The M Chinnaswamy Stadium in Bengaluru has received official clearance from the Karnataka government to host IPL 2026 and international cricket matches, ending months of uncertainty since a tragic stampede during RCB’s 2025 IPL celebration that claimed lives and raised safety concerns. The Karnataka State Cricket Association (KSCA) now has permission to organise top-tier cricket at the iconic venue, subject to compliance with safety and security norms. The decision paves the way for Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) and other events to return home, much to the relief of fans and the cricketing community. (PC: X)

Prime Minister Narendra Modi claimed that India’s Gen Z has reposed faith in the BJP’s development model, highlighting recent victories including the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) results. Speaking at a rally in Malda, West Bengal, ahead of upcoming state elections, Modi said youth support reflects confidence in the party’s governance and growth agenda. He also criticised the Trinamool Congress government, calling for “parivartan” (change) in Bengal and asserting that development and connectivity will be priorities under BJP leadership. The rally underscored the party’s push to expand its footprint in the state. (PC: PTI)

West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee inaugurated the permanent building of the Calcutta High Court’s Jalpaiguri Circuit Bench on Saturday, urging Chief Justice of India Surya Kant to safeguard the Constitution, democracy and judiciary. Banerjee expressed concern over citizens allegedly being wrongly targeted by investigative agencies, calling on the CJI to protect the people and uphold democratic rights. She also stressed that the judiciary must remain free of casteism, religionism, and media trial pressures. The event marks a milestone in expanding justice access for North Bengal residents. (PC: ANI)

 Iran’s Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei publicly acknowledged that “several thousand” people have been killed during weeks of anti-government protests that erupted nationwide, marking one of the deadliest periods of unrest in the country’s recent history. He blamed the United States and Israel, accusing them of orchestrating violence and instability, and labelled U.S. President Donald Trump a “criminal” for encouraging dissent. Khamenei warned that those he holds responsible will face consequences, while rejecting foreign intervention and framing protests as part of a broader plot against Iran. (PC: AFP)

Venezuelan opposition leader María Corina Machado, the 2025 Nobel Peace Prize laureate, presented her Peace Prize medal to U.S. President Donald Trump at the White House as a symbolic gesture of gratitude. Trump accepted the medal and plans to keep it. However, the Norwegian Nobel Committee clarified that while laureates can physically give away or sell their medals, the actual Nobel Peace Prize and its title remain permanently linked to the original recipient and cannot be shared, transferred, or revoked. The award’s honour stays recorded in history with Machado regardless of the medal’s current holder. (PC: Reuters)

The first commercial flights from Iran arrived in Delhi, bringing back Indian nationals amid ongoing protests and unrest in the country. The returnees, including students and professionals, expressed gratitude to the Indian government and the Indian Embassy in Tehran for timely assistance and coordination. Many passengers reported facing difficulties due to internet shutdowns, restrictions on movement, and general uncertainty during the protests. While these were not special evacuation flights, the government has been closely monitoring the situation and advising Indians in Iran to remain cautious. Authorities have assured that all necessary support will be extended if the situation worsens further. (PC: NDTV)

Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Saturday sharpened his attack on the ruling Trinamool Congress during a rally in Malda. After flagging off the Vande Bharat sleeper trains, he coined a new slogan in Bangla: “Paltano darkar, chayee BJP sarkar.”   Modi accused the government led by Mamata Banerjee of corruption and blocking central schemes like Ayushman Bharat. “A heartless and cruel government is looting public money,” he said.   With Assembly elections due soon, Modi urged voters to back the Bharatiya Janata Party, citing recent BJP wins in other states. (PC: ANI)

The US Justice Department is investigating Minnesota Governor Tim Walz and Minneapolis Mayor Jacob Frey over alleged attempts to block immigration enforcement. The probe follows protests in Minneapolis after Renee Nicole Good was shot dead by an ICE agent last week. (PC: Getty Images)   Walz called the inquiry “authoritarian”. Frey said he would not be intimidated. A federal judge has limited ICE tactics against peaceful protesters. President Donald Trump accused local leaders of losing control, but said he would not deploy troops for now.

Composer A R Rahman has blamed his reduced Bollywood work on industry changes. “Non-creative people now control decisions,” Rahman said in a recent interview, hinting at outsider bias and rumours.   Critics, however, say his post-2015 Hindi albums also hurt his standing. After Tamasha, films like Mohenjo Daro and Heropanti 2 failed to impress. “The music became forgettable,” many reviewers noted.   While Rahman’s South Indian projects remain strong, his inconsistent Bollywood output has weakened his legacy. Fans say a full-blooded comeback is still possible if the composer returns to bold choices.

American lawmakers have urged Donald Trump to seek tariff relief for US pulse exports to India. Senators Kevin Cramer and Steve Daines wrote that India’s 30% duty on pulses harms American farmers.   They said states like North Dakota and Montana lead US pulse production, while India is the world’s largest market. “Unfair Indian tariffs put US producers at a serious disadvantage,” they wrote. The senators noted the duty on yellow peas began in November 2025. They urged Trump to raise the issue with PM Narendra Modi, saying tariff cuts would help farmers and Indian consumers alike.