France is rocked by massive demonstrations as nearly half a million people reportedly take to the streets across the country, with around 200,000 protesters in Paris, according to youth organisations and student unions. The protests bring together students, trade unions and activists amid growing anger over economic pressures, inequality and other domestic issues. But the demonstrations also see alarming scenes of violence. Reports describe Molotov cocktails and petrol bombs being hurled during clashes, with police deploying tear gas and water cannon. Around 70,000 police and gendarmes are mobilised, while 565 people are reportedly arrested nationwide.  

A major helicopter incident in Uttarakhand has triggered an emergency response near Joshimath after a helicopter operated by Trans Bharat Aviation lost contact while flying from Badrinath to Dehradun's Sahastradhara heliport. According to UCADA CEO Prateek Jain, the helicopter departed Badrinath at 1:14 PM. Initial information suggests that six people, including the pilot and five others, were onboard. Following the incident, the Chamoli district administration, SDRF and an Army unit were mobilised for rescue preparations. As a precautionary measure, the entire Trans Bharat Aviation helicopter fleet has been grounded