Elon Musk’s five-word post on X urging against a spending bill triggered a political firestorm, fracturing Republican support and pushing the US closer to a government shutdown. His social media blitz, echoing Trump’s call for legislative delay, highlights the billionaire’s unprecedented unelected influence, raising concerns about democratic norms and federal stability.

The US government backs India’s extradition request for Tahawwur Rana, a suspect in the 2008 Mumbai attacks. Rana, fighting extradition, petitioned the Supreme Court, but the US Solicitor General urged the court to deny his plea.

The Reserve Bank of India expressed concerns over states’ rising spending on subsidies like farm loan waivers and freebies, impacting funds for infrastructure and development. State subsidies have surged, with revenue expenditure exceeding capital outlay in several states. While overall fiscal consolidation efforts are positive, RBI emphasizes the need for prioritizing capital expenditure for long-term growth.