A 4.0 magnitude earthquake struck Delhi-NCR at dawn, with its epicenter near Dhaulakuan lake, causing widespread evacuation. The media's extensive coverage of the tremors temporarily overshadowed the ongoing Delhi station stampede investigation.
By midday, the selection of the new Chief Election Commissioner emerged as the central story, with Congress opposing the selection process timing. The appointment of Gyanesh Kumar was announced by evening, despite Congress's objections.
Qatar's Emir Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al-Thani arrived for bilateral talks, with PM Modi breaking protocol to receive him at the airport. The railways announced new crowd management measures at 60 major stations, implementing holding zones and AI-based monitoring in response to the recent stampede. A Nepali student's death at KIIT University evolved into a diplomatic incident with Nepal.