Tamil Nadu Chief Minister Stalin escalated the language row by replacing the rupee symbol (₹) with Tamil script (ரூ) in state budget documents. This symbolic act drew immediate criticism from BJP leaders, with Finance Minister Sitharaman condemning it as promoting "secessionist sentiments" and demonstrating a "dangerous mindset." Ironically, the rupee symbol was designed by a Tamil person whose father was a DMK legislator.
The Pakistan train hijacking aftermath showed conflicting narratives, with Pakistani officials claiming successful rescue operations while the Baloch Liberation Army maintained otherwise. Taliban firmly rejected Pakistan's allegations of Afghanistan connections to the attack.
International tensions eased slightly as Putin conditionally agreed to Trump's 30-day Ukraine ceasefire proposal but noted "serious questions" remained. Meanwhile, actress Ranya Rao's gold smuggling case developed with revelations she learned concealment techniques from YouTube.
Security forces remained on high alert across northern India with Holi celebrations coinciding with Friday prayers during Ramzan.