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)

A video allegedly featuring Lashkar-e-Taiba (LeT) terrorist Haris Dar has surfaced online, in which he threatens India, saying, **"We will stop your breathing,"** and warns of **"something big"** in 2026 over the Indus Waters issue. The video also references tensions following the Pahalgam terror attack. Indian security agencies are examining the authenticity of the video and assessing any potential security threat. The remarks come at a time of strained India-Pakistan ties, with New Delhi maintaining that the Indus Waters Treaty will remain in abeyance until Pakistan takes credible action against cross-border terrorism.  

Heavy rains in Maharashtra's Raigad district washed nearly 3,000 LPG cylinders into the Patalganga River after floodwaters inundated a storage facility. Authorities have issued a public warning, asking residents to stay away from the river and avoid handling any cylinders that may drift downstream. Emergency teams and local officials have launched a search and recovery operation to retrieve the cylinders and prevent potential accidents. Officials said there have been no reports of injuries so far. The incident highlights the impact of relentless monsoon rains, which have triggered flooding and disrupted normal life in several parts of the state. (PC: India Today)

A controversy erupted after a viral video showed CJP founder Abhijeet Dipke eating bread pakodas while activist Sonam Wangchuk continues his indefinite hunger strike at Delhi's Jantar Mantar. Responding to the criticism, Dipke said the clip was being shared "out of context" and claimed it was recorded before Wangchuk began his fast. He said Wangchuk joined the protest several days later after returning from a climate summit in Europe. Dipke also explained that the core organising team was not fasting because they needed to manage the protest and coordinate with authorities, while concerns over Wangchuk's health continue to grow. (PC: India Today)

At least 16 people are feared trapped after a three-storey administrative building collapsed in the Moshi area of Pimpri-Chinchwad, Pune, on Wednesday. Officials said a large mound of legacy waste became unstable due to continuous heavy rainfall and slid onto the building, which housed the office of a private waste-processing company. Around 20 people were inside at the time, with four managing to escape. Teams from the National Disaster Response Force, fire brigade, and local authorities have launched rescue operations and established contact with some of those trapped. Rescue efforts remain underway. (PC: HT)

The mother of Prabhas Mondal, the accused in the killing of a minor girl in West Bengal's Baruipur, said her son "got what he deserved" after he died during a police operation. According to police, the accused was killed after allegedly attempting to escape custody during the investigation. His mother declined to claim his body, expressing grief while saying that anyone responsible for such a serious crime should face the consequences. The case has drawn widespread public attention and prompted discussions on child safety, criminal justice, police procedures, and the need for a fair legal process while the investigation continues. (PC: NDTV)