Union Home Minister Amit Shah unveiled mascots ‘Pragati’ and ‘Vikas’ for Census 2027, India’s first fully digital population count. Digital tools were also launched to streamline data collection, marking a significant step in modernising the census process.

President Donald Trump stated that the US is in a strong position in the ongoing conflict with Iran. He said American and allied forces are successfully pressuring Iran’s leadership and military capabilities, and vowed to maintain this stance as fighting continues.

Transport unions in Maharashtra have announced an indefinite strike from Thursday midnight to protest against the e-challan system and pending fines. The agitation may affect trucks, taxis, buses and goods vehicles, potentially disrupting passenger travel and supply services.

The Indian National Congress has announced six candidates for the upcoming Rajya Sabha biennial elections. The party finalised the names as part of its preparations for the polls to fill vacant seats in the Upper House of Parliament.

The United States has closed or scaled down operations at embassies in Iraq, Bahrain, Kuwait and Qatar as tensions with Iran escalate. Non-essential staff have been withdrawn, and American citizens in the region have been advised to stay alert.

Three Indian seafarers were killed while serving on foreign-flagged vessels during recent attacks in the Persian Gulf region, officials said. The incidents occurred amid rising tensions involving Iran, the US and Israel, disrupting key international shipping routes.

The government is exploring a plan to clear cargo within 24 hours for compliant importers, reducing current delays of 3–5 days, and supporting traders affected by disruptions in international shipping and trade.

The NIA has sought assistance from Chinese authorities to trace a GoPro camera linked to the 2025 Pahalgam terror attack that killed 26 people. A special court allowed a formal request to identify the device’s buyer and supply details.              

Mohammad Raad, a senior figure in Hezbollah, has reportedly been killed in Israeli airstrikes in Lebanon. Israeli sources said he was targeted during heavy bombardment, though official confirmation from Hezbollah is still awaited.

Varanasi has set a Guinness World Record after volunteers planted 2.51 lakh saplings in just one hour, marking one of the largest and fastest tree‑planting efforts in a single event.