Dear Reader,

Today’s news moves from the politics of Vande Mataram to a quiet arrest that followed a four-year investigation in Jammu and Kashmir. There is a protest that has now reached the police register, an unusual recall of an official statement ahead of a Bangladesh Prime Minister’s visit, and fresh questions around political power, institutions and the way governments respond when dissent reaches the streets.

Congress is beginning to ask whether it walked into the BJP’s preferred political battlefield.

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The party’s position on Vande Mataram has triggered unease within its own ranks, with some leaders questioning whether the response allowed the BJP to frame the debate on its own terms.

‘Should not have played to BJP’s strength’: Congress unease over Vande Mataram stand

The argument is no longer just about the song. Inside Congress, questions are being raised over political strategy — and whether engaging the BJP on terrain where nationalism and cultural identity dominate the conversation was always going to be a losing proposition.

Podcast of the day: State of railway stations, Dharavi redevelopment, and UGC caste guidelines

‘Come out of Hindu-Muslim mindset’: Kangana Ranaut joins the Vande Mataram debate

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The political argument has spilled into popular culture, with the latest intervention bringing another familiar voice into an already charged national conversation.

Modi-ism must evolve into institution-centred nation-building

As Indian politics increasingly revolves around personalities and electoral narratives, this column makes the case for shifting the centre of gravity back to institutions — and asks what that transition would require.

For four years, a 35-year-old in J&K rarely switched on a phone. Then came one mistake

A painstaking investigation into an alleged narco-terror financing network followed a man who had spent years trying to stay off the grid.

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Rahul Gandhi stages sit-in at Delhi police station over pellet firing

Rahul Gandhi took the protest from the streets to the police station, demanding action over the use of pellet guns during the demonstration.

Delhi Police registers FIR over pellet firing after Rahul Gandhi’s dharna

The police response has now formally entered the next stage, with an FIR registered following the controversy and the Congress leader’s intervention.

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CJP team confronted in Jaipur, Abhijit Dipke warns of Jantar Mantar-like protest

Another confrontation linked to the wider CJP movement has raised the prospect of fresh protests, as the political and administrative fallout continues to spread beyond Delhi.

Bangladesh PM visit: Rashtrapati Bhavan recalls statement an hour after issuing it

In an unusual move, an official statement relating to the Bangladesh Prime Minister’s visit was withdrawn shortly after it was issued, prompting questions about what changed and why.

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Revanth Reddy’s US trip junked after Centre denies political clearance

A planned overseas trip by the Telangana Chief Minister has been cancelled after clearance was not granted, opening up a new political argument between the state and the Centre.

Imran Khan will not fight Army chief Asim Munir if released, says top aide

With Pakistan’s political crisis still unresolved, a close aide signals the possibility of reconciliation — but only against the backdrop of a deeply altered relationship between Imran Khan, the military and the state.

Imran Khan’s hospital transfer becomes the latest flashpoint

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Questions over the former Prime Minister’s health and detention continue to reach Pakistan’s courts, keeping the focus firmly on the conditions surrounding one of the country’s most consequential political prisoners.

Why that parking spot outside the house isn’t really yours

That stretch of road outside your gate may feel like an extension of your property.

Denied boarding over UK visa despite US itinerary, passenger wins Rs 1.72 lakh

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A dispute over transit rules and boarding decisions ends with compensation — and a useful reminder of what airlines can and cannot demand from passengers.

Joe Root closes in on another Sachin Tendulkar record

Another fifty, another milestone — and Root continues his climb through some of Test cricket’s most formidable statistical landmarks.

Five decades, five languages, three generations: Why Radikaa Sarathkumar cannot be replaced

Few careers have travelled across as many eras of Indian entertainment.

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‘Cried every night’: Anupama Parameswaran on a relationship that took a heavy toll

The actor speaks about a difficult period in her life, the emotional fallout of the relationship and the health consequences she says followed.

The Daily Catch-Up: Your evening briefing

Irumudi review: Ravi Teja tries his best, but the film cannot keep up

A strong central performance cannot quite overcome a film that struggles to match its own ambition, according to our review.

DMK rejects Vijay’s new cars for MLAs, then challenges him over ‘corruption files’

Politics in Tamil Nadu gets another dose of theatre, accusation and counter-accusation as the rivalry between the DMK and Vijay’s political project sharpens.

Ladakh viral video: ‘Gen-Z’ woman apologises to Army over checkpost rant

A video shot at a Ladakh checkpost triggered a social media storm. The woman at its centre has now apologised to the Army.

Modi-ism must evolve into institution-centred nation-building

What happens when a political project built around a powerful leader has to think beyond the leader? Today’s long read examines the institutional challenge that lies beyond personality-driven politics — and why the answer could shape the next phase of Indian governance.

The Daily Catch-Up is published Monday to Friday by .