Maharashtra FDA Raids Mumbai Eateries; Suspends Iconic Cafe Licence Over Hygiene Lapses

A political controversy has erupted in Karnataka over the singing of the national song at official events. The state government decided to mandate the singing of the first two stanzas of Vande Mataram at official functions. Following planned protests by the opposition party against this decision, a state minister challenged opposition leaders to sing all six stanzas of the national song from memory without using paper or a teleprompter. The minister offered to resign if the opposition leaders managed to recite the complete song, while requesting the Assembly Speaker to allow opposition legislators to sing the national song separately in the Legislative Assembly.

A Bengaluru CEO took matters into his own hands by repairing a broken footpath using his own money after civic authorities failed to act on his complaints. Facing persistent civic apathy and inaction over the city's pothole and pedestrian safety issues, the resident spent 2,700 rupees from his personal pocket to construct a cement ramp at a damaged junction on his daily walking route. He stated that he had previously raised a ticket on the BBMP portal and reached out to helplines, but received only automated responses. Arranging raw materials and labour through a friend, he completed the repair work himself to make the pavement accessible for pedestrians, wheelchairs, and strollers.

A former Tamil Nadu Education Minister is facing raids in connection with an alleged 100-crore scam involving government clearances and certificates for private schools. The investigation, conducted by the Central Crime Branch, follows earlier arrests in the case. Raids were carried out at the residence in Trichy. The opposition party has hit back, alleging political targeting and stating that they will prove their innocence in court.

Tamil Nadu Chief Minister Vijay’s planned public appearance outside London’s iconic Shard skyscraper was cancelled on Tuesday after police raised crowd-safety concerns, disappointing hundreds of supporters who had gathered and waited for hours to see him.