The Delhi High Court on Monday set aside the Central Information Commission’s (CIC) order that had directed Delhi University to disclose Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s degree and academic records. Justice Sachin Datta ruled there was no need to share the information. The legal battle began in 2016 with an RTI request seeking BA course records of 1978, the year Modi graduated as per election papers. Delhi University argued that releasing records would violate privacy and set a harmful precedent. Activists, however, said public figures’ qualifications must be transparent. The matter is likely to move to the Supreme Court next. (PC: HT)

Actress Parineeti Chopra and AAP leader Raghav Chadha have announced they are expecting their first child. The couple shared the news on social media with a collab post featuring a cake reading “1+1=3” and a video of them walking hand in hand. They captioned it, “Our little universe on its way. Blessed beyond measure.” Friends and fans, including Sonam Kapoor and Nimrat Kaur, sent warm wishes. The couple, who married in September 2023 in Udaipur, had hinted at pregnancy earlier on The Kapil Sharma Show. Their announcement has left Bollywood and political circles celebrating together. (PC: Instagram)

The BJP countered Rahul Gandhi’s “vote chori” charge by pointing out that Congress achieved its highest vote share in 35 years during the 2024 Lok Sabha elections. BJP IT chief Amit Malviya said, “Congress cries vote chori, but its vote share increased.” BJP leaders CR Kesavan and Pradeep Bhandari also questioned Rahul’s claims, noting Congress and allies’ vote share rose from 39% to 41%. Rahul Gandhi, however, alleged voter roll manipulation in states like Karnataka and Bihar, accusing the Election Commission of collusion. The poll body rejected the claims, demanding a signed affidavit with supporting proof. (PC: India Today)

Fresh details have emerged in the shocking dowry murder of 28-year-old Nikki Bhati in Greater Noida. Her husband, Vipin Bhati, who set her ablaze on August 21, has shown no remorse, telling police that “husband-wife fights are normal.” Disturbing videos recorded by Nikki’s sister show him pouring liquid and Nikki engulfed in flames. Police have arrested Vipin, his parents, and his brother in connection with the crime. Investigators revealed years of dowry harassment and abuse, despite expensive gifts given earlier. Public anger is rising, with the “Justice for Nikki” campaign gaining traction across India as demands for strict punishment grow. (PC: HT)

Russia is planning to hire more Indian workers as Western nations tighten immigration rules. India’s Ambassador to Russia, Vinay Kumar, said demand is rising in construction, textiles, machinery, and electronics. He added that more Indians in Russia are increasing the workload of consular services, such as passport extensions and registrations. Around 14,000 Indians currently live in Russia, including 4,500 students, mostly in medical universities. Another 1,500 Afghan nationals of Indian origin also live there. Kumar said Russia’s need for skilled manpower matches India’s supply. He stressed that the growing Indian community reflects strong India-Russia ties. (PC: NDTV)

India will continue to source oil based on the most favorable commercial terms, prioritizing the energy needs of its 1.4 billion citizens, affirmed Indian Ambassador to Russia Vinay Kumar in a TASS interview. Responding to U.S. criticism over discounted Russian crude, Kumar underscored that India's trade decisions are guided by national interests and market realities. He described recent U.S. tariff hikes as “unfair, unreasonable, and unjustified,” reinforcing India’s position. Echoing this sentiment, External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar remarked, “If you don’t like it, don’t buy it.” Kumar also noted that Western nations, including the U.S. and Europe, continue engaging with Russia, and India’s partnership supports global oil market stability. (PC: Mint & The New Indian Express)

The Jammu and Kashmir government has banned the use of pen drives and unsecured apps like WhatsApp and iLovePDF in official offices to enhance cybersecurity. All departments must now use GovDrive, a secure cloud platform offering 50GB storage per official. Exceptions for pen drives require NIC reconfiguration and whitelisting. Sharing sensitive technical data like system configurations and vulnerability reports is restricted to secure channels only. The directive warns of disciplinary action for non-compliance under IT and conduct rules. This move aims to prevent data breaches and enforce digital hygiene across government operations, marking a significant shift toward secure, centralized data management. (PC: Palton)

At least 20 people, including 4 journalists, were killed in an Israeli strike on Nasser Hospital in Khan Younis, Gaza. Gaza officials said two strikes hit the hospital, with the second blast killing rescuers who rushed after the first. Among the dead were a Reuters cameraman, an Associated Press journalist, and an Al Jazeera staffer. Doctors said patients and medical workers were also hit. The Israeli military confirmed the strike, saying it “regrets any harm” and does not target journalists. This attack comes two weeks after six journalists were killed near Gaza City’s al-Shifa Hospital in another Israeli strike. (PC: BBC)

The Delhi High Court ruled that Delhi University is not required to disclose details of Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s 1978 graduation degree. The court set aside the Central Information Commissioner’s 2016 order that allowed inspection of all students’ records from that year. The university argued that student records are private and shared in a fiduciary capacity, not open to public curiosity under RTI. Solicitor General Tushar Mehta said privacy outweighs the right to know. The court accepted the appeal. Modi’s degree has long been a political issue, with opposition parties questioning its authenticity despite university confirmations. (PC: India Today)

Union Home Minister Amit Shah attacked Congress leader Rahul Gandhi over the Constitution (130th Amendment) Bill, 2025. The bill says a Prime Minister, Chief Minister, or Minister jailed for 30 days will lose office. Shah reminded that in 2013 Rahul Gandhi tore an ordinance by Manmohan Singh meant to protect Lalu Prasad Yadav. He accused Congress of double standards, saying, “Morality should be steady like the Sun and Moon.” Shah claimed the bill ensures constitutional morality and prevents leaders from ruling from jail. He expressed confidence it will pass, with support even from some Congress members. (PC: Mint)