A nationwide strike — Bharat Bandh — is being observed today as over 10 central trade unions and farmers’ groups protest the Centre’s labour and economic policies. Organisers claim up to 30 crore workers may participate across more than 600 districts, making it one of the largest coordinated shutdowns in recent years. Public sector banks, insurance offices, some state transport services, government departments, and industrial units may face disruption depending on local participation. Rural MGNREGA works could also be affected in protest areas. However, hospitals, ambulance services, pharmacies, milk supply, and other essential services are expected to function normally. (PC: X)

The Bangladesh Nationalist Party has sent mixed signals about India in its election manifesto. The party led by Tarique Rahman said it wants stronger ties with neighbouring countries. It also accused India of border “killings and push-ins” and promised strict steps to stop them. Rahman has continued his criticism of former prime minister Sheikh Hasina and her past government. The manifesto says the BNP believes “not in revenge, but in a politics of justice and humanity.” The document comes just before the national vote and outlines the party’s stand on foreign ties and domestic politics. (PC: NDTV)

Delhi Police has opened a multi-country investigation into the leak of former Army chief M. M. Naravane’s unpublished memoir Four Stars of Destiny. Police say the book appeared on foreign digital platforms before getting mandatory approval from the Defence Ministry. An FIR has been filed for criminal conspiracy. Investigators believe the leak was organised and not simple piracy. Online listings were found in the US, Canada, Germany and Australia. Police are checking ISBN records linked to publisher Penguin India. The controversy grew after Rahul Gandhi referred to the unpublished book. The publisher said no authorised copies were released. (PC: India Today)

Bangladesh is holding a national election after the 2024 protest movement removed former prime minister Sheikh Hasina from power. The student-led uprising ended her 15-year rule. Officials say around 1,400 protesters were killed in the crackdown. Hasina denies ordering it. Her party, the Awami League, is banned from contesting this vote. The main contest is between the Bangladesh Nationalist Party and Jamaat-e-Islami and its allies. Voters are also taking part in a referendum on constitutional changes. An interim government led by Muhammad Yunus has been in charge since Hasina left the country. (PC: BBC)

India opener Abhishek Sharma is likely to miss the T20 World Cup match against Namibia after being hospitalised with a stomach infection. He missed India’s training session in New Delhi before the game. A Board of Control for Cricket in India source said he has been admitted for two days and medical tests are ongoing. “Match against Namibia looks doubtful as of now,” the source said. He was unwell even during the last match against USA and left the field early. Assistant coach Ryan ten Doeschate said the team is waiting on his fitness before finalising combinations. (PC: HT)

The Centre told the Supreme Court it does not support the release of activist Sonam Wangchuk on health grounds. He has been in detention since September 2025 and is held in Jodhpur jail. The government said the grounds for his detention still continue and involve “serious allegations.” He was detained under the National Security Act. The NSA allows preventive detention for up to 12 months in certain cases. Under the Constitution, such detention is usually limited to three months unless a review board approves an extension. Wangchuk’s wife has filed a habeas corpus petition. The Supreme Court is hearing the case. (PC: NDTV)

Bangladesh is voting today in a crucial national election after about 18 months of political instability. The crisis period saw the fall of the Sheikh Hasina government and the formation of an interim administration led by Muhammad Yunus. The transition also pushed India–Bangladesh relations to a low point. Officials in New Delhi are monitoring the vote because of border security, trade links, and regional cooperation. Major players include the Yunus-led interim setup, parties linked to Hasina, and opposition groups seeking power. Election authorities said voting is being held under tight security. The result will decide the next government and future ties with India. (PC: India Today)

Union Minister Hardeep Singh Puri defended himself against Rahul Gandhi's Epstein Files allegations, stating he met the late sex offender only 3-4 times as part of International Peace Institute delegations. Puri clarified his boss Terje Rod-Larsen knew Epstein, and their interactions were purely professional, unrelated to criminal charges. He referenced three million US Department of Justice documents covering 2009-2017, showing minimal contact during his UN ambassadorship. Puri read email exchanges discussing India's internet economy growth, noting Epstein called him "two-faced" and he wasn't their "right person." Gandhi raised Puri's name during Lok Sabha Budget session discussions. Epstein was indicted on federal sex trafficking charges in August 2019, dying in jail one month later. (PC: X)

A deadly shooting at Tumbler Ridge Secondary School in British Columbia killed ten people, with the primary suspect found dead at the scene. Canadian media outlets, including Western Standard and Juno News, identified the suspect as 18-year-old Jesse Strang, confirmed by the suspect's uncle Russell G. Strang. Police haven't officially released the identity pending verification. Early reports suggested a possible second individual, though authorities haven't confirmed additional suspects. Media reports claim a YouTube account linked to Strang displayed a transgender flag and "she/her" pronouns, circulating widely on social media but remaining unconfirmed by law enforcement. Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney called the incident "horrific," expressing condolences. Investigators analyze digital records, witness statements, and physical evidence. (PC: X/@Shorts91)

Pakistan Defence Minister Khawaja Asif made stark admissions in Parliament, accusing the US of exploiting Pakistan for strategic interests then discarding it "like toilet paper." He termed Islamabad's involvement in two Afghan wars a "mistake," acknowledging current terrorism as blowback from past dictatorial decisions. Asif said realignment with Washington post-1999, especially after 9/11 attacks, proved devastating. Pakistan turned against the Taliban while America eventually withdrew, leaving Pakistan facing violence, radicalization, and economic strain. Challenging official narratives, he rejected claims religious obligation drove Afghan involvement, stating military dictators Zia-ul-Haq and Pervez Musharraf joined wars "to appease a superpower," not for Islam. He called losses "irreversible" and acknowledged Pakistan's reshaped education system still embeds war-justifying ideology.