India’s nationwide Census will begin on March 1, 2027, and will, for the first time in decades, include caste data, sources revealed. The population count will be conducted in two phases. In high-altitude and snowy regions like Ladakh, Jammu and Kashmir, Himachal Pradesh, and Uttarakhand, the Census will commence earlier in October 2026. Initially slated for 2020, the Census was delayed due to the Covid-19 pandemic. The Centre’s decision to include caste data follows mounting pressure from opposition parties demanding a more inclusive demographic analysis. This will be India’s first comprehensive Census in over a decade and could reshape welfare policies. (PC: News18)

Bilawal Bhutto Zardari admitted Pakistan's repeated failures in raising the Kashmir issue at the UN, stating that "hurdles still exist." Leading a parliamentary delegation to the US, Bhutto aims to counter India's global outreach post-Pahalgam terror attack and Operation Sindoor. The Pakistani team met UN officials, including Secretary-General António Guterres, and representatives of key Security Council nations. Their visit coincides with an Indian delegation led by Shashi Tharoor in Washington. Both sides are presenting opposing narratives to the global community. While Pakistan highlights regional tensions, India emphasizes its stance on terrorism and sovereignty in a post-attack diplomatic blitz. (PC: NDTV )

Canada has proposed the "Strong Borders Act," aiming to tighten immigration laws and bolster border security. Introduced by Immigration Minister Lena Diab, the bill seeks to curb organised crime and drug trafficking while restricting asylum claims. Individuals in Canada for over a year may be barred from seeking asylum, and mail inspection powers would be expanded. Prime Minister Mark Carney, who called current immigration levels "unsustainable," says the law strengthens system integrity. Critics, including the Migrant Rights Network and opposition MPs, warn the bill threatens civil liberties and refugee protections. The proposal also aligns with U.S. concerns on border security and fentanyl trafficking. (PC: Reuters)

Anushka Sharma shared emotional glimpses from the RCB victory parade in Bengaluru after the team clinched their maiden IPL title. Riding with husband Virat Kohli on the team bus, she captured the euphoric crowd cheering along the route to M Chinnaswamy Stadium. In one video, Kohli is seen holding the trophy with pride. "These happy faces have waited lovingly and patiently," Anushka wrote. The team was welcomed by Deputy CM D K Shivakumar and later met CM Siddaramaiah. Kohli posted a heartfelt message, calling the 18-year wait “absolutely worth it,” dedicating the win to loyal fans and years of struggle.

The Allahabad High Court rejected Rahul Gandhi’s plea to quash a defamation case over his 2022 remark alleging Chinese troops were "thrashing Indian soldiers in Arunachal Pradesh." The court stated that Article 19 ensures free speech but does not permit defamatory statements against the Indian Army. The case was filed by retired BRO Director Uday Shankar Srivastava, who argued Gandhi’s comments insulted soldiers' honour. The court ruled that Srivastava, though retired, qualified as an "aggrieved person" under CrPC. The remarks were made during Gandhi’s Bharat Jodo Yatra. Trial court summons against Gandhi will now proceed. (PC: India Today)

Dr Swaiman Singh, known for his role in India’s farm law protests, was heckled by Pro-Khalistan elements at the New York Sikh Cultural Society Gurdwara for displaying the Indian Tricolor. Invited to speak at a major event alongside ex-Governor Andrew Cuomo, Dr Singh remained firm, defending his identity as a proud Indian. He invited open dialogue and challenged detractors to provide proof. Acknowledging Sikh grievances over the 1984 Golden Temple incident, he clarified it was an act of a government, not the nation. Singh emphasized unity and justice, calling for constructive conversation within the diaspora and respect for India. (PC: TOI)

Pakistan’s attempt to block an Indian parliamentary delegation’s visit to Malaysia on grounds of “Islamic solidarity” failed, as Malaysian authorities rejected the interference. The Indian delegation, led by JDU MP Sanjay Jha, visited Japan, South Korea, Singapore, Indonesia, and Malaysia to build global support against terrorism following the April 22 Pahalgam terror attack. Despite Pakistan raising the Kashmir issue, all meetings went ahead as planned. The delegation, comprising MPs from across parties, highlighted India's targeted response against terror camps and called for action by FATF. The visit reinforced India’s global message: terrorism must be condemned, regardless of religious or political motives. (PC: NDTV)

Royal Challengers Bengaluru’s much-anticipated IPL 2025 victory parade has been cancelled due to traffic and logistical concerns, Bengaluru Police announced on Wednesday. The team, which lifted its maiden IPL trophy this year, was scheduled for an open-top bus parade through the city. However, with heavy traffic in the Central Business District (CBD) area, officials advised against it. Instead, a felicitation event will take place at the M Chinnaswamy Stadium from 5 PM to 6 PM. Only those with valid tickets or passes will be allowed entry. The public has been advised to avoid the CBD area during that time. (PC: X/RCB)

Two Chinese nationals have been charged in the US for smuggling Fusarium graminearum, a toxic fungus classified as a potential agro-terrorism weapon. This alarming case spotlights the rising global threat of agro-terrorism — the deliberate use of biological agents to harm agriculture. India, with over 55% of its population reliant on farming, has faced similar threats. In 2016, a wheat-blast fungus believed to be introduced from Bangladesh forced a wheat ban in parts of West Bengal. Bordering hostile nations like Pakistan and China, India’s farmland remains vulnerable to such covert biological attacks aimed at crippling its agri-economy. (PC: India Today)

After finally lifting the IPL trophy with Royal Challengers Bengaluru, Virat Kohli hinted at the limited years left in his cricket career, saying, "There is an end date." The emotional moment saw Kohli celebrate with Anushka Sharma, AB de Villiers, and Chris Gayle. Though retired from Tests and T20Is, Kohli confirmed he’s not stepping away from IPL yet. With 600+ runs in five seasons and now an IPL title, Kohli has little left to prove, except perhaps a World Test Championship. As RCB’s heart and soul, Kohli remains IPL’s most enduring icon—and the hunger still burns. (PC: X/RCB )