Amid deteriorating air quality in northern India, the central air quality management authority has urged the Punjab government to intensify its crackdown on stubble burning, citing recent spikes in farm fire incidents. The advisory underscores the urgency of enforcing preventative measures to curb agricultural residue burning, a major contributor to seasonal smog across the region. Officials emphasized the need for coordinated efforts between administrative bodies, rural agencies, and farmers to implement sustainable crop residue solutions.

Haryana Chief Minister Nayab Singh Saini has asserted that public sentiment in Punjab is shifting, with voters allegedly growing disillusioned with the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) and signaling a desire for political change. Speaking during a recent interaction, Saini argued that governance concerns and unmet expectations have created electoral unpredictability in the state. His remarks come amid heightened political activity, with parties positioning themselves ahead of upcoming election cycles.

In an unguarded and deeply personal revelation, acclaimed actor Vijay Varma opened up about his battle with severe depression during the COVID-19 lockdown. The Mirzapur star shared that the isolation and uncertainty of the period left him immobilized and emotionally drained. Varma credited Ira Khan, daughter of Aamir Khan, and fellow actor Gulshan Devaiah for helping him seek therapy and begin a healing journey.

Actress Gouri Kishan recently took a stand against body-shaming after being asked an inappropriate question about her weight during a press interaction for her upcoming film Others. The incident, which occurred in Chennai, quickly went viral, drawing condemnation from the public and support from major film industry associations.

Actor-filmmaker Farhan Akhtar has addressed the controversy surrounding his upcoming war drama 120 Bahadur, clarifying that the film’s title was chosen to celebrate the courage of all soldiers involved in the 1962 Rezang La battle, not just its commanding officer, Major Shaitan Singh Bhati PVC. The statement follows protests from sections of the Ahir community, who demanded that the title be changed to 120 Veer Ahir, arguing that the film underplays their contribution.

The pan-India supernatural thriller Jatadhara—featuring Sudheer Babu and Sonakshi Sinha—sets out to blend Indian folklore, ritual mysticism and modern paranormal investigation. Anchored by a myth about an ancient guardian spirit bound to hidden treasure, the film offers striking visuals and a novel premise, yet reviews suggest the execution falls short. Critics point to narrative inconsistency, weak character arcs and sub-par VFX as stumbling blocks. While its cinematic ambition is evident, mastering the transition from concept to compelling cinema remains elusive for this project.

Bollywood veteran Zarine Khan, wife of actor-director Sanjay Khan and mother of Sussanne and Zayed Khan, passed away in Mumbai at the age of 81 due to cardiac arrest. Known for her elegance, artistic sensibility, and contribution to India’s cultural and design circles, Zarine’s passing marks the end of an era that blended cinematic heritage with modern creativity. The film fraternity, family, and admirers from across industries have expressed deep sorrow.

A major air traffic control (ATC) glitch at Delhi’s Indira Gandhi International Airport led to temporary disruptions in flight operations earlier this week, prompting the Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) to initiate a comprehensive root cause analysis. The malfunction, which briefly affected the sequencing and communication systems, resulted in flight delays and operational challenges for airlines. While normalcy was swiftly restored, the DGCA has directed a detailed technical audit to identify vulnerabilities and ensure preventive measures.

India’s largest power producer, NTPC Ltd, has unveiled an ambitious plan to expand its total installed capacity to 149 gigawatts (GW) by 2032, reinforcing its commitment to the nation’s clean energy transition. The strategy reflects a sharp pivot towards renewable and low-carbon generation, with a growing emphasis on solar, wind, hydro, and green hydrogen projects. As part of its long-term roadmap, NTPC aims to ensure that nearly half of its energy mix comes from non-fossil sources.

Flexible workspace provider IndiQube Spaces reported a net loss of Rs. 30 crore for the second quarter, attributed primarily to higher operational costs and ongoing expansion across major Indian cities. Despite the loss, the company registered steady growth in revenues and workspace occupancy, reflecting continued demand for hybrid office solutions. IndiQube’s management emphasized that the short-term financial pressure stems from aggressive infrastructure investment and brand consolidation, which are expected to yield long-term gains.