Paris Olympics double medallist Manu Bhaker cast her vote for the first time in the Haryana assembly elections, urging the youth to actively participate in shaping the country's future. The 22-year-old athlete, currently on a break from sports, emphasized the importance of voting in an interview with ANI, saying, “Small steps lead to big goals.” Bhaker highlighted the role of young voters in choosing leaders who could bring meaningful change. Her message was a powerful call for civic engagement, following her stellar performance at the Paris Olympics where she secured two bronze medals for India.

Junior doctors in Kolkata protesting the recent rape and murder of a postgraduate trainee doctor at RG Kar Medical College have issued a 24-hour ultimatum to the West Bengal government. They demand immediate safety measures in hospitals, threatening an indefinite hunger strike if not fulfilled. Protesters criticized the government's slow progress, despite commitments made in the Supreme Court. A torchlight procession was held by medical students and doctors, while private hospital staff lit lamps at Ganga Ghat in solidarity.

In Jammu and Kashmir's Kupwara district, two terrorists were killed in "Operation GUGALDHAR," a joint effort by the Indian Army and J&K Police. Acting on intelligence about an infiltration attempt, security forces engaged the terrorists in a gunfight after spotting suspicious activity. The operation led to the recovery of "war-like stores" and continues as search efforts progress. The army confirmed that vigilant troops effectively countered the terrorists, preventing further infiltration. This follows another incident where two soldiers were injured in a landmine blast near the Line of Control on Friday.

In a major anti-Maoist operation, Chhattisgarh security forces killed 28 Maoists in the Abhujmaad forest, Bastar region, near the Narayanpur-Dantewada border. The operation, involving state police forces like the DRG and STF, began around 1 PM. A cache of weapons, including an AK-47, was recovered. This year, security forces have eliminated 185 Maoists in various encounters across Bastar. Chhattisgarh CM Vishnu Deo Sai praised the forces and called a high-level meeting with senior police officers, reaffirming the government's commitment to ending Naxalism in the state.

The rape and murder case at Kolkata’s RG Kar Medical College has uncovered widespread complaints across several top medical institutions in West Bengal. Accusations include political collusion, intimidation, and bribery linked to student assessments and admissions. Alleged misconduct has surfaced from at least seven medical colleges, prompting both state and college inquiries. Notable actions include suspensions of dozens of student doctors and formation of investigation panels. The state government claims it is addressing the issue, but students insist a culture of fear persists, undermining academic integrity and safety.

In the largest encounter in Chhattisgarh’s history, over 30 Maoists were killed by security forces in Abujhmad, Dantewada district, on Friday. The Districts Reserve Guards (DRG), acting on intelligence, launched an operation targeting Maoists across three villages—Govel, Nendur, and Tultuli. The DRG is a specialized force that includes surrendered Maoists. Weapons like AK47s were recovered from the site. This year, 187 Maoists have been killed, with 15 security personnel and 47 civilians also losing their lives. Home Minister Amit Shah had earlier vowed to eliminate Left Wing Extremism by March 2026.

The Supreme Court of India has ordered a special investigation team (SIT), supervised by the CBI, to investigate allegations of animal fat being used in Tirupati laddus during the previous YSRCP government. The SIT will comprise state police officers and a representative from the Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI). The court emphasized that the inquiry aims to address the concerns of millions of devotees. Allegations arose after Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister Chandrababu Naidu claimed a lab report confirmed the presence of animal fat in the laddus, leading to heated courtroom discussions.  

A government school teacher, his wife, and two daughters were shot dead at their home in Amethi, Uttar Pradesh. The victims, Sunil (35), his wife Poonam (32), and their daughters, aged 1 and 6, were killed by unidentified attackers. The family had filed a complaint under the SC/ST Act and for eve-teasing, and police are investigating a potential connection. Nine shells and a live cartridge were found at the scene. Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath promised "strict action" against the culprits, stating the incident was "unforgivable."

A tragic accident occurred near Kacchwa on Prayagraj-Varanasi highway in Mirzapur, where a speeding truck collided with a tractor trolley ferrying laborers. The accident took place around 1 am Friday, leaving 10 dead and 3 seriously injured. The laborers, residents of Varanasi, were returning from work in Bhadohi. The injured are receiving treatment at Banaras Hindu University (BHU) hospital, with their condition reportedly stable. The bodies of the deceased, including Bhanu Pratap, Vikas Kumar, and others, have been sent for post-mortem.

The Union Cabinet has approved the inclusion of five more languages—Marathi, Assamese, Bengali, Pali, and Prakrit—under the "classical language" category. Union Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw announced the decision, emphasizing the government’s commitment to promoting Indian languages. These additions bring the total number of classical languages to 11, which already includes Tamil, Sanskrit, Telugu, Kannada, Malayalam, and Odia. Recognition as a classical language ensures increased academic and cultural focus, allowing for further preservation and research. Assam’s Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma expressed gratitude for Assamese’s inclusion, celebrating the cultural significance of the decision.