Olympic wrestler Bajrang Punia stands firm, refusing to retrieve his Padma Shri amid the Wrestling Federation of India's suspension. Punia asserts, "I will not take back Padma Shri. I will think about it only after justice is delivered." The decision follows Sanjay Singh's appointment as WFI chief, triggering protests by top wrestlers over sexual harassment allegations. The Sports Ministry's suspension prompts Punia's stance. Meanwhile, Sakshi Malik hints at a possible return, emphasizing the fight for justice for women wrestlers, "I have not seen anything in writing yet. I don't know whether only Sanjay Singh has been suspended or the entire body has been suspended. Our fight was not with the government. Our fight is for women wrestlers, I have announced my retirement but want the upcoming wrestlers should get justice," she stated. The government faces criticism, leading to the ministry's call for a temporary body to oversee WFI operations.

In a gun battle with security forces, atleast 3 Maoists were killed in Chhattisgarh's Dantewada district. The clash occurred during an anti-Maoist operation by the District Reserve Guard and Bastar Fighters. The exchange of fire took place on a hill near Dabbakunna village, resulting in the recovery of three Maoist bodies and the seizure of explosives and weapons. The identity of the deceased Maoists remains unknown, prompting an ongoing search operation in the vicinity.

President Sanjay Singh of the suspended Wrestling Federation of India (WFI) plans to engage in dialogue with Prime Minister Narendra Modi after the Sports Ministry's decision to suspend the newly elected WFI. The Ministry claimed the new body operated under the former office-bearers' influence. Singh expressed readiness to explore legal options if dialogue fails, emphasizing that decisions were consensus-driven. He stated, "We will explain that we have followed rules... It was not my personal decision," highlighting the need for smooth federation operation. Wrestlers protested Singh's association with Brij Bhushan Sharan Singh, accused of harassment. Singh defended their bond, stating, "There has been a bond and friendship from that time between us."

In a shocking turn of events, retired Senior Superintendent of Police (SSP) Mohammad Shafi Mir was ruthlessly gunned down by terrorists while reciting Azan in a mosque in Gantamulla Bala, Baramulla district, Jammu and Kashmir. The assailants mercilessly fired upon Mir, leading to his tragic demise. Swiftly responding, the J&K police cordoned off the area, launching a comprehensive investigation into the act of terror. This distressing incident follows a recent attack on a police inspector in Srinagar, underscoring the persistent security challenges in the region. As the community mourns Mir's loss, authorities intensify efforts to apprehend the perpetrators, ensuring justice prevails in the face of this reprehensible crime.

Massive fire erupted at Ankura Hospital in Hyderabad on Saturday, triggered by a short-circuit in outdoor terrace lights, as reported by hospital management. Approximately 15 patients inside were promptly relocated to another facility, averting casualties. The fire department swiftly contained the blaze, ensuring the safety of staff and patients. Despite the alarming incident, the hospital assures ongoing precautions for continued safety. Authorities are investigating the cause, highlighting the importance of vigilance in maintaining fire prevention measures.

In the aftermath of Olympic medallist Sakshi Malik's surprising retirement, Wrestling Federation of India (WFI) President Sanjay Singh addressed the matter, emphasizing, "It is their personal matter; I will not speak about this." Singh clarified his association with former chief Brij Bhushan Singh, stating, "Just because I am close to MP (Brij Bhushan Singh) does not mean I am a dummy candidate." Meanwhile, Brij Bhushan Singh revealed plans for Under-15 and Under-20 wrestling events. Adding to the controversy, wrestler Bajrang Punia returned his Padma Shri, expressing, "I am returning my Padma Shri award to the Prime Minister. All I have to say is in this letter; this is my statement." The WFI saga unfolds with athletes taking a stand.

Karnataka Chief Minister Siddaramaiah's announcement to lift the hijab ban in educational institutions is praised by Muskaan Khan, who gained social media attention during the protests. Muskaan expresses gratitude, stating, "I welcome CM Siddaramaiah's decision. I will continue my studies again." Siddaramaiah emphasizes personal choice, fulfilling a Congress election promise, saying, "The choice of clothes is one's own prerogative." The hijab controversy, previously imposed by the BJP government, sparked protests and legal battles. Muskaan's father welcomes the decision, stating, "CM's decision is welcomed. From now she'll study in Mandya." The sensitive issue saw legal validation in the Karnataka High Court and a divided Supreme Court decision.

The 'rat miners' who drilled the final stretch of the collapsed Silkyara-Barkot tunnel in Uttarakhand to rescue 41 workers have rejected the state government's Rs 50,000 reward as inadequate. More than two weeks after the tunnel collapse, the miners crawled into tight spaces without safety gear to drill through debris after machines failed. They enabled pipes for trapped workers to escape. Hailed briefly as heroes, the miners returned to dangerous, unrecognized manual labor. At a felicitation by CM Dhami, they accepted but refused to encash the cheques, deeming the rewards symbolic of neglect. Their employer said workers got Rs 1 lakh each while the rescuing miners got half. The miners' rejection highlights their plight despite the risky rescue operation.

In response to heavy rainfall causing the overflow of Srivaikuntam dam in Thoothukudi district, the Indian Air Force initiated its fifth day of Humanitarian Assistance and Disaster Relief (HADR) operations. Over 11 tons of relief materials were air-dropped across 12 locations in Thoothukudi, bringing the total to 59 tons. Tamil Nadu Chief Minister MK Stalin assured comprehensive measures for the welfare of affected residents, stating that 12,653 people had been rescued and were housed in 14 relief camps. The state, in collaboration with the Centre, continues extensive rescue and relief efforts in the flood-affected regions.

A drone strike caused an explosion and fire on an Israel-affiliated merchant ship in the Indian Ocean on Saturday but no casualties were reported, maritime agencies said. The attack on the Liberia-flagged tanker off India's coast wasn't claimed but caused a fire aboard, per the UK Maritime Trade Operations and Ambrey security firm. UKMTO said the "Israel-affiliated" ship was hit by an Uncrewed Aerial System and is being investigated. The incident comes after the Indian Navy helped evacuate an injured sailor from a hijacked Malta ship in the Arabian Sea where "pirates" had boarded. While no one was hurt in the mysterious drone strike, it represents a concerning attack on a commercial ship in Indian waters.