Islamabad suicide blast: Death toll rises to 31, over 160 injured

In an interview with India Today, Congress Member of Parliament from Tura, Meghalaya, Saleng Sangma, addressed questions regarding his outreach to foreign delegates from nations such as the United States, South Korea, England, and Mexico concerning the proposed Foreign Contribution Regulation Amendment Bill, 2026. Sangma defended his actions, stating, "I have appealed them to pray for the people of India who are living in India." He warned against the bill's provisions, calling the legislation a threat to welfare bodies, schools, colleges, and churches. Referring to Section 16A, he argued that religious and educational organizations risk losing rights and legal protections if registration renewal is refused or delayed. Sangma rejected allegations of inviting foreign meddling in domestic legislation, stating that requesting prayers does not undermine Indian sovereignty.

A political controversy has erupted following remarks by Telangana Chief Minister Revanth Reddy comparing Bhagwan Ram and Bhagwan Shiv. Speaking in New Delhi, the Chief Minister drew contrasts between North and South India, claiming that people in the south are devotees of Shiva while those in the north worship Lord Ram. He further asserted that Shiva is the god of the poor, whereas Ram is the god of the rich, and accused the Bharatiya Janata Party of appropriating Lord Ram while failing to chant Har Har Mahadev. The Bharatiya Janata Party strongly rejected the claims, accusing him of employing divide-and-rule tactics and creating geographic and political divides among Hindus. Leaders pointed to Prime Minister Narendra Modi's frequent visits to prominent Shiva shrines, including Kashi Vishwanath, Mahakal in Ujjain, Somnath, Kedarnath, and Pashupatinath, along with major corridor redevelopments, arguing that both deities are revered across India.

Speaking at the India Today Conclave, actor Amala Paul discussed navigating stereotypes, taking creative risks, and choosing unconventional cinema throughout her career. Reflecting on her bold role in Aadai, she looked back at her younger self and noted, "Bro, you had guts," sharing that she needed strong creative trust with her director before taking up vulnerable parts. Addressing the representation of female actors in superstar-driven film industries, Paul emphasised, "I believe that it's through her craft," stating that dedicated preparation and strong performances allow actresses to make their presence felt. She also highlighted how Malayalam cinema stands out due to rooted realism and fearless storytelling. Additionally, Paul opened up about taking a conscious break for motherhood, finding emotional balance, and returning to cinema as more women claim substantial space across Indian industries.

Speaking at the India Today South Conclave, former Election Commissioner Ashok Lavasa critiqued the Election Commission of India's recent rebuttal following questions raised over the Special Intensive Revision (SIR) process and Form Six modifications. Ashok Lavasa remarked that the poll body's attempt at course correction was like 'applying a Band-Aid to a fracture' because providing minor concessions fails to make the entire SIR exercise fair. Alongside former Chief Election Commissioner O.P. Rawat, Lavasa questioned the procedural validity of issuing different versions of Form Six and the lack of recorded minutes in constitutional decision-making. He stressed that issuing press notes instead of holding open press conferences deprives the Commission of addressing public doubts directly, especially regarding large-scale voter deletions in West Bengal.