The Indian government has rejected Moody's claims that the Aadhaar system poses privacy and security risks, emphasizing its global recognition. Moody's had raised concerns about service denials in hot and humid climates and centralized control over-identification. The government criticized Moody's for lacking data to support its opinions and failing to mention contactless biometric options. They clarified that workers don't need biometrics for public job databases or payments. Additionally, a World Bank document at the G20 Summit praised India's Digital Public Infrastructure. 

Shocking photos have emerged showing the bodies of two Manipur teens who went missing in July, with armed men visible in the background. Hijam Linthoingambi, 17, and Phijam Hemjit, 20, from the Meitei community, are seen alive in one image. In the next, their bodies lie on the ground as two armed men stand behind them. The case, being probed by CBI though bodies are untraced, has sparked outrage over the delay in cracking it. Manipur government assured swift action after the distressing photos surfaced. Investigators may use cyber forensics to identify the two armed men behind the slain teens. [Image: NDTV]

Congress leader Rahul Gandhi traveled by train from Bilaspur to Raipur in Chhattisgarh after addressing an event and interacting with passengers during the journey. He boarded the Bilaspur-Itwari Intercity along with CM Bhupesh Baghel and state leaders. In the sleeper coach, Gandhi spoke to travelers including children. A girl hockey player appraised him of the poor condition of Rajnandgaon's astroturf. Gandhi enquired about training facilities at the Khelo India center. The Congress has been alleging trains being canceled in Chhattisgarh. Gandhi's train trip and interactions highlighted people's grievances over curtailed rail services.

Tamil Nadu's AIADMK has ended its alliance with the BJP and NDA amid a row over state BJP chief K Annamalai's remarks against AIADMK leaders. The break-up was announced by AIADMK Deputy General Secretary KP Munusamy after a unanimous resolution was passed in Chennai. Munusamy stated that unnecessary comments were made by BJP's TN leadership against AIADMK's former leaders. AIADMK will now contest the 2024 polls with its existing allies as per the resolution. This split comes just months ahead of the national elections. AIADMK spokesperson Sasirekha expressed happiness over facing the upcoming Parliamentary and Assembly polls independently.

The Supreme Court on Monday directed the Uttar Pradesh government to appoint a senior IPS officer to investigate the case of a Muzaffarnagar teacher who allegedly encouraged students to slap a Muslim classmate. The court termed the incident "serious" and pulled up the state government for a shoddy initial probe. The bench also sought a compliance report from UP on implementing the Right to Education Act. It ordered professional counseling for the victim child and other involved students. The court said UP likely failed to provide discrimination-free education under the RTE Act.

  During his Mann ki Baat broadcast, Prime Minister Narendra Modi highlighted the India-Middle East-Europe corridor as a future cornerstone of global trade, drawing a parallel with the historic Silk Route. He mentioned that India proposed this economic corridor at the G20 Summit, asserting India's leadership on the world stage. Modi expressed pride in India's achievements, including the Chandrayaan-3 mission and its role in making the African Union a G20 member. He emphasized tourism's role in generating employment and noted India's rising global goodwill. With Mahatma Gandhi's birth anniversary approaching, he encouraged participation in cleanliness programs and supporting local products.

The high-level committee on 'One Nation, One Election' held its first meeting on Saturday. Headed by former President Ram Nath Kovind, the eight-member panel decided to seek views of political parties and the Law Commission on synchronized polls. The meeting was attended by Home Minister Amit Shah, Law Minister Arjun Ram Meghwal and others. Congress leader Adhir Ranjan Chowdhury declined to be part of the committee. The panel will examine required amendments to the Constitution and laws to enable holding simultaneous elections. It will submit recommendations at the earliest on holding concurrent polls for Lok Sabha, state assemblies and local bodies.

A dossier reveals that murdered Khalistani separatist Hardeep Singh Nijjar was involved in crime since the 1980s with local goons, later fleeing to Canada in 1996. He allegedly visited Pakistan in 2012 for terror training on a forged passport. Nijjar was initiated into gangs by Gurnek Singh alias Neka, associated with KCF militants, and later worked closely with KTF chief Jagtar Tara as per the dossier. Nijjar allegedly ordered several killings and attacks in Punjab while in Canada, raising funds for terror activities through associates involved in drugs and arms smuggling. He worked with Arshdeep Gill to target Dera Sacha Sauda and kill the father-son duo in Bathinda. The Canadian Prime Minister has accused Indian government agents of involvement in Nijjar's killing, sparking a diplomatic crisis.

Australian Foreign Minister Penny Wong has called for reforms to the United Nations Security Council (UNSC) and endorsed India and Japan as permanent members. Speaking at the 78th session of the United Nations General Assembly, Wong emphasized the need for greater representation from Africa, Latin America, and Asia. She advocated for permanent seats for India and Japan while urging constraints on the use of veto power by permanent members. Portuguese President Marcelo Rebelo de Sousa and Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan have also supported India's bid for a permanent UNSC seat, highlighting the ongoing discussions regarding UNSC reforms. [Image Courtesy: Money Sharma/AFP/Getty]

Prime Minister Narendra Modi laid the foundation stone for an international cricket stadium in his parliamentary constituency of Varanasi on Saturday. The stadium will be the third international facility in Uttar Pradesh after Kanpur and Lucknow. PM Modi says nowadays even parents realise the importance of sports. “Jo khelega, wahi khilega,” says Modi. He highlighted the stadium's benefits for local youth and sports development. He also addressed a rally of women supporters in Varanasi, speaking about the recently passed women's reservation bill that reserves parliamentary seats for women. Modi inaugurated 16 new residential schools in the city earlier in the day.