Yogi Unveils Grand Mathura-Vrindavan Temple Plan On Ayodhya, Varanasi Lines Ahead Of 2027 Polls

Union Minister Chirag Paswan has clarified that he has no connection with right-wing activist and influencer Swatantra Bharadwaj after a viral video sparked controversy. In the video, Bharadwaj admitted to an assault and claimed he had the backing of several NDA leaders, including Paswan, to avoid arrest. Reacting to the claims, Paswan stated that his name was misused by the podcaster alongside other political leaders. Emphasising that admitting to such acts openly on a podcast without facing consequences would set a wrong precedent for the nation, the Union Minister confirmed that he has lodged an official complaint against Bharadwaj and backed calls for strict legal action.

The Karnataka government has withdrawn the controversial Parks Amendment Bill following widespread protests by citizens and opposition parties across Bengaluru. The proposed legislation sought to permit up to five percent of government parkland to be utilised for public purposes and infrastructure projects, sparking concerns over the loss of green spaces such as Lalbagh and Cubbon Park. Opposition leaders accused the administration of attempting to facilitate the contentious Tunnel Road Project, alleging unscientific planning. Defending the move to recall the bill, Congress spokespersons maintained that a democratic government must heed public feedback, confirming that revised proposals would undergo wider public consultation before returning to the assembly. Meanwhile, the BJP characterised the rollback as a major victory for the 'Save Parks, Save Bengaluru' movement, accusing the ruling dispensation of ignoring ecological concerns.

Air India has terminated a pilot who tested positive for a psychoactive substance following an investigation into a Phuket-Delhi flight, highlighting renewed scrutiny over aviation safety and crew conduct.

Right-wing activist and podcaster Swatantra Bharadwaj has been detained from his village in Bulandshahr, Uttar Pradesh, by the Delhi Police and is being brought to the national capital for formal arrest following widespread public outrage. The detention comes after a viral video surfaced in which Bharadwaj claimed to have assaulted a Jantar Mantar protester and boasted of political protection. The alleged victim, Nishu Azad, and her family stated that Bharadwaj assaulted her father, prompting protests by Bhim Army, CJP leaders, and Chandrashekhar Azad at the local police station demanding invocation of the SC/ST Act and attempt-to-murder charges. Multiple conflicting videos and statements from both sides have surfaced on social media. Police officials stated that Bharadwaj is being interrogated to verify statements, while adding that sections under the SC/ST Act are being prepared, and attempt-to-murder charges will depend on the final medical report assessing the gravity of the injuries and evidence gathered during the investigation.