The father of Bharat Soni, the accused in the Ujjain rape case, has called for severe punishment for those found guilty of such crimes, including his son if he is guilty. He emphasized the need for swift action to deter potential offenders and stated that anyone committing such heinous acts should be hanged or shot. Bharat Soni was arrested after a 12-year-old girl was raped in Ujjain, Madhya Pradesh. The girl was found bleeding and walked over 8 km seeking help. Bharat Soni tried to escape authorities and sustained injuries during his arrest.

Indian External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar held productive discussions with US Defence Secretary Lloyd Austin, emphasizing the deepening of bilateral defence cooperation. The talks centered on co-production of defence articles and addressing global security challenges. Jaishankar also met Commerce Secretary Gina Raimondo, focusing on advancing technology collaboration and economic partnership. They discussed enhancing momentum in trade relations, resolving WTO disputes, and collaborating on supply chain resilience. The discussions underscored the strengthening ties between India and the US across various sectors, aligning with the agreements reached during Prime Minister Modi's June visit.

After a brief period of calm, protests erupted again on Friday night in Imphal, Manipur over the killings of two Meitei students in July. Protesters allegedly tried to attack the residence of BJP minister L Susindro, before security forces dispersed them with tear gas and smoke bombs. Videos circulating online showed heavy police and RAF presence during the late-night unrest, which continued past midnight before the situation was brought under control. There is no clarity yet on potential injuries or whether the minister was home at the time. The killings of the missing students had sparked widespread demonstrations in Imphal in recent weeks. Amidst the continuing tensions, Manipur Governor Anusuiya Uikey on Friday visited the families of the two slain youths to express her condolences. (Image Courtesy: ANI)

The Madhya Pradesh police described an extensive investigation to arrest auto driver Bharat Soni for the rape of a 15-year-old girl in Ujjain. Hundreds were interrogated and over 700 CCTV cameras scanned before links to Soni emerged. 30-35 cyber investigators worked round the clock. When visiting the crime scene, Soni tried to flee before being apprehended. Police also charged another auto driver for failing to report the victim's condition after giving her a ride post-assault. Officials said legal action will be taken against those who ignored the victim begging for help.

Amid strained relations between India and Canada, Indian External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar dismissed concerns about 'Khalistan' at a Washington D.C. press conference. Jaishankar highlighted the Modi government's focus on issues affecting the Sikh community in India, labeling extremist elements a minority that do not represent the community. He criticized Canada's permissiveness towards terrorism, linking it to the deterioration in India-Canada ties. This follows Canadian PM Trudeau's allegation of Indian involvement in a Khalistani separatist's killing, a claim rejected by India. In response, India suspended visa services in Canada and cautioned citizens about anti-India activities and politically-motivated hate crimes.

Madhya Pradesh police said those who refused to help the rape survivor in Ujjain, seen begging door-to-door in viral CCTV footage, could be charged under child sex abuse laws for not reporting the crime. An auto driver who knowingly didn't inform police has been identified. More people visible in footage ignoring the bleeding girl's pleas may face action if deliberate lapse is confirmed. However, police claimed some had tried helping with money and clothes. But none took her in or called the cops until a priest sheltered her and called the police. The horrifying case has spotlighted appalling public apathy towards a desperate child victim.

Several police personnel in Hyderabad joined devotees for a dance during the Ganesh Visarjan procession on Thursday, spreading joy and excitement. Videos going viral show cops spontaneously dancing with hundreds of devotees to traditional songs at NTR Marg. From senior officers to juniormost staff, the police seemed eager to shake a leg with the public during the celebrations. A cop dancing freestyle on a wall caught much attention. About 90,000 idols are expected to be immersed across Hyderabad. Police made elaborate arrangements to ensure smooth and safe immersion. The enthusiastic participation of cops highlights the festive bonhomie and unity in the city.

President Droupadi Murmu has given her assent to the Women's Reservation Bill, paving the way for 33% reservation for women in Lok Sabha and state legislative assemblies. The bill, officially known as the Constitution (106th Amendment) Act now, seeks to reserve one-third of seats for women in parliament and state assemblies. President Murmu gave her nod to the bill on Thursday, as per a notification issued by the Law Ministry. The bill will come into force on a date to be decided by the central government through an official gazette notification. This is a landmark moment in the empowerment of women in legislative bodies.

The International Society for Krishna Consciousness (ISKCON) has sent a ₹100 crore defamation notice to BJP MP Maneka Gandhi for her recent controversial statement accusing ISKCON of selling cows to butchers. ISKCON vice-president Radharamn Das said Maneka's comments were baseless and hurt devotees' sentiments globally. He added that ISKCON will legally pursue the case against the former union minister. In a viral video, Maneka alleged that ISKCON establishments sell cows to butchers despite taking government benefits for gaushalas, a claim ISKCON has denied.

Karnataka CM Siddaramaiah stated he will consult legal teams on future action regarding the Cauvery water release row, amid a statewide strike called by farmer groups and pro-Kannada outfits. 44 flights were canceled at Bengaluru airport as protesters blocked roads and transport. Pro-Kannada activists disrupted actor Siddharth’s promotional event demanding his exit, citing inappropriate timing given the water dispute. Additional police were deployed as strike actions intensified over the Supreme Court's refusal to interfere with Cauvery regulating bodies' order to release water to Tamil Nadu. The tense situation has triggered large-scale disruption.