President Droupadi Murmu lauds the Footwear Design & Development Institute on completing 40 years, highlighting its role in advancing India’s footwear industry. Speaking in New Delhi, she urges expansion of exports, greater entrepreneurship, and innovation in both leather and emerging non-leather and sports footwear segments.

A militant ambush by Tehrik-e-Taliban Pakistan in Bannu, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, killed nine Pakistani soldiers and left several others injured. The attack targeted a military convoy near Azad Mandi market, prompting heightened security and major search operations across the region.

Union Minister Kiren Rijiju said no opposition party has indicated plans to disrupt the upcoming Parliament session, noting that most groups want smooth proceedings while raising key issues. He added that none threatened to block the House if the matter referred to as SIR was not taken up, signalling a cooperative start to the session.

Samajwadi Party chief Akhilesh Yadav accuses the Election Commission of favoring the BJP, alleging the poll body’s actions could divide opposition votes. Speaking in Lucknow, he raises concerns over electoral neutrality amid rising political tensions ahead of key voting phases.

AJEYA WARRIOR-25, the India–UK joint military exercise, concluded at Rajasthan’s Mahajan Field Firing Range after two weeks of intensive counter-terrorism drills. Troops from the Sikh Regiment and the Royal Gurkha Rifles showcased strong interoperability, precision manoeuvres, and enhanced strategic coordination.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi, speaking in New Delhi, emphasized that while negativity may surface in politics, genuine nation-building requires a positive and constructive mindset. He urged leaders and citizens to focus on long-term development, cooperation, and optimism as essential drivers of India’s progress.

A high-speed car crash in Ghaziabad claimed one life and left another man severely injured after the vehicle veered off a rail overbridge near the Sihani Gate police station and plunged into the compound of the Public Works Department (PWD) office on Monday. The violent impact killed one of the occupants instantly, while the other was rushed to a hospital in critical condition. According to police officials, the car was travelling at a considerable speed when the driver lost control, causing the vehicle to break through the edge of the flyover before hurtling downward into the PWD premises. Emergency teams from Sihani Gate police station reached the scene shortly after the accident, dispatching the injured survivor for urgent medical attention and taking possession of the deceased’s body for formal procedures. Authorities have formed an investigative team to determine the circumstances that led to the fatal plunge. Officers said they are examining speed, driver negligence, and potential mechanical failure as possible factors, and further details will be released pending the inquiry’s findings. The incident has raised serious safety concerns among commuters and residents who use the busy flyover daily, underscoring the recurring dangers posed by high-speed driving on elevated roadways. Police have urged motorists to remain cautious, especially along congested stretches where a momentary lapse can result in devastating consequences.

A bus overturned on the Jhansi–Gwalior Highway near Sipri Bazar in Jhansi, injuring around six passengers. Local rescuers broke windowpanes to pull victims out before they were rushed to the hospital. Police have opened an investigation, and traffic on the busy route is being restored.

A tense altercation broke out during an anti-encroachment drive in Herbertpur when the municipal chairperson’s husband clashed with a National Highways engineer. Municipal staff and police intervened to defuse the situation, and authorities have launched an inquiry into the incident.

A cattle-smuggling suspect identified as Parvez was critically injured in an alleged police encounter in Azamgarh and hospitalized with gunshot wounds. Doctors discovered bullet injuries after being told he was hurt in a road accident. Police claim to have recovered 18 animals during the operation as inquiries continue.

A thief posing as a customer stole a mobile phone from Nath Opticals in Ghaziabad’s Vasundhara area after distracting the shop owner during a routine eyewear inquiry. Police have opened an investigation into the Wednesday theft, highlighting rising security concerns for small businesses.

President Donald J. Trump indicated that U.S. restrictions on refugee admissions may remain in place “for quite a long time,” citing security and domestic concerns. Speaking in Washington, D.C., Trump said the nation already faces “enough problems” and argued that many refugees “should not be in our country,” signaling a potentially prolonged policy stance.