The Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) is set to launch its manifesto, titled "Sankalp Patra," for the upcoming Lok Sabha elections tomorrow at the party headquarters in Delhi, with Prime Minister Narendra Modi in attendance. The document is expected to outline welfare and development schemes, along with a roadmap for 'Viksit Bharat.' Emphasizing priorities for the poor, youth, women, and farmers, it coincides with the birth anniversary of dalit leader B R Ambedkar. As the BJP fulfills core ideological promises, attention now turns to how cultural and Hindutva agendas will feature in the manifesto.

In a heroic act, a woman police officer bravely confronted and neutralized a knifeman who went on a rampage inside a Sydney mall, preventing further casualties. The officer, wearing an Australian Rugby League team jersey, followed the attacker and fatally shot him with a single bullet to the chest. Eyewitnesses praised her calm handling of the situation, recounting how she asked the attacker to drop his knife before resorting to lethal force. Videos on social media show citizens intervening, throwing tables and chairs at the assailant. Such stabbing incidents are rare in Australia, underscoring the officer's remarkable bravery.            

Iran's Revolutionary Guards seized the container ship "MCS Aries" near the UAE coast, stating it's linked to Israel. Among the 25 crew members, 17 are Indian. The ship's operator, MSC, confirmed the seizure and is ensuring the crew's safety. Tensions rise in the Middle East with fears of Iranian retaliation for an airstrike in Syria. Iran claims the ship's connection to Israel. Israel warns of consequences if tensions escalate further, citing Iran's support for terrorism worldwide. The region remains on high alert.

The CBI filed a case against Megha Engineering and Infrastructure Ltd, along with eight NMDC Iron and Steel Plant officers, for alleged corruption in a ₹315 crore project. Reports suggest officials received bribes against payments. Megha Engineering, second-biggest electoral bond purchaser, faces scrutiny after being awarded projects post-bond purchase. Of its ₹966 crore bond purchases, ₹584 crore went to BJP. FIR details alleged bribery in a steel plant project. CBI names officials involved in receiving bribes and MECON Ltd personnel allegedly involved in the payments. Megha Engineering and its general manager also listed as accused.

Eyewitnesses recount scenes of horror as a knifeman goes on a rampage in a busy Sydney shopping mall, leaving six dead and several injured. Chaos erupted in the Westfield shopping centre in Bondi as the attacker indiscriminately stabbed shoppers. A brave female police officer intervened, ultimately ending the attack by fatally shooting the assailant. Shocked witnesses describe the harrowing ordeal, with one recalling a woman and her baby being attacked. Authorities praise the officer's swift action, while the community grapples with the devastating aftermath of the senseless violence.

The Jammu and Kashmir State Disaster Management Authority has issued a warning of a possible medium-level avalanche in Kupwara and Ganderbal districts, above 2500 meters, within the next 24 hours. Residents are urged to take precautions and avoid high-risk areas. Assistance can be sought by dialing -112.

Iran is suspected of launching a helicopter raid on a ship near the Strait of Hormuz, as shown in a video obtained by the Associated Press. The vessel, likely the Portuguese-flagged MSC Aries associated with Zodiac Maritime, was targeted amid escalating tensions between Iran and the West. Commandos rappelled onto the ship's deck, prompting crew members to seek refuge. While Iran has not confirmed the incident, it follows a pattern of maritime aggression attributed to Tehran. The Strait of Hormuz, a vital oil shipping route, remains a focal point in the ongoing geopolitical standoff.            

The Ministry of Commerce and Industry directed e-commerce platforms to remove drinks like Bournvita from the 'health drinks' category. This move follows the National Commission for Protection of Child Rights' inquiry, which found no defined "health drink" under the FSS Act 2006. The Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI) urged e-commerce firms to properly categorize food products, noting discrepancies in products labeled as 'health drinks'. FSSAI clarified that 'health drink' lacks standardization under the FSS Act 2006.

Six people, including a nine-month-old baby and the attacker, died in a stabbing rampage at Bondi Junction Westfield in Sydney. The 40-year-old assailant, shot dead by police, is believed to have acted alone. Witnesses described scenes of chaos as shoppers fled the assailant wielding a "big blade." A lone police officer, hailed as a hero, confronted and killed the attacker. Prime Minister Anthony Albanese praised her actions. Police are withholding the attacker's identity pending formal identification, and there is no indication of terrorism. The motive remains unclear, and authorities reassure the public of no ongoing threat.  

Hezbollah launched dozens of rockets at Israeli positions in response to Israeli strikes in southern Lebanon, marking one of its largest assaults since the Gaza conflict began. The Iran-aligned group targeted artillery positions in northern Israel and the occupied Golan Heights. Sirens blared in Upper Galilee as air defense systems engaged the incoming rockets. The Israeli military confirmed 40 launches, some intercepted, while others hit open areas. Al Jazeera correspondent Rory Challands described it as one of the biggest barrages in the Gaza conflict. The situation remains tense as tensions escalate between Hezbollah and Israel.