Congress leader Shashi Tharoor’s birthday wish for BJP veteran LK Advani has triggered a political storm. Tharoor praised Advani’s long public service, saying he “cannot be judged by one episode.” His remarks drew criticism, with many accusing him of ignoring Advani’s role in the 1990 Ram Rath Yatra. The Congress quickly distanced itself, saying Tharoor spoke only for himself. The BJP attacked Congress, calling its response intolerant and dictatorial. BJP leaders mocked the party’s “family rule” and defended Tharoor’s gesture as political courtesy. Advani, who led the Ram Janmabhoomi movement, was awarded the Bharat Ratna earlier this year. (PC: X/@ShashiTharoor)

A secret unit within Pakistan’s ISI, called “S1” or “Subversion 1”, has been training terrorists to carry out attacks in India for over 25 years, intelligence sources told NDTV. The unit, based in Islamabad, is headed by a Pakistani Army Colonel and funded largely through drug money. Trainers from S1 are experts in explosives and small arms and have links with terror groups like Jaish-e-Mohammed, Lashkar-e-Taiba, and Hizbul Mujahideen. Sources said S1 members disguise themselves to blend in at training camps. The unit is believed to have played a role in attacks from the 1993 Mumbai blasts to recent incidents in Kashmir. (PC: Reuters)

As Delhi’s air turned hazardous, hundreds of residents, activists, and opposition leaders gathered at India Gate demanding strong action against pollution. The protest lasted about 30 minutes before police began detaining demonstrators, citing Supreme Court rules that only allow protests at Jantar Mantar. Protesters said they were not allowed to demonstrate peacefully. Advocate Prashant Bhushan called the crackdown “unfortunate” and said peaceful protest is a citizen’s right. AAP leader Saurabh Bharadwaj accused the Centre of hiding pollution data. With air quality levels crossing 400 in many areas, citizens urged the government to find long-term solutions instead of temporary fixes. (PC: India Today)

New York City’s new mayor, Zohran Mamdani, is deciding whether to move from his small rental flat in Queens to the official mayor’s home, Gracie Mansion. The 34-year-old, who made history as the city’s first Indian-origin, South Asian, and Muslim mayor, said he has not yet decided where he will live. Mamdani and his wife, artist Rama Duwaji, have lived in their modest one-bedroom apartment since 2018. Moving to the grand 18th-century mansion would mark a huge change. Despite his new status, Mamdani says his focus remains on City Hall and on serving New York’s working-class residents. (PC: Reuters)

King Charles led the UK in a two-minute silence at the Cenotaph in London to honour those who died in wars. Dressed in a field marshal’s uniform, he laid the first wreath, followed by Prince William. The Queen and Princess of Wales watched from a nearby balcony. Around 10,000 veterans joined the march past, including several over 100 years old. Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer paid tribute to the bravery and sacrifice of the armed forces. Similar services were held across the UK, marking the 80th anniversary of World War II. (PC: PA)

As Delhi’s air quality worsened, dozens of residents, activists, and opposition leaders gathered at India Gate on Sunday demanding urgent action against pollution. The protest lasted around 30 minutes before police detained several demonstrators, citing Supreme Court orders that allow protests only at Jantar Mantar. Protesters said they were not allowed to demonstrate peacefully. Advocate Prashant Bhushan called the detentions “unfortunate” and said peaceful protest is a citizen’s right. AAP leader Saurabh Bharadwaj accused the Centre of hiding air quality data. Many protesters demanded long-term solutions to Delhi’s recurring air crisis. (PC: India Today)

Meghalaya batter Akash Choudhary created history by smashing the fastest fifty ever in first-class cricket. He reached the milestone in just 11 balls during a Ranji Trophy Plate Group match against Arunachal Pradesh. The 25-year-old broke England’s Wayne White’s 2012 record of a 12-ball fifty. Batting at No. 8, Choudhary hit eight sixes, including six in one over off Limar Dabi. He remained unbeaten on 50 from 14 balls as Meghalaya declared their innings at 628 for six. Choudhary also became the third player to hit six sixes in an over in first-class cricket.

Britain is sending military support to Belgium after a series of suspected Russian drone incursions over its airspace. Belgium’s main airport, Zaventem, was forced to close on Thursday after drones were spotted nearby. Similar sightings were reported at a military base and other sites. UK Defence Chief Sir Richard Knighton said the drones could be linked to Russia, though it was not confirmed. Defence Secretary John Healey said the UK and NATO allies would protect critical infrastructure. Germany also pledged anti-drone support. The incidents disrupted flights for about 3,000 passengers across Brussels Airlines. (PC: BBC)

Union Home Minister Amit Shah on Sunday hit back at Rahul Gandhi over his “vote chori” claims during a poll rally in Arwal, Bihar. Shah said Rahul Gandhi was raising the issue because “names of infiltrators have been deleted from the voter list.” He added that Gandhi could “take out a yatra from Bihar to Italy,” but the government would not allow infiltrators to stay in India. Shah also questioned why Gandhi had not complained to the Election Commission if he believed votes were being stolen. He warned voters against allowing Left parties to return to power. (PC: HT)

Two Class 11 students in Gurugram were arrested for shooting their 17-year-old classmate after inviting him for dinner. The attack happened late Saturday in Sector 48. Police said the boys used a licensed pistol belonging to one accused’s father, a property dealer. The victim’s mother said her son had gone out after receiving a call from a friend. The shooting was planned over a two-month-old fight. Police recovered the pistol, cartridges, and an empty shell from the spot. Both minors were arrested within hours, and further investigation is in progress. (PC: India Today)