The Centre has summoned Meta officials after a BBC report claimed that Instagram displayed ads promoting child sexual abuse material in India. Union IT Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw directed the ministry to seek an explanation from the company. The government will ask how such ads appeared on Instagram and what steps Meta is taking to stop them. The BBC said it found ads with disturbing titles that were linked to Telegram channels selling illegal content for ₹99. Meta, which owns Instagram, Facebook, and WhatsApp, has not yet responded publicly. The government is expected to review the company's safety measures.

The Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS) has demanded strict action in the alleged Ayodhya Ram Temple donation theft case. In a statement, the RSS said the incident has "deeply hurt the sentiments" of millions of devotees. It added that "anyone found guilty" should receive the strictest punishment under the law. The Uttar Pradesh government has formed a Special Investigation Team (SIT) to investigate the case. Eight people have been arrested so far. The SIT is also rechecking the temple trust's financial records from the past five years. The investigation is continuing, and more questioning is expected.

Air India has reduced fuel surcharges on select long-haul international routes, including North America, Europe, the UK, and Australia, following a recent decline in global crude oil and aviation turbine fuel (ATF) prices. The airline stated that easing fuel costs have allowed it to lower the additional charges imposed on tickets, which were previously raised during periods of high oil prices and geopolitical disruptions. The reduction is expected to make international air travel more affordable, as fuel surcharges form a significant part of ticket prices. Industry reports suggest cuts of up to 39% on some routes, offering relief to passengers planning long-haul travel. Experts say this move could also improve travel demand during the peak international season. (PC: ANI)

Five people were killed and several others injured after an LPG tanker lost control and crashed into the Kokhraj Bypass Toll Plaza in Uttar Pradesh's Kaushambi district. CCTV footage showed the tanker striking a divider before smashing into the toll plaza, triggering a gas leak and a massive explosion. The fireball and thick smoke were visible from nearly two kilometres away. The tanker driver and a toll plaza employee died instantly, while three injured workers later succumbed to burn injuries. Firefighters and police quickly contained the blaze, and authorities have launched a technical investigation into the cause of the deadly accident.

    The Calcutta High Court dismissed a man's appeal challenging a Foreigner Tribunal ruling after finding that 16 documents submitted to prove his Indian citizenship were insufficient and unreliable. The court observed that the records failed to establish a valid link to his claimed Indian ancestry and did not satisfy the legal requirements for proving citizenship. Upholding the tribunal's decision, the High Court ruled that the petitioner had failed to discharge the burden of proof placed on individuals contesting their status. The judgment underscores the importance of credible documentary evidence in citizenship-related legal proceedings in India. (PC: NDTV)

Battery management applications used by some e-rickshaw operators have reportedly caused widespread disruptions by remotely disabling vehicles over payment defaults or technical issues. The sudden shutdowns left many drivers stranded with passengers mid-journey, sparking concerns over safety, livelihoods and the growing dependence on app-controlled battery leasing systems. Videos of immobilised e-rickshaws have gone viral on social media, prompting criticism of the technology's impact on daily transport. The incident has renewed calls for stronger regulations, transparent battery leasing practices and safeguards to prevent remote deactivation from disrupting public transport and drivers' incomes. (PC: ANI)

Union Petroleum Minister Hardeep Singh Puri said state-run oil marketing companies have suffered cumulative losses of around ₹74,781 crore due to selling petrol, diesel and LPG below market-linked prices in recent years. Despite these losses, he indicated that consumers could benefit from lower fuel prices if global crude oil rates remain subdued. Puri stressed that any reduction would depend on international market trends and the financial health of oil companies. The government continues to balance consumer interests with the need to ensure the long-term sustainability of public sector fuel retailers amid fluctuating global energy prices. (PC: X)

The Central government has issued notices to Telegram and Signal seeking detailed explanations about their username features, following similar action against WhatsApp. Authorities are examining whether usernames could be misused for impersonation, cybercrime, fraud, or bypassing existing user identification safeguards. The move reflects growing concerns over online safety, digital accountability, and the potential misuse of anonymous communication tools. The platforms have been asked to clarify how the feature operates and what security measures are in place to prevent abuse. The development forms part of the government's broader efforts to strengthen oversight of digital platforms while balancing user privacy and security.

A Kuki village in Manipur’s Noney district has reportedly been torched by unidentified armed men, according to media reports, intensifying ongoing ethnic tensions in the region. The incident is part of a broader pattern of violence in Manipur, where several villages in hill districts have recently faced arson attacks and armed clashes linked to the prolonged ethnic conflict between communities. Security forces have been deployed to assess the damage and prevent further escalation. Local organisations have alleged militant involvement, while investigations are ongoing to determine the attackers’ identity and motive. The situation has further deepened instability in the already conflict-hit northeastern state, raising fresh concerns about civilian safety and law and order. (PC: The Hindu)

Union Petroleum Minister Hardeep Singh Puri has highlighted the expanding use of ethanol-blended fuels in India, stating that even racing cars are now operating on ethanol-based fuel. He emphasized that the country’s shift towards ethanol blending in petrol is part of a broader strategy to reduce dependence on imported crude oil and promote cleaner energy alternatives. Puri noted that ethanol adoption has already reached significant levels in regular vehicles and is now being tested in high-performance applications such as racing, showcasing its viability. The government maintains that ethanol fuels are environmentally friendly and economically beneficial, despite ongoing debates over engine compatibility and performance concerns in older vehicles. Officials say the transition is irreversible and part of India’s long-term energy security plan. (PC: X)