IAF MiG-21 fighter jet crashes in Rajasthan, pilot safe

Speaking exclusively to India Today, businessman Robert Vadra addressed the controversy surrounding the cancellation and removal of protest photographs from his son Raihan Vadra's exhibition at Bikaner House in Delhi. Robert Vadra stated that venue authorities were provided with a PDF file outlining all contents a week in advance and failed to raise objections earlier, saying, "They did not do their due diligence." He questioned why objections to protest images were raised just hours before the opening, terming the move an unjustified clampdown on creative expression. The controversy erupted into a political showdown between the Congress and the BJP over allegations of censorship versus venue guideline violations.

Cockroach Janata Party leaders Ashutosh Ranka, Saurav Das, and Ajinkya appeared before the Special Executive Magistrate Court following their release from Tihar Jail. The hearing focused on the verification process of their sureties after bail was granted in connection with an alleged breach of a peace bond and trespassing at Jantar Mantar. Emerging from the court, the leaders noted that proceedings went smoothly, with the court setting the next date of appearance. The leaders also face summons from the Delhi Police Crime Branch regarding ongoing investigations transferred from Connaught Place police station. Addressing media queries regarding their upcoming strategy, the leaders stated that all decisions would be taken collectively by the movement, while reaffirming their demand for the resignation of Gyanesh Kumar. Legal scrutiny continues for the party leaders as authorities examine their compliance with bail undertakings prohibiting participation in unlawful demonstrations.

A three-day strike by around 40,000 Haryana electricity department employees has triggered widespread power outages across Gurugram, Nuh, Rewari, and several other districts. The agitation opposes the Haryana Electricity Regulatory Commission's decision to grant a private firm a parallel power distribution licence in Gurugram and Nuh, with workers warning it risks public sector revenue and thousands of jobs. The blackout has affected over 50,000 households and roughly 1,800 manufacturing units, leading to severe disruptions in basic water supply and small commercial businesses. The Dakshin Haryana Bijli Vitran Nigam logged more than 5,500 complaints within 12 hours as frustrated residents took to the streets to protest. Meanwhile, Haryana Power Minister Anil Vij initiated discussions at the PWD Rest House in Panchkula to break the stalemate, maintaining that the state government opposes privatisation and will legally challenge the regulatory commission's order to resolve the escalating crisis.

The Bharatiya Janata Party has mounted an attack on Leader of Opposition Rahul Gandhi over his visits abroad, questioning his meetings and alleging engagement with anti-India elements. Addressing a press conference, BJP MP Sudhanshu Trivedi claimed that the Congress leader undertakes undisclosed foreign visits to meet suspicious individuals and spread anti-India propaganda upon his return. The party also targeted his conduct as Leader of Opposition. The Congress strongly countered the allegations, stating that Rahul Gandhi travels abroad to deliver lectures at universities and meet intellectuals. Congress leaders questioned the BJP's objections and pointed out that Prime Minister Narendra Modi also undertakes official foreign visits while Parliament sessions are underway.