Sports Minister Mansukh Mandaviya said India has emerged as a preferred destination for international sporting events after successfully hosting 36 global competitions over the past two years. He credited the achievement to upgraded sports infrastructure, efficient event management, and strong government support under the Khelo India initiative. Mandaviya highlighted that hosting major international events has enhanced India's global sporting reputation, boosted tourism, and created opportunities for athletes to compete against world-class opponents on home soil. He reaffirmed the government's commitment to developing sports infrastructure and positioning India as a leading global hub for international competitions and sporting excellence. (PC: ANI)

Tamil Nadu Chief Minister Vijay, during his first visit to Karur after taking office, said he had trusted the police to manage the crowd at a public event but was later blamed for the deaths that occurred. Addressing supporters, Vijay expressed grief over the tragedy while rejecting allegations that he was responsible. He said crowd control was the responsibility of law enforcement and called for a fair investigation into the incident. The remarks come amid political criticism and public debate over accountability, with authorities continuing to examine the circumstances surrounding the fatal crowd crush. (PC: X)

The Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) and the Directorate of Revenue Intelligence (DRI) jointly dismantled a major inter-state wildlife trafficking network, rescuing 53 protected animals and birds during coordinated raids across multiple states. Authorities arrested six suspects and seized several endangered species, including Indian Star Tortoises, Egyptian Vultures, and Shikra birds, which were allegedly being trafficked for illegal trade. Investigators believe the racket operated through a well-organized network spanning different states. The operation is part of intensified efforts to curb wildlife crime, enforce India's wildlife protection laws, and identify additional traffickers, buyers, and financial links connected to the illegal trade. (PC: X)

State-owned BSNL has introduced a satellite phone priced at ₹1,34,166 (inclusive of taxes), designed to provide communication where conventional mobile networks are unavailable. The device operates through satellites, enabling voice calls and SMS in remote, disaster-hit, maritime, mining and defence areas. Unlike regular smartphones, its use is tightly regulated in India and generally requires authorisation under government guidelines. Built for rugged environments, the phone features reliable connectivity and emergency communication capabilities, making it suitable for rescue teams, security forces and organisations operating in isolated regions where uninterrupted communication is essential. (PC: X)

A high-intensity encounter between the Gurugram Crime Branch and suspected members of the Deepak Nandal gang left four alleged gangsters dead and one injured in Sushant Lok Phase-2 on Thursday night. According to police, the suspects opened fire while attempting to escape, prompting officers to retaliate. Three Crime Branch personnel sustained injuries during the exchange and were taken to hospital for treatment. Authorities recovered weapons from the scene and launched a detailed investigation to determine the gang's involvement in recent criminal activities. The encounter marks another major crackdown on organised crime in the Delhi-NCR region. (PC: India Today)

The controversy over India's mandatory E20 ethanol-blended petrol policy has intensified after political analyst Tehseen Poonawalla sought a live public meeting with Union Minister Nitin Gadkari. Poonawalla wants an open discussion on concerns over reduced fuel efficiency, vehicle compatibility, and consumer choice. Gadkari has strongly defended the policy, challenging critics to present evidence of vehicle damage caused by E20 fuel. The government maintains that ethanol blending reduces crude oil imports, lowers emissions, and supports farmers, while critics continue demanding greater transparency and accountability in the nationwide rollout. (PC: India Today)

Two doctors, including a woman, have resigned from a civic hospital in Thane after allegedly being assaulted by Shiv Sena corporator Ramesh Mhatre during a dispute over the treatment of a pregnant patient. A viral video showed the corporator slapping, punching, and threatening medical staff, triggering widespread outrage. Doctors and healthcare workers staged protests demanding stronger security in hospitals. Police arrested Mhatre and registered a case against him and others involved. The incident has reignited concerns over the safety of healthcare professionals and prompted renewed calls for stricter measures against violence in medical institutions. 

An Indian Navy Drishti-10 unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) crashed near Porbandar, Gujarat, during a routine training sortie on Wednesday. The drone went down shortly after taking off from the Naval Air Enclave, reportedly landing in an open area near Dharampur village. The Navy confirmed that no injuries, fatalities, or damage to civilian property were reported. A board of inquiry has been ordered to determine the cause of the crash. The Drishti-10 is a medium-altitude, long-endurance surveillance drone used for intelligence, surveillance, and reconnaissance missions, making the incident significant for India's maritime security operations. (PC: PTI)

Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) chief Arvind Kejriwal has demanded that the Centre reduce petrol prices from around ₹102 to ₹82 per litre, arguing that falling global crude oil prices should directly benefit consumers. He accused the government of collecting excessive taxes on fuel despite cheaper international oil. Union Petroleum Minister Hardeep Singh Puri defended the current pricing policy, saying fuel prices are influenced by multiple factors, including taxes, refining costs, and energy security. The exchange has intensified the political debate over fuel pricing, inflation, and the government's handling of India's energy policy. (PC: X)

Heavy monsoon rain brought large parts of Delhi to a halt on Thursday, flooding roads, disrupting traffic and uprooting trees across the city. A newly constructed 4-storey building collapsed in Rohini, killing 3 people, while rescue teams searched the debris for survivors. Waterlogging affected several major roads, causing long traffic jams and delaying daily commuters. The India Meteorological Department (IMD) issued a red alert for Delhi, warning of more heavy rainfall and thunderstorms. Authorities urged residents to avoid unnecessary travel as emergency teams worked to clear flooded roads, remove fallen trees and restore normal services. (PC: India Today)