Jaipur | 7 Sep 2026

Jaipur’s Birla Mandir came alive with devotional music during Krishna Janmashtami celebrations on Friday, as singer Veena Modani performed a series of bhajans dedicated to Lord Krishna before a gathering of devotees and visitors at the Lakshmi Narayan Temple near Moti Dungri.

Veena Modani’s bhajans mark Birla Mandir Janmashtami celebrations

Modani’s devotional performances formed a prominent part of the evening celebrations, with worshippers joining in as Krishna-themed bhajans echoed through the temple complex.

The Jaipur-based singer, known for her stage performances and devotional music, presented the bhajans as devotees gathered for Janmashtami prayers and awaited the traditional celebration marking the birth of Lord Krishna.

The temple had been decorated for the festival, while a traditional tableau of Lord Lakshmi Narayan became one of the main attractions for visitors. The combination of devotional music, decorations and religious rituals created a festive atmosphere across the complex.

Nirmala Birla attends celebrations at Jaipur temple

Nirmala Birla, who is associated with several charitable and cultural institutions of the Birla family, was also present during the Janmashtami programme. She offered prayers at the temple and attended the devotional celebrations.

Devotees had begun arriving at the temple from the morning, with attendance increasing towards the evening as the principal Janmashtami observances approached. Several other guests from Jaipur were also present during the programme.

Foreign tourists experience Krishna Janmashtami in Jaipur

The celebrations also drew foreign tourists visiting Jaipur, many of whom watched the traditional tableau, temple decorations and musical performances during the festival.

Visitors were seen recording parts of the celebrations on their cameras as they experienced the religious and cultural traditions associated with Krishna Janmashtami.

Birla Mandir, also known as the Lakshmi Narayan Temple, is one of Jaipur’s prominent religious landmarks. The white-marble temple near Moti Dungri is dedicated to Lord Vishnu, or Narayan, and Goddess Lakshmi, and Janmashtami is among the major festivals observed there.

New Delhi | 07 Sep 2026

At least six people have died after a multi-storey paying guest building collapsed in Delhi’s Satya Niketan area near Delhi University’s South Campus, as rescue teams continued searching the debris early Monday. Police have registered a case against the building owner and others, while the Delhi government has ordered a magisterial inquiry into the tragedy.

Delhi Satya Niketan Building Collapse Leaves Six Dead

The building, known locally as “Hostel Daze”, collapsed at around 1.30 pm on Sunday in a congested neighbourhood dominated by student hostels, paying guest accommodation and eateries.

The death toll rose to six after another body was recovered during overnight rescue operations. Several people were also injured, while authorities continued clearing debris to determine whether anyone remained trapped.

Teams from the National Disaster Response Force, Delhi Fire Service, Delhi Police, Municipal Corporation of Delhi, Delhi Disaster Management Authority and other emergency agencies were deployed at the site.

Rescuers worked through the night in the narrow lanes surrounding the structure. Oxygen cylinders and specialist equipment were used during efforts to reach people trapped beneath the collapsed floors.

Renovation Work Under Investigation After Collapse

Delhi Police said renovation work was allegedly being carried out on the lower portion of the building before the collapse. Investigators are examining whether alterations to the structure contributed to the disaster.

Chief Minister Rekha Gupta, after inspecting the site, said preliminary information indicated excavation or construction activity had affected a structural pillar. The precise cause, however, has not yet been conclusively established and will form part of the official investigation.

Residents separately reported repair work in the basement and water accumulation following rainfall. The MCD initially said debris would have to be removed before it could independently determine the nature and extent of any work being undertaken inside the building.

MCD Flags Building Norm Violations

A senior MCD official said the collapsed structure stood on a plot of about 55 square yards in a resettlement colony where construction permission was limited to a ground-plus-one configuration.

The building, however, had four floors above the ground floor, according to the civic body, which said the structure was in violation of applicable building norms.

The MCD also evacuated and sealed an adjoining building after officials found it to be in a dilapidated condition. Residents, including occupants of a girls’ PG, were shifted to a nearby community hall.

Following the collapse, Delhi Mayor Pravesh Wahi announced immediate action against unauthorised high-rise structures in the area and said illegal constructions exceeding four floors would be sealed.

“The culprits will not be spared under any circumstances.”

— Pravesh Wahi, Delhi Mayor

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The Mayor also warned that municipal officials found responsible for allowing illegal construction could face stringent disciplinary action.

Police File Culpable Homicide Case Against Owner

Delhi Police have registered an FIR at South Campus police station against the alleged building owner and others under provisions of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita relating to culpable homicide, negligence in construction or repair and acts endangering life and personal safety.

Police identified the owner in their initial statements as Hariram, also reported as Hari Ram Bansal in subsequent accounts, a resident of Gurugram. Multiple teams have been formed to trace those allegedly responsible for the renovation work.

The allegations against the owner and others remain subject to investigation and have not been proven in court.

Rekha Gupta Orders Magisterial Inquiry

Chief Minister Rekha Gupta visited both the collapse site and the AIIMS Trauma Centre, where some of the injured were being treated. Her office subsequently announced a magisterial inquiry into the incident.

“Those found responsible for this grave incident will be held fully accountable.”

— Delhi Chief Minister’s Office

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The inquiry is expected to examine the legality of the construction, structural alterations, municipal oversight and the circumstances surrounding the renovation work underway before the collapse.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi expressed condolences to the families of those killed and wished the injured a speedy recovery, while saying authorities were assisting those affected.

Student PG Safety Comes Under Fresh Scrutiny

Satya Niketan lies close to several Delhi University colleges and has a large concentration of privately operated hostels and PG accommodation catering to students from across India.

The collapse has renewed questions over unauthorised additional floors, structural safety checks and the conversion of older residential properties into commercial student accommodation.

Authorities have said rescue work and the investigation will continue, with the final casualty figure and cause of the collapse to be established after the site is fully cleared and examined.

Jaipur | 06 Sep 2026

Fifty-four women from education, law, social service, leadership and other professional fields were honoured with the Savitribai Phule Award 2026 at a ceremony in Jaipur as part of Teachers’ Day celebrations. The event was organised by KRS Global Educational Consultancy with the support of Ranka Public Charitable Trust at S.S. Jain Subodh P.G. College, Rambagh Circle.

Savitribai Phule Award 2026 Recognises Women Achievers

Former Rajasthan High Court judge Justice J.K. Ranka attended the ceremony as chief guest, while Prof. Dr Shubha Sharma, Chairperson of KRS Global Educational Consultancy, presided over the programme. Advocate Roopali Chauhan, the organisation’s General Secretary, played a key role in coordinating the event.

Organisers said the awards were intended to recognise women who have made notable contributions in education, academics, social service, law, leadership and other fields, while encouraging wider participation by women in institution-building and social development.

Among the awardees was Dr Sanjula Thanvi, who was appointed Dean (Incharge), Faculty of Law, University of Rajasthan, in August 2026. Other honourees named by the organisers included Prof. Dr Shakuntala Nathpal, Prof. Dr Radha Rani Saxena, Dr Archana Srivastava, Dr Santosh Mittal, advocate Sumiti Dave Bishnoi, Captain Swati Sharma, Dr Venu Rajpurohit and Dr Lavina.

Dr Namita Jain, Dean and Head of the School of Law at JECRC University, was also among the women recognised at the ceremony.

Educators From Several States and Cities Join Jaipur Event

The programme brought together teachers, academics and professionals from Rajasthan and other parts of the country. According to the organisers, participants travelled from cities including Meerut, Varanasi, Tonk, Noida and Delhi.

Serving and former deans, heads of departments, principals, senior teachers and education professionals from universities and colleges were among those present.

The venue, S.S. Jain Subodh P.G. College at Rambagh Circle, is an autonomous Jaipur institution affiliated with the University of Rajasthan.

KRS Global Educational Consultancy and Website Launched

The ceremony also marked the formal launch of KRS Global Educational Consultancy, Jaipur, along with the unveiling of its website.

The organisation said it aims to guide students seeking higher-education opportunities and help them identify suitable academic options in India and abroad.

The launch placed student counselling and access to higher-education opportunities alongside the event’s broader focus on recognising women working in education and related fields.

Event Highlights Savitribai Phule’s Legacy in Women’s Education

The award is named after Savitribai Phule, widely recognised as a pioneering figure in women’s education and social reform in India. Her work with Jyotirao Phule in expanding access to education for girls and marginalised communities remains an important part of India’s social reform history.

Organisers said the Jaipur ceremony was intended to carry forward that legacy by recognising contemporary women whose work has contributed to education, professional leadership and social development.

Washington | 5 Sep 2026

The Pentagon subjected about 50 senior military and civilian officials to polygraph examinations during an investigation into suspected leaks of classified information about United States weapons stockpiles, according to multiple US media reports citing officials familiar with the inquiry.

The unusually broad investigation followed reports about the rapid use of advanced American munitions during the conflict with Iran, including long-range missiles and Patriot air-defence interceptors. The Pentagon has not publicly confirmed the identities of those examined or disclosed whether investigators have identified a suspected source.

Pentagon leak investigation reaches senior military officials

The examinations reportedly involved members of the Joint Staff, officials associated with US Central Command and personnel from other combatant commands. The tests focused on whether any of them had provided sensitive national-security information to journalists.

Officials familiar with the investigation said no participant failed the questions specifically intended to identify the source of the media disclosures.

General Dan Caine, chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, was not among those subjected to a polygraph, according to a senior Pentagon official cited in US reports.

Polygraph examinations are used periodically for some military and civilian personnel with access to top-secret material or special-access programmes. Officials described the number of people examined in this inquiry as highly unusual and indicative of a targeted counter-intelligence investigation.

Leaks reportedly concerned US weapons stockpiles

The inquiry followed reports that ongoing military operations had placed pressure on supplies of certain sophisticated weapons. The reported disclosures included classified assessments concerning long-range missiles, air-defence systems and other precision-guided munitions available to US forces.

The specific size and condition of American weapons inventories remain classified. Public reports describing shortages therefore cannot be independently verified, and US officials have maintained that the military retains sufficient weapons to meet operational requirements.

President Donald Trump rejected reports portraying the United States as facing a broad ammunition shortage. He said the country possessed large quantities of munitions and that defence manufacturers were expanding production.

Trump also called the disclosures “treasonous” and demanded severe punishment for whoever released the classified information. No individual has been publicly charged in connection with the reported weapons-stockpile leaks.

Pentagon says classified leaks threaten national security

Chief Pentagon spokesperson Sean Parnell declined to discuss internal personnel or investigative matters but confirmed the department’s position on unauthorised disclosures.

“The Department does not comment on internal personnel or investigative matters but takes all leaks of classified national security information extremely seriously and investigates accordingly.”

— Sean Parnell, Pentagon spokesperson

“Securing classified information is critical to ensuring the security of the United States and of our troops deployed around the world.”

— Sean Parnell, Pentagon spokesperson

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Officials said access to the leaked stockpile information was restricted to a relatively small group. One source cited in US reporting said investigators had considered whether a person with access to the material could be acting on behalf of a foreign intelligence service. No evidence supporting that possibility has been publicly released.

Hegseth formed task force with Justice Department

US Defence Secretary Pete Hegseth announced in July that the Pentagon and Department of Justice had established a joint task force to identify and prosecute people suspected of leaking sensitive government information.

The initiative gave the Pentagon’s Office of General Counsel broad authority to seek information, records and assistance for leak investigations. Department personnel were directed to prioritise those requests and respond within two days.

“Leaked information risks lives.”

— Pete Hegseth, US Defence Secretary

The Federal Bureau of Investigation did not administer the latest polygraph examinations, according to officials familiar with the process. The US military operates its own investigative and counter-intelligence bodies.

Federal safeguards govern military polygraph use

US law permits a defence secretary to authorise counter-intelligence investigations that include polygraph examinations. Their use is nevertheless governed by legal restrictions and Pentagon procedures intended to protect the rights of personnel undergoing questioning.

Examinations may be used to address serious information discovered during a security investigation or to allow an individual to respond to allegations. Consent and other procedural safeguards are required in applicable circumstances.

A polygraph result alone is not proof that a person disclosed classified information. Investigators would require corroborating evidence before recommending criminal or administrative action against any official.

No suspected leaker publicly identified

The Pentagon has not announced any arrests, dismissals or formal disciplinary proceedings arising directly from the weapons-stockpile investigation. It has also not disclosed when the inquiry will conclude.

Investigators are expected to continue reviewing access records, communications and other evidence connected to the classified material. Any potential criminal prosecution would require coordination with the Justice Department and evidence establishing an unauthorised disclosure by an identifiable individual.

New Delhi | 5 Sep 2026

The Central Bureau of Investigation has registered an FIR against Essel Group chairman Subhash Chandra, three company executives and several Essel-linked entities over an alleged ₹1,322 crore fraud involving two loan facilities granted by LIC Housing Finance Limited.

The case concerns loans totalling ₹980 crore sanctioned in 2018, allegedly on the basis of disputed net-worth certificates and continuing personal guarantees executed by Chandra. Both loan accounts subsequently defaulted, according to the lender’s complaint.

The allegations remain under investigation. Registration of an FIR does not establish guilt, and no court has adjudicated the claims against Chandra or the other accused.

CBI FIR names Subhash Chandra and Essel-linked entities

The CBI registered the FIR on 31 August following a complaint from LIC Housing Finance. Chandra has reportedly been listed as the first accused.

Other individuals named in the case include Pankaj Suroliya, Amish Pandya and Rajeev Dholakia. The FIR also names Vasant Sagar Properties Private Limited, Pan India Infraprojects Private Limited, Digital Subscriber Management and Consultancy Services Private Limited, and Spirit Infrapower and Multiventures Private Limited, along with unidentified persons.

The case invokes Section 120B of the Indian Penal Code, relating to criminal conspiracy, read with Sections 409 and 420, covering criminal breach of trust and cheating. Provisions of the Prevention of Corruption Act have also reportedly been applied.

Two LIC Housing Finance loans totalled ₹980 crore

The first facility involved a ₹500 crore loan sanctioned to Vasant Sagar Properties, with Pan India Infraprojects as co-borrower. It was described as a home-entity loan for takeover, top-up and business expansion.

Chandra executed a continuing personal guarantee for this facility on 28 March 2018.

The second facility was a ₹480 crore loan to Digital Subscriber Management and Consultancy Services, with Spirit Infrapower and Multiventures as co-borrower. It was sanctioned under a rental-discounting arrangement and backed by a continuing guarantee executed by Chandra on 10 August 2018.

LIC Housing Finance alleged that the accused acted in concert to induce the lender to approve and disburse the facilities. The complaint further alleged that loan funds were misappropriated and assets were dealt with in a manner that obstructed recovery.

Net-worth certificates under investigation

A central element of the complaint is the difference between financial figures submitted when the loans were sanctioned and statements recorded during Chandra’s subsequent personal insolvency proceedings.

According to the FIR, a certificate issued by DIM & Co on 28 March 2018 valued Chandra’s net worth at approximately ₹59,113.21 crore as of 31 March 2017. LIC Housing Finance alleged that this certificate was among the considerations used to approve the Vasant Sagar facility.

A second certificate, issued by chartered accountants MPJ & Co on 6 July 2018, placed Chandra’s net worth at ₹40,562 crore. The lender said this document was considered while sanctioning the Digital loan facility.

During personal insolvency proceedings in 2024, Chandra reportedly declared his net worth as ₹31.79 crore and disputed having the net worth stated in the earlier certificates. He also maintained that his net worth during 2017–18 had not exceeded ₹40,000 crore.

LIC Housing Finance alleged that the earlier certificates contained inflated figures and were used to secure approval and disbursal of the loans. The CBI will now examine the documents, financial transactions, use of funds and the respective roles of the named individuals and companies.

No immediate response to fresh CBI case

There was no immediate public response from Chandra or the other accused specifically addressing the newly registered FIR.

In earlier statements concerning his personal insolvency proceedings, Chandra maintained that he had not personally borrowed ₹22,000 crore. His office said the amount reported in those proceedings largely represented guarantees provided for loans raised by corporate entities.

Chandra’s office previously placed the personal-guarantee claims raised by creditors opposing his repayment plan at approximately ₹3,992 crore. That position concerned the insolvency proceedings and was not a response to the criminal allegations now being investigated by the CBI.

NCLT stays ₹6.25 crore repayment plan

The CBI case emerged days after a five-member special bench of the National Company Law Tribunal stayed an earlier order approving Chandra’s personal insolvency repayment plan.

The plan proposed distributing ₹6.25 crore from Chandra’s personal estate among creditors whose admitted claims totalled approximately ₹22,006.57 crore. Another ₹25 lakh was earmarked for insolvency-process costs.

LIC Housing Finance had an admitted claim of approximately ₹1,322.39 crore in the personal insolvency proceedings. Under the proposed plan, it was allocated about ₹38.09 lakh.

On 1 September, the special NCLT bench stayed the approval after finding that no clear majority had emerged from the earlier judicial opinions. It also restrained Chandra from directly or indirectly selling or transferring his assets while the matter is reconsidered.

LIC Housing Finance retains recovery rights

LIC Housing Finance has clarified that Chandra’s personal insolvency proceedings do not discharge or reduce the liabilities of the principal corporate borrowers.

The lender said it continues to hold security interests over the assets mortgaged for the two facilities and retains its enforcement and recovery rights under applicable law.

The criminal investigation and the personal insolvency proceedings are separate legal processes. The CBI will investigate whether criminal offences occurred, while the insolvency forum will determine the treatment of creditors’ claims and Chandra’s liability as a personal guarantor.

New Delhi | 5 Sep 2026

Delhi Police detained social media influencer Swatantra Bhardwaj in Uttar Pradesh’s Bulandshahr on 4 September over the alleged assault of a teenage protester’s father during a Cockroach Janta Party demonstration at Delhi’s Jantar Mantar.

The action came hours after CJP members and political leaders protested outside Parliament Street police station, demanding Bhardwaj’s arrest and the addition of stronger legal provisions to the case. Police subsequently invoked relevant sections of the Scheduled Castes and Scheduled Tribes (Prevention of Atrocities) Act in the existing FIR.

Swatantra Bhardwaj detained in Bulandshahr

Police officers said Bhardwaj was located in Bulandshahr and taken into custody before being brought to Delhi for further proceedings. Reports describing the action as a formal arrest had not been officially confirmed by the time of publication.

The case relates to an altercation during a CJP protest at Jantar Mantar on 23 June 2026. According to Delhi Police, the 38-year-old complainant, a resident of Ghaziabad, suffered a head injury during a scuffle.

An FIR was registered at Parliament Street police station under Sections 115(2), 126(2) and 3(5) of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita. Swatantra Bhardwaj and Suraj Kumar were named during the investigation, questioned and served notices under the applicable legal procedure.

Viral podcast remarks trigger fresh controversy

The case returned to public attention after a podcast clip circulated online in which Bhardwaj purportedly claimed that he had severely injured the protester’s father and avoided jail because of political connections.

Bhardwaj later disputed the interpretation of the clip and maintained that he had acted in self-defence after allegedly being surrounded by several people.

“If I had not acted in self-defence, I could have been lynched by the mob or killed.”

— Swatantra Bhardwaj, social media influencer

He also claimed that references to political connections had been made sarcastically. The allegations concerning political intervention have not been independently established.

Delhi Police rejected claims that Bhardwaj had been protected by political figures and said the investigation had been conducted in accordance with the law.

“Any allegation of undue influence or interference in the matter is factually incorrect and baseless.”

— Sachin Sharma, Deputy Commissioner of Police, New Delhi

Police dispute skull-fracture claim

Police said the complainant was examined at Ram Manohar Lohia Hospital and that doctors classified his injuries as simple. They also rejected claims that his skull had been fractured.

“The misinformation regarding a crack in the skull is not supported by facts or the MLC and is completely baseless.”

— Sachin Sharma, Deputy Commissioner of Police, New Delhi

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Investigators said the head injury was caused by a metal bracelet worn by one of the alleged participants in the scuffle and not by a separate weapon. CJP representatives, however, have demanded that investigators examine whether the evidence supports adding an attempt-to-murder provision.

CJP protest leads to additional legal action

CJP spokesperson Saurav Das and co-convenor Ashutosh Ranka led the protest outside Parliament Street police station. Nagina MP Chandrashekhar Azad, Purnia MP Rajesh Ranjan, popularly known as Pappu Yadav, and Delhi Youth Congress president Akshay Lakra also joined the demonstration.

After several hours of discussions, police added provisions of the SC/ST Act to the assault FIR. Officers said they would examine the medical evidence and other material before deciding whether any further charges were warranted.

A separate FIR was also registered under provisions of the Protection of Children from Sexual Offences Act and for criminal intimidation following a complaint by the teenage protester about alleged online rape threats and harassment. Police said the identities of those responsible for the threats would be investigated.

The minor’s identity has been withheld in accordance with legal protections governing cases registered under the POCSO Act.

Investigation and next steps

Investigators are expected to question Bhardwaj further, examine digital evidence connected to the viral recordings and determine the legal status of his detention. Police have also said that a chargesheet in the original assault case will be submitted before the competent court.

No court has ruled on the allegations, and the accused is entitled to the presumption of innocence unless convicted through due legal process.

New Delhi | 04 Sep 2026

Delhi Police detained Swatantra Bhardwaj in Uttar Pradesh’s Bulandshahar on Friday, hours after CJP leaders and supporters marched to Parliament Street Police Station demanding action over the alleged assault on activist Nishu Azad’s father, Sanjay Kumar. Bhardwaj is an accused in the 23 June incident at a CJP protest at Jantar Mantar and has denied deliberately attacking Kumar, saying he acted in self-defense.

CJP leaders march to Parliament Street Police Station

CJP leaders Saurav Das and Ashutosh Ranka reached Parliament Street Police Station on Friday morning with supporters seeking what they described as stronger police action in the case. The demonstration followed renewed attention to the June incident after a video clip from a podcast featuring Bhardwaj circulated widely on social media.

ANI shared visuals of Das and Ranka arriving at the police station as the protest began.

Das questioned why the accused had remained free and called on Delhi Police to explain the action taken in the case.

Before the march, Das had announced on X that CJP members would gather at Parliament Street Police Station at 10 am to demand justice for Sanjay Kumar and his daughter.

Chandrashekhar Azad joins delegation

Azad Samaj Party MP Chandrashekhar Azad also reached Parliament Street Police Station and joined those supporting Nishu and her father. The delegation sought tougher legal provisions in the case and action against Bhardwaj.

CJP’s official X account also posted an update from the police station during the demonstration.

Nishu Azad appeals for action over father’s assault

The dispute stems from a confrontation during a CJP protest at Jantar Mantar on 23 June. According to Delhi Police, Sanjay Kumar, 38, suffered head injuries during a scuffle. Police said Suraj Kumar and Swatantra Bhardwaj were detained at the site, served notices and questioned during the investigation.

Nishu Azad later posted a video on X appealing for justice and said she hoped Leader of Opposition Rahul Gandhi would support her fight.

Rahul Gandhi backs Nishu Azad and questions police action

Rahul Gandhi responded publicly to Nishu on X, saying he stood with her and that the campaign for justice would continue. He also accused Union Home Minister Amit Shah and Delhi Police of protecting the accused. Those allegations were subsequently rejected by Delhi Police, which said the investigation had been conducted in accordance with law.

Delhi Police rejects claims of political interference

In an official statement, the Deputy Commissioner of Police, New Delhi, said Sanjay Kumar sustained a head injury from a kada worn by one of the alleged assailants during the scuffle. Police said doctors at Ram Manohar Lohia Hospital classified the injuries as simple and rejected social-media claims that Kumar had suffered a skull crack.

Police also said a case had been registered under relevant provisions of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita and maintained that allegations of political influence or interference were unfounded. The force said legal action had been taken and a chargesheet would be filed before the competent court.

Following Friday’s meeting with the CJP delegation, reports said relevant provisions of the Scheduled Castes and Scheduled Tribes (Prevention of Atrocities) Act were invoked, while a demand for an attempt-to-murder charge was to be assessed on the basis of expert medical opinion.

Bhardwaj says June incident was self-defence

Bhardwaj has disputed allegations that he deliberately assaulted Sanjay Kumar. Speaking to ANI before his detention, he said he had acted in self-defence after being surrounded during the confrontation and claimed there had been no intention to attack anyone. He also disputed the interpretation of remarks from the podcast clip that triggered renewed criticism.

Swatantra Bhardwaj detained in Bulandshahr

The case took a significant turn later on Friday when Delhi Police detained Bhardwaj near Dhamra Nara village in Bulandshahr, Uttar Pradesh. The development came hours after the Parliament Street demonstration and amid mounting demands for police action.

His detention does not amount to a finding of guilt. The allegations against him remain subject to investigation and any subsequent judicial proceedings.

Mathura | 04 Sep 2026

Krishna Janmashtami 2026 is being celebrated across India on Friday, 4 September, with major temples in Mathura, Vrindavan and Jaipur drawing large numbers of devotees for special prayers, aartis and midnight rituals. In Maharashtra, preparations are also under way for Dahi Handi celebrations scheduled for Saturday, 5 September.

Krishna Janmashtami 2026 draws devotees to Mathura and Vrindavan

Mathura, regarded by Hindus as the birthplace of Lord Krishna, remained at the centre of the celebrations. Devotees began arriving at Shri Krishna Janmabhoomi from early morning as the temple complex held Mangala Aarti and special prayers.

The celebrations are scheduled to culminate around midnight with rituals marking Krishna’s birth. Extensive crowd-management and security arrangements have been put in place around the temple complex and other major religious sites in the Braj region.

Mangala Aarti at Shri Krishna Janmabhoomi

Press Trust of India shared footage from Mathura showing the Janmashtami celebrations beginning with Mangala Aarti at the Krishna Janmabhoomi Bhagwat Bhawan.

Yogi Adityanath offers prayers at Krishna Janmabhoomi

Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath visited Shri Krishna Janmabhoomi in Mathura and offered prayers during the Janmashtami celebrations. His visit came as thousands of devotees gathered across Mathura and neighbouring Vrindavan.

Another ANI video showed the Chief Minister offering prayers at the temple during the festival.

Devotees gather at Vrindavan ISKCON Temple

Vrindavan also witnessed a steady flow of devotees. The ISKCON temple was among the major centres of celebration, with worshippers arriving for darshan and devotional programmes.

Festive atmosphere intensifies at Krishna Janmabhoomi

By evening, the number of visitors at Shri Krishna Janmabhoomi had increased further as devotees gathered ahead of the principal night-time ceremonies. ANI shared visuals showing the crowd at the temple on Janmashtami.

Jaipur’s Govind Dev Ji Temple holds special Janmashtami darshan

In Jaipur, the historic Shri Govind Dev Ji Temple emerged as the focal point of Janmashtami celebrations. According to the temple’s official programme, special darshan began with the Mangala Jhanki from 4 am on 4 September, followed by a series of jhankis and religious ceremonies through the day.

The temple scheduled special night-time rituals around the birth celebration, while Nandotsav and a Shobha Yatra are listed for 5 September. Authorities introduced special entry, exit, traffic and crowd-management arrangements around the City Palace and Jaleb Chowk area because of the expected influx of devotees.

Mumbai prepares for Dahi Handi on 5 September

While temples across Mumbai are observing Janmashtami on Friday, the city’s high-profile Dahi Handi celebrations will take place on Saturday, 5 September. Govinda pathaks are expected to form human pyramids at events across Mumbai, its suburbs and neighbouring Thane.

Mumbai Traffic Police have announced temporary restrictions around some major Dahi Handi venues. Traffic curbs are scheduled in parts of Bandra, while a section of the Andheri-Ghatkopar Link Road will also remain closed for specified periods on 5 September because of large public gatherings.

PM Modi extends Janmashtami greetings

Prime Minister Narendra Modi extended Janmashtami greetings through his official X account, referring to Lord Krishna’s message of selfless action and expressing hope that the festival would bring positive energy and strength to people’s lives.

In a separate post, the Prime Minister shared the Sanskrit verse beginning “Vasudevasutam Devam”, paying homage to Lord Krishna.

Celebrations continue through the night

Janmashtami observances are continuing at temples across the country with bhajans, kirtans, special decorations and midnight worship. The principal celebrations on 4 September will be followed by Nandotsav in several temples and Dahi Handi events in Maharashtra on 5 September.

New Delhi | 01 Sep 2026

The Supreme Court on Tuesday quashed criminal cases linked to the July NEET paper leak protests in Delhi and several states, while allowing Delhi Police to register a fresh FIR against 2,873 people identified as having serious criminal antecedents, subject to strict limits on the allegations that may be investigated.

Supreme Court quashes NEET protest FIRs under Article 142

A three-judge Bench comprising Chief Justice of India Surya Kant, Justice Joymalya Bagchi and Justice V. Mohana invoked the Supreme Court’s extraordinary powers under Article 142 of the Constitution to bring the protest-related cases to an end.

The proceedings arose in the case of Shailendra Mani Tripathi v Union of India and related matters concerning protests over examination issues, including the NEET paper leak controversy.

The Centre had sought the quashing of 13 FIRs registered by Delhi Police in connection with protests between July 20 and July 25, 2026. Bihar, Assam, Maharashtra and West Bengal also approached the court seeking similar relief for cases registered in their jurisdictions.

The court further directed that comparable FIRs in other states and Union Territories concerning the same protest events should not be pursued or investigated.

“We deem it appropriate to invoke our powers under Article 142 of the Constitution.”

— Supreme Court Bench led by Chief Justice Surya Kant

The court clarified that its use of Article 142 was based on the particular circumstances of the case and should not be treated as a binding precedent for other matters.

Delhi Police allowed fresh FIR against 2,873 people

The relief does not extend unconditionally to every person who was present during the demonstrations. The Centre informed the court that 2,873 individuals with serious criminal antecedents, according to the National Crime Records Bureau database, were prima facie present at the protest site.

The Supreme Court granted Delhi Police liberty to register a single fresh FIR concerning those individuals. However, the investigation must be strictly confined to allegations involving bodily harm or destruction of property and cannot be based merely on their participation in the protest.

Those affected by any such fresh FIR will retain the right to challenge police action and pursue remedies available under law.

The distinction is significant because the court’s order closes the protest-related prosecutions against students and other participants while preserving the authorities’ ability to investigate separately identifiable allegations of violence or property damage involving people with serious criminal histories.

No new FIRs over July 20-25 protest events

Solicitor General Tushar Mehta told the court that the government remained committed to assurances given after discussions with representatives of the Cockroach Janta Party, including that the existing protest-related cases would not be pursued and that no fresh FIRs would be registered over the July 20-25 protest events.

The Supreme Court incorporated those assurances into its directions, effectively preventing further criminal cases based on the same protest incidents, apart from the narrowly permitted fresh case concerning the 2,873 individuals and specified allegations.

CJP withdraws September 5 Delhi protest march

Following the Supreme Court proceedings, the Cockroach Janta Party withdrew its proposed protest march in Delhi scheduled for September 5.

CJP co-convener Saurav Das informed the court that the organisation had decided to call off the march in view of the government’s assurances and the directions issued by the Supreme Court.

The proposed demonstration had been announced amid allegations from the organisation that commitments made after the July protests, particularly concerning withdrawal of criminal cases, had not been implemented.

Centre told to frame nationwide compensation policy within three months

The court also addressed another assurance concerning compensation for families of students who died by suicide in connection with NEET 2026.

It directed the Government of India to formulate a nationwide compensation policy in consultation with state governments within three months. The mechanism is intended to provide a uniform framework for compensation, after which eligible affected families are to receive payments in accordance with the policy.

The Supreme Court is separately dealing with allegations of excessive police force during the protests. A high-powered enquiry committee headed by former Supreme Court judge Justice R. Subhash Reddy has been constituted to examine issues arising from the agitation, including allegations concerning police action.

Bishkek, Kyrgyzstan | 31 Aug 2026

Prime Minister Narendra Modi called for an end to prolonged conflicts during talks with Russian President Vladimir Putin in Bishkek on Monday, reaffirming India’s support for a peaceful resolution of the Russia-Ukraine war and inviting Putin to the BRICS Summit in New Delhi.

Modi-Putin meeting focuses on ending Russia-Ukraine war

Modi and Putin held bilateral talks on the sidelines of the 26th Shanghai Cooperation Organisation Summit after exchanging a warm greeting. During their publicly televised remarks, Modi said every day of war pushed humanity backwards and that the international community must move from managing prolonged wars towards ending them.

The prime minister reiterated that India supported efforts to resolve disputes through peaceful means. The remarks were consistent with New Delhi’s stated position that dialogue and diplomacy should be used to secure a lasting settlement of the Russia-Ukraine war.

Putin said India-Russia relations continued to strengthen under their Special and Privileged Strategic Partnership. No new bilateral agreement was immediately announced following the meeting.

The talks followed the 23rd India-Russia Annual Summit held during Putin’s state visit to New Delhi in December 2025. India and Russia maintain extensive cooperation in energy, defence, trade, fertilisers, education and multilateral forums, including the SCO, BRICS and the G20.

Putin invited to September BRICS Summit in New Delhi

Modi invited Putin and the Russian delegation to attend the BRICS Summit scheduled to be held in New Delhi on 12 and 13 September 2026. The two leaders are expected to continue discussions on bilateral and international issues during the gathering.

The Kremlin had confirmed before the Bishkek meeting that the leaders would review the broader India-Russia relationship. Modi’s invitation came as India holds the BRICS presidency for 2026.

Modi holds talks with leaders of Iran, Kyrgyzstan and Armenia

Modi also met Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian on the sidelines of the SCO Summit. According to the Indian Prime Minister’s Office, they reviewed bilateral ties and discussed the conflict in West Asia.

Modi expressed concern over regional tensions and reiterated India’s position that disputes should be settled through dialogue and diplomacy. He also called for protecting freedom of navigation and commerce and said civilians, commercial vessels, seafarers and civilian infrastructure must not be harmed.

During separate talks with Kyrgyz President Sadyr Zhaparov, the two leaders reviewed their countries’ strategic partnership and agreed to strengthen economic, commercial and people-to-people cooperation, including student exchanges and cultural collaboration.

Modi also met Armenian Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan. Their discussions covered defence, pharmaceuticals, mining, education, culture and economic cooperation. Pashinyan briefed Modi on the implementation of the Armenia-Azerbaijan peace agreement, according to the PMO.

Modi pays tribute at Mahatma Gandhi Memorial in Bishkek

Before his diplomatic meetings, Modi laid a floral tribute at the Mahatma Gandhi Memorial in Bishkek and interacted with members of the Indian community. The ANI video of the visit can be viewed below.

<a href="https://

“>View ANI’s video from the Mahatma Gandhi Memorial in Bishkek

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SCO Summit brings leaders of 10 member countries together

The Bishkek summit marks the 25th anniversary of the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation. The group comprises India, China, Russia, Pakistan, Iran, Belarus, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Tajikistan and Uzbekistan.

Founded in 2001 as a regional security forum, the SCO has expanded its agenda to include counterterrorism, economic cooperation, connectivity, energy and cultural engagement. India became a full member in 2017.

Modi is expected to present India’s priorities of security, connectivity and opportunity during the summit. He is also scheduled to attend the opening ceremony of the sixth World Nomad Games in Kyrgyzstan.