1 killed, 2 injured in firing by Nepal police along IB in Bihar

A major political row has erupted in Karnataka after an IPS officer stopped three Dalit ministers from accompanying the Chief Minister during the Nandidhvaja puja at the Mysuru Dasara celebrations. Ministers Narendra Swami, Basanthappa, and Shivaraj Tangadagi were walking towards the puja before the elephant procession when the officer intervened. An inquiry has been directed through the Chief Secretary to examine whether protocol was followed or specific instructions were issued, while the opposition Bharatiya Janata Party accused the Congress government of being anti-Dalit. Meanwhile, in Tamil Nadu, the Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam targeted Tamilaga Vettri Kazhagam chief and Chief Minister Joseph C. Vijay over Hindi and English badges worn during Police Commemoration Day, questioning the state's two-language policy. Additionally, remarks by TVK minister K.A. Sengottaiyan regarding former All India Anna Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam leader C. Vijayabaskar entering the electoral fray in the Virugambakkam constituency triggered further political controversy.

A spokesperson from the Bharatiya Janata Party addressed a press conference targeting the Congress leadership over alleged connections to foreign organizations and global unrest. Highlighting links to entities like Progressive International and Indian Alliance Paris, the speaker cited an April 2025 meeting between Sonia Gandhi, Rahul Gandhi, and delegates at 10 Janpath. The address linked international demonstrations and incidents of arson in France, Spain, and Albania to broader attempts at subverting constitutional institutions and instigating regime change. Criticizing Shiv Sena UBT leader Sanjay Raut for his social media comments regarding unrest at Albania's Supreme Court, the speaker accused opposition figures of trying to weaken Indian democratic institutions. The spokesperson also questioned Rahul Gandhi's evening visit to the Supreme Court premises with a crowd, contrasting the opposition's actions with Prime Minister Narendra Modi's Vijayadashami address defending democratic resilience.

In an exclusive interview, the US Secretary of State addressed key geopolitical and economic issues shaping relations between India and the United States, including tariffs, the proposed interim trade agreement, regional security, and counterterrorism. Speaking on the pending bilateral trade pact, he stated that negotiations are very close to completion with only a few items remaining, adding that any final deal would provide trade certainty and benefit both nations. Addressing concerns over Washington's ties with Islamabad, he maintained that the relationship with Pakistan does not come at the expense of India, emphasizing shared concerns regarding global terrorism and the anti-terror track record of the United States. He noted America's readiness to play a constructive diplomatic role in averting regional conflict and preventing flashpoints following events like the Pahalgam attack. The bulletin also highlighted discussions on technology cooperation, energy partnerships, the installation of a small modular reactor in India, and immigration policies.

Speaking exclusively to India Today, artist Rehan Vadra addressed the controversy surrounding his photography exhibition at Delhi's Bikaner House after he was asked to take down several artworks. Vadra stated that while the management claimed his work breached internal policies, institutions hold a fundamental responsibility towards art and the artists they serve. Refusing to stay silent over the removal of two-thirds of his show, he clarified that he did not know if there was any external political pressure behind the decision. Vadra added that he is actively exploring alternate venues in Delhi to showcase the flagged photographs alongside an upcoming exhibition scheduled in Bengaluru.