Royal Challengers Bengaluru's maiden IPL title celebration ended in catastrophe as 11 people died in a stampede outside Chinnaswamy Stadium. Morning coverage focused on the team's euphoric arrival to massive crowds, but by afternoon the mood shifted to mourning. Chief Minister Siddaramaiah admitted the government was unprepared for 300,000 fans at a venue with 35,000 capacity, announcing ₹10 lakh compensation and ordering investigations.
Operation Sindoor revelations continued with audio recordings of a distressed Masud Azhar and photographs of 21 terrorist graves emerging as evidence. Pakistan's diplomatic credibility eroded further as Malaysia rejected its Islamic solidarity appeal and a second YouTuber, Jasbir Singh, was arrested for espionage alongside previously detained Jyoti Malhotra.
The government announced India's long-awaited census will begin March 1, 2027, including caste enumeration for the first time since 2011. Political tensions escalated as the High Court criticized Rahul Gandhi for defaming the army while Congress leaders referenced military successes against Pakistan.