Delhi Sees Sixfold Rise In H1N1 Swine Flu Cases; Union Minister JP Nadda Reviews Preparedness

All India Trinamool Congress founder Mamata Banerjee has submitted a response to the Election Commission of India, registering a strong protest against the decision to freeze the party name and symbol. The Election Commission cited limited time to examine facts to decide which faction retains the existing symbol, directing both factions to submit three preferred names and symbols ahead of the upcoming by-polls in Rajarhat and Nandigram. The Mamata Banerjee faction is also reaching out to non-NDA political parties for broader support as the political dispute continues.

Apple has officially commenced sales of its iPhone 18 Pro and Pro Max in India, drawing buyers who queued up overnight at retail stores in Mumbai and Delhi. The new series introduces four colour options alongside an upgraded design finish. Key updates include an enhanced camera setup featuring variable aperture, dual capture video recording, and advanced manual controls. The devices are powered by Apple's new A20 Pro chip and incorporate an embedded vapour chamber cooling system designed to resolve past overheating concerns. Despite elevated pricing driven by import duties and taxes, strong consumer demand persists at retail outlets across the country.

The Maharashtra Food and Drug Administration has suspended the food licence of the 108-year-old Olympia Coffee House in Colaba, Mumbai, following a consumer complaint and subsequent inspection. The probe uncovered severe food safety and hygiene violations, including a urinal located inside the food storage area, food handled directly on the floor, meat blood residues inside a refrigerator, insect infestations, and contaminated water. Inspectors noted that 34 of the 35 food handlers lacked mandatory food safety training. The regulator's crackdown also led to licence suspensions for Cafe Mondegar and the canteen at civic-run Nair Hospital.

At the India Today Kerala Conclave, the state chief minister addressed the controversy surrounding sexist remarks made by a cleric urging women to stay inside their homes. The state leadership asserted that politics and coalition calculations cannot override gender equality. Defending the coalition alliance against questions regarding the lack of unified condemnation from partners, the leadership described the front as a united team. The report highlights that communal and sexist remarks cannot be protected by political or vote bank considerations in the state.