Warring out, Pargat Singh in: Has Congress solved Punjab crisis or created more confusion?

High Commissioner Dinesh Trivedi addressed the extradition request for Sheikh Hasina from Bangladesh, stating that the matter is under legal review, preventing a set timeline for her repatriation. He clarified that India had no involvement in her arrival, citing the dire circumstances in Bangladesh. As relations between India and Bangladesh grow increasingly strained, the new Bangladeshi government remains resolute in pursuing Hasina's extradition.

Manickam Tagore, the president of the Tamil Nadu Congress Committee, celebrated the significant inclusion of Tamilaga Vettri Kazhagam in the INDIA alliance. The assembly was pivotal in calling for the resignation of Chief Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar due to discrepancies in electoral rolls. Notable participants, Aadhav Arjuna and Maria Wilson, emphasized the urgency of the issue, with protests planned across Tamil Nadu to amplify their demand for accountability.

Ukraine has expressed readiness to explore India's comprehensive proposal for ending the ongoing Russia-Ukraine conflict. During recent communications, Ukrainian Foreign Minister Andrii Sybiha emphasized the importance of India's mediation role. India's external affairs minister S Jaishankar affirmed continuous engagement with both Kyiv and Moscow regarding potential solutions. Ukraine is open to discussing limited ceasefire arrangements around energy infrastructure and safe Black Sea shipping.

Congress has overhauled its Uttar Pradesh unit ahead of the 2027 UP assembly election, appointing three-time MLA Aradhana Misra Mona as state president and Imran Masood as working president. The Congress reshuffle brings Brahmin, Muslim, OBC, Dalit and women representation into its leadership team, signalling a push to rebuild its organisation, expand its social base and strengthen its position in talks with Samajwadi Party.

The Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR) has launched its “First in the World Challenge”, inviting researchers to develop breakthrough vaccines, drugs, therapeutics, diagnostics and other health technologies that have never been thought of, tested or tried anywhere in the world. The initiative will offer up to Rs 8 crore for a single project, depending on how advanced the proposed innovation is.

Demonstrations are intensifying in Delhi and Mumbai, with protesters calling for Chief Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar's resignation over perceived electoral roll issues. Approximately 700 individuals were detained in Delhi at Jantar Mantar. Meanwhile, thousands defied police orders to gather at Shivaji Park in Mumbai. Protests also spread to other cities, including Ahmedabad, Lucknow, and Patna, highlighting a growing movement.

A panel of five former judges is being formed to review the Election Commission's Special Intensive Revision. The Lawyers Association for Constitution emphasizes the panel's independence in assessing the review's validity and impact. Senior lawyers are expected to provide strategic legal advice to the panel throughout the process. The Election Commission has also initiated a drive to identify and re-enrol excluded eligible voters.

RSS chief Mohan Bhagwat highlighted Bharat's identity rooted in its languages, faiths, and cultures during a recent address. He emphasized the need for youth to be educated about Indian traditions while integrating global knowledge. Bhagwat referred to responses from an interfaith meeting, emphasizing universal truths shared by various philosophies. He encouraged passing on Bharat's identity and values to future generations.

Pargat Singh has been chosen as the new president of the Punjab Pradesh Congress Committee. He replaces Amrinder Singh Raja Warring, who resigned amid party factional tensions. With the 2027 assembly elections approaching, Congress seeks to unify its internal divisions. Singh’s political experience as an MLA and former minister provides valuable legislative insights. His association with sports also aims to engage a younger voter base effectively.

Rahul Gandhi has called for Chief Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar's resignation during ongoing protests. These protests arose over allegations of irregularities in the electoral-roll revision exercise. Approximately 700 protesters were detained in Delhi while trying to gather near Jantar Mantar for the demonstrations. Additional protests took place in Mumbai, where various groups demanded Kumar's resignation and accountability.

Samajwadi Party chief Akhilesh Yadav's Rajya Sabha picks, including uncle Ram Gopal Yadav and Reliance executive Dhanraj Parimal Nathwani, are being seen as an early test for the 2027 Uttar Pradesh assembly polls. The nominations raise questions over the SP's PDA strategy, its broader political outreach and a possible third Rajya Sabha candidate, despite the party's numbers falling short of the winning quota.

India’s women’s hockey team secured the Asian Games gold medal by defeating China 1-0 in the final. Abhijeet Dipke initiated a "Jail Bharo Andolan" in Mumbai over alleged electoral issues, calling for the election chief's resignation. A Flydubai mid-air incident was termed a 'terrorist act,' with praise for the Indian pilot's actions. Amarinder Singh Raja Warring resigned as Punjab Congress chief after years of leadership amid factional dissent.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi participated in a special interfaith prayer meeting to honor Mahatma Gandhi's birth anniversary. He paid floral tributes at Gandhi Smriti and Rajghat earlier in the day. PM Modi emphasized Gandhi's ideals of truth, peace, and non-violence while urging people to adopt Swadeshi. Vice President CP Radhakrishnan also attended and remembered Gandhi's contributions to India's freedom movement.

On Gandhi Jayanti, Mamata Banerjee paid tribute to Mahatma Gandhi, underscoring his timeless principles for strengthening India. She emphasized that his messages of truth, simplicity, and service are essential for national advancement. Additionally, Abhishek Banerjee honored Gandhi’s unwavering dedication to truth, justice, and equality. Together, they urged for an inclusive nation where respect for citizens' rights and dignity is upheld, underpinned by the guiding principles of the Consti

India is pushing for increased exploration of offshore oil and gas resources in various basins. The government has initiated the Samudra Manthan scheme to support these exploration efforts financially and structurally. Key basins include Mahanadi, Andaman-Nicobar, Krishna-Godavari, and Cauvery, each with significant potential. Officials emphasize the importance of infrastructure to develop discoveries efficiently and cost-effectively.

At a recent conference, RSS leader Ramlal highlighted the growing importance of women farmers in Indian agriculture. With around 5,000 participants in Delhi advocating for reforms, topics like organic farming and fair pricing took center stage. Ramlal called for policy adjustments that prioritize women farmers’ contributions, emphasizing their role in shaping the future of agriculture and traditional farming methods.

Amarinder Singh Raja Warring has suggested his removal from the Punjab Congress chief post is imminent. Internal divisions have prompted calls for leadership change ahead of the 2027 assembly elections. Warring expressed satisfaction with his tenure, despite challenges and differences within the party. Several candidates are being considered to replace him in the upcoming announcement. The party high command will make the final decision on the new leadership.