Sugar Price Surge Sparks Political Row Over Ethanol Policy as Government Acts to Curb Shortage

In a major breakthrough in the Amritsar ASI Harjit Singh murder case, prime accused Deepak Singh was killed in an encounter with the Punjab Police. According to the police, the accused opened fire at a checkpoint, discharging four rounds, prompting the police to fire six rounds in self-defence. A pistol, two magazines, live cartridges, an Activa scooter, and a mobile phone were recovered from the spot. Police stated that the accused had links to a Pakistan-based operative and the Shehzad Bhatti gang, lured with money and narcotics to target police personnel. A manhunt has been launched to arrest the second identified suspect who remains at large.

The Bharatiya Janata Party mounted an attack on Congress leader Rahul Gandhi following a mimicry act at the 'Chhatro Ki Goonj' event in Indore. The BJP accused Rahul Gandhi and the Congress party of displaying insensitivity and moral bankruptcy by allegedly mocking Prime Minister Narendra Modi and an elderly woman referenced during a rally remark. Union Minister Pralhad Joshi termed the act shameful and disgusting, alleging that student interactions were being weaponised. During a broadcast discussion, BJP spokesperson C.R. Kesavan condemned Rahul Gandhi for sharing the stage with individuals who insulted women and an elderly person, stating that such actions reflect an uncouth culture and regressive politics. The anchor also questioned the BJP regarding past political posts by party handles targeting opposition leaders, sparking a debate on political satire, accountability, and the treatment of women in political discourse.

Delhi University Students' Union election results, alongside Punjab University polls, marked a major victory for the Akhil Bharatiya Vidyarthi Parishad as the National Students' Union of India failed to secure seats. The student union outcomes reflect the broader mood of Indian youth aligned with the vision of a developed India under Prime Minister Narendra Modi. Criticism was levelled against Leader of Opposition Rahul Gandhi, describing his outreach and understanding of youth and national issues as superficial following the Congress student wing's poll defeat.

The Akhil Bharatiya Vidyarthi Parishad (ABVP) registered a major victory in the Delhi University Students' Union (DUSU) elections, securing three of the four central panel positions, while the Congress-backed National Students' Union of India (NSUI) failed to win any central posts. The election outcome ignited a political row between the Bharatiya Janata Party and the Congress. The BJP credited the victory to youth faith in the vision of a developed India, while the Congress alleged counting irregularities and demanded an inquiry into malpractice. Concurrently, Congress leader Rahul Gandhi addressed students in Indore, alleging that the education system has been captured by the ruling establishment and that central education budget allocations have declined. The bulletin also features reactions from the newly elected DUSU panel members on campus safety and student welfare, alongside an independent candidate who secured a record-breaking victory.