A family in Bengaluru tried to send an elderly man as a courier parcel to Mangaluru to protest high travel fares. The incident happened at a courier office where staff asked about the package. The family opened a gunny bag and the man came out alive, shocking workers. Staff refused the request. A woman later said it was a planned social media video to highlight rising ticket prices before Ugadi and Ramzan. Police traced the family and gave a warning. An officer said, “We made them understand that it was wrong.” No case was filed. (PC: The Indian Express)

A devastating fire broke out in a residential building near Palam Metro in Delhi, killing seven people and injuring several others. According to a fire control room official, an emergency call was received around 7 am reporting the blaze at a building in Gali Number-2, Shri Ram Chowk. Firefighters rushed to the scene and launched rescue operations, as multiple residents were feared trapped inside. Some victims reportedly suffered severe burns or injuries while attempting to escape. Authorities have brought the fire under control, and an investigation is underway to determine the exact cause of the incident.

In a major relief for passengers, the Indian government has directed airlines to keep at least 60% of seats on flights available at regulated or capped fares to prevent sudden price surges. The move aims to protect flyers from exorbitant ticket prices during peak demand, emergencies, or disruptions. Authorities emphasised maintaining affordability and transparency in pricing, ensuring fair access to air travel. Airlines will still be allowed dynamic pricing for the remaining seats. The decision comes amid concerns over rising airfare volatility, and is expected to make flying more accessible and predictable for passengers across the country. (PC: Reuters)

The Centre informed the Nagpur bench of the Bombay High Court that it is taking all measures to prevent LPG shortages amid disruptions caused by the West Asia war. An affidavit by Solicitor General Tushar Mehta stated the government is monitoring the situation and ensuring smooth distribution. The court disposed of a petition against Confidence Petroleum India Ltd, accused of prioritising exports over domestic supply. Petitioners cited supply constraints due to the Iran war and sought increased domestic allocation. The Centre said strict action would be taken against violations and emphasised prioritising household LPG availability across affected regions nationwide. (PC: X)

Hard Rock International has announced the closure of 10 Hard Rock Cafe outlets across India after ending its agreement with operator JSM Corporation. The affected cities include Bengaluru, Delhi, Kolkata, Chennai, Hyderabad, Pune and Chandigarh. The company said India remains an important market and confirmed that the Hard Rock Hotel Goa will continue. JSM Corporation, however, said the outlets are still open. It called the move a “unilateral announcement” and said it is reviewing legal options. Many patrons reacted with shock online. Several said the cafes were key spaces for live music and carried strong memories. (PC: NDTV)

Activist Sonam Wangchuk struck a conciliatory note on Ladakh demands after his release. He signalled openness to a “give and take” approach with the Centre. “Our main issue is Sixth Schedule and statehood. If not both, at least one,” he said. He added the outcome should be a “win-win”. Wangchuk said the government’s move made his “job easy”. He had prepared for a long legal fight. He denied any deal behind his release. He said his protest was for the people of Ladakh. He will return to Ladakh to consult local groups before next steps. (PC: The Indian Express)

The Centre has asked people to use LPG carefully amid shortage concerns. It is also pushing commercial users to shift to PNG. Sujata Sharma from the Petroleum Ministry said LPG supply for homes remains a priority. “It would be beneficial if all commercial LPG consumers shifted to PNG,” she said. Officials said hotels, restaurants and caterers moving to PNG can reduce pressure on LPG. The government has also asked states to speed up approvals for gas pipelines. It wants faster clearances and better coordination. PNG supply is stable in many areas. The Centre said demand management will help avoid disruptions. (PC: India Today)

A 19-year-old dental student has been arrested by the Uttar Pradesh Anti-Terrorism Squad in Moradabad for alleged links with an online module of ISIS. The accused, a resident of Saharanpur, was reportedly connected to extremist handlers through social media platforms and encrypted apps. Investigators said he was involved in creating online groups to spread ISIS propaganda, recruit members, and promote extremist ideology aimed at establishing a caliphate system. He allegedly used fake identities and VPNs to operate these networks. A case has been registered under the Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act, and further investigations are underway to trace wider links. (PC: NDTV)

Thousands of people joined a shutdown and street protests in Ladakh on Monday. Markets remained closed in Leh and Kargil as people marched with banners. The protest was called by the Apex Body Leh and the Kargil Democratic Alliance. Protesters demanded statehood for Ladakh and protection under the Sixth Schedule of the Constitution. ABL co-chairman Cherring Dorjay Lakrook said the protest remained peaceful. “We will not stop demanding what is rightfully ours,” he said. This was the first major protest since demonstrations in September last year linked to activist Sonam Wangchuk. (PC: The Indian Express)

The government has assured that LPG supply across India remains steady despite concerns about shortages. Officials said oil companies are delivering around 50 lakh LPG cylinders every day. Consumers have been urged to avoid panic buying and use online booking systems for cylinder delivery. Authorities are also monitoring rumours, hoarding and black marketing of cooking gas. Meanwhile, LPG carriers Shivalik and Nanda Devi, carrying about 92,700 metric tonnes of LPG, have crossed the Strait of Hormuz and are on their way to India. The situation has affected some sectors, with restaurants, hostels and schools warning of possible disruptions if gas supplies tighten further.