UP's Fatehpur rolls out AI-based system to track child immunisation

This episode of The News Today details key national and international events. The Maharashtra Food and Drug Administration suspended licenses for nine Mumbai eateries, including five affiliated with the Mumbai Cricket Association, over hygiene violations. Sugar prices increased 30 to 40 percent to 62 rupees per kilogram ahead of the festive season, as agricultural economist Professor Ashok Gulati outlined factors including lower production, ethanol diversion, and import duties. Telangana Chief Minister Revanth Reddy criticized the Ministry of External Affairs for denying clearance for his United States tour, with former diplomat K.C. Singh and Congress leader Srinivas Reddy analyzing the federalism aspects. In Tamil Nadu, Chief Minister Vijay placed the proposed Parandur airport project on hold due to Airport Authority of India findings regarding wetlands and runway feasibility. Internationally, twenty-one former cricket captains, including Sunil Gavaskar and Kapil Dev, wrote to Pakistan Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif requesting medical care for jailed former Prime Minister Imran Khan. Additionally, three newborns died following a fire at the Amravati District Women's Hospital neonatal intensive care unit.

Could Iran become the unexpected fourth member of the Saudi-led Mecca Defence Pact? A report from Iranian media claims Tehran has received an invitation to join the alliance formed by Saudi Arabia, Pakistan and Turkey. The claim has not yet been officially confirmed by Iran, Saudi Arabia, Pakistan or Turkey — but if true, it could dramatically reshape West Asia’s security equation.

In an interview with India Today, former Pakistan Cricket Board chairperson and senior journalist Najam Sethi discussed the situation surrounding former Pakistan Prime Minister Imran Khan's imprisonment and medical condition. Reacting to a letter by 21 former international cricket captains requesting proper medical care for Imran Khan, Sethi stated, "He's fine." Sethi noted that Khan's sister confirmed there is no major issue and that Khan has access to quarters, walks, and workouts inside prison. Sethi highlighted that while Khan's party faces restrictions on family and legal visits, rumors of severe health deterioration are political propaganda. Addressing whether a political compromise is possible, Sethi remarked that neither Imran Khan nor the military establishment is prepared to make a deal or concede ground at present.

In a leaked audio clip, fugitive gangster Goldy Brar has claimed responsibility for the killing of Khalistan terrorist Hardeep Singh Nijjar in Canada, alleging Nijjar supported drug networks involving young people. The authenticity of the audio remains unverified. The development comes as India and Canada transition from diplomatic tensions during the Justin Trudeau administration toward a reset under Prime Minister Mark Carney. Canadian authorities recently stated they found no evidence linking Indian officials to Nijjar's death, while a US federal indictment previously linked jailed gangster Lawrence Bishnoi and Brar to criminal networks. Former Indian High Commissioner Sanjay Verma was recalled during the earlier diplomatic fallout.