The Centre has said offering pure petrol and different ethanol blends at fuel stations is not practical. It said E20 fuel, which contains 20% ethanol, is "superior and cleaner" than pure petrol. The government said storing different fuel types across the country would increase costs and create major logistical problems. It added that E20 may reduce mileage by 3–5% in some older vehicles but offers better performance and lower emissions. The Centre also said there is no evidence that E20 damages vehicle engines. It urged people not to believe misinformation circulating on social media.

A tunnel boring machine named Durga has completed a 1.6-km tunnel between Kidderpore and Victoria for Kolkata Metro's Purple Line. The work finished on Friday, one year after it began in July 2025. This is the first of two tunnels on this section. Railway Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw praised the team for the achievement. Metro officials said the work was completed safely without affecting traffic above ground. The Purple Line will connect Joka with Esplanade. At present, trains run only from Joka to Majerhat. Officials said the full 15.1-km metro line is expected to be completed within the next three years.

The naturally formed ice Shiva Lingam at the Amarnath Cave Shrine melted just five days after the start of the 57-day Amarnath Yatra 2026, sparking concern among devotees and experts. Officials attributed the early melting to unusually high temperatures, changing weather patterns, and heavy pilgrim footfall inside the cave. The incident has renewed debate over the impact of climate change and human activity on the fragile Himalayan environment. Authorities have urged pilgrims not to panic, emphasizing that the spiritual significance of the pilgrimage remains unchanged while measures are being reviewed to better protect the sacred site.

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.