Congress leader Rahul Gandhi has accused the BJP and RSS of attacking Ladakh's unique cultural identity. His remarks come amid escalating protests in the region, where demonstrators are demanding statehood and inclusion under the Sixth Schedule of the Indian Constitution. The protests have intensified following the arrest of activist Sonam Wangchuk and the imposition of a curfew in Leh. Gandhi emphasized the need to preserve Ladakh's distinct traditions and autonomy, highlighting the region's concerns over political and cultural marginalization. The situation remains tense, with authorities monitoring developments closely. (PC: X)

Actor-turned-politician Vijay's Tamilaga Vettri Kazhagam (TVK) has approached the Madras High Court's Madurai Bench, requesting a CBI or Special Investigation Team (SIT) probe into the Karur rally stampede that resulted in 40 deaths and over 60 injuries. The party alleges a conspiracy, citing incidents of stone-pelting and a police lathi-charge at the venue. The court is scheduled to hear the plea today. Simultaneously, Vijay's Chennai residence received a bomb threat, prompting a security sweep by the police, including the deployment of sniffer dogs and a bomb disposal squad. The investigation into the threat is ongoing.

Gitanjali J. Angmo, wife of climate activist Sonam Wangchuk, has staunchly defended her husband following his arrest under the National Security Act (NSA). In an interview with ThePrint, she dismissed accusations of inciting violence in Leh, calling them a “witch-hunt”, and argued that his peaceful activism reflects Gandhian principles, not menace. She refuted claims of provocation during a protest that turned violent—where 4 died and over 70 were injured—saying his remarks were taken out of context. Angmo also addressed allegations of foreign links and misused funding, asserting that both HIAL and SECMOL (institutes founded by them) operate transparently with legitimate domestic funding. (PC: The Print)

Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Sunday said the government is working to get Chhath Puja included in UNESCO’s Intangible Cultural Heritage List. Speaking in his monthly Mann Ki Baat radio address, he said the festival dedicated to the Sun God has become global. Modi noted that millions celebrate it in India and abroad. He added that when included, the world will witness its grandeur and divinity. He recalled that Kolkata’s Durga Puja was earlier added to UNESCO’s list. Modi said India’s festivals keep culture alive and global recognition will help people everywhere understand and join them. (PC: The Hindu)

A stampede at Tamilaga Vettri Kazhagam (TVK) chief Vijay’s rally in Karur, Tamil Nadu, killed 40 people and injured dozens. The crowd, much larger than expected, caused panic and fainting, forcing Vijay to pause his speech and call for police help. Police have filed cases against TVK district secretary Mathiazhagan, general secretary Bussy Anand, and joint general secretary C T Nirmal Kumar under charges including culpable homicide and endangering life. Chief Minister MK Stalin visited victims, announced compensation, and set up an inquiry. Vijay expressed sorrow and promised support to families, while Prime Minister Modi condemned the tragedy. (PC: India Today)

In Varanasi’s Madanpura, a unique Durga Puja tradition continues for 260 years. The Durga idol at Purana Durga Bati, made in 1767 with Ganga clay, straw, bamboo, and jute, is still worshipped every year. Legend says the idol refused to move during visarjan. Even 15 strong men could not lift it. That night, Maa Durga appeared in the dream of Kali Prasanna Mukhopadhyay, saying she wished to stay in Kashi. Since then, the Mukherjee family and locals worship the same idol each year. The six-foot idol remains with her children—Laxmi, Saraswati, Kartik, and Ganesh. (PC: India Today)

The Chitrakoot Ramlila of Kashi claims to be the world's oldest Ramlila, reportedly started 485 years ago by Megha Bhagat, a disciple of saint-poet Tulsidas. This traditional 22-day festival preserves ancient customs including the Mukut Pujan ceremony and Nakkataiyya procession. The performance takes place in Varanasi's Chitrakoot area, maintaining centuries-old theatrical traditions that dramatize episodes from the Ramayana. The festival represents one of India's most enduring cultural continuities, blending religious devotion with community theater. Local performers and audiences participate in rituals that have been passed down through generations, making it a living repository of Hindu religious and cultural practices that connects contemporary devotees with medieval spiritual traditions.

Delhi's IGI Airport and several schools received bomb threat emails on Sunday, prompting heightened security measures. The sender claimed affiliation with terrorist group "Terrorise 111," warning that bombs had been planted with potential explosions within 24 hours. Institutions targeted included CRPF Public School and Sarvodaya Vidyalaya, with police, fire, and bomb disposal teams conducting thorough searches. Authorities later declared the threats hoaxes after comprehensive investigations. Similar incidents have occurred previously in Delhi, with over 50 schools receiving threats from "Terrorizers 111" demanding cryptocurrency ransom in August. Police suspect the sender used VPN to hide their identity. Security agencies remain vigilant despite the hoax nature.

Self-styled spiritual leader Chaitanyananda Saraswati was arrested by Delhi Police in a hotel in Agra, after evading authorities since early August. He is accused of sexually harassing 17 female students at a management institute in Delhi’s Vasant Kunj. Investigators say he allegedly monitored students via CCTV, withheld their certificates, and used coercion. During the arrest, fake visiting cards claiming diplomatic status (UN, BRICS) were seized. A court has already denied his anticipatory bail in an associated fraud case involving multiple bank accounts and fixed deposits. (PC: ANI)  

Survivors of the tragic stampede at actor-politician Vijay’s Tamilaga Vettri Kazhagam (TVK) rally in Karur described the scene as a “human flood.” At least 39 people—including 10 children, 17 women, and 12 men—lost their lives, while over 80 were injured. Attendees from distant districts like Theni, Madurai, and Virudhunagar were caught in the chaos when ropes and hoardings along the Karur-Erode highway blocked escape routes. Many were trapped, and some injured while trying to flee. The incident has raised serious concerns about crowd management, prompting a government inquiry and relief measures.