Sonam Wangchuk’s release after nearly six months under the National Security Act has triggered relief in Ladakh but also fuelled competing theories about the circumstances behind the Centre’s decision. While the government has described the move as an attempt to restore calm and open the door for dialogue, lawyers point to the weakness of the case against him, and political sources speak of a possible quiet effort to lower the temperature of Ladakh’s agitation.

Today the world observes the International Day to Combat Islamophobia, but the day passes with little public attention. Recognised by the United Nations after the Christchurch mosque shootings, the observance reflects a growing global debate on prejudice, politics and the challenge of confronting Islamophobia.

A tweet by NDTV Senior Editor Aditya Raj Kaul referring to Iran as a “terrorist regime” during the Israel–Iran conflict has triggered criticism over journalistic neutrality. The post was later deleted after backlash, with critics saying such language violates established standards of reporting.

The Gauhati High Court has issued notice to Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma over petitions alleging that his public remarks targeting Muslims amount to hate speech and violate constitutional guarantees of equality and non discrimination. The court has sought responses from the state and Union governments, with the matter scheduled for hearing in April 2026.

Six years after the flames receded from North East Delhi’s streets, routine has returned but certainty has not. Rebuilt walls stand where homes once burned, court dates outlast headlines, and memory lingers quietly in markets that now hum again with trade.

As nuclear talks resumed in Geneva, warships moved through the Gulf. Washington spoke of defence; Tehran spoke of deterrence. Markets spoke of risk. This is diplomacy under shadow — negotiation and coercion running side by side. Neither side wants war, yet neither can appear weak. In that tension lies the real signal: talks are alive, but trust is not.

Russia’s share of India’s oil imports fell to its lowest level since 2022 in January, as Indian refiners diversified supplies amid changing prices and market conditions, signalling a gradual rebalancing of the country’s energy basket.