Local Round-up: Mohanlal winning Dadasaheb Phalke, Zubeen Garg's Passing and Arshdeep's T20I Milestone

From prestigious honours in cinema to record-breaking cricket milestones, and from devastating natural disasters to historic infrastructure developments, India witnessed a week of significant highs and lows. With cultural achievements, environmental challenges, and political decisions shaping the national discourse, here is a local round-up of the biggest headlines making waves across the country.

Mohanlal honoured with Dadasaheb Phalke Award, dedicates it to Malayalam film industry

Veteran actor Mohanlal has been chosen for the Dadasaheb Phalke Award, India’s highest film honour. Acknowledging the recognition, he dedicated it to the Malayalam film fraternity, emphasising its legacy of storytelling excellence. Mohanlal’s decades-long career has shaped Indian cinema, earning him countless accolades. The award reinforces Malayalam cinema’s growing importance on the national stage, celebrating artistry and cultural contribution.

Assam declares three-day mourning following singer Zubeen Garg’s passing

Assam has declared three days of state mourning following the untimely demise of celebrated singer Zubeen Garg. Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma will personally receive his body in Delhi. Garg, a cultural icon of the North-East, leaves behind an unmatched musical legacy. His songs, activism, and artistic presence shaped Assam’s identity, uniting generations across language and tradition.

Smriti Mandhana shatters Virat Kohli’s all-time ODI record with blistering 50-ball century against Australia

Indian opener Smriti Mandhana rewrote history by smashing a 50-ball century against Australia, surpassing Virat Kohli’s long-standing ODI record for the fastest hundred by an Indian. The innings, laced with fierce strokeplay and controlled aggression, highlighted Mandhana’s rise as one of India’s most formidable batters. Her knock not only secured a commanding position for India but also underlined the growing dominance of women’s cricket on the global stage, drawing praise from fans and experts alike.

Raja Bhoj Multiclass Sailing Championship kicks off on Bhopal’s Upper Lake

After a windless delay, the Raja Bhoj Multiclass Sailing Championship 2025 commenced in full swing on Bhopal’s iconic Upper Lake. The event, featuring multiple boat classes, attracted professional and amateur sailors alike. With favourable winds returning, excitement surged as competitors showcased skill and strategy. The championship reinforces Bhopal’s growing profile as a hub for competitive sailing in India.

Arshdeep Singh first Indian to reach 100 T20I wickets as India beat Oman

India defeated Oman by 21 runs in the Asia Cup, with Arshdeep Singh making history as the first Indian bowler to claim 100 T20I wickets. His milestone cements his reputation as a pace spearhead in white-ball cricket. The win keeps India’s campaign on track while celebrating a landmark achievement for the young fast bowler.

Indore Metro expands with successful Phase 2 trial run beyond priority corridor

The Indore Metro marked a milestone as its Phase 2 trial run extended beyond the super-priority corridor. The expansion signals major progress in the city’s transport infrastructure. Commercial operations are expected to begin in early 2026. Once completed, the metro promises to significantly ease traffic congestion, improve connectivity, and transform commuting experiences across Indore.

Hindi film ‘Homebound’ named India’s official entry to Oscars 2026

The Hindi feature film Homebound has been selected as India’s official entry for the 2026 Academy Awards in the Best International Feature category. Directed by a debut filmmaker, the film explores themes of migration, memory, and belonging. The selection reflects India’s growing cinematic diversity and its ambition to achieve global recognition on the world’s biggest stage for cinema.

Cloudburst in Chamoli causes destruction, five missing as buildings collapse

A devastating cloudburst struck Kuntari Lagafali in Chamoli district’s Nandanagar block, leading to the collapse of six buildings. While two people were rescued by locals, five remain missing. Rescue teams are engaged in intensive search operations amid challenging conditions. The incident underscores Uttarakhand’s vulnerability to extreme weather events and the urgent need for climate-resilient infrastructure.

Gandhi Sagar Wildlife Sanctuary welcomes its first female cheetah, Dheera

In a significant boost to Project Cheetah, Gandhi Sagar Wildlife Sanctuary received its first female cheetah, a 7.5-year-old named Dheera, relocated from Kuno. The move marks progress in India’s cheetah reintroduction programme, which aims to restore ecological balance and biodiversity. Dheera’s arrival raises hopes of breeding success, strengthening India’s conservation efforts for endangered species.

Shankar, Delhi Zoo’s lone African elephant, dies after collapsing

Shankar, the only African elephant at Delhi Zoo, collapsed and died despite emergency veterinary efforts. Aged 29, he had lived much of his life in isolation. His passing raises urgent questions about animal welfare in captivity, sparking renewed debate around ethical practices in zoos and the importance of natural, socially enriched habitats for wildlife.

Varun Chakaravarthy becomes World No.1 T20I bowler, joins elite Indian list

Spinner Varun Chakaravarthy has risen to World No.1 in T20 International rankings, joining Jasprit Bumrah and Ravi Bishnoi as Indians who have topped the charts. His consistent performances in the format have been instrumental for India’s success. The recognition highlights India’s growing spin dominance on the global stage, reinforcing its cricketing depth and versatility.

Punjab Police register 12 FIRs against farmers for stubble burning

Punjab Police have filed 12 FIRs against farmers for illegally burning stubble, a major contributor to winter air pollution across North India. The cases were registered under environmental protection laws. Authorities emphasised awareness campaigns and alternative crop residue solutions but reiterated strict enforcement. The development underscores tensions between environmental mandates and farmers’ economic challenges.

Election Commission delists 474 political parties for violating norms

The Election Commission of India has delisted 474 unrecognised political parties for failing to comply with mandatory rules since 2019. The move aims to ensure transparency and accountability in India’s electoral system. Officials highlighted that many of these parties had not participated in elections or maintained financial disclosures. The delisting signals stricter oversight of political organisations.