Good morning. India's first Vande Bharat Sleeper Express is scheduled to begin operations this week, marking a new chapter in the country's rail infrastructure. However, this premium travel experience comes with a higher price tag compared to trains like the Rajdhani Express. The government has finalized the fare structure, setting the minimum chargeable distance at 400 kilometers.
Vande Bharat Sleeper: Fare Details and Key Features
The fares for the 1AC coach will go up to Rs 1,520 plus GST. Prime Minister Narendra Modi will flag off the inaugural service on the Guwahati-Howrah route. A crucial point for passengers to note is that these semi-high-speed sleeper trains will not offer the Reservation Against Cancellation (RAC) facility, a common feature on other Indian Railways services.
Major Anti-Government Protests Rock Iran
In international news, Iran is experiencing its most significant wave of anti-government demonstrations since 2022. The protests, which began in December 2025, were initially sparked by severe economic difficulties following a sharp decline in the value of the Iranian currency. The movement has since evolved into a broader challenge against the country's clerical leadership under Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei.
The government, led by President Masoud Pezeshkian, has responded with a harsh crackdown. A rights group reported that at least 500 people have died in the ongoing unrest as of last Sunday. The Iranian administration has accused the United States and Israel of orchestrating the destabilization, claiming foreign-backed "terrorists" have attacked mosques and public property.
Meanwhile, Reza Pahlavi, the son of Iran's last Shah, has emerged as a prominent voice supporting the protesters. In video messages, the 65-year-old has expressed his readiness to lead the nation toward a democratic transition. The Trump administration in the US has warned Iran of potential strikes if the crackdown continues, with reports suggesting military options targeting sites in Tehran are being considered.
PM Modi Hosts German Chancellor for Key Talks
On the diplomatic front, Prime Minister Narendra Modi is set to meet German Chancellor Friedrich Merz in Ahmedabad today. The high-level meeting is expected to yield significant outcomes, including the unveiling of a defence and security roadmap between the two nations.
The leaders are also slated to sign several agreements focusing on semiconductors, critical minerals, and skill development. This engagement is seen as a critical step for India to deepen its ties with Europe, especially amid differing perspectives on the Russia-Ukraine war and rising US protectionism.
Indian Army to Form Agile Integrated Battle Groups
In defence developments, the Indian Army's long-standing plan to create Integrated Battle Groups (IBGs) is moving closer to realization. Sources indicate that discussions are in advanced stages to form four IBGs from the Panagarh-based XVII Corps. This corps is India's first mountain strike corps, positioned along the frontier with China.
These new IBGs are designed as self-contained, agile, and brigade-sized fighting units intended to enhance rapid response capabilities in mountainous terrain.
In other news, the Congress party's Uttar Pradesh unit is launching a 100-day outreach program today, coinciding with Priyanka Gandhi Vadra's birthday. This has reignited speculation about her potential role ahead of the 2027 state elections. Meanwhile, the Golden Globe Awards ceremony saw Netflix's "Adolescence" leading with four wins, and Leonardo DiCaprio's "One Battle After Another" securing three awards as of Monday.
