke out after touchdown inside the base premises. Firefighting teams were immediately deployed, and senior Air Force officials rushed to the site. Authorities said the incident occurred at the Rowriah airbase area, but the condition of the crew members and any possible casualties have not yet been confirmed. The cause of the accident is under investigation, with more details awaited from the IAF. 

An IndiGo flight scheduled to operate between Lucknow and Delhi was delayed after a bomb threat message was discovered on a tissue paper inside the aircraft's toilet shortly before takeoff. Security agencies immediately activated emergency protocols, evacuating passengers and conducting a thorough inspection of the aircraft. Bomb disposal squads, CISF personnel, and airport security teams searched the plane and surrounding areas. No explosives or suspicious items were found, and authorities later treated the threat as a hoax. An investigation has been launched to identify the person responsible for the message, while officials reiterated that passenger safety remains the highest priority. (PC: HT)

A major fire broke out in a multi-storey residential building in Delhi's Tughlakabad area during the early hours of Friday, claiming three lives and injuring several others. According to officials, the blaze started in the ground-floor parking area of the five-storey building, rapidly filling the structure with thick smoke. Rescue teams from the Delhi Fire Service evacuated trapped residents, with at least eight people shifted to hospitals, including some in critical condition. Firefighters managed to bring the situation under control after a large-scale operation. Authorities have launched an investigation to determine the exact cause of the fire. (PC: HT)

Maharashtra Cyber Police has registered an FIR against stand-up comedian Pranit More and others in connection with the viral ₹370 biryani controversy. The case stems from a crowd-work segment at More’s show where an audience member made controversial and allegedly objectionable remarks linking the cost of a date meal to expectations of physical intimacy. The clip triggered widespread backlash online for promoting insensitive and misogynistic views. Authorities have taken action under cyber and public decency laws after the video went viral. Pranit More faced criticism for not challenging the comments during the show and for his reaction, escalating the controversy further.

As the first anniversary of the Air India Boeing 787 crash approaches, the Federation of Indian Pilots (FIP) has raised fresh concerns over the aircraft's technical condition. Claiming there were "electrical failures" and that "motors were changed" before the accident, the pilots' body questioned the current direction of the investigation. FIP urged authorities to examine all possible technical causes and avoid premature conclusions about pilot error. It also called for greater transparency and the involvement of independent experts in the probe. The final investigation report into the crash is still awaited. (PC: X)

India's first domestically manufactured C-295 military transport aircraft has successfully completed its maiden test flight, marking a major milestone for the country's aerospace and defence manufacturing sector. Built at the Tata-Airbus facility in Gujarat, the aircraft is part of India's effort to boost indigenous defence production under the 'Make in India' initiative.   The C-295 will eventually replace the Indian Air Force's ageing Avro fleet and strengthen tactical airlift capabilities. A total of 56 aircraft are being procured, with 40 to be built in India. Defence officials said the successful flight is a significant step towards self-reliance in military aviation.  

India has abolished excise duty on petrol blended with 22% to 30% ethanol (E22–E30), marking a major step in its clean-energy and biofuel strategy. The move is aimed at encouraging wider adoption of higher ethanol blends, reducing the country's dependence on imported crude oil, and lowering carbon emissions. As the world's third-largest oil importer, India has been aggressively promoting ethanol blending to improve energy security and support domestic sugarcane-based ethanol production. The tax exemption is expected to make high-ethanol fuels more attractive for consumers and fuel retailers while advancing the government's long-term sustainability and emission-reduction goals. (PC: India Today)

Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Wednesday became India’s longest-serving elected Prime Minister. Speaking at the NDA conclave in New Delhi, he called it his “supreme privilege” to serve the nation for so many years.   Modi thanked NDA leaders and the people of India for their support. He said he never imagined reaching this milestone and described public service as a spiritual duty. The Prime Minister said political stability has helped India move forward since 2014.   NDA leaders gathered to celebrate 12 years of the Modi government. Modi surpassed the previous record held by former Prime Minister Jawaharlal Nehru.