Delhi’s DDA Banseera Park will offer hot-air balloon rides starting Saturday. Each ride, lasting 7–12 minutes, will reach 120 feet and cost Rs 3,000 per person. Four passengers can ride together, with flying allowed for four hours daily. The rides will be operated by a private company on a revenue-sharing basis.
TMC gram panchayat member Debobrata Mondal was shot dead in Howrah, West Bengal, while his associate, Anupam Rana, was critically injured. Two assailants on a motorcycle fired at them. Mondal died at a Kolkata hospital. Police have registered a murder case, are reviewing CCTV footage, and are investigating possible motives and suspects.
Security forces in Pulwama busted a Jaish-e-Mohammad hideout and arrested Nazir Ahmed Ganai, who was helping terrorists. 2 grenades, a detonator and suspected explosives were recovered from an underground shelter, which was destroyed. A case was filed, and an investigation began. In Udhampur, a separate search operation was launched after suspicious movement.
A 3.0-magnitude earthquake struck Bhutan at a shallow depth of 5 km, causing stronger ground shaking. Bhutan often experiences earthquakes because it is in an active Himalayan region. The country also faces other natural hazards like floods, landslides, and strong winds, which can damage homes and affect people living in vulnerable areas.
Choreographers Nandika Dwivedi and Gulnaaz were wrongly linked online after Smriti Mandana and Palash’s wedding postponement. Social media speculation suggested their involvement in the wedding. Gulnaaz clarified on Instagram, denying any connection and stressing that knowing someone socially or appearing in a photo doesn’t tie them to controversies.
India’s economy continues to grow strongly despite US-imposed tariffs. In Q2 of the 2025-26 financial year, GDP rose 8.2%, up from 5.6% in the same period last year (2024-25). This demonstrates India’s economic resilience and steady growth momentum across sectors, showing that global trade challenges have not slowed progress.
Amnesty International claimed Israel is still committing genocide against Palestinians in Gaza despite last month’s ceasefire. The group said restrictions on supplies continue, and living conditions remain dire. Israel FM rejected the allegations, calling Amnesty “fanatical” and asserting that its actions comply fully with international law.
Congress called Prime Minister Modi the “self-proclaimed champion” of Africa and the Global South, asking if he will raise South Africa’s issue with Trump. Trump announced South Africa will be barred from next year’s G20 summit in Miami and threatened to halt all payments and subsidies over its treatment of a US representative.
Y.V. Subba Reddy, former TTD chairman, appeared before ADGP Ravi Sankar Ayyanar in Vijayawada for questioning in the Parakamani case. His statement followed the recent interrogation of former executive officer Dharma Reddy. Officials recorded Subba Reddy’s account regarding the alleged theft of temple offerings by counting supervisor C.V. Ravi Kumar.
Arunachal Pradesh’s State Election Commission allows polling personnel to vote on the spot during municipal elections instead of using postal ballots. Eligible staff must apply three days prior with their duty orders, and the Mandal Revenue Officer will verify details and facilitate secure voting. This aims to strengthen democratic participation.
Maharashtra Revenue Minister Chandrashekhar Bawankule ordered the cancellation of birth and death certificates issued using Aadhaar cards and instructed authorities to file police complaints. A 16-point verification guideline has been issued to all district officials. Aadhaar cannot be used as standalone proof of birth, aligning with central rules.
The Telangana High Court today declined to stay Gram Panchayat election proceedings, noting the process was already underway. Hearing a petition challenging GO 46 on BC reservations, the court sought a govt counter and adjourned the case for 8 weeks. Petitioners argue the order lacks required BC sub-categorisation, affecting accurate reservation implementation.
Delhi Police arrested Bandhu Man Singh, linked to Canada-based gangster Goldy Dhillon, in connection with the firing at comedian Kapil Sharma’s restaurant. A Chinese pistol and cartridges were recovered, and Singh is believed to be part of a broader conspiracy targeting high-profile individuals. Investigations continue to uncover further conspirators.
A 5.1-magnitude earthquake struck central Iran today morning. The tremor hit Behabad in Yazd province. Authorities reported no immediate casualties or damage. Residents felt the quake, but initial assessments suggest the region escaped serious impact. Officials continue monitoring the situation to ensure safety and assess any potential aftershocks.
Odisha’s Home Department announced a revised surrender policy to tackle left-wing extremism by encouraging hardcore Naxal cadres to surrender. The policy provides financial aid, rewards for surrendered firearms, and support for employment. It aims to prevent ex-Maoists from returning to extremism while promoting their reintegration into society.