Why is Punjab government not able to crack down on illegal immigration centers? Panelists debate

A political row erupted in Kerala after police booked a vlogger for inciting communal hatred and provoking a riot over a viral video targeting Kashi Art Cafe in Fort Kochi. In the video, the content creator questioned why an eatery named after the holy city of Kashi was serving beef and objected to an artwork displaying Mahatma Gandhi alongside Muhammad Ali Jinnah. The cafe management clarified that the name signifies luminescence and radiance rather than a religious affiliation, highlighting that the venue has operated as an iconic art exhibition hub for decades. The controversy quickly triggered sharp political exchanges, with the Bharatiya Janata Party questioning whether equal sensitivity would be shown if an eatery named after a Muslim holy city served pork, demanding that respect for faiths must work both ways.

A political face-off has erupted at Jawaharlal Nehru University as campus walls became a battleground for left and right-wing student groups. The controversy began after left-wing outfits, including AISA, painted slogans such as 'Free Umar Khalid' on university buildings. In response, right-wing students linked to the ABVP wrote counter-slogans, including 'Never free Umar Khalid,' 'Stop Love Jihad,' and 'Akhand Bharat.' Graffiti also featured images of Priyanka Gandhi and Congress MP Bimol Akoijam alongside anti-harassment slogans. This development closely follows similar graffiti and student protests witnessed at Jamia Millia Islamia in the national capital.

Tension erupted in Jalgaon, Maharashtra, after objections were raised over the route of a Dussehra RSS procession. Protests began when women from a local community staged a sit-in opposing the march passing by a mosque. A scuffle followed, and stone pelting was reported from the area. To disperse the crowd and bring the situation under control, police resorted to a mild lathi charge. Senior police officers rushed to the site to maintain order, with heavy police deployment remaining in place. Authorities stated that the procession had official permission, and the situation was subsequently brought under control.

Speaking to India Today, political analyst Badri Narayan analysed the political and social impact of the Indian Air Force's 94th anniversary air show, 'Wings Over the Ganga', held in Varanasi alongside Prime Minister Narendra Modi's visit. Narayan noted that the event, coupled with the inauguration of a textile factory and a roadshow, represents a major moment for Uttar Pradesh politics by combining livelihood generation with public outreach. Describing the display as a "package of confidence", Narayan highlighted that it reinforces national feeling and demonstrates expanding defence infrastructure and capabilities. He further explained that such initiatives promote "developmental politics" by addressing the needs of women, marginalised groups, and job seekers. According to Narayan, linking the beauty of the Ganga with the skies not only sparks widespread curiosity among citizens but also fosters a broader sense of national resurgence ahead of the upcoming elections in the state.