Category: India

RTI activist Amit Tiwari has sought a probe into CJP founder Abhijeet Dipke’s father’s finances and questioned the party’s legal defence fund.

A Surat-based RTI activist has sought an investigation into the financial background of Cockroach Janta Party (CJP) founder Abhijeet Dipke’s father, questioning how a retired government employee was able to finance his son’s higher education abroad.

The activist has also urged the Election Commission of India (ECI) and the Central GST authorities to examine the legal status and funding of the CJP.

RTI activist Amit Tiwari said he has written to the authorities seeking a probe into the finances of Bhagwanrao Dipke, a retired Maharashtra government employee and the father of Abhijeet Dipke.

Tiwari questioned how Bhagwanrao Dipke could afford to send his son overseas for higher education despite being a retired government employee and sought an inquiry into his financial status.

Legal Defence Fund Also Under Scanner

Besides seeking a financial probe into Dipke’s father, Tiwari also raised objections over the legal defence fund announced for CJP protesters facing police cases linked to the agitation over the alleged NEET paper leak.

Tiwari has written to the Election Commission asking it to verify whether the Cockroach Janta Party is registered under Section 29A of the Representation of the People Act, 1951, following the announcement of a legal defence fund.

“The Cockroach Janta Party is an unregistered entity but is operating as a political party. If Rs 1 crore has been pledged to it as a legal defence fund, then the Election Commission should verify whether the CJP is registered with it under section 29A of the Representation of the People Act, 1951,” Tiwari said.

He further stated that if the party is not registered, its operation under the name of a political party and the collection or receipt of funds may require examination.

Chanchal, a 67-year-old elephant, died in Rajasthan’s Jaipur, after a pink powder photoshoot went viral. The incident sparked debate on animal welfare and led to an investigation.

The death of a 67-year-old elephant in Rajasthan has reignited concerns over the use of animals for commercial photoshoots after images of her being covered in pink powder for a fashion shoot went viral online.

The elephant, Chanchal, was being used for tourist rides in Jaipur when she was covered in pink gulal and made to carry a model during a photoshoot near an abandoned temple in November 2025.

The images remained largely unnoticed until February 2026, when photographer Julia Buruleva shared them on social media, triggering widespread criticism from animal rights activists and users.

Several months later, Chanchal died. According to officials cited by an Instagram page under the name Bored Panda, the elephant suffered cardiac arrest linked to old age, and authorities said there was no evidence that the coloured powder directly caused her death.

However, the incident has continued to fuel debate over the treatment of elderly working elephants. Critics argued that despite her age, Chanchal was still being used for commercial activities and was made to participate in a photoshoot while carrying a model, raising serious questions about her welfare.

The controversy also shifted towards photographer Julia Buruleva after she reportedly began receiving abusive and threatening messages online following the backlash.

Meanwhile, Rajasthan authorities have launched an investigation into the photoshoot to determine whether the required permissions had been obtained and whether Chanchal’s welfare was adequately considered before the event took place.

Source: https://www.news18.com/india/67-year-old-elephant-painted-pink-for-photoshoot-dies-months-later-in-jaipur-ws-l-10247246.html

Indians spend nearly 50 hours a month on Instagram, according to BofA Global Research. The viral data sparked debate online over screen time, gaming habits and digital balance

Indians are spending more time on Instagram than any other app, according to a new report by BofA Global Research. The research found that the average user spends nearly 50 hours every month on the Meta-owned platform, with YouTube and Garena Free Fire following close behind. The figures have sparked a debate online about screen time and digital habits.

The statistics went viral after they were shared on X by the account Indian Tech & Infra, prompting many users to weigh in. The viral post highlighted the average monthly time spent by Indians across leading apps.

Instagram topped the list with 49 hours and 42 minutes, followed by YouTube at 47 hours and 23 minutes. Mobile battle royale game Garena Free Fire secured the third spot with 41 hours and 12 minutes, indicating the continued popularity of online gaming in the country.

Other apps on the list included Facebook (24 hours and 45 minutes), JioHotstar (22 hours and 13 minutes), Netflix (19 hours and 22 minutes), MX Player (19 hours and 19 minutes), WhatsApp Messenger (18 hours and 49 minutes), PLAYit (17 hours and 59 minutes), Kuku TV (17 hours and 5 minutes), Moj (15 hours and 40 minutes).

Zoom Workplace (14 hours and 1 minute), Amazon Prime Video (13 hours and 44 minutes), Ludo King (13 hours and 39 minutes), X (formerly Twitter) (13 hours and 30 minutes), WhatsApp Business (13 hours and 18 minutes), Carrom Pool (13 hours and 5 minutes), Reddit (12 hours and 13 minutes), Google Chrome (11 hours and 37 minutes), and ZEE5 (10 hours and 44 minutes).

The post cited BofA Global Research as the source of the data and quickly gained traction across social media platforms, with many users expressing surprise over the sheer amount of time people spend on entertainment and social networking apps.

One user wrote, “49 hours a month on Instagram and yet everyone still claims they “don’t have time to read,”

Another commented, “49 hrs on Instagram a month = 2 full days of your life. Every. Single. Month. And we still call it just scrolling.”

A third user observed, “Almost 50 hours a month on Instagram is wild. That’s roughly 1 hour and 40 minutes every single day. It really shows how short-form content has become the biggest competitor for people’s time and attention.”

Terrorists had attacked two brick kiln workers in Kelam area, where one of them died on the spot, while Bhupendra Bhaina (28) succumbed to his injuries later.

A labourer from Chhattisgarh, who was injured along with another worker from the state in a terrorist attack in Jammu & Kashmir’s Kulgam district, succumbed to his gunshot wounds on Saturday, officials aware of the development said. The other worker succumbed on Friday.

Terrorists had attacked two brick kiln workers late on Friday in the Kelam area of the south Kashmir district, where one of them — identified as Deepak Ratre (24) — died on the spot, while Bhupendra Bhaina (28) succumbed to his injuries later. A senior doctor at SKIMS said that Bhaina had received bullets in his chest and all efforts by doctors failed to revive him.

Ratre, a resident of Sakti district in Chhattisgarh, and Bhaina, who belonged to Sarangarh-Bilaigarh district of the state, had migrated to J&K this year in search of work, people aware of the matter said.

The attack follows closely on the heels of another incident less than 10 days ago, in which terrorists allegedly shot and killed a police officer deployed on Amarnath Yatra security duty in Anantnag.

J&K LG chairs security review meeting
J&K lieutenant governor Manoj Sinha on Saturday chaired a high-level security review meeting in Srinagar, where he directed all the deputy commissioners and SSPs to conduct a comprehensive review of the Standard Operating Procedures (SoPs) established to protect labourers from outside Jammu & Kashmir.

“We must intensify precise, high-impact anti-terror operations to neutralise the terrorists,” Sinha said, instructing the authorities to ensure dignified last rites for the victims. The meeting also discussed the security arrangements in place for the ongoing Amarnath Yatra and strengthening of the security grid. During the day, security forces conducted several operations across south Kashmir to trace the killers of two labourers.

Chhattisgarh government announces ex gratia
The Chhattisgarh government, too, announced an ex gratia of ₹20 lakh each for the families of two migrant workers. “The Chhattisgarh government stands firmly with the bereaved families in this hour of grief,” chief minister Vishnu Deo Sai said.

Political controversy erupts
Meanwhile, a political controversy erupted on Saturday after National Conference president and former chief minister Farooq Abdullah questioned the timing of the Kulgam terror attack.

He called for an investigation into the killing of two migrant labourers in a terror attack in Kulgam, and asked why such incidents happen whenever his party demands the restoration of Jammu and Kashmir’s statehood.

Source: https://www.hindustantimes.com/india-news/injured-worker-succumbs-jammu-and-kashmir-kulgam-terror-attack-toll-rises-to-2-101785612623869.html

PM Modi said the country’s transformation from the constraints of colonial rule had been made possible by the capabilities of its young people.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Saturday credited the country’s youth with driving India’s rise as the world’s fastest-growing major economy, its third-largest startup ecosystem and the nation’s emerging strength in semiconductors, artificial intelligence, deep tech and space, saying young Indians were now “giving impetus to the development of the world”.

The remarks came a day after Modi posted a video on Instagram offering to “forgive” students who had hurled expletives at him during weeks of nationwide protests led by the self-styled Cockroach Janta Party (CJP).

Triggered by a leak of the NEET-UG paper that forced a retest for around two million students, the agitation became the biggest political crisis of Modi’s third term, ending only after education minister Dharmendra Pradhan resigned last week and the government accepted the demonstrators’ demands, including examination-system reforms and the withdrawal of police cases against protesters.

Modi was speaking on Saturday after inaugurating the Swami Vivekananda Cultural Youth Centre — Viveka Smaraka — at the Sri Ramakrishna Ashrama in Mysuru. He said the country’s transformation from the constraints of colonial rule to the frontlines of global innovation had been made possible by the capabilities of its young people.

“Today, India is the world’s fastest-growing major economy. Who has made this possible? The capability of India’s youth. The youth of India are giving impetus to the development of the world,” Modi said.

Pointing to the recent launch of a privately built Indian rocket into space, he said the feat reflected “the growing capabilities of the country’s young innovators”, and that initiatives such as Atmanirbhar Bharat and Make in India were succeeding on the strength of the youth.

What young people needed, he said, was “the right opportunities, guidance and confidence to realise their dreams”.

Modi framed the message through Vivekananda, invoking the principle “Shiva Jnane Jiva Seva” — serving humanity is serving God — and urging young Indians to place the welfare of the poor and the nation above personal interests. The Viveka Smaraka, built at the site where Vivekananda stayed during his 1892 visit to Mysuru and from where he decided to travel to the 1893 Parliament of Religions in Chicago, should serve as “a powerful source of inspiration and energy” for that mission, he said.

Opposition parties, meanwhile, attacked the PM for his video message on Friday.

The Congress said the Prime Minister owed the country’s students an apology rather than an offer of forgiveness, remarking that while the country was asking the PM to apologise, he had instead “forgiven the country”. In a post on X, Rahul Gandhi said Modi had the “audacity to speak of forgiving students” when he had not visited a single family that had lost a child to suicide over what he called a “corrupt” exam system and cancelled papers.

“Nothing is more painful than seeing a parent grieve their child,” Gandhi said after meeting affected families during a day-long visit to Tamil Nadu. “Behind every young life lost is a family carrying pain that will never leave them — and serious questions about a broken education system.”

Source: https://www.hindustantimes.com/india-news/day-after-forgive-remark-pm-modi-praises-youth-for-powering-indias-growth-101785634028660.html

“Today, it is with profound sadness and immense heartbreak that we confirm that Nirmal ‘Nimsdai’ Purja, tragically lost his life following the avalanche on Broad Peak,” Elite Exped said

Legendary mountaineer Nirmal ‘Nimsdai’ Purja was killed in an avalanche at Broad Peak, the 12th highest mountain in the world, an adventure company of the Nepali-origin climber and others said in a post on Instagram today.

Purja and five other climbers had been missing since Friday after an avalanche struck them.

Hours before the incident, the legendary mountaineer sent a voice message – may well be his last – to NDTV’s Vishnu Som. Here are the details.

 

 

“Today, it is with profound sadness and immense heartbreak that we confirm that Nirmal ‘Nimsdai’ Purja, tragically lost his life following the avalanche on Broad Peak. We have also received confirmation that other members of the expedition sadly did not survive,” the company, Elite Exped, said in the post.

“Today, we mourn not only Nims, but every life lost in this tragedy including his trusted climbing partners and guides, Pur Bahadur Gurung (Yukta) and Nima Sherpa. Our deepest thoughts, prayers and heartfelt condolences are with their families, friends and loved ones. No words can ease the pain of this unimaginable loss, and we ask that everyone respects their privacy as they grieve,” the company said.

Broad Peak is on the Karakoram mountain range, straddling the border between Gilgit-Baltistan, Pakistan and Xinjiang, China – just a few kilometres from K2 in what is Pakistan-Occupied Kashmir (PoK).

The avalanche struck along Broad Peak’s standard West Ridge route. This would be at an altitude between 21,600 and 21,850 feet.

“The world has lost one of mountaineering’s greatest climbers; a leader who inspired millions through his courage, humility and unwavering belief that human potential is far greater than we often imagine. More than his extraordinary achievements, he wanted to show the world what was possible when you dared to dream bigger, believed in yourself and refused to accept limitations. Through his actions, he inspired millions of people to believe that they too, could achieve more than they ever thought possible,” Elite Exped said.

 

View on Instagram

 

“His vision, leadership and determination built Elite Exped, Nimsdai Foundation, Skydive Nimsdai and Nimsdai Store into what they are today. His legacy will live on in the countless lives he changed and the people he inspired to climb their own mountains,” it said.

Source: https://www.ndtv.com/india-news/elite-mountaineer-nirmal-nims-purja-killed-in-avalanche-on-pok-peak-11852569?pfrom=home-ndtv_topscroll

 

An assistant professor from West Bengal drew online attention after her post criticizing Congress leader Rahul Gandhi over his “andhbhakts” remark went viral. Instead of debating her political views, social media users highlighted multiple grammatical mistakes in her post, despite her claiming to hold master’s degrees in English and Education

A social media post aimed at Congress leader Rahul Gandhi has gone viral for reasons its author likely did not anticipate. Instead of fueling a political debate, the post triggered widespread discussion over grammar after users highlighted several language errors made by the writer, who identified herself as an assistant professor with postgraduate qualifications in English and Education.

The incident unfolded on X (formerly Twitter), where Arpita Chatterjee, who said she is an assistant professor from West Bengal, responded to Rahul Gandhi’s remarks about “andhbhakts.” Her post questioned Gandhi’s characterization of his critics while also listing her academic credentials.

She wrote, “Dear Rahul Gandhi, I am a proud Andhbhakt and an assistant professor, having two master’s degree (English and Education), having B.Ed. Degree too and pursuing PhD. According to you an Andhbhakt is an IDIOT. Am I an IDIOT! Are you sure?”

Grammar errors overshadow political message

Most lung spots found on CT scans are harmless, and advanced minimally invasive technologies now enable faster, more accurate lung cancer diagnosis.

Hearing that your CT scan has revealed a spot on your lung can be frightening. For many people, the immediate fear is lung cancer. However, on World Lung Cancer Day, experts want to reassure patients that most lung nodules detected on scans are not cancer, and today’s advanced diagnostic technologies can determine the cause without major surgery.

According to Dr. Shyam Krishnan, Lead Consultant, Clinical and Interventional Pulmonology at CMRI (CK Birla Hospitals), Kolkata, a lung “spot,” “shadow,” or “nodule” is a common finding on CT scans and often turns out to be harmless. “The fear is understandable. It is also, very often, unfounded. Here is the first thing I tell them: most lung nodules picked up on a scan are not cancer,” said Dr. Krishnan.

Most lung nodules are not cancer
A pulmonary nodule is a small, round growth in the lung that can appear during routine health check-ups or imaging performed for unrelated reasons. While some nodules may indicate early lung cancer, many are caused by healed infections, old scars from previous illnesses, benign inflammatory changes, and harmless tissue growths. “The goal is not to assume the worst but to determine exactly what the nodule is,” says Dr. Krishnan.

The NSA made a fervent appeal to the young people of India to dedicate themselves completely to nation-building, stating that a “rare window of opportunity” has opened in the country’s history that must not be allowed to slip away.

National Security Advisor (NSA) Ajit Doval on Saturday stressed that freedom should not be understood merely as the liberty to do whatever one desires, urging the younger generation to reflect on Lokmanya Tilak’s vision for India and his contribution to nation-building.

Addressing the Lokmanya Tilak National Award ceremony in Pune, Doval drew a contrast between the freedom enjoyed by the present generation and the difficult circumstances in which Lokmanya Tilak lived and worked, saying the struggles and hardships of that era are difficult for today’s youth to fully imagine.

“To truly understand Lokmanya Tilak’s life and the depth of his character, one must grasp the context of that era, the constraints and the wretched conditions of the time, realities that perhaps we, and especially the youth, struggle to fully imagine,” Doval said.

The NSA urged the younger generation to reflect on Lokmanya Tilak’s words, his vision for India and the spirit of nation-building that he embodied.

“Every Indian, especially our youth, needs to reflect on his words, consider the vision he held for India and the spirit of nation-building he embodied,” he said.

Doval said the younger generation may sometimes misunderstand the true meaning of the freedom they enjoy today.

“Young people today might assume that India has always been the way it is now, or they might mistake freedom for the mere liberty to do whatever one desires. But that is not what freedom truly means,” he said.

Doval’s warning in Pune that contemporary young people risk misinterpreting freedom as the mere liberty to act without restraint arrives directly on the heels of unprecedented youth-led demonstrations against Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s administration.

The recent massive mobilisation of Generation Z protesters at New Delhi’s Jantar Mantar, driven by anger over national examination irregularities (such as NEET paper leaks) and systemic administrative pressures, placed intense political heat on the central government and ultimately resulted in the resignation of Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan.

While thousands of students marched toward Parliament, faced police baton charges, and directed their slogans squarely at the accountability of PM Modi’s leadership, establishment figures have sought to frame civic expression within stricter parameters of national duty.

While student protesters argue that true democratic freedom includes structural accountability, transparency, and the right to challenge state apparatuses head-on, senior security and government figures like Doval emphasised that societal stability, national building, and adherence to established state frameworks must take precedence over unrestrained defiance.

Highlighting Lokmanya Tilak’s contribution to the nation, Doval said his life and times were marked by fear, anguish and suffering, yet he emerged as a towering figure who played a significant role in shaping India’s national consciousness.

The NSA made a fervent appeal to the young people of India to dedicate themselves completely to nation-building, stating that a “rare window of opportunity” has opened in the country’s history that must not be allowed to slip away.

Source: https://www.ndtv.com/india-news/youth-may-mistake-freedom-for-liberty-to-do-what-one-wants-ajit-doval-11852960

 

It is also reported that his seven-year-old son recorded a video on his mobile phone while watching his father hanging, while his wife screamed for someone to take him down.

An associate operator at a multinational company was allegedly found hanging at his Surat Nagar house after his wife sought a divorce, police said on Saturday.

It is also reported that his seven-year-old son recorded a video on his mobile phone while watching his father hanging, while his wife screamed for someone to take him down, they added.

According to the police, the deceased was identified as Sanjeev Yadav, 36, who worked as an associate operator at the Denso company. He was a native of Amritsar and lived with family in Gurugram’s Surat Nagar area.

Sanjeev’s sister, Kiran, alleges that there had been a dispute between her brother and his wife. His wife had sought a divorce; otherwise, her brother could not have hanged himself. Acting on the family’s complaint, the police detained the wife and launched an investigation.

According to the police, the body of Sanjeev Yadav was found hanging on Thursday. At the time, only his wife, Manpreet Kaur, and their seven-year-old son were at home. Manpreet immediately called her own family and Sanjeev’s parents to inform them of the suicide.

Sanjeev’s father Ramsevak Yadav said that a dispute had been ongoing between Sanjeev and his wife Manpreet Kaur for some time. He suspects his daughter-in-law of conspiring with accomplices to murder his son, he added.

Kiran insists that the circumstances surrounding her brother’s death must be investigated, as he did not commit suicide. She finds the video showing him hanging from the fan suspicious, noting that her brother weighed over 100 kg. Her brother’s wife wanted a divorce from him, she added.

According to the police, Sanjeev and Manpreet Kaur, a resident of Ambala, had a love marriage on April 29, 2018. They had met about eight years earlier while working at the company ‘Denso’ in Gurugram and later got married. Sanjeev had been living in Gurugram since the wedding. Manpreet gave birth to a son in 2019 and quit her job shortly thereafter.

“We handed over the body to kin after the postmortem and are investigating from every angle. The post-mortem report of the deceased is awaited, which will reveal the exact cause of death and action will be taken as per the law”, said sub-inspector Mahender Singh, the investigating officer.

Source: https://www.ndtv.com/gurgaon-news/gurugram-man-hangs-self-at-home-while-son-records-it-wife-screams-for-help-11854136?pfrom=home-ndtv_topstories

This milestone marks a significant triumph for the vulture conservation breeding and release program.

Mumbai: The Bombay Natural History Society (BNHS) recorded a unique observation in vulture conservation in Maharashtra, when one of the released Indian Vultures named ‘J132’, successfully spent 56 continuous days in the wild after two initial recaptures, seamlessly integrating into the natural landscape and covering over 1,618 kilometers.

This milestone marks a significant triumph for the vulture conservation breeding and release program.

It was initially released as part of the second batch of vultures at the Pench Tiger Reserve on December 11, 2025.

Following the first release, the bird demonstrated its flight capacity by dispersing to Nashik, covering more than 750 km in 20 days before it was recaptured due to its physical conditioning.

After a second brief release in early 2026, the third release came on June 7, 2026, in Nashik, raising concerns about whether it would learn the necessary tricks to live in the wild.

“Researchers were happy to see it completing 56 continuous days in the wild, demonstrating exceptional navigational ability, site fidelity, and survival instincts,” BNHS Director Kishor Rithe said.

Satellite telemetry data managed by BNHS researchers provided an unprecedented look into J132’s post-release behaviour.

Over the past eight weeks, the scavenger has maintained a steady average daily flight distance, with a peak single-day traversal of 168 kilometers recorded on June 17.

Source: https://www.deccanherald.com/environment/rehabilitated-vulture-completes-56-days-in-the-wild-in-nashik-4096305

Army intelligence units and Rajasthan Police uncovered an alleged fake military cloth supply network in Sriganganagar. Officials said the unauthorised fabric poses a security risk because it can aid impersonation.

A joint operation by Indian Army intelligence units and Rajasthan Police has uncovered an alleged counterfeit military uniform supply network in Rajasthan’s Sriganganagar district, leading to the seizure of nearly 1,000 metres of unauthorised Army-pattern combat cloth from multiple shops.

The operation stemmed from a June seizure of counterfeit combat cloth in Bareilly, which investigators traced back to a manufacturing source in Sriganganagar. Following the lead, Indian Army intelligence personnel conducted a discreet investigation that identified a local firm as a key link in the supply chain allegedly distributing fake Army-pattern combat fabric across the region.

According to officials, the firm was suspected of supplying counterfeit military-pattern cloth to vendors in Sriganganagar town as well as markets in Lalgarh Jattan, Suratgarh and nearby areas.

LEAD FROM BAREILLY SEIZURE TRIGGERED PROBE
After gathering evidence, Army intelligence units shared an interim investigation report with Rajasthan Police in mid-July. Based on the findings, a coordinated operation was launched on July 30, with police and security personnel carrying out searches at multiple shops across the district.

The raids resulted in the recovery of around 1,000 metres of unauthorised new-pattern combat cloth resembling material used for military uniforms.

SECURITY RISK DUE TO POTENTIAL IMPERSONATION
Officials said the unauthorised possession, sale or use of military-pattern combat fabric is a punishable offence. Such counterfeit material poses a significant security threat as it can be used to impersonate armed forces personnel and facilitate unlawful activities.

Source: https://www.indiatoday.in/india/story/army-rajasthan-police-bust-fake-military-uniform-racket-1000-metres-of-counterfeit-combat-cloth-seized-2961569-2026-08-02

Nasreen landed in Kolkata on Friday, which she had described as “homecoming”.

Nearly two decades after being forced out of Kolkata over a controversial book of hers, exiled Bangladeshi author Taslima Nasreen will make her first public appearance in the city at a literary event on Saturday.

Her return to Kolkata for an anti-fundamentalism programme where she is expected to recite poetry has become a cultural marker of West Bengal’s political transition under the new government.

Nasreen landed in Kolkata on Friday, which she had described as “homecoming”.

Besides Chief Minister Suvendu Adhikari, noted Bengali author Shirshendu Mukhopadhyay and several writers, artists and intellectuals are expected to attend the programme.

The ruling BJP is seeking to project her return as an affirmation of free speech while organisers insist the event is intended solely to celebrate literature and opposition to religious extremism.

Nasreen in Kolkata under BJP rule has revived a debate over freedom of expression, secularism and the state’s response to religious sensitivities.

The BJP has sought to present the event as the correction of the “failures” of the Left Front and Trinamool Congress governments to protect free speech in the face of religious pressure.

On the other hand, the Left Front and the Trinamool Congress have consistently maintained that the decision to ask Nasreen to leave Kolkata in 2007 was dictated entirely by law-and-order considerations as communal tensions escalated in parts of the city.

Organisers have repeatedly stressed that Saturday’s programme is neither a political rally nor a government function but a literary gathering dedicated to opposing religious fundamentalism and reaffirming the principle of freedom of expression.

Taslima had told PTI that returning to the city for her first public appearance felt like coming back to “my own country” and hoped that the visit would reaffirm the importance of freedom of expression and protection of dissenting voices.

“Bengal has never been divided in my heart by a border or a barbed-wire fence. The door to the eastern part of Bengal remains closed to me, so for now, this part of Bengal is my home,” she had said.

The acclaimed writer also described the visit as symbolising the return of a voice that religious fundamentalists had once sought to silence and thanked the organisers and the state government for facilitating her visit and providing security.

Nasreen fled Bangladesh in 1994 after facing death threats over her novel ‘Lajja’ and settled in Kolkata in 2004, embracing the city as her cultural refuge.

Her stay ended abruptly in November 2007 after violent protests erupted over portions of her memoir ‘Dwikhandito’, which had already been banned by the then Left Front government in 2003 for allegedly hurting the sentiments of sections of the Muslim community.

Source : https://www.deccanherald.com/india/exiled-bangladeshi-author-taslima-nasreen-set-to-make-first-public-appearance-in-kolkata-after-two-decades-4095375

 

A Delhi court has sentenced former AAP councillor Tahir Hussain and four others to life imprisonment for the murder of Intelligence Bureau staffer Ankit Sharma during the 2020 Delhi riots. Calling it a “very serious incident”, the court said the brutal crime had shaken the society.

A Delhi court on Friday sentenced former AAP councillor Tahir Hussain and four other convicts to life imprisonment in the murder case of Intelligence Bureau (IB) staffer Ankit Sharma, who was brutally killed during the 2020 northeast Delhi riots. While declining the prosecution’s plea for the death penalty, the court described the crime as one of “utmost brutality”, committed solely on religious grounds, and said the barbarity displayed was “nauseating and sickening”.

The Karkardooma court awarded life imprisonment to Tahir Hussain, Nazim, Qasim, Javed and Anas, all of whom were convicted earlier this month for murder, criminal conspiracy and other serious offences.

Reacting to the verdict, Tahir Hussain said he would challenge the conviction before the Delhi High Court, expressing confidence that he would get justice there. “We will go to the High Court. We will get justice from the High Court,” Hussain said after the sentencing.

He also alleged that the trial was “a fixed match”, saying, “Ye match fixed tha. Insaaf milega toh High Court se milega. (This match was fixed. If I get justice, it will be from the High Court.)”

Delhi Chief Minister Rekha Gupta welcomed the verdict, calling it a victory for justice and saying the life sentence reinforced public faith in the rule of law and the judiciary. In a post on X, she targeted the Aam Aadmi Party, alleging that its leaders, including Arvind Kejriwal and Manish Sisodia, had stood by Tahir Hussain after his arrest, and demanded that the former chief minister explain his party’s support for the ex-councillor during the riots’ investigation.

COURT CALLS CRIME BRUTAL, SAYS IT SHOOK SOCIETY

While pronouncing the sentence, the court described the crime as “very serious” and observed that the incident had shaken the conscience of society. It said the manner in which the events unfolded forced society to reflect on the brutality witnessed during the communal violence.

The judge noted that the murder was committed during the communal riots in northeast Delhi and that the offence was carried out with “utmost brutality” solely on account of the victim’s religion. “The manner in which the crime was committed was of utmost brutality, done solely on the ground of religion,” the court observed.

Referring to the treatment of the victim’s body, the court said Ankit Sharma’s body was dragged “like that of an animal” up to Chand Bagh Pulia before being thrown into a drain. “The barbarity committed is nauseating and sickening,” the court remarked.

WHY THE COURT REJECTED THE DEATH PENALTY

During the sentencing hearing, Delhi Police sought the death penalty for Tahir Hussain and the other convicts, arguing that the case fell within the “rarest of rare” category.

The court, however, held that the prosecution had not placed any material on record to establish that the five convicts had a violent disposition or a continuing propensity to commit crimes. It also noted that none of them had any previous criminal record.

The judge observed that the convicts could be disciplined and made to follow the rule of law. The court further said that although there is no legal bar on imposing the death penalty, such punishment requires circumstances beyond participation in an unlawful assembly and commission of the offence.

DEFENCE TO CHALLENGE VERDICT

Following the sentencing, advocate Abdul Gaffar Khan, who represented one of the co-accused, said an appeal would be filed before the higher court.

“I cannot speak for Mr Tahir Hussain, as I was not representing him; he was a co-accused in this matter. However, for the accused I represent, we will certainly file an appeal; we intend to do so within a week,” Khan said.

KAPIL MISHRA SEEKS DEATH PENALTY IN APPEAL

Reacting to the verdict, Delhi minister Kapil Mishra said the life sentence marked only the beginning of justice and expressed hope that the punishment would be enhanced by the High Court.

In a post on X, Mishra said, “Life imprisonment for Tahir Hussain is the beginning of justice. The manner in which Ankit Sharma was killed, and the fact that his body was repeatedly stabbed even after his death before being thrown into a drain, certainly makes this a ‘rarest of rare’ case.”

ताहिर हुसैन को उम्रकैद न्याय की शुरुआत है

जिस निर्ममता से मासूम, निहत्थे अंकित शर्मा जी की हत्या की गई थी ये Rarest of Rare case है

दिल्ली दंगों में सुनियोजित तरीके से हिंदुओं के खिलाफ हिंसा की गई, आशा करता हूँ जब ये मामला हाइकोर्ट में जाएगा तब ये उम्रकैद फांसी में बदली जाएगी pic.twitter.com/EvxgjBgNOe

— Kapil Mishra (@KapilMishra_IND) July 31, 2026

He added that he hoped the High Court would convert the life sentence into capital punishment.

Source : https://www.indiatoday.in/india/story/tahir-hussain-and-all-other-convicts-sentenced-to-life-imprisonment-in-ankit-sharma-murder-case-2960626-2026-07-31

 

The MEA said 139 Indian nationals have been released from the Russian Army and efforts continue to bring back around two dozen more. The case has renewed India’s warning against fraudulent overseas job offers that can lead to forced military service.

The Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) on Friday renewed its warning against fraudulent overseas recruitment offers, urging Indian citizens to exercise caution while accepting foreign jobs, as it said diplomatic efforts have secured the release of 139 Indian nationals from the Russian Army and continue to pursue the return of around two dozen more reportedly serving in the Russian military.

Addressing the weekly media briefing, MEA spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal said India has been consistently engaging with the Russian authorities on the issue.

“We have been following up with the Russian side for the release of the remaining Indian nationals in the Russian army. So far, our efforts have led to the release of 139 Indian nationals. We continue to pursue the release of the remaining two dozen Indian nationals who are reportedly in the Russian army,” Jaiswal said.

The MEA also cautioned Indians against falling prey to fraudulent overseas recruitment agents who lure job seekers with false promises.

“We would also once again we would like to caution our people against job offers that are fraught with risk and made by unscrupulous individuals and agencies,” Jaiswal said.

The issue came to light after several Indian nationals were allegedly recruited by agents with promises of civilian jobs in Russia but were later made to join the Russian military and deployed in the Russia-Ukraine conflict.

The MEA’s update came on the same day the Supreme Court issued a series of binding directions to streamline relief for families of Indian nationals affected by the conflict.

Hearing petitions filed by relatives of Indian citizens allegedly lured into the Russia-Ukraine war, a bench led by Chief Justice of India Surya Kant directed the MEA to appoint a dedicated nodal officer whose contact details will be shared directly with the affected families.

The court also directed the Centre to facilitate DNA identification of mortal remains, provide free legal aid and translate documents relating to compensation claims and repatriation.

In addition, the Supreme Court asked the MEA to prepare a consolidated docket, translated into vernacular languages, explaining the procedure for affected families to file compensation claims before the Russian authorities. It clarified that compensation claims would be routed through the MEA, but their pendency should not delay the return of mortal remains or the performance of last rites.

The court further directed the Member Secretaries of the State Legal Services Authorities to provide free legal aid to affected families for filing compensation claims and facilitating DNA testing. It also asked the MEA to provide translated versions of documents received from the Russian authorities relating to repatriation of mortal remains and compensation claims.

In its order, the Supreme Court noted that in 2024 and 2025, several Indian youths travelled to Russia on different visas after being promised employment in the construction, hospitality and service sectors. However, after reaching Russia, authorities allegedly confiscated their passports and identity documents, enroled them in the Russian armed forces and deployed them to the frontlines of the conflict.

Observing that many young Indians had lost their lives and that their mortal remains had not been repatriated in several cases despite verification, the court issued directions to streamline the process for their families.

The petitions were filed by families of 26 Indian nationals who alleged that their relatives were lured to Russia on the false promise of jobs or educational opportunities but were instead coerced into joining the Russian military after their passports were confiscated. The families sought urgent diplomatic and consular intervention to ascertain the whereabouts of the affected persons, secure the return of those still stranded, repatriate the mortal remains of those killed and facilitate compensation.

During an earlier hearing in April, the Centre informed the Supreme Court that 10 of the 26 Indian nationals had died in the conflict, one person was facing criminal proceedings in Russia, and another had voluntarily chosen to continue under a military contract.

Source : https://www.indiatoday.in/india/story/indian-nationals-russian-army-mea-says-139-released-two-dozen-await-return-2960748-2026-07-31

The flood crisis in Assam showed signs of easing but continued to affect thousands, with five districts still inundated, nearly 1.93 lakh people impacted and the season’s toll climbing to 82.

Floods continued to affect five districts in Assam on Saturday, with 1,92,799 people still hit by the situation and two more deaths taking this year’s toll to 82, officials said.

The worst-affected districts were Sivasagar, Golaghat, Jorhat, Nagaon and Charaideo, though the overall situation improved from Thursday, when more than two lakh people in eight districts were affected.

The state government has announced a series of relief measures for the worst-hit districts, including plans to ask insurance companies to quickly settle claims for damaged vehicles, livestock and property, and to request non-banking financial companies to grant a moratorium to borrowers.

Relief work also continued on the ground, with multiple agencies, including the NDRF and SDRF, involved in operations.

Officials said the Dikhow and Dhansiri rivers were in a severe flood situation at Sivasagar and Numaligarh in Golaghat, and people were urged to stay away from them.

Around 13,000 people were staying in 54 relief camps, while 26 relief distribution centres were serving 5,384 people. The government is also focusing on a quick assessment of damage so that repair funds can be released at the earliest.

According to officials, one death each was reported from Sivasagar and Charaideo, taking the total flood death toll this year to 82. Of the 1,92,799 people affected, Charaideo remained the worst-hit with 77,456 people affected, followed by 63,492 in Sivasagar and 34,067 in Jorhat.

Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma said the state cabinet on Friday decided to hold a meeting with private and government insurance companies on August 5 to urge them to quickly settle claims from people in the affected areas.

The government will also meet NBFCs the same day to ask them to give a moratorium to borrowers from the four worst-hit districts of Sivasagar, Charaideo, Jorhat and Golaghat.

The announcement came a day after Sarma chaired a special meeting of the State Level Bankers’ Committee, where it was decided that all flood-affected people in the four districts would get a six-month moratorium on loan repayment.

In a social media post, Sarma said, “As floods affect four districts of Assam, our government stands firmly with every affected family. Along with other relief and assistance, we have approved Rs 41.67 crore under the PM Surya Ghar pending state subsidy for 9,289 beneficiaries in the affected areas.”

Source : https://www.indiatoday.in/india/story/assam-floods-death-toll-82-relief-insurance-loan-moratorium-sivasagar-golaghat-jorhat-nagaon-charaideo-ptag-2961076-2026-08-01

The Hyderabad Police on Friday registered a case against Meta for allegedly circulating offensive photos and videos of the Prime Minister

A Meta spokesperson said Friday that they were cooperating with the concerned agencies to resolve the matter linked to a case by the Hyderabad Police over the alleged circulation of morphed and objectionable content about Prime Minister Narendra Modi on social media platforms during the recent Cockroach Janta Party (CJP) protest.

The Hyderabad Police on Friday registered a case against Meta’s India head, Arun Srinivas, as well as several Facebook and Instagram accounts for allegedly circulating offensive photos and videos of the Prime Minister.

“We are in touch with the concerned agencies and are cooperating with them to resolve the matter”, said the Meta spokesperson, according to ANI.

About The Case

The case was filed by the Cybercrime unit of the Hyderabad Police on complaints of two individuals who alleged that while scrolling Instagram –– a Meta platform –– they came across multiple morphed and digitally manipulated videos and images of PM Modi in an obscene, derogatory, and misleading manner.

“The comments contain offensive language, ridicule, and indecent remarks directed at the Hon’ble Prime Minister and other individuals depicted in the manipulated content, thereby amplifying the offensive nature of the posts and encouraging their wider circulation and engagement. The above content appears to have been digitally altered or AI-generated and circulated on social media,” said the complainants.

They argued that such content could mislead the public, spreading misinformation and inciting hate or public unrest.

“Such content has the potential to mislead the public, spread misinformation, incite hatred or public unrest, outrage public decency, defame or insult the dignity of public figures, disturb public order, promote hostility among different sections of society, and otherwise violate the applicable provisions of law”.

The complaint was filed by S Aravind Reddy, a 29-year-old businessman, and T Saikiran Goud, a Telangana BJP activist.

Source : https://www.news18.com/india/cooperating-meta-responds-after-india-head-booked-over-offensive-facebook-posts-on-pm-during-cjp-protest-ws-l-10245967.html

The price of commercial LPG reportedly stands at ₹2,738 per cylinder in Delhi and ₹2,872 per cylinder in Kolkata as of Sunday, August 1.

The prices of 19kg commercial LPG has been reduced by in Delhi and Kolkata, with no change in rates of domestic LPG, news agency ANI reported on Sunday citing sources.

Commercial LPG is now cheaper by ₹202 in Delhi and ₹209 in Kolkata. According to Good Returns, the price of commercial LPG stands at ₹2,738 per cylinder in Delhi and ₹2,872 per cylinder in Kolkata as of Sunday, August 1.

The last time commercial LPG rates saw a drop was on July 1, when oil marketing companies brought down rates by ₹183.50, bringing the retail price in Delhi down to ₹2,930 per cylinder.

Vendors reacts to price drop

Shop owners and vendors welcomed the further reduction in commercial LPG rates on Sunday. A street food vendor, Jhandu in North 24 Parganas told news agency ANI, “Yes, the price has come down by ₹209…We are facing a little difficulty, it is good that the price has come down but it should be further reduced.”

A shop owner in Uttar Pradesh’s Ayodhya also praised the price drop and said it would make a difference. “It would be better if it became a bit cheaper. We are fully satisfied, though it would be even better if they could look into it a little further. Whatever the government does, it does for the best; it wouldn’t do anything detrimental. There will definitely be some relief,” Sachin, a sweet shop owner in Ayodhya said.

Similarly, a tea seller in Delhi also said that the price reduction would help, adding that rates should further drop.

Source : https://www.hindustantimes.com/india-news/commercial-lpg-prices-reduced-delhi-kolkata-mumbai-bengaluru-chennai-check-new-rates-us-iran-war-strait-of-hormuz-101785552628978.html

The remarks came after a zero FIR was registered in Noida against a woman for allegedly using abusive language against PM Modi during NEET paper leak protest.

The Cockroach Janta Party (CJP) has raised questions after an FIR was filed against a Noida girl for allegedly using abusive language against Prime Minister Narendra Modi during NEET protests at Jantar Mantar. CJP spokesperson Saurav Das said that while the use of abusive language can be condemned, using criminal justice machinery over it is ‘unjustifiable’.

“Since when has using abusive language become a criminal offense in this country?” Das asked, adding that 50 % of the MPs face criminal charges, yet no action is taken against them.

‘Condemnable, stop targeting young people’

He alleged that FIRs in such cases are being filed to ‘single out’ people to ‘make an example of them’.

“This is utterly condemnable. I once again appeal to the government and its police machinery to stop harassing the youth. Stop targeting young people in this way, and leave this girl alone. Such misuse of the police force in these kinds of cases is completely unacceptable,” Das said.

#WATCH | Delhi: On FIR against Noida girl for using abusive language against PM Narendra Modi during protest at Jantar Mantar, Cockroach Janta Party Chief Spokesperson Saurav Das says, “One might condemn the use of abusive language during a protest. However, using the criminal… pic.twitter.com/BkOdx0flQb

— ANI (@ANI) July 31, 2026

In a post on X, Das said that ‘profanity is not criminal.’

“What may be distasteful to one may not be for another. The use of criminal machinery cannot be justified in such cases. Any speech that does not reach the threshold of inciting violence is just speech. Answer to speech is more speech,” he wrote in a post on X.

Dipke questions FIR against Noida girl

CJP founder Abhijeet Dipke also questioned the FIR, asking whether there were “two laws” in the country and why similar action was not taken against BJP leaders and IT cell members accused of using objectionable language.

In a video shared by the outfit on X, Dipke said he had learnt that a case had been registered against a woman for using abusive language and questioned why similar action had not been taken in other cases.

“If you are registering cases for abusing, when will cases be registered against those BJP IT cell people who have been using abusive language for women online for years?” Dipke asked.

He alleged that several such social media users had repeatedly used objectionable language against women while openly identifying themselves with the BJP.

“They have been using all kinds of words, not respecting women from any angle. And they proudly wrote in their bio, ‘Followed by PM Modi’. Such people have abused girls. When will the case be filed on them?” he added.

Will FIRs also be filed against the IT cell members who have abused women in the worst possible manner for all these years? pic.twitter.com/xaz26nmt0C

— Abhijeet Dipke (@abhijeet_dipke) July 31, 2026

The Cockroach party’s remarks came after a Zero FIR was registered at the Expressway police station in Noida against a girl for allegedly using abusive and objectionable language against Prime Minister Narendra Modi during a protest at Jantar Mantar on July 23.

The FIR was lodged on the complaint of Ghaziabad resident Smriti Singh under Sections 352 (intentional insult to provoke breach of peace), 353(1) (statements conducing to public mischief) and 356(1) (defamation) of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita.

Police said the Zero FIR would be transferred to New Delhi for further investigation.

PM Modi ‘forgives’ students over abusive language

Following the abusive language row, PM Modi on Friday said he was forgiving students who hurled abuses at him and his late mother during the Jantar Mantar protest, describing them as “misguided children” who deserve guidance rather than punishment or prolonged legal action.

Source : https://www.hindustantimes.com/lifestyle/recipe/chef-sanjeev-kapoor-gives-kadhi-a-delicious-twist-try-his-tangy-spicy-and-sassy-bhindi-kadhi-recipe-101785482886485.html

 

Opposition MPs used street theatre to target the central government over the alleged Ram Mandir donation “theft” in Parliament complex on Friday

A police complaint has been lodged against Independent MP from Purnia, Rajesh Ranjan alias Pappu Yadav, following his protest demonstration on Friday inside the Parliament complex over the alleged Ram Mandir donation embezzlement case.

The complaint, filed by petitioner Surya Maithil at Jahangirpuri Police Station in the national capital, accuses Yadav of hurting religious sentiments during the protest.

The demonstration was supported by several leaders of the Opposition’s INDIA bloc.

Speaking to news agency ANI, Surya Maithil alleged that Yadav insulted religious symbols during his demonstration outside Parliament.

“Pappu Yadav insulted the saffron and the drama he staged outside Parliament was supported by Rahul Gandhi, Dimple Yadav, Awadhesh Prasad, and other MPs from the INDIA alliance. In it, Pappu Yadav even placed the picture of Lord Ram Lalla Virajman under his feet… This has hurt the sentiments of Sanatanis,” Maithil told ANI.

The Parliament complex turned into a stage in an unusual display of protest on Friday, as Opposition MPs used street theatre to target the central government over the alleged Ram Mandir donation “theft”.

As slogans of ‘Chanda chor, gaddi chhod’, ‘Jawab tumko dena hoga’ and ‘Amit Shah, sadan mein aao!’ echoed through the Parliament complex, Purnia MP Pappu Yadav emerged dressed in saffron robes, portraying a temple priest collecting offerings from devotees. He also carried a photograph of Lord Ram.

As part of a skit, the MPs, including Leader of Opposition Rahul Gandhi, put money into collection boxes, while Yadav slipped money into his pockets to symbolise the alleged theft at the Ram Temple.

The symbolic performance unfolded like a nukkad natak. Fellow Opposition MPs played the role of devotees, stepping forward to place donations into a collection box. However, the “priest”, played by Pappu Yadav, quietly slipped the money into his own pocket instead of the donation box, prompting an SP MP, acting as a devotee, to confront him over the “illegal” action.

The Lok Sabha Secretariat also took a strict view regarding the methods of protest in the Parliament House complex. According to sources, the Secretariat has made it clear that costume-based protests or dramatic demonstrations will not be allowed in the Parliament premises.

It was also reported that Lok Sabha Speaker Om Birla has expressed displeasure over the entire incident and preparations are underway to implement the existing guidelines strictly.

Samajwadi Party MP Dharmendra Yadav said the demonstration was aimed at drawing attention to allegations that devotees who made donations were not issued receipts and that CCTV footage related to the matter had allegedly been deleted.

Source : https://www.ndtv.com/india-news/ram-mandir-donation-theft-case-complaint-filed-against-pappu-yadav-over-temple-donation-theft-act-in-parliament-11851253?pfrom=home-ndtv_topscroll

The apology video emerged just a few hours after PM Modi’s latest Instagram video appealing for restraint and forgiveness following abusive slogans

A video has surfaced on social media showing the girl booked for using abusive language against Prime Minister Narendra Modi during a student protest apologising for her remarks.

In the video, which has now gone viral, she is seen wearing a striped T-shirt and speaks with folded hands.

“I came under the influence of some people at the protest and said a lot of bad things against the Prime Minister,” she says in the video.

While the FIR had mentioned that she is 25 years old, in the apology video the girl claims she is “just 15 years old”.

“I am only 15 years old. Whatever I did was not worthy of forgiveness. I have said a lot of bad things.”

Calling it her “first and last mistake”, she adds, “I apologise to the entire country. I am so ashamed. I can’t even look at myself. Please forgive me.”

NDTV cannot independently verify the authenticity of the video.

On Wednesday, a complaint was filed against the girl at a Noida police station over her remarks against the Prime Minister. Noida Police filed a Zero FIR, which was later transferred to Parliament Street Police Station in New Delhi.

The complainant stated that her comments insulted the dignity of the Prime Minister’s office and could spread disharmony and disturb public peace.

The apology video emerged just a few hours after Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s latest Instagram video appealing for restraint and forgiveness following abusive slogans directed at him during student protests.

In the video posted on Friday night, PM Modi said that “abuses never solve anything” and urged society to guide, rather than punish, those who had gone astray.

“What happened at Jantar Mantar has been seen by the country and the world,” he said. “Some misguided youngsters used language that has no place in any civilised society. I was abused, and even my late mother was abused.”

Describing those who abused him as “misguided”, the Prime Minister said he did not believe the answer lay in “anger or retaliation”.

“Mistakes are made in childhood, and childhood also provides an opportunity to correct those mistakes. That is what being young is about,” he said in the video.

Source : https://www.ndtv.com/india-news/cjp-protest-jantar-mantar-i-am-just-15-forgive-me-girl-booked-for-abusing-pm-modi-at-protest-apologises-11851123?pfrom=home-ndtv_topscroll

Ten climbers, including the legendary Nepalese mountaineer, Nirmal Purja, were reported missing after an avalanche struck Broad Peak in PoK on Thursday.

The mountains have been silent.

Broad Peak, an 8051-metre peak in the Karakoram Range in Pakistan-occupied-Kashmir – not too far from the world’s highest peak K2 – now carries the weight of tragedy. Ten climbers, including the legendary Nepalese mountaineer, Nirmal Purja, were reported missing after an avalanche struck on Thursday. A day later, the death of four climbers was confirmed, while the whereabouts of Purja and five others are still not known.

Amid the growing concerns over their disappearance, some of the world’s leading mountaineers spoke to NDTV’s Senior Managing Editor, Vishnu Som, about Purja’s legendary climbs, the extreme risks and unforgiving conditions that define high-altitude expeditions, and the challenges of survival above the death zone.

Arjun Vajpayee, an Indian mountaineer, praised Purja – who has climbed all 14 of the world’s 8,000-metre peaks in just six months and six days – shattering the previous record of nearly eight years. Purja later returned to summit all 14 peaks again, but this time, without supplemental oxygen. He ended up becoming the fastest person ever to do so in under two years and five months. Calling his approach rather “risky”, Vajpayee said it is “what it takes to push things to the next level and to achieve them”.

“Hats off to Nims (Nirmal Purja) for what he’s been able to achieve. I’ve known Nims for quite some time now, before he started his projects. We’d seen him earn the respect, not only from the mountaineering community, but from the world, with his hard work and his diligence. It is not easy to do any kind of winter ascents on any of these 8,000-metre mountains. Above 8,000 metres in spring and autumn itself, it gets very difficult. In winters, it gets even crazier,” he said.

The Indian mountaineer expressed grief over the avalanche incident.

“It is just unfortunate that this one wasn’t just a snow powder avalanche. It came down with a lot of rubble, I guess. Hence, we are getting the news that they are finding some climbers and some parts here and there, which is very, very disturbing,” he said.

Vajpayee, however, said that risk is the nature of their sport. “Mountaineering comes with a lot of challenges, and this is part and parcel of our game. Nobody can detect avalanches. Mitigating risk is something Nims was very good at. Unfortunately, this time, we are all praying to the very end that we are hoping that some good news comes out of it, but as the hours are passing by, hope is getting lesser,” he added.

Norwegian mountaineer and former cross-country skier, Kristen Harilla, said scaling all 14 peaks in just a few months is “very very hard” – which Purja had achieved.

“It’s super challenging and risky, as we know these mountains are. It’s very challenging to climb this 8,000-metre either way, if you go with oxygen or without. But without it, you need more time to acclimatise, and you will move slower…you will be colder. It’s harder on your body. So it’s a big difference, but we know Nims has done a lot of 8,000 metres without oxygen and he’s always well-acclimatised because he goes to the mountain all the time. So I wasn’t very worried about him going without oxygen again,” she said.

According to Kristen, if a person stays above 8,000 metres for a long time, they would die.

“We take a long time to summit one mountain to acclimatise, to be ready to actually do it. So you kind of prepare your body for that. But if you stay there in the end, you will die,” she told NDTV.

On Broad Peak, the Norwegian mountaineer said there is a high risk of avalanches on the lower parts of the mountain.
Lieutenant-Colonel Romil Bartwal, who has climbed Everest, told NDTV that what Purja achieved in his life is “commendable”.

“It’s unbelievable, not just for the common man, but for the mountaineers as well, what he had achieved. Because I remember the first time he did Everest on that day, there was a long queue of people. But what he has achieved is unbelievable. And obviously that comes, one, from mountaineering, doing the repeated climbs time and again, and then again, the mindset of a Gorkha and that too from the best of the best Special Forces in the world. So that’s where the mindset he has developed all through the years has made him what he is on the mountains,” he said.

Born in Nepal, Purja had a distinguished 16-year military career, spending six years in the elite Gorkha regiment and 10 years with the UK Special Forces (SBS).

‘Lot about the mind’

Bharat Thamineni, the founder of ‘Boots and Crampons’ – who has climbed Everest, said that climbing a mountain is a lot about the mind and the preparation, alongside physical abilities.

“Coming to mind versus body, it’s always on mountain, you have to be in a controlled way, whatever you take the decisions, at one point, in the altitudes mainly, body generally gives up, you’re tired, you’re handling a lot of things, so most of the time, it’s the mind which has to be under your control to take the proper decision – Even when you are handling the teams, even the team leader, even though the body is tired…It’s all about the mind,” he said.

Trained for avalanches?

According to Bartwal, mountaineers can theoretically predict the kind of slope where there are higher chances of an avalanche, but in practiciality – things are different.

“There is one thing called theory and there is one thing which happens on ground. Theoretically, you can predict the kind of slope where the avalanche chances are high or the weather conditions like in this case. Once you start climbing, then everyone has a different opinion, but as regards our experiences concerned or our teachings in the army, the moment you see an avalanche, you’re supposed to turn back, leave the way, but then it’s all in the theory,” he said.

Bartwal said that before one realises, they end up engulfed in the avalanche.

“…It’s the fast pace of the avalanche. It said that once an avalanche happens, the chances of second avalanche is again very high. First thing you do is you leave the path on which the runaway zone, what we call it, on which the avalanche has happened and then you try and leave that way and then you gather all your gears because chances are you would have lost your goggles, your trek poles or ice axe, those kind of things. Then you try and get down, look for your teammates, who’s surviving, who’s where and then try and get out of that way at the earliest,” he added.

“But on ground, things are very, very different,” the mountaineer said.

‘Climate change not a myth’

Climate change is no more a myth and it is in fact a reality, Vajpayee said.

“With the climate change happening, glaciers receding, the weather patterns have obviously been a little off the charts. We do see a significant change. Climate change is no more a myth, it is in fact a reality. We do see bigger crevasses opening up, a lot of erratic snowfall when it should be snowing…There are various factors which lead to avalanches. Crossing the glaciers, yes, it has become a little difficult. Some places it’s just rock now. We do see a lot of change,” he said.

The mountaineer added, “It is real, especially with the Broad Peak. If you go to look at the geography of it, the physiology of the mountain, we as Indians, we have not been there yet. Kristen has been there twice, but I am sure she would agree that the hanging parts, the hanging glaciers over there, with climate change, it does not make it any more easier. There are a lot of risky parts now which are just hanging over your head and they can come down anytime.”

On avalanche, Vajpayee said, “When it starts to break, all you hear is that sound of the avalanche breaking and the ground starts to shake and by the time you start to put your theory together, it is already over you. There is no way that you can run away from it. Sometimes all you can do is put your eyes deep down inside and try and take a cover. Sometimes if it is soft and too big, you can try to float up upon it. Nobody can predict avalanches and sometimes they engulf you.”

According to Thamineni, though they get reports about the weather conditions at the base camp, it is not 100 per cent right since winds may change any time.

‘Summit fever’

Bartwal spoke to NDTV about the ‘summit fever – where a person, when they feel they are close to the summit, they end up neglecting other aspects and pushing themselves.

“Ideally speaking, and as per what you are supposed to be doing, if you have the discipline, you are supposed to turn back and that is what many, many people do, but as we said, it is very easy sitting in Delhi in a cool environment saying that we can turn back, but once you are close to the summit, even once you feel it is close, you will reach in about an hour, it takes about five to six at times, ten hours to reach there, that is where the mistakes happen. So, a disciplined approach would make sure that you do not succumb to summit fever, but otherwise, considering all the logistics, all the pressure, a good team leader would definitely ask the team to turn back,” he said.

Source : https://www.ndtv.com/india-news/nirmal-nims-purja-broad-peak-missing-his-approach-was-risky-mountaineers-on-nirmal-purjas-legendary-climbs-avalanche-in-pok-nepalese-mountaineer-11851202?pfrom=home-ndtv_topscroll

Two migrant workers were killed in a terrorist attack in Kulgam district of Jammu and Kashmir.

Two migrant workers have been killed in a terrorist attack in Jammu and Kashmir’s Kulgam district. Police sources said terrorists fired at two non-local workers at Kellam village in Kulgam district on Friday evening.

While one person died on the spot, another who was shifted to the hospital died during the treatment. Deepak, who died in the attack, was a resident of Chhattisgarh. The other man who dies in hospital has bee identified a Bhupender, who is also from Chhattisgarh.

A major cordon and search operation has been launched in the area to track down the attackers.

This is second targetted attack by terrorists in the last 10 days. Last week, a policeman was killed in a targetted attack in Anantnag.

Following the killing, a major police crackdown was launched across Kashmir and over 3000 “suspects” have been detained.

Source : https://www.ndtv.com/india-news/migrant-worker-killed-another-injured-in-terrorist-attack-in-j-k-11849789?pfrom=home-ndtv_topscroll

India is closely monitoring a US bill that could impose tariffs of up to 100% on countries importing Russian oil and gas after it cleared the US Senate. The MEA said India’s energy policy is driven by national interest and the needs of 1.4 billion people, while reaffirming continued engagement with US stakeholders. If enacted, the law could significantly impact India’s energy trade.

India is keeping a close watch on a US bill that empowers Washington to impose tariffs of up to 100 per cent on nations purchasing Russian oil and gas, the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) said on Friday, days after the proposed legislation cleared the US Senate.

Addressing the weekly media briefing in the national capital, MEA spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal stated that New Delhi is tracking the progress of the measure in Washington.

VIDEO | On US bill proposing 100 per cent tariffs over Russian oil, targeting India, China and other buyers, MEA Spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal says, “We are aware of this development and are closely monitoring the situation. As you are well aware, our position on energy security… pic.twitter.com/qBkrxaz9eA

— Press Trust of India (@PTI_News) July 31, 2026

“We are closely monitoring the developments,” Jaiswal said.

Reaffirming India’s strategic approach towards fulfilling its domestic power and fuel requirements, the spokesperson emphasised that national interest remains the core pillar of the country’s energy policy.

“On energy security, our position has been clarified and very well articulated on several occasions. It is something which is predicated on our national priorities and on securing the energy needs of our 1.4 billion people through diversified sources, which includes the US,” he said.

Jaiswal further highlighted that New Delhi maintains continuous dialogue with key official channels across the Atlantic regarding the proposed measures.

“We remain engaged with relevant stakeholders in the US at various levels on this particular matter,” he said.

The official response follows the US Senate passing the Sanctioning Russia and Iran Act of 2026 with a decisive 86-12 vote, paving the way for the measure to be taken up by the House of Representatives for further legislative review.

If enacted, the legislative framework would grant US President Donald Trump broad executive authority to enforce primary and secondary sanctions against Moscow and supporting entities.

Source : https://www.freepressjournal.in/india/closely-monitoring-the-situation-india-responds-to-us-bill-proposing-100-tariffs-on-russian-oil-video

 

Abhijeet Dipke linked the police action on students, his concerns about institutions, his criticism of the government and his support for farmers, while repeating his demand that Home Minister Amit Shah should resign.

Cockroach Janta Party (CJP) founder Abhijeet Dipke on Thursday alleged that the order to use force against students during the July 20 “Sansad Chalo” march must have come from Union Home Minister Amit Shah, and demanded his resignation over the police crackdown. Dipke also said democracy was in “danger” in the country and raised questions over institutions, including the judiciary.

He made the remarks after returning to his home in Chhatrapati Sambhajinagar following a CJP-led protest of more than a month at New Delhi’s Jantar Mantar over the NEET paper leak, which ended with the resignation of then Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan.

Speaking to reporters at his residence, Dipke said, “Saving democracy is not merely an Opposition issue now. The people of the country will have to come together (to save it).”

“There is a question mark even on judiciary. We have all seen how the ED and CBI were used to break parties like the Shiv Sena and the NCP. The big institutions in the country had a duty to keep democracy alive and not create the dictatorship of a single man. They let it happen. To stop this, not only the Opposition, but even the people will have to come together,” he added.

JOSHI A WEIRD MAN: DIPKE

The 30-year-old activist also criticised the appointment of Pralhad Joshi as the new Education Minister and called him a “weird” man. “If the Education Minister of the country applauds rapists, this means another weird man has been brought in after removing Dharmendra Pradhan. What message is being given to the country? They cannot do anything else because their party is full of goons. People like Ram Rahim come out on parole during their tenure. This government supports goons and rapists,” he alleged.

Asked about yoga guru and entrepreneur Ramdev’s comments that Gen Z, who led the stir at Jantar Mantar, had defamed India’s culture, Dipke said the protest was constitutional. “We have fought for our rights against the paper leak in a constitutional way. If agitating with photos of Mahatma Gandhi and B R Ambedkar in a legal way is defaming culture, we have done it. Baba Ramdev should look into Patanjali about which the Supreme Court has made adverse comments in the past,” he said.

“Gen Z can handle the country and its culture well. He should concentrate on Patanjali or else it may go out of business,” he added.

‘AMIT SHAH SHOULD DEFINITELY RESIGN’

Dipke also backed Lok Sabha Leader of Opposition Rahul Gandhi’s demand for Shah’s resignation. “Amit Shah should definitely resign. There is another thing being said: that the Cockroach Janta Party is receiving funding from outside or that the movement is being run from outside. If this is happening then it reflects the failure of a person like Amit Shah. If the CJP is being run from outside then what kind of ‘Chanakya’ is he? The order to use force against students on July 20 must have been issued by Amit Shah and no one else,” he claimed.

He said CJP would support farmers if they sought the party’s help during their protests. “Farmers also want their children to have successful careers. Earlier they stood with us in our agitation. If farmer leaders require our support, we will stand with them. Wherever farmers need us, we will stand with them. I also belong to a farmer family. Many of us are from farmer families,” he said.

Dipke said the police should follow the Constitution and not BJP orders. “If not, they should switch to ‘khaki chaddi’ and stand before the BJP headquarters, saying ‘main bhi chowkidar’,” he said.

He further added, “If the police fear video recording from agitators, that means they have something wrong going on in their minds. Cameras were there on my face round the clock during the Delhi stir, but I did not fear. The police in this country should follow the Constitution. They don’t belong to a party but they belong to the country. They are not those who will run on BJP’s WhatsApp forwards.”

Source : https://www.indiatoday.in/india/story/after-rahul-gandhi-abhijeet-dipke-demands-amit-shah-resignation-over-student-protest-crackdown-2959745-2026-07-30

Parliament on Thursday cleared the Public Examinations (Prevention of Unfair Means) Amendment Bill, 2026, after it was passed in the Rajya Sabha amid a Congress-led Opposition walkout demanding Home Minister Amit Shah’s presence during the minister’s reply.

Parliament on Thursday cleared the Public Examinations (Prevention of Unfair Means) Amendment Bill, 2026, after the Rajya Sabha passed the legislation by a voice vote amid a walkout by Opposition parties led by the Congress. The bill was passed in Lok Sabha on Wednesday.

The government said the amended law prescribes stricter punishment for paper leaks and aims to address a major issue affecting students while seeking cooperation from all sections.

The Rajya Sabha approved the bill a day after the Lok Sabha passed it, completing Parliament’s approval of the legislation.

Under the bill, individuals involved in paper leaks or unfair means in public examinations will face imprisonment ranging from a minimum of five years to a maximum of 10 years, along with a fine of up to Rs 50 lakh. For organised crimes related to paper leaks, the bill prescribes a minimum jail term of seven years and a fine of up to Rs 10 crore.

The amendment also empowers all state governments and Union Territory administrations to designate any Court of Session as a special fast-track court to try offences under the proposed law. It mandates that proceedings in these courts continue on a day-to-day basis and that trials conclude within three months of the filing of the charge sheet.

The bill further empowers the central government to constitute a special task force to investigate any offence under the law, if necessary.

The Rajya Sabha witnessed a walkout by Opposition parties led by the Congress shortly before the bill’s passage. The protest came after the day-long debate on the legislation concluded with BJP MP Kavita Patidar’s speech.

After Chairman CP Radhakrishnan called Minister of State for Personnel, Public Grievances and Pensions Jitendra Singh to reply to the debate, Congress MP and Deputy Leader of the Opposition in the Rajya Sabha Pramod Tiwari demanded the presence of Home Minister Amit Shah in the House.

“We talked about sticks, we talked about bullets. We had hope that before the discussion in the House, Home Minister Amit Shah would come, but he is not coming,” Tiwari said.

Radhakrishnan rejected the demand and asked Singh to proceed with his reply, following which the Congress and some other Opposition parties staged a walkout.

Leader of the House in the Rajya Sabha, JP Nadda, criticised the Opposition’s decision, saying it showed that they had “lost the issue”.

“Today, the discussion has been going on for about 8 hours. Every member has been given the right to speak. The Opposition has listened to all the issues very carefully. And with that, when the minister stood up to answer, Tiwari started opposing it. This is irresponsible behaviour, which is being carried out. And that is why I said that they have no interest in the discussion,” Nadda said.

Source : https://www.indiatoday.in/india/story/parliament-clears-anti-paper-leak-bill-after-rajya-sabha-passes-it-amid-opposition-walkout-2960111-2026-07-30

The government has told the Parliamentary Standing Committee on External Affairs that the request is “being examined by the competent authorities” in line with applicable law and established procedures.

A parliamentary committee has said it has taken note of the Bangladesh government’s “extradition request” after former prime minister Sheikh Hasina was given a death sentence in absentia, and has asked the Centre to keep it informed on how the matter is being considered. The government has told the Parliamentary Standing Committee on External Affairs that the request is “being examined by the competent authorities” in line with applicable law and established procedures.

The panel, headed by Congress leader Shashi Tharoor, made the observations in a report tabled in Parliament on Thursday. Titled “Action Taken by the Government on the Observations/ Recommendations contained in the Ninth Report of the Committee on the subject ‘Future of India-Bangladesh Relationship'”, the report said Hasina’s stay in India and New Delhi’s approach are guided by its civilisational ethos and humanitarian tradition of offering refuge to people facing grave distress or an existential threat.

In its response to the committee, the government said, “The recommendation is noted for compliance.” The panel also said it had been informed that the government of India does not provide Hasina with a “political platform or any space to undertake political activity from Indian territory”.

The committee noted that while extending humanitarian consideration, India has strictly followed the principle that no political activity is directed against any other country from its territory. It recommended that the government should “continue to uphold its principled and humanitarian approach, consistent with India’s values and international responsibilities, while ensuring that such situations are managed with due sensitivity”.

Source : https://www.indiatoday.in/india/story/bangladesh-extradition-request-for-sheikh-hasina-being-examined-govt-tells-parliament-panel-2960127-2026-07-30

CJP spokesperson Saurav Das hit back after Kangana Ranaut called him useless and questioned his student claim. Their exchange followed the NEET protest row and widened the political sparring around the agitation.

Cockroach Janta Party (CJP) chief spokesperson Saurav Das on Wednesday hit back at BJP MP and actor Kangana Ranaut after she mocked his age and described him as a “useless and unemployed” person in a series of social media posts following the recent NEET paper leak protests.

Responding to Ranaut’s remarks, Das dismissed her claims about his background, saying she had relied on incorrect information available online. He clarified that he is 27 years old, not 28, and said he has never claimed to be an active student. “Even Google is giving Kangana incorrect information about me. I’m 27, not 28, and I am not a student. I am a journalist. I never claimed to be an active student,” Das told news agency ANI.

He added that learning should not be confined to educational institutions. “I am a student of life. Regardless of one’s age, one should remain a student of life. If one isn’t a student of life, wisdom won’t come. Kangana, too, should learn how to become a student of life,” he said.

Das’s remarks came after Ranaut, the Lok Sabha MP from Mandi, criticised Das in a series of Instagram Stories while reacting to the student-led protests over the alleged NEET paper leak.

Referring to Das, Ranaut wrote that she had searched for him online and questioned his claim of being a student. “Googled this student and he is 28. How he claims himself to be a student I have no clue,” she wrote.

The BJP MP contrasted Das’s public profile with her own achievements, saying that while she had entered politics only two years ago, she had spent two decades in public life and had already won two National Awards by the time she was his age.

In another post, she took a sharper swipe at Das, writing, “You are not a student; you are simply useless. Let’s start with learning some skill. It’s a good place to start.”

Ranaut also strongly criticised the conduct of some participants in the recent anti-NEET protests, alleging that abusive and obscene language had been used against Prime Minister Narendra Modi and his late mother.

“We too have participated in student protests. But what kind of students are these, and what kind of obscene language are they using? Our 75-year-old Prime Minister was targeted, and filthy abuse was hurled at his late mother. As a society, this is completely unacceptable to us,” she said.

Source : https://www.indiatoday.in/india/story/saurav-das-google-jibe-kangana-ranaut-over-useless-unemployed-remarks-instagram-stories-cjp-protest-watch-video-2960199-2026-07-30

The Delhi Police document does not say the identified individuals were involved in protest violence, nor does it clarify whether facial recognition matches resulted in arrests, preventive measures or further investigation.

Delhi Police has identified nearly 2,900 people with criminal records who were present during the anti-NEET paper leak protests held at Jantar Mantar in New Delhi last week, but the disclosure has also raised a key legal question: can a person be treated as criminal merely because facial recognition technology matched their face with police database?

According to a document tabled in Parliament, facial recognition system (FRS) vans deployed during the protest identified 2,873 individuals with criminal antecedents in real time.

Of these, 2,402 were matched through the Crime-Kundli database and another 471 through Dossier records.

The protests, organised by student groups demanding action over the alleged NEET paper leak, were held between July 20 and July 25.

The document categorised the identified individuals according to offences recorded against them. It said 101 were linked to murder cases, 62 to attempt to murder, and 284 to dacoity and robbery cases.

It also listed 61 people connected to rape cases, six linked to offences under the Protection of Children from Sexual Offences (POCSO) Act, 25 in molestation cases, 229 under the Arms Act, 135 in snatching cases, 19 in kidnapping cases and 67 in narcotics-related cases.

The largest category comprised 1,884 individuals booked under various provisions of the Indian Penal Code, the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita and other special laws.

However, the document does not state that these people committed violence during the protest. It also does not specify whether the facial recognition matches led to arrests, preventive action or further investigation.

Delhi Police has not publicly claimed that all the identified individuals were involved in disorder at Jantar Mantar.

Officials have indicated that any such involvement would have to be examined separately during investigation.

The distinction is significant because criminal records and pending criminal cases are not the same as a conviction. Under Indian law, a person is presumed innocent until proven guilty by a court.

The disclosure has also prompted wider questions about the use of facial recognition technology at public gatherings and the possibility of creating a narrative around a protest based solely on the background of some participants.

LEGISLATORS WITH CRIMINAL RECORD

Adding to the debate is the fact that elected representatives themselves include a substantial number facing criminal cases.

According to the Association for Democratic Reforms (ADR), 251 Lok Sabha MPs and 73 Rajya Sabha MPs have declared criminal cases against themselves, including several facing serious charges. These cases too remain allegations unless courts establish guilt.

Meanwhile, the Delhi government has decided to close cases registered against participants in the student protests, except for individuals with criminal antecedents.

In an order issued on July 30, the government said no adverse action would be taken against protesters who participated in the agitation, while verification of persons with criminal backgrounds would continue in accordance with Supreme Court directions. Delhi Police had registered 13 cases related to the protests till July 29.

Source : https://www.indiatoday.in/india/story/jantar-mantar-protest-facial-recognition-delhi-police-2873-criminal-records-decide-they-committed-crime-protest-2960196-2026-07-30

Chadha’s remarks came days after hundreds of students protested across India, demanding the resignation of former Union education minister Dharmendra Pradhan.

BJP MP Raghav Chadha has now voiced his support for students during his speech in the Rajya Sabha, saying the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP)-led government had responded to their concerns by delivering on their key demands.

Chadha was speaking during the discussion on the Public Examinations (Amendment) Bill, 2026, which came up in the Rajya Sabha a day after it was passed by the Lok Sabha.

“I have earned the right to say my next sentence with full conviction and sincerity: that when it came to our students and the youth of India, the government heard, the government actioned, and the government delivered,” he said.

His remarks came days after hundreds of students protested across India, demanding the resignation of former Union education minister Dharmendra Pradhan. Finally, on Thursday, Chadha called the students’ anger “justified”.

I spoke for every young Indian who believes that honest effort deserves an honest opportunity.

With the passage of the Public Examinations Amendment Bill, 2026, India’s first ever Anti Paper Leak framework comes into effect.

Students spoke.
The Government listened.
Action… pic.twitter.com/2ri8BF3pVg

— Raghav Chadha (@raghav_chadha) July 30, 2026

What Raghav Chadha said in his speech on students and their concerns

Chadha, in his Parliament speech, asserted that the issue of paper leak must be “treated permanently.”

“22 lakh children work hard for 18 hours every day for a 3-hour exam, but a camera phone, a message on WhatsApp, a PDF on Telegram at 2 am, and the paper is leaked—everything is over. All the students’ hard work is wasted. Therefore, sir, I rise today to speak wholeheartedly in support of the students of India and to welcome the Public Examination Amendment Bill 2026,” he said.

“A serious disease like a paper leak must be treated permanently. Just as cancer cannot be treated by feeding Crocin, similarly, the problem of paper leaks will be solved not by media sound bites but by institutional solutions, which our government is going to do today through this bill by introducing India’s first-ever anti-paper leak framework,” he added.

“First of all, I would like to say something to the NEET students. Your anger is justified. Your pain is real, and the complaint you have with the examination system is also genuine,” the BJP leader emphasised.

Adding that the voice of students matters, Chadha said, “When you expressed your concern, told your pain, when you demanded, the Honorable Prime Minister heard that demand not just as a Prime Minister but also as a guardian, like the head of a family. Students demanded, government acted, historic decisions taken, systems changed.”

This comes as Parliament passed a bill on Thursday to amend the anti-paper leak law and introduce stricter punishments.

Students and their families

BJP leader Chadha addressed the intense process of preparing for competitive exams, highlighting the significant sacrifices made by students and their families.

“Sir, when a student prepares for a public exam like NEET, he does not prepare alone. His entire family prepares. The mother stops her small needs. Reduces the household budget. The father spends the family’s savings on coaching fees, rent, and test series. Families even have to take loans. And the student himself lives away from home in cities like Kota, Jaipur, Chandigarh, Delhi, Patna,” Chadha continued.

“Studies for 18-18 hours a day. Studies until 2 am and then sets an alarm to wake up at 5 am for classes. Away from family, no social life, no festivals, away from social media and friends, and also compromises on his sleep and his health. Because he knows that when he writes the paper, he is not just writing a paper but a better future for his family,” he added.

“And then one day on the date of the exam, he finds out that the paper he had been preparing for 3 years, someone had already acquired it by paying money. The paper was leaked, and at this time, sir, not only is the paper leaked, but that student’s hard work, his dreams, his self-belief, his trust, his aspirations—all these are leaked, and it affects his mental and physical health.”

Government action and accountability in the matter

“I understand that pain, sir, because a few years ago I myself was a student of India’s public examination system, of Chartered Accountancy. And sir, because I have spent enough time in this house critiquing the government, I have earned the right to say my next sentence with full conviction and sincerity: that when it came to our students and the youth of India, the government heard, the government actioned, and the government delivered,” said Chadha in his speech.

“Took feedback from students, honored students’ demands, and demonstrated that the government stands with the students. Understanding that concern and pain with which the student placed his demand before the Prime Minister, all actions were taken. All steps were taken, such as short-term and long-term steps,” he added.

Chadha on specific reform measures

Speaking about the measures taken after the alleged paper leak, Chadha said that the government took several steps, including: conducting a re-exam, CBI investigation, and formation of Special Investigation Team (SIT).

“In just 75 days, two days ago, when 75 days of investigation were completed, the chargesheet was also filed in the fast-track court. Did not let the investigation hang for months or years. 47 National Testing Agency officers were shunted out. The Education Secretary was transferred. Even on moral grounds, our Honorable Education Minister resigned, and cases against student protesters were withdrawn,” Chadha said.

Source : https://www.hindustantimes.com/india-news/govt-heard-govt-delivered-raghav-chadha-speaks-up-in-support-of-students-in-parliament-anti-paper-leak-bill-101785462737770.html

 

The Bajaj Nagar police, who are investigating the case, have recovered an alleged suicide note where she has detailed the reason for her actions.

A 17-year-old upcoming cricketer died by suicide, allegedly after failing to get selected for a regional cricket association team in Nagpur, officials said on Thursday.

The girl, identified as Aditi Moreshwar Chaukande, was training rigorously for two years to get selected for the prestigious Vidarbha Cricket Association (VCA) team and make a name for herself in the sport.

However, she allegedly came under severe mental stress after failing to secure a spot in the team.

The Bajaj Nagar police, who are investigating the case, have recovered an alleged suicide note from the victim, in which she has written about her anguish.

“I wasn’t selected,” Aditi allegedly wrote in the note, highlighting the immense pressure she was going through for not being able to pursue her goal.

Originally from Maharashtra’s Akola, the teenager came to Nagpur with her mother to make a career in cricket and was living in the Laxmi Nagar area.

For the past two years, Aditi was honing her skills at the Surve Cricket Academy in Nagpur, in hopes of making it to the BCCI-affiliated cricket academy and play at a higher level. Her brother is also a cricketer.

Source : https://www.ndtv.com/india-news/not-selected-for-cricket-team-17-year-old-girl-dies-by-suicide-in-nagpur-11845158?pfrom=home-ndtv_topstories

PM Modi said the Bill will make the exam system more robust and trustworthy.

Taking to Instagram for the fourth time in less than a week over the issues of paper leaks and strengthening the education system, Prime Minister Narendra Modi has posted a video praising the Public Examination (Prevention of Unfair Means) Amendment Bill, 2026.

The Bill, which proposes several measures to enhance punishments for paper leaks and the setting up of fast-track courts to adjudicate such cases, was passed by the Lok Sabha on Wednesday and cleared by the Rajya Sabha on Thursday.

The legislation was promised by the Prime Minister in his first Instagram video on the twin issues last week and he said its passage is a significant step towards making the examination system more robust and trustworthy.

In the video, posted on Thursday night, PM Modi said that his government has been taking several steps to strengthen the examination system, including forming a task force, setting up fast-track courts, and taking suggestions from states.

“Because, for the past several decades, every state and the Centre have been facing the issue of paper leaks. Due to this, the future of children is facing a crisis. Keeping all this in mind, across the nation – in all states as well as at the Centre – reforming the education system has become a must. Using technology to the maximum has become necessary. And, along with this, any paper mafia, paper-leaking gang, or gang playing with the future of the nation’s children will not be spared. Strict laws are needed for this,” he said in Hindi.

“We introduced a Bill in Parliament and, as I promised you, over the past two days, extensive discussions took place in both Houses of Parliament. Today, both Houses have passed this Bill, which contains strict laws. A significant milestone has been achieved towards building a trustworthy examination system. This work will continue. We will not allow such conditions to persist for long. With this trust, friends, let us all walk shoulder to shoulder to fulfil the dream of a developed India (Viksit Bharat),” the Prime Minister added.

The Bill enhances punishments for individuals involved in paper leaks or unfair means in exams to jail terms of a minimum of five years and a maximum of 10 years, alongside a fine of up to Rs 50 lakh. For organised crimes, it proposes a minimum sentence of seven years and a fine not less than Rs 10 crore.

The amendment seeks to empower all state governments and Union Territory administrations to designate any court of session as a special fast-track court to try offences related to paper leaks and provides for trials to be completed within three months from the date of filing the chargesheet.

Earlier videos

In his first such Instagram video on July 23, when the Cockroach Janta Party-led protests were still on, PM Modi had said a fast-track court had been set up to hear paper leak cases and that a bill would be brought in to take “more strict actions”.

Source : https://www.ndtv.com/india-news/makes-exam-system-more-robust-pm-modi-praises-anti-paper-leak-bill-in-new-instagram-video-11845245?pfrom=home-ndtv_topscroll

Bhiwandi Building Collapse: Eight people died after the Kohinoor Building in Bhiwandi collapsed late Thursday night.

Nine people have been killed after a four-storey building collapsed in Maharashtra’s Bhiwandi on Friday, some people are feared trapped under the rubble, according to the officials. Tragedy struck while repair work was underway on the premises.

A portion of the Kohinoor Building in Balaji Nagar area of the powerloom town collapsed around 11.30 pm on Thursday, the officials said.

The building comprised 48 rooms, 12 on each floor, municipal officials said. The building had been declared dangerous by the civic body.

Around 9 pm on Thursday, residents heard “loud cracking sounds” emanating from the structure, an official said.

Fearing the worst, locals immediately helped evacuate many families to other locations. However, while some occupants were still making their way out, the ‘B’ wing of the building caved in, he said.

Source : https://www.ndtv.com/india-news/bhiwandi-building-collapse-3-killed-as-four-storey-building-collapses-near-mumbai-many-still-trapped-11846291?pfrom=home-ndtv_topscroll

Ruchika Singh made the objectionable remarks at Jantar Mantar on July 23.

The use of expletives against Prime Minister Narendra Modi during the Cockroach Janta Party-led protests against paper leaks has led to a police case against a 25-year-old woman.

Ruchika Singh made the objectionable remarks at Jantar Mantar on July 23 and a complaint was filed on Wednesday. The complainant stated that her comments insulted the dignity of the Prime Minister’s office and could spread disharmony and disturb public peace.

A Zero FIR (filed at any police station, regardless of where the alleged crime took place) was registered at the Expressway Police Station in Noida under sections related to provoking breach of the peace, statements conducing to public mischief, and defamation [Sections 352, 353(1) and 356(1) of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita].

The FIR has been transferred to the Parliament Street Police Station, where further investigation will take place.

Cockroach Janta Party Spokesperson Saurav Das said Singh’s remarks could be wrong but stressed that this kind of action should not be taken.

“Of course, if there’s any language that was used which is derogatory in nature, then the person concerned is free to pursue civil defamation and criminal defamation against the person. However, the use of criminal machinery to go against protesters is highly condemnable and no one should be punished for any objectionable language per se. I’m not saying that the language is right. The language may be wrong, it may be objectionable to someone, but it is no reason to invoke the criminal machinery against such people. It leads to a chilling effect. I don’t think this is acceptable to anybody, especially to the younger generation,” he said.

“At the same time, I would request everyone from the younger generation to be very careful with their words, and the kind of insults and sentences that you use against people in general. That said, criminal machinery being used is a big no-no. It is completely unacceptable, it should not happen. We would also like to tell the police to maintain calm and not misuse their powers for any political ends,” Das added.

Source : https://www.ndtv.com/india-news/ruchika-singh-cjp-protest-paper-leak-protest-jantar-mantar-25-year-old-woman-charged-for-remarks-against-pm-modi-at-paper-leak-protest-11844819?pfrom=home-ndtv_topscroll

Assam’s flood death toll has increased to 80 after two bodies were recovered from Nepalikhuti in Sivasagar district. According to ASDMA, 437 villages across 21 revenue circles in eight districts remain affected, impacting nearly 7 lakh people and damaging over 17,198 hectares of land. Rescue teams and local authorities continue relief operations.

The grim flood situation in Assam although improving as water level decreasing from many submerge villages but on Thursday as two more dead bodies were recovered from Nepalikhuti in the Sivasagar district, pushing the state’s cumulative death toll in the current wave of the deluge to 80.

​According to the latest daily flood report released by the Assam State Disaster Management Authority (ASDMA), the ongoing monsoon fury continues to wreak havoc across multiple regions, leaving hundreds of villages submerged and livelihoods severely disrupted.

We are announcing a 6 month moratorium on all loan repayments to all the affected families in the four districts hit by #AssamFloods and an extension of repayment tenure as per the following schedule 👇 pic.twitter.com/rPGkcM6bdJ

— Himanta Biswa Sarma (@himantabiswa) July 30, 2026

​Current Scale of Devastation

​Flood-Affected Districts (08): Golaghat, Sivasagar, Biswanath, Charaideo, Kamrup (M), Jorhat, Dhemaji, and Nagaon.

In this flood 437 villages affected badly under 21 ​revenue circles where

 

Since the war in West Asia started earlier this year, 16 Indians have died because of it. The government gave details in response to a CPI(M) MP’s query. Know what they said.

The Minister of State for External Affairs Kirti Vardhan Singh said in the Parliament that 16 Indian Nationals have died in West Asia since the war between Iran and the United States and Israel escalated earlier this year. This includes 10 seafarers, the Minister informed in response to a question raised by the CPI(M) MP John Brittas.

Minister of State for External Affairs Kirti Vardhan Singh shared the details in the Rajya Sabha. The query from the CPI(M) Member of Parliament had asked the Ministry of External Affairs to provide data regarding who all have been killed, injured, stranded, or evacuated amid the ongoing hostilities.

According to Singh, the fatalities include one in Saudi Arabia, two in Kuwait, eight in Oman, one in Iraq, and four in the United Arab Emirates. In addition, 75 Indians have been injured: 32 in the UAE, 24 in Oman, four in Qatar, 13 in Kuwait, one in Saudi Arabia, and one in Israel.

Government’s Response

He further noted that, in a separate incident unrelated to the conflict, 12 Indian nationals died in an accident at the Ras Laffan gas facility in Qatar. The MEA said the government has been working closely with host nations to extend all possible assistance to the families of the deceased.

This includes facilitating the early repatriation of mortal remains. Injured individuals have received treatment in local hospitals, with Indian missions coordinating closely with authorities to monitor their condition and provide support, including establishing contact with families and assisting with travel arrangements for their safe return to India.

Financial Support To Families

Singh added that in all war-zone-related cases, an ex gratia compensation of Rs 10 lakh is provided under the DGMA Welfare Scheme (Seafarers’ Welfare Fund Society). The amount is disbursed to the next of kin following due verification.

Seafarers covered under Collective Bargaining Agreements are also entitled to additional compensation, Rs 12 lakh for officers through the Maritime Union of India, and Rs 10 lakh for crew through the National Union of Seafarers of India.

Source : https://www.news18.com/india/16-indians-including-10-seafarers-killed-in-us-iran-war-in-west-asia-govt-ws-l-10243885.html

SC questioned the government, while hearing petitions against the 2023 CEC appointment law, on why CJI was not included. Centre responded saying the PM won’t act in bad faith.

Highlighting the need for a fair and independent process in appointing the Chief Election Commissioner (CEC) and Election Commissioners (ECs), the Supreme Court on Thursday observed that the poll watchdog must not only function independently but must also be seen to do so. The court also questioned why Parliament chose to exclude the Chief Justice of India (CJI) from the selection panel while framing the law.

A bench of Justices Dipankar Datta and Satish Chandra Sharma noted that the CJI is part of selection committees for key posts such as the CBI director and the Lokpal, and asked what justified the exclusion in appointments to the Election Commission, an institution central to any democracy. The bench reserved its verdict on the Centre’s request to refer the matter to a Constitution bench.

The court is currently hearing petitions challenging the constitutional validity of the 2023 law, under which the CEC and ECs are appointed by the President on the recommendation of a selection committee comprising the Prime Minister, the Leader of the Opposition, and a Union Cabinet minister nominated by the Prime Minister. Solicitor General Tushar Mehta argued that the court should not proceed on the presumption that the Prime Minister would act contrary to democratic principles.

Defending the law, Mehta said the public must repose trust in the Prime Minister’s decisions, stressing the sanctity of the office.

Background

In 2023, a five-judge Constitution bench of the Supreme Court had directed that, until Parliament enacted a law, appointments should be made by a panel consisting of the Prime Minister, the CJI, and the Leader of the Opposition to ensure independence. Parliament later passed the 2023 Act, replacing the CJI with a Cabinet minister.

Attorney General R Venkataramani and Solicitor General Mehta urged the bench not to question Parliament’s legislative wisdom, arguing that doing so would encroach upon the independence of the legislature. The Attorney General said a law could not be challenged merely because an alternative model existed, asserting that “Parliament cannot be gagged.”

Repose Faith In PM

Mehta added that the three organs of the state, the executive, legislature, and judiciary, are independent and must respect each other’s domains.

Source : https://www.news18.com/india/supreme-court-questions-absence-of-cji-in-cec-selection-panel-centre-says-pm-can-be-trusted-ws-l-10243956.html

 

In Bihar, Mohammad Sadaqat, a resident of Kishanganj, claims he was wrongfully booked by police for protests against the NEET paper leak while being in Russia for four months.

An unusual incident took place in Bihar after a man claimed that police in Kishanganj district have booked him in connection with last week’s protests against NEET paper leak even when he’s been in Russia for the past four months.

The man, identified as Mohammad Sadaqat, is a resident of Bihar’s Kishanganj district. In a viral video, the man claimed that the Bihar Police booked him in connection with last week’s protest against the NEET paper leak despite having been “abroad for the last four months”.

Sadaqat made the claim in a video purportedly shot in Russia, where he said he has been staying for the past four months, news agency PTI reported. However, the authenticity of the viral video could not be independently verified.

Kishanganj SP Hari Mohan Shukla, when contacted by PTI, neither confirmed nor denied the claim, but said those with grievances could approach police for redressal.

Bihar Man Questions Case Against Him

In the purported video, Sadaqat questioned the registration of the case against him, claiming he was not present at the protest in Bahadurganj on July 25 as he had been living in Russia for the past four months. In view of the case, he demanded a fair investigation into the matter and urged the authorities to remove his name from the FIR.

Source : https://www.timesnownews.com/india/bihar-man-claims-he-was-booked-in-neet-protest-case-despite-being-in-russia-for-four-months-article-155213999

Following massive farmers’ protests, the Madhya Pradesh government raised the moong procurement limit to 60%, extended procurement deadlines, suspended the fertiliser e-token system, and farmers withdrew their agitation.

The Madhya Pradesh government on Wednesday (July 29) raised the limit of moong procurement to 60 per cent from 25 per cent after farmers of the state launched massive protests. The development came following talks between representatives of the state government and farmer leaders at the state secretariat.

The MP government made the announcement of increasing the limit of procurement of moong crop after thousands of farmers marched to within about a km of Chief Minister Mohan Yadav’s residence. They also staged demonstration outside Union Agriculture Minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan’s house.

The government’s decision will come into effect immediately. for farmers producing around three quintals of moong per acre in districts such as Narmadapuram, Sehore and Harda, an official statement said. It also added that efforts would be made to extend the benefit to the maximum number of cultivators. The government also extended the last date for procurement from August 10 to August 20 and the slot-booking deadline from July 30 to August 10.

The Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) government in the state also decided to constitute a committee to examine complaints and practical difficulties relating to the e-token system for fertiliser distribution and recommend improvements.

Till the committee submits its recommendations and necessary changes are carried out, the e-token-based fertiliser distribution system will remain suspended with immediate effect, the minister said as reported by PTI.

Some farmer leaders initially maintained their demand for procurement of 100 per cent of the moong crop at the minimum support price (MSP) and said a final decision would be taken after consulting all stakeholders and that the agitation would continue, reported the news agency.

However, shortly afterwards, Prateek Sharma, state coordinator of the Rashtravadi Kisan Army, told PTI Video that the farmers were satisfied with the government’s decisions and all participating organisations had jointly decided to withdraw the agitation.

Additional Superintendent of Police Shailendra Singh Chouhan told PTI that the protesting farmers had accepted the government’s announcements and were returning to their homes. He said buses had been arranged to ensure their safe return from Roshanpura Square.

Earlier on Wednesday, thousands of farmers under the banner of the Samyukta Kisan Morcha and 18 other organisations had breached multiple barricades, demonstrated outside Chouhan’s residence and camped at Roshanpura Square, prompting the state government to initiate talks.

The farmers had demanded procurement of the entire summer moong crop at MSP, abolition of the e-token system for fertiliser distribution and timely availability of adequate fertilisers for the next sowing season.

Source : https://www.timesnownews.com/india/mp-farmers-protest-state-govt-raises-moong-procurement-to-60-suspends-fertiliser-e-token-system-stir-called-off-article-155215176

The hospital did not respond to queries on whether the object had been sent for forensic analysis till the time of going to print.

The medico-legal case (MLC) report of 25-year-old Sheikh Irshad Mansoori – one of the petitioners in the Supreme Court alleging the use of pellet guns during the July 20 protest – said multiple “metallic foreign” bodies were retrieved from his body during surgery, HT has learnt.

The MLC – issued by the department of otolaryngology and head and neck surgery at Lady Hardinge Medical College (LHMC), dated July 24 and seen by HT – said that “the patient underwent surgery for foreign body retrieval under GA [general anesthesia] on 21/07/2026.”

What the MLC says

Under diagnosis, it said, “Foreign body impaction in multiple sites of head and neck.”

Under “ENT Operation Theater (OT) notes”, it said, “Metallic foreign body retrieved (size around 2mm) from right maxillary antrum…Right oral cavity assessed for foreign body. One metallic foreign body of 2mm size retrieved from the right lower labial mucosa.. Metallic foreign body retrieved of approximately 2mm size from right shoulder, right neck, left forehead which were impacted superficially in soft tissue.”

Under “Ophthalmology OT notes”, it further said, “Left orbital exploration and foreign body removal; Left lower eyelid exploration and foreign body removal under GA.”

The document added, “Foreign body felt at about 8-10mm along the superior border of medial rectus muscle. 3mm local incision given through conjunctiva and tenon, soft tissue dissection done. Foreign body localized having multiple sharp edges, facets with metallic sheen, noncompressible metallic foreign body of approximate size 3x3mm cylindrical with one flat surface and sharp edges retrieved. Traction suture removed, ointment Ciplox applied, pad and bandage done.”

Mansoori told HT that at least seven such objects were removed from his body.

“A total of seven pellets or as written in the medical documents metallic foreign body have been removed from my body post-surgery. Some pellet-like objects are still around my face. The doctors have claimed that as of now they do not need to be surgically removed as removing them through surgery could cause more harm than letting them remain in the body,” he said.

“The retrieved metallic foreign body has not been given to me, but the hospital has informed me that they will be keeping those with them,” he added.

LHMC did not respond to queries on whether the object had been sent for forensic analysis till the time of going to print.

Protesters hit with pellet guns?

HT earlier reported that five people – Mansoori, a 25-year-old employee with a private firm, Nootan Toppo, a 32-year-old woman from Gurugram, a 28-year-old reporter, Prashant Singh, a 25-year-old Bihar resident, and 19-year-old Sahil Lochab, a student aspiring to join the police force – have alleged (in Lochab’s case the allegations were made by the family) that they were hit with pellets on July 20.

HT previously reported the medical records of Singh, the reporter, and Toppo.

The patient discharge summary of Singh – also a petitioner in SC in the same case – said the patient was brought to LHMC at around 4:30pm on June 20.

Under “history and examination”, the document said, “The patient has pellet injuries to the right upper limb, chest and inguinal region with first-degree severity.”

Singh said the hospital did not tell him what objects hit him or were lodged in his body. “I was not shown my X-ray reports. They treated me, told me I would heal in some days and discharged me the same day. When I reached home, my friends saw my wounds and we researched on the internet to check and then figured out that these wounds were very similar to pellet wounds,” he added.

The reporter’s MLC – issued by Safdarjung Hospital – showed injuries on the man’s waist and hands and called it “pellet injury marks”. The MLC also said “physical assault with pellet gun at Jantar Mantar at 4 pm”.

“No pellets have been taken out from my body. The doctors have informed me that there are around 20 metallic pellet-like objects in my body. They said that only if I develop any infection further, then they will do surgery to remove them from my body,” the reporter told HT on the condition of anonymity.

Toppo’s discharge papers – issued by Ram Manohar Lohia Hospital – mentioned that she was “presented with a previous history of injury in the right side of the ear, a suspected gunshot injury”.

What Delhi Police said on MLC reports of protesters

On Wednesday, the Delhi Police issued a statement, saying, “Claims circulating on social media that a protester sustained gunshot injuries during the July 20, 2026, protest in Central Delhi are not corroborated by the MLC findings. MLC records a lacerated wound in front of the right tragus, with the nature of injury described as blunt. As per doctor’s opinion, it is a simple injury and there is no evidence of gunshot injury. Therefore, the claim of gunshot injury is not supported by the medical findings on the MLC. The public is advised to verify information through authentic sources before sharing such claims.”

HT reported on Wednesday that at least two rounds of pellets were used on July 20 on the orders of a deputy superintendent of the Delhi Police, according to the statement of a deputy commander of the Rapid Action Force (RAF) recorded in a general diary entry at the Parliament Street police station.

The diary entry – filed at 1.24am on July 22 by a Delhi Police sub-inspector and seen by HT – is the first document that shows the usage of pellets during a sprawling student march to Parliament on July 20.

RAF is a specialised unit within the Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF) deployed to handle riots and other public disturbances across the country. CRPF has already instituted an inquiry into the allegations.

Plastic pellets are different from metal pellets and are intended to cause less serious injuries. Metallic pellets have controversially been used in Jammu and Kashmir

A senior Delhi Police officer said, “During any such demonstration, where it is expected that such a situation can arise due to the crowd, we call for paramilitary forces and ask them to bring anti-riot weapons. We don’t decide what all they can bring. When the violence broke out during the Cockroach Janta Party’s ‘Chalo Sansad’ march on July 20, the security personnel were asked to use force and anti-riot gear against protesters.”

The anti-riot weapons comprise plastic pellets, metallic pellets, shock batons and tear gas, said Delhi Police.

Source : https://www.hindustantimes.com/cities/delhi-news/mlc-shows-metallic-foreign-bodies-removed-in-surgery-from-protester-body-in-delhi-pellet-gun-jantar-mantar-protest-cjp-101785350043651.html

Rahul Gandhi alleged Amit Shah was responsible for police excesses and the use of pellet guns, triggering furious protests from the treasury benches.

The Centre and Leader of the Opposition in the Lok Sabha Rahul Gandhi clashed on Wednesday over allegations of police excesses during a student protest in Delhi on July 20, with the latter demanding the resignation of Union home minister Amit Shah and the former demanding an apology.

Both inside Parliament and outside, Gandhi sought to blame Shah over allegations that security forces brutalised student protesters during the march to Parliament last week. The government hit back, saying no bullets were fired and calling Gandhi’s charges baseless.

‘Jab goli chali hi nahi’

The dramatic exchanges came during the debate on a stringent new bill that aims for stricter punishment and time-bound trials for people accused of exam paper leaks. The Public Examinations (Prevention of Unfair Means) Amendment Bill, 2026 – which overhauls the original legislation of 2024 – was passed in a voice vote after a 10-hour-long debate that saw protests, adjournments and a war of words. Gandhi accused Shah – under whose ministry the Delhi Police functions – of ordering pellet guns to be fired on students. In response, Union minister Jitendra Singh said no bullet was fired and only tear gas was used.

“’Jab goli chali hi nahi, toh aadesh dene ka sawal hi paida nahi hota; aur aadesh dene ka adhikar magistrate ke pass rahta hai, mantri ke pas nahi’ (when there were no bullets fired, the question of authorising it does not arise, and the directive to open fire is given by the magistrate, not a minister),” he said.

This is the first time since the July 20 protest that the government has announced that no firing was done. HT has reported that five people – Sheikh Irshad Mansuri, a 25-year-old employee with a private firm, Nootan Toppo, a 32-year-old woman from Gurugram, a 28-year-old reporter, Prashant Singh, a 25-year-old Bihar resident, and 19-year-old Sahil Lochab, a student aspiring to join the police force – have alleged (in Lochab’s case the allegations were made by the family) that they were hit with pellets on July 20.

In the Lok Sabha, Gandhi alleged Shah was responsible for police excesses and the use of pellet guns, triggering furious protests from the treasury benches.

‘Show us the order.’ says Rijiju

“It is a serious allegation and a breach of his (Shah’s) privilege. Rahul Gandhi must apologise and take back your words. On what basis could you level this allegation? How did you know?” said parliamentary affairs minister Kiren Rijiju.

Samajwadi Party chief Akhilesh Yadav tried to come to Gandhi’s rescue and said, if the LoP made an allegation, the government should clarify who ordered firing. Gandhi added that the use of force “could only be authorised by either the prime minister or the home minister,” triggering another round of protests.

Sticking to the demand for an apology, Rijiju said, “You claimed that the home minister had ordered firing. Show us the order. How can you make such irresponsible statements.”

#WATCH | Lok Sabha LoP Rahul Gandhi says, “I am very happy today to see that so-called Home Minister of this country does not have the courage to come and sit here. I saw his carcade and the HM sitting inside the car, looking, shaking. Why is the Home Minister not here today?… pic.twitter.com/krlPghdfnf

— ANI (@ANI) July 29, 2026

Speaker Om Birla pointed out that rules of the House did not permit any allegations without prior notice and proof. “Is there a report of an enquiry commission, is there any order? The rules do not permit any member to make such allegations with advance notice.”

Gandhi tried to continue his speech, but the House got adjourned twice amid disruptions. This is the second time he could not finish his speech.

Some of Gandhi’s comments in the House were later expunged.

‘HM gave order, or didn’t know of firing’

Speaking to reporters in the Parliament House complex later, Gandhi said, “There can be just two options; the home minister gave the order for firing, the other is that the home minister did not know that there will be firing. In the first case, he is culpable. In the second case, he is incompetent, there can be no other option.”

“Supposedly the brave home minister of India, why is he not in the House? If he has not done anything, why is he not coming? It is my right to speak in Parliament and I should have this right,” the LoP said.

In his reply to the debate on the exam leak bill, Singh said that Gandhi had little experience in public life.

“Without facts, and without a sense of responsibility, saying something in the House and then leaving the House, cannot be the behaviour of a responsible leader of opposition,” Singh said. Gandhi later held a press conference to accuse the government of ordering violence on students who were demanding the resignation of Dharmendra Pradhan as education minister.

‘Pellets, shock batons, lathis with nails’

“The (protesting students) were shot with pellet guns. One boy who was shot with a pellet gun is most likely to lose his eye and may not be able to see. I have seen the AIIMS medical certificate, which shows that he was shot with pellet guns. Shock batons were used, not just normal lathis, lathis with nails. Where did the police get this idea from?” he asked.

“Multiple times, I asked the speaker to bring order to the house so that I could speak… but I was not allowed… The excuse was that I said something about Amit Shah, that he was responsible for the brutality that was carried out… I was given an assurance that if I apologise, I will be allowed to speak. I will never apologise to the BJP, RSS or any other person associated with them,” he added.

BJP’s Sambit Patra hit back. “It is the SDM’s role to decide what action and how much force is to be used. The way he (Gandhi) said Delhi Police is under the home ministry does not mean that the home minister keeps giving orders wherever there is a protest or crowds,” Patra said.

Pellets used in July 20 protest march

The controversy over the conduct of security forces during the July 20 protest has only escalated after the student stir at Jantar Mantar was called off last week following the resignation of Pradhan. At least two rounds of pellets were used on July 20 on the orders of a deputy superintendent of the Delhi Police, according to the statement of a deputy commander of the Rapid Action Force (RAF) recorded in a general diary entry at the Parliament Street police station.

The diary entry – filed at 1.24am on July 22 by a Delhi Police sub-inspector and seen by HT – is the first document that shows the usage of pellets during a sprawling student march to Parliament on July 20. It is unclear if the forces used metallic or plastic pellets – both of which are available in the inventory. RAF is a specialised unit within the Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF) deployed to handle riots and other public disturbances across the country. CRPF has already instituted an inquiry into the allegations.

Separately, a petition was filed in the Supreme Court by Yashovardhan Azad, Prashant Singh and Sheikh Irshad Mansoori, seeking direction for decommissioning or banning the use of wholly or partly metallic kinetic projectiles/ pellets fired from pump action rifles or projectile action guns (PAG) for crowd dispersal of civilian assemblies by law enforcement agencies.

Source : https://www.hindustantimes.com/india-news/amit-shah-gave-firing-order-vs-no-shots-fired-rahul-gandhi-centre-in-war-of-words-as-anti-paper-leak-bill-passed-101785373272070.html

 

On the anti-paper leak bill passed in the Lok Sabha, Abhijeet Dipke said laws would not solve the problem without proper implementation.

Narendra Modi should quit the Prime Minister’s post and “become an influencer”, Cockroach Janta Party (CJP) founder Abhijeet Dipke has said. He took a swipe at the PM over his Instagram videos, where he was seen addressing the youth.

“I think [PM Modi] should become an influencer. He is doing very well at that,” Dipke told reporters at his hometown in Maharashtra on Wednesday. “If he is such a good influencer, then he should leave the Prime Minister’s chair, become an influencer, and let someone else do the job.”

On Tuesday, Congress MP Priyanka Gandhi also commented on PM Modi’s Instagram videos, saying social media content alone would not win over young voters. “You can’t get Gen Z’s support by making videos from new angles. The PM has to change the angle of his heart, not the camera angle,” she said in Parliament.

Dipke on anti-paper leak bill

Commenting on the anti-paper leak bill passed in the Lok Sabha, Dipke said legislation alone would not solve the problem unless it was implemented effectively.

“I think bills will keep coming, but until the intentions of these people are right, nothing can happen. Many good laws have been made in this country through reforms. One law after another gets passed here,” he told PTI.

VIDEO | Chhatrapati Sambhajinagar, Aurangabad: After returning home, CJP founder Abhijeet Dipke says, “After spending the last 36 days at Jantar Mantar, it feels wonderful to finally be back home. After such a long struggle, I will finally be able to sleep peacefully in my own… pic.twitter.com/eaG6vKuuDe

— Press Trust of India (@PTI_News) July 29, 2026

He also referred to the PM’s proposed fast-track court for paper leak cases. “Narendra Modi had promised a fast-track court three days ago, and people were very happy, thinking there would be a fast-track court for paper leak cases. But what happened?”

Foods high in fat, trans-fat, sugar and salt, commonly known as HFSS foods, can no longer be sold, given away or promoted within school premises or within a 50-metre radius of them.

The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) of Maharashtra has banned the sale, free distribution and advertising of junk food in and around schools, in a bid to encourage healthier eating habits among children.

What The New Order Says

Foods high in fat, trans-fat, sugar and salt, commonly known as HFSS foods, can no longer be sold, given away or promoted within school premises or within a 50-metre radius of them. This applies to every school in the state, be it government-run, aided, private, residential, or affiliated with the CBSE, ICSE, State Board or any other board. The order is expected to cover around 1.08 lakh schools and nearly two crore students.

Under the order, items such as vada pav, samosas, deep-fried snacks, chips, cold drinks, sugary beverages, chocolates and ice cream will be off limits within schools and their surrounding 50-metre zone.

Announcing the order on Wednesday, Maharashtra FDA Commissioner Tukaram Mundhe said the move is part of the state’s ongoing “Safe Food, Safe Maharashtra” campaign, adding that providing safe and nutritious food to children remains a government priority.

He said, “Our goal is to ensure safe food reaches every child in Maharashtra. This will foster a culture of healthy eating and help build a healthy society.”

Licensing Rules For School Canteens

The order also makes clear that it applies uniformly across all education boards. School canteens, hostel canteens, Mid-Day Meal (PM-POSHAN) kitchens, Anganwadi centres and all food suppliers to schools will now need a valid FSSAI licence and registration.

Schools will now be expected to:

• Put up a Food Safety Display Board
• Appoint a food safety supervisor
• Implement the “Eat Right School” campaign
• Promote health and wellness activities
• Ensure safe drinking water, clean kitchens, proper food storage and hygiene

Mundhe said the primary responsibility for enforcing these rules lies with school principals and management. The School Education Department will oversee compliance in government and government-aided schools, while other education boards and local bodies will carry out their own monitoring.

He added that the FDA will soon begin inspection drives across the state. Schools found breaking the rules could face notices, suspension or cancellation of licences, seizure of food items, and legal action under the Food Safety and Standards Act, 2006.

Source : https://www.ndtv.com/india-news/no-vada-pav-samosa-in-and-outside-maharashtra-schools-food-bodys-diktat-11839943?pfrom=home-ndtv_topscroll

Outlining the enhanced safeguards for PM Modi’s posts, Meta has said that prominent accounts to get additional oversight. Going forward, only senior Meta officials will vet such posts, sources said.

The Meta team has assured the government on safeguards for Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s posts, sources said days after a video posted from his account was briefly blocked on Facebook. Outlining the enhanced safeguards for PM Modi’s posts, Meta has said that prominent accounts to get additional oversight. Going forward, only senior Meta officials will vet such posts, sources said.

Any decision will undergo rigorous checks and review by at least two senior officials of the company, sources said, citing the platform’s latest communication to the ministry.

Sources also said the Meta team will meet the government later this week where other key issues including content regulation will also be discussed.

The video that was briefly blocked contained PM Modi’s message to Gen Z promising stringent measures against paper leaks that was uploaded on July 23 amid the student protest spearheaded by the Cockroach Janta Party or CJP.

As Meta attributed the matter to a technical glitch, the government summoned Meta and Instagram’s global heads earlier this week.

The Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology (MeitY) has made it clear that it does not consider the company’s explanation sufficient.

On Tuesday, IT Secretary S Krishnan said, “It is good that they have apologised and admitted what they did was a mistake. But we are not happy with the explanation…it is not adequate, and we are seeking more details,” reported news agency Press Trust of India.

Sources said the government is treating the matter seriously and is examining both Meta’s explanation and the circumstances that led to the video’s removal.

Source : https://www.ndtv.com/india-news/meta-writes-to-centre-outlines-safeguards-for-posts-from-key-accounts-11840340?pfrom=home-ndtv_topscroll

The Centre said the roadmap to achieve 20% ethanol blending by December 2025 was based on scientific studies, field trials and consultations with automobile manufacturers and oil companies.

The Centre on Wednesday said there is no scientific evidence to support claims that E20 petrol damages vehicle engines or significantly reduces fuel efficiency, telling Parliament that the ethanol-blended fuel was introduced only after years of testing and consultations with industry experts.

In a written reply in the Lok Sabha, Union Road Transport and Highways Minister Nitin Gadkari said the Ethanol Blended Petrol (EBP) Programme was introduced after extensive scientific studies, field trials, laboratory testing, validation by expert agencies and consultations with stakeholders before the phased rollout of E20 petrol.

The government said the Indian Oil Corporation Limited (IOCL), the Indian Institute of Petroleum (IIP), the Society of Indian Automobile Manufacturers (SIAM) and the Automotive Research Association of India (ARAI) conducted joint studies over several years to assess the impact of E20 fuel on two-wheelers and four-wheelers.

The statement comes as the Delhi Taxi and Tourist Transport and Tour Operators Association had called for a Parliament protest march against the ethanol-blended policy on August 4 in the national capital.

According to the government, the roadmap to increase ethanol blending from 1.53% in 2013-14 to a target of 20% by December 2025 was formulated based on scientific studies, field trials and extensive consultations. It said the “Roadmap for Ethanol Blending in India 2020-25”, released in June 2021, examined material compatibility, engine calibration, fuel systems, drivability, durability, emissions and fuel efficiency before the nationwide rollout.

According to the findings, E20 petrol does not cause any significant adverse impact on engine durability, vehicle performance, drivability or Bharat Stage VI (BS-VI) emissions. The government also said BS-VI compliant vehicles continue to meet emission norms while operating on E20 fuel. It added that even legacy vehicles tested with E20 did not show any significant variation in performance, abnormal wear and tear, or issues related to drivability, startability, metal compatibility or plastic compatibility.

The government said modern cars and two-wheelers do not require any engine modifications to use E20 petrol. However, it noted that certain BS-III vehicles introduced from April 1, 2005, and vehicle models manufactured before 2016 may require replacement of some rubber parts or gaskets during routine servicing. It said these replacements do not indicate any major mechanical problems.

Addressing concerns over fuel efficiency, the government said mileage depends on several factors and cannot be attributed solely to ethanol blending. It said driving habits, engine maintenance, timely oil changes, air filter cleanliness, tyre pressure, wheel alignment and the use of air conditioning also influence fuel efficiency.

The government further said an Inter-Ministerial Committee constituted under NITI Aayog on December 26, 2020 examined vehicle compatibility, mileage and efficiency before recommending higher ethanol blending. The assessment relied on research by IOCL, ARAI and SIAM.

The Centre also said India adopted a phased and scientifically validated approach to ethanol blending. According to the government, the programme began as a pilot in 2001, E5 fuel was introduced in 2006, and blending levels were increased gradually after production capacity, infrastructure and regulatory frameworks were put in place.

Source : https://www.indiatoday.in/india/story/engine-damage-mileage-drop-due-to-e20-petrol-not-substantiated-by-any-study-government-tells-parliament-2959245-2026-07-29

A Naga Village Guard member was killed and five others, including two CRPF CoBRA personnel, were injured in a gunfight during a security operation in Manipur’s Noney district on Wednesday.

A member of the Naga Village Guard (NVG) was killed and five others, including two personnel of the CRPF’s CoBRA battalion, were injured in an exchange of fire between security forces and Naga village volunteers during a search operation in Manipur’s Noney district on Wednesday, officials said.

According to officials, the gunfight broke out at around 6 am near Bitiang village under the Tupul subdivision when a CoBRA team launched a search operation following intelligence inputs about an alleged NVG training camp operating in the area.

The victim was identified as Lanbimei Riamei (22), a resident of Longmai Bazar in Noney district. He reportedly sustained bullet injuries during the exchange of fire and later succumbed to his injuries.

Officials said two CoBRA personnel, Head Constable Radheshyam and Constable (GD) Jitendra Kumar, were injured during the operation. Three NVG members also sustained gunshot wounds and are expected to be shifted to Imphal for specialised treatment. Authorities have not officially confirmed their identities.

Following the encounter, authorities deployed additional security forces, including the Rapid Action Force (RAF) and state police, in the area. Search operations continued to prevent any further escalation.

A security official said the exchange of fire took place during an operation launched on the basis of specific intelligence inputs. Police have not released further details, and the circumstances that led to the firing remain under investigation.

Meanwhile, the Working Committee–Joint Tribe Council, Manipur (WC-JTCM), a Naga tribal body, announced an emergency total shutdown across Naga-inhabited areas of the state in protest against the security operation.

In a statement, the organisation alleged that the operation targeted Naga village volunteers and described it as an “unprovoked attack”. It also linked the incident to the recent killing of six Naga civilians, including two church pastors, alleging that those responsible have not yet been brought to justice.

The tribal body announced the immediate suspension of movement on national highways, railway projects and other national infrastructure works passing through areas inhabited by the Inpui, Liangmai, Rongmei and Zeme communities.

Source : https://www.indiatoday.in/india/story/manipur-noney-clash-dead-injured-naga-shutdown-naga-village-guard-2959286-2026-07-29

Abhijeet Dipke’s parents alleged he received a video threat telling him to join the BJP or their family would face consequences. They said the warning prompted them to leave their Chhatrapati Sambhajinagar home temporarily while he was away.

The parents of CJP founder Abhijeet Dipke have alleged that the activist received a video threat warning him to join the BJP or face consequences for his family, forcing them to temporarily leave their home in Maharashtra’s Chhatrapati Sambhajinagar.

Speaking to a Marathi news channel on Wednesday, Dipke’s mother, Anita Dipke, claimed that the threat was received shortly after her son launched his satirical political movement. She said Abhijeet initially chose not to inform the family about the intimidation but later revealed that a video had warned him his parents would be targeted if he refused to join the BJP.

According to Anita Dipke, her son advised her not to watch the video and insisted that she and her husband leave home for their safety.

“He told us he was not afraid of such threats, but he was concerned because we were not used to dealing with such situations. He asked us to stay away from home for a few days,” she said.

Following his advice, the couple moved to a relative’s house in the Konkan region, where they remained for about 16 days.

She said Abhijeet was particularly worried because he was away from home at the time and his father, Bhagwan Dipke, suffers from low blood pressure.

The parents spoke to the news channel ahead of Abhijeet Dipke’s scheduled return to Chhatrapati Sambhajinagar after leading a 36-day protest in New Delhi over alleged irregularities in various examinations. The agitation eventually culminated in the resignation of Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan.

Bhagwan Dipke said criticism is inevitable for those engaged in public life and social work.

“When you work for society, some people criticise you while others appreciate your efforts. There are those who react with a fixed mindset, while others take time to understand events before forming an opinion,” he said.

Source : https://www.indiatoday.in/india/story/abhijeet-dipke-was-told-to-join-bjp-or-his-parents-would-face-consequences-claims-mother-2959394-2026-07-30

Odisha remains in a critical flood situation after days of relentless rain submerged villages, roads and fields across several districts. With more than 5.5 lakh people affected and the Mahanadi still under watch, the state has intensified evacuations, relief and river monitoring.

The flood situation in Odisha remains critical after days of incessant rainfall, with overflowing rivers inundating villages, roads and agricultural land across several districts. Dramatic incidents from different parts of the state have highlighted the severity of the crisis, including a heavy excavator being swept away by floodwaters and a youth risking his life to rescue two people stranded on a tractor in a swollen river.

According to the Odisha government, five districts have been the worst affected, with more than 5.5 lakh people impacted by the floods.

Special Relief Commissioner Rajesh Prabhakar Patil said continuous rainfall has affected five districts, 54 blocks, 779 gram panchayats, 1,600 villages and 14 urban local bodies. More than 5.5 lakh people across the state have been impacted.

The Special Relief Commissioner said water levels in most rivers are gradually receding, except for the Mahanadi. If required, two additional gates of the Hirakud Dam may be opened to improve water management. The worst-hit districts are Balasore, Mayurbhanj, Keonjhar, Bhadrak and Jajpur.

The state government has confirmed three flood-related deaths so far, while around one lakh people have been evacuated to safer locations. To support those displaced, authorities have set up 237 relief camps across the state, providing shelter, cooked food, drinking water and other essential supplies.

Flooding has also severely affected agriculture, with nearly 8,837 hectares of farmland submerged, raising concerns over extensive crop damage.

Source : https://www.indiatoday.in/india/story/odisha-floods-three-killed-over-55-lakh-affected-across-five-districts-2959396-2026-07-30

The Ram temple trust is set for an administrative revamp, with engineer Jagdish Aafle tipped to become its first secretary. The move follows a donation embezzlement controversy, an SIT probe and the exit of senior office-bearers. The trust is also selecting a spokesperson, with key appointments expected to be finalised on September 2.

The Shri Ram Janmabhoomi Teerth Kshetra Trust is set to restructure its administrative setup, with engineer Jagdish Aafle emerging as the frontrunner for the newly created secretary’s post, sources told India Today.

The secretary’s post has been created as part of an administrative overhaul aimed at managing the expanding operations of the Ayodhya Ram Mandir, PTI reported, citing sources.

Aafle, who has served as the project manager for the temple’s construction, is expected to be appointed at the trust’s executive meeting on September 2, sources told India Today.

Interim General Secretary Krishna Mohan has confirmed that Aafle’s name is under consideration. The trust is also looking for a spokesperson, although the selection process has not yet resulted in a final choice.

Aafle is from Pune and has an engineering background, holding a BTech in Electrical Engineering and an MTech from IIT Bombay. He has professional experience in India as well as Europe and the US and returned to the country after retiring.

His association with the temple project dates back to its initial construction phase. Aafle came on board as an honorary project manager after his name was recommended by the RSS, according to PTI. He currently lives in Ayodhya with his wife on the premises of the trust.

Aafle has also had a longstanding association with the RSS, having been connected with the organisation since childhood.

The administrative changes come in the wake of a controversy over irregularities in the handling of donations. In June, the trust called for a probe into the diversion of cash offerings, leading to the formation of a Special Investigation Team.

Source : https://www.indiatoday.in/india/story/ayodhya-ram-temple-trust-jagdish-aafle-first-secretary-champat-rai-resignation-donation-theft-row-2959417-2026-07-30 

According to a WhatsApp blog post, the new web calling feature supports both one-on-one and group calls and includes access to screen sharing, reactions, and a dedicated calls tab for history and favourites.

Meta-owned WhatsApp on Tuesday launched web-based calling, allowing users to make and receive audio and video calls directly from their browsers without the need to download a desktop application.
The feature is part of a suite of updates aimed at improving cross-device functionality.

According to a WhatsApp blog post, the new web calling feature supports both one-on-one and group calls and includes access to screen sharing, reactions, and a dedicated calls tab for history and favourites.

“Whether you’re a college student on a shared computer, using a work laptop that doesn’t allow app downloads, or simply prefer your browser, you can jump on a call without leaving the browser you’re already on,” the blog stated.

In addition to web calling, WhatsApp introduced a ‘call transfer’ feature. This allows users to move an active group call between devices — such as from a mobile phone to a desktop — seamlessly without having to disconnect and rejoin.

To enhance security and management of group interactions, the platform has also debuted a ‘waiting room’ feature. When a call link is created with the “require approval to join” setting enabled, participants will be held in a virtual waiting area until the host grants them entry.

Source: https://www.ndtv.com/india-news/whatsapp-launches-web-browser-based-audio-and-video-calling-feature-11835098?pfrom=home-ndtv_topstories

Justice Girish Kathpalia orally remarked that while any wrongdoing by the officer would have to be dealt with in accordance with the law, it would be inappropriate for the court to assume guilt before a fair trial.

The Delhi High Court on Tuesday dismissed a petition seeking to remove Additional DCP (North-East) Sandeep Lamba from supervising a court-directed police inquiry, observing that allegations against an officer cannot, by themselves, justify presuming bias without due process.

Justice Girish Kathpalia orally remarked that while any wrongdoing by the officer would have to be dealt with in accordance with the law, it would be inappropriate for the court to assume guilt before a fair trial.

“You have to be fair. Stop discrediting the institution. Whatever that gentleman has done, he should face consequences. But that doesn’t mean you take away from his supervision the entire work,” the judge observed.

The plea was filed after videos purportedly showing Lamba slapping a woman during the recent Chalo Jantar Mantar protest went viral. The petitioner argued that the incident had created a “reasonable apprehension of bias” in a police inquiry that was being conducted under his administrative supervision.

Responding to the submission, Justice Kathpalia asked, “Entire Delhi Police today is in the dock? Then should they stop registering FIRs?”

At the outset, Additional Solicitor General, appearing for the Delhi Police, informed the court that the inquiry had already been completed, the petitioner’s statement had been recorded, and the report had been forwarded to the competent authority for further action.

Recording the submission, the court held that the petition had become infructuous and dismissed it.

Even after the order was dictated, the petitioner’s counsel urged the court to consider subsequent developments involving Lamba, arguing that they reinforced concerns over bias. The court, however, declined the request.

“Now just because this person happens to be caught on some video clip allegedly slapping a lady, we cannot tarnish him… Even assuming he is ultimately held guilty, can it be assumed that he will act unfairly in every case?” Justice Kathpalia observed.

The judge further said that transferring the inquiry on such grounds would effectively amount to holding the officer guilty without trial.

“If I transfer the inquiry on this ground… am I not tarnishing him? Am I not holding him guilty without trial? You are precisely casting aspersions by saying a person is biased. He also has a right to a fair trial,” the court said.

The petitioner had sought directions to the Commissioner of Police to withdraw the inquiry from Lamba’s administrative control and assign it to a Deputy Commissioner of Police posted outside North-East Delhi.

According to the petition, the controversy surrounding the officer and the administrative action reportedly initiated against him had undermined public confidence in the fairness of the inquiry. The petitioner clarified that she was not asking the court to rule on the allegations against Lamba but argued that the appearance of impartiality was equally important in a court-monitored probe.

The matter stems from an earlier petition in which the petitioner alleged that she had been illegally detained at Jafrabad Police Station on the intervening night of March 24 and 25, 2025. The High Court had ordered a police inquiry into the allegations.

Source: https://www.ndtv.com/india-news/delhi-police-sandeep-lamba-cjp-protests-must-be-fair-high-court-refuses-to-remove-cop-who-slapped-woman-protester-11834824?pfrom=home-ndtv_topscroll

V Kamakoti has been part of Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s six-member exam reform task force formed after weeks of protests over the paper leak in the medical entrance exam.

There has been no leak in the JEE exams and elements from that process could be incorporated in other competitive exams to ensure transparency and a lack of leaks, IIT Madras Director V Kamakoti told NDTV today.

Kamakoti has been part of Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s six-member exam reform task force formed after weeks of protests over the paper leak in the medical entrance exam. They carry huge expectation that they will be able to plug the holes that have compromised India’s examination system for years.

Holding up the engineering exam as an example, Kamakoti told NDTV’s Padmaja Joshi today that it has grown manifold in terms of examinees.

“When I wrote a JEE in 1985, there were 5000 people who wrote it. Today, we have 1.5 million aspirants for that examination,” Kamakoti said.

Preserving the sanctity of that exam has been no mean task, he indicated.

“Over a period of time, we have seen the transition from a paper and pen subject to subjective papers to optical sensors, recognising sheets. And then we moved to image processing and then we have come to computer-based testing. And so we have seen all the forms, we have adopted so many technologies. We have also seen usage of other type of technologies. So if you have 1.5 million people, identity checking, biometric, and also hand and metal detectors, how do we stop people from bringing devices inside in this age of electronic devices, etc. So many, many new technologies we have adopted,” he added.

This year’s leak of exam papers, he said happened since the lessons learnt in 2024 were forgotten and the recommendations of the Ranganathan Committee were not implemented.

The Radhakrishnan Committee, Kamakoti said, came up with 250-plus robust recommendations.

“To be frank, in NEET 2026, the NTA did follow many of those recommendations… That’s why in the May 3 NEET, after the paper left the NTA premises, it went for printing, it went to boxes, it was put in trunks, it was distributed, finally it reached the hands of the candidate on the day of the examination on the 20th,” he added.

Source: https://www.ndtv.com/india-news/pen-paper-to-optical-sensors-iit-chief-on-why-no-leaks-in-engineering-exam-11835001?pfrom=home-ndtv_topscroll

Addressing the Monsoon Session in the Lok Sabha, Priyanka Gandhi questioned the government’s reliance on yet another committee to reform India’s examination system.

A brand new BJP vs Congress flashpoint erupted today in Parliament after Congress MP Priyanka Gandhi Vadra described a member of the Centre’s newly constituted education reform panel as a “cow urine expert”, prompting strong objections from BJP MPs, including Anurag Thakur.

The controversy unfolded during the debate on The Public Examinations (Prevention of Unfair Means) Amendment Bill, 2026, as Priyanka Gandhi questioned the government’s approach to overhauling India’s examination system following the National Testing Agency (NTA) crisis.

Although she did not name anyone directly, her remarks were widely interpreted as referring to Professor V Kamakoti, Director of IIT Madras, who is among the six domain experts appointed to a “high-powered” task force announced by Prime Minister Narendra Modi to recommend reforms aimed at making public examinations leakproof.

What Priyanka Gandhi Said

Addressing the Lok Sabha, Priyanka Gandhi questioned the government’s reliance on yet another committee to reform India’s examination system.

“Hon’ble Speaker, this is what I want to say to the Hon’ble Prime Minister through you,” she said. “That maybe they should change their advisors. Creating new committees won’t work. No matter who their president is.”

She invoked the earlier Radhakrishnan Committee, saying previous recommendations had remained unimplemented.

“The Radhakrishna Committee was also formed to reform the system. To date, one of his recommendations has not been implemented,” she said. “And in this new committee there is an ex IB chief, owner of an IT company and there is also a ‘gaumutra’ (cow urine) expert.”

 

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While Priyanka Gandhi did not identify the individual by name, the comments were widely interpreted to be directed at Prof Kamakoti.

Kamakoti’s Cow Urine Stand

Prof Kamakoti is well known for his advocacy for the alleged medicinal benefits of cow urine. In January 2025, he addressed a gathering in Chennai and said cow urine possessed antifungal, antibacterial and anti-inflammatory properties.

He also said researchers had conducted experiments on the subject and published scientific papers supporting those claims.

A video of the speech later circulated widely on social media, where critics mocked the remarks as unscientific and questioned whether they were appropriate coming from the head of one of India’s premier institutions.

In his defence, he said five scientific papers published in peer-reviewed journals supported claims about the anti-infective properties of cow urine. Among the studies he cited was “Peptide profiling in cow urine reveals molecular signature of physiology-driven pathways and in-silico predicted bioactive properties” by Rohit Kumar and others.

According to Prof Kamakoti, the study was conducted by the ICAR-National Dairy Research Institute in Karnal, Haryana, published in 2021 and appeared in Nature. He also referred to several review journals, including the Asian Journal of Pharmaceutical Research.

BJP Hits Back

Responding during the Lok Sabha debate, BJP MP Anurag Thakur accused her of insulting a distinguished academic.

“I will answer Priyanka ji after this. The way she makes an innocent face, misleads people, smiles subtly, and even asks the Speaker to smile, she does this while speaking on serious issues. She tries to cover up the wrongdoings and failures of her own government’s past,” Thakur said.

Source: https://www.ndtv.com/india-news/priyanka-gandhi-v-kamakoti-gaumutra-lok-sabha-priyanka-gandhi-vs-anurag-thakur-over-cow-urine-expert-jab-at-iit-professor-11834389?pfrom=home-ndtv_topscroll

The CJP’s Saurav Das said the Supreme Court had allowed the police to proceed with existing FIRs and expressed apprehension that the government would “weaponise” this against protesters.

Threatening to resume protests for the second time in as many days, the Cockroach Janta Party on Tuesday said the Supreme Court had allowed the police to proceed with existing FIRs and expressed apprehension that the government would “weaponise” this against protesters and harass them.

Hearing a batch of petitions against the alleged use of excessive force against students who were staging protests against paper leaks at Jantar Mantar in Delhi and other places, a bench led by Chief Justice of India Surya Kant directed that no coercive action should be taken against peaceful protesters. It ordered the release of those detained who had no prior criminal record.

There was also, however, a caveat.

“The NCT of Delhi and other States may proceed with the investigation of the FIRs registered; however, no coercive measures shall be taken against the protesting students. Such protection, nonetheless, shall not be extended to the persons with criminal antecedents,” the bench said.

In a post on X on Tuesday evening, CJP Spokesperson Saurav Das said the order “must ring alarm bells across the country”.

“This direction stands in direct contradiction to the solemn assurance and guarantee extended by the Government of India to the youth of this nation on 25 July 2026, namely, that the FIRs would be withdrawn and that no protester would be directly or indirectly targeted for participating in the peaceful movement. It was on the strength of that solemn assurance, and in complete good faith, that the Cockroach Janta Party called off its nationwide protest,” Das wrote.

“We now have a credible apprehension that the Government of India and BJP-ruled states may seek to use and weaponise this order of the Bench led by Chief Justice of India Surya Kant to continue FIRs against individual protesters and subject them to great harassment. This was precisely our concern from day one: that courts could be used, directly or indirectly, to achieve political ends by targeting peaceful dissent,” he added.

‘Surreptitious’

Das said it was troubling that the government’s lawyers did not oppose the order despite being aware of the assurances given to the CJP and the protesters.

Arguing that a public assurance cannot be diluted in a “surreptitious” manner, the spokesperson pointed out that the Centre and BJP/NDA-ruled state governments could withdraw the FIRs and decide not to proceed against peaceful protesters.

Das then repeated a threat the CJP had also made on Monday.

“The deadline for the Government of India to honour its guarantees expires today. We once again call upon it to fulfil every commitment it made: withdraw the FIRs, ensure that no protester is subjected to future punitive action, and honour both the letter and the spirit of the assurance that brought an end to the protest,” he said.

“Failing this, and as previously declared, the Cockroach Janta Party will have no option but to resume its nationwide protest to protect the students and young protesters who stood up not for themselves alone, but for the future of this nation. A government that breaks its word cannot expect the youth to remain silent. If the guarantees are dishonoured, the streets of India will once again become the voice of its young,” he warned.

On Monday, Das’ CJP colleague and fellow spokesperson Ashutosh Ranka had said there was a “complete breach” of the agreement and hundreds of protesters had been arrested.

“We demand that all the FIRs against the protesters be immediately withdrawn, students be released and no future FIRs be filed (in line with our agreement) by Delhi police / Central investigative agencies / Police in BJP-allied states, FAILING WHICH WE WILL BE FORCED TO SIT ON PROTEST AGAIN,” he had said.

Source: https://www.ndtv.com/india-news/cjp-protest-cjp-sourav-das-supreme-court-supreme-court-order-2-days-2-warnings-cjp-threatens-to-restart-protest-if-agitators-face-action-11834201?pfrom=home-ndtv_topscroll

 

The Delhi High Court on Tuesday refused to remove Additional DCP Sandeep Lamba from supervising a court-directed police inquiry, holding that his role in the probe could not be questioned solely because of a viral video showing him allegedly slapping a woman protester during the recent Cockroach Janta Party (CJP) demonstration at Jantar Mantar.

Dismissing the plea, Justice Girish Kathpalia observed that allegations against the officer in one incident did not automatically mean he would act unfairly in every case.

“Just because he was caught in some video allegedly slapping a lady, we cannot tarnish him. Are we aware of the ground realities? How the crowd would have entered the parliament and firing would have started and so many would have died?” the judge remarked, Bar and Bench reported.

Lamba was removed from protest duty at Jantar Mantar a day after a video allegedly showing him slapping a woman protester during the Cockroach Janta Party’s (CJP) ‘Chalo Sansad’ march on July 20 went viral, triggering widespread backlash.

Why was the plea filed?
The petition was filed by a 68-year-old woman who alleged that she was forcibly removed from her home during Ramadan last year and illegally detained overnight by Delhi Police. The High Court had earlier ordered an independent inquiry into her complaint.

The woman later sought the transfer of the inquiry from Lamba, arguing that she had lost faith in his impartiality after videos surfaced showing him allegedly slapping a woman during the July 20 CJP protest near Parliament.

Her counsel argued that the officer was “seen slapping a woman in broad daylight while in uniform” and that the incident had created a “grave apprehension of bias”. The petitioner also alleged that Lamba had earlier attempted to close the inquiry without recording her statement, prompting the court to direct him to do so.

Court says officer “entitled to fair process”
The High Court, however, said the officer could not be presumed to be biased merely because of the allegations arising from the protest.

“The fundamental right to protest is there but it does not extend to damaging the seat of sovereignty. Even if it was a case of overuse of power, he cannot be tarnished like this. He is also entitled to fair trial and enquiry,” the court observed, adding, “Even assuming he is ultimately held guilty, can it be assumed that he will act unfairly in every case?”

Meanwhile, Delhi Police informed the court that the inquiry into the petitioner’s complaint had already been completed, her statement had been recorded, and the report had been sent to the competent authority for a final decision.

Source: https://www.news18.com/india/we-cannot-tarnish-him-delhi-hc-rejects-plea-to-remove-officer-from-probe-over-slap-video-ws-l-10239267.html

According to the airline, the initiative is tailored to assist registered non-governmental organisations (NGOs) and recognised humanitarian agencies actively engaged in rescue and relief operations on the ground. ​Under the policy, eligible consignments exempted from freight fees include food and rations, medical and hygiene as well as shelter and apparel.

Mumbai: Low-cost carrier Air India Express has announced a complete waiver of freight charges for transporting essential relief materials to flood-hit Assam in a major boost to ongoing humanitarian efforts in Northeast India. ​The decision comes as several districts across the state grapple with severe inundation, leaving tens of thousands of residents in urgent need of basic supplies and medical aid.

NGOs And Aid Agencies Eligible

According to the airline, the initiative is tailored to assist registered non-governmental organisations (NGOs) and recognised humanitarian agencies actively engaged in rescue and relief operations on the ground. ​Under the policy, eligible consignments exempted from freight fees include food and rations, medical and hygiene as well as shelter and apparel. However, it added that all shipments remain subject to standard aviation regulatory requirements, as well as the carrier’s internal verification, packaging and safety policies.

​To maximise reach and speed up supply chains, Air India Express is leveraging its key domestic trunk routes into Guwahati – the regional gateway to Assam. Relief organisations can dispatch shipments free of cargo charges from three major metro hubs, including six daily flights from Delhi, three from Bengaluru and two from Kolkata. ​With 11 daily flights into Guwahati, the airline provides substantial freight capacity and multiple time slots throughout the day, allowing agencies flexibility when planning time-sensitive aid drops.

11 Daily Flights To Guwahati To Support Relief

Clips of young Pakistanis cheering the CJP, a satirical, youth-led protest movement, drew a sharp comeback from India — Indian Gen Z, the MEA said, have been asking Pakistan to end cross-border terror for years.

The videos came from across the border — young Pakistanis cheering on India’s Cockroach Janata Party protesters. India responded with a fact and some advice. “We are all aware that Pakistan has been sponsoring cross-border terrorism against India for several decades,” MEA spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal said on Tuesday, before flipping the moment on its head: “The people of India, including Gen Z, have been demanding that Pakistan end its state-sponsored cross-border terrorism. We hope their counterparts are taking due note.”

Further to these remarks, the MEA also slammed Pakistan for holding a “so-called” election. “We have seen reports about the so-called elections in Pakistan-occupied Kashmir. India’s position on this issue has been clear and consistent, and you are all well aware of it. Jammu and Kashmir and Ladakh are Union Territories, and their entire territory is an integral and inalienable part of India,” the MEA said, adding that “These whitewash elections being held there are an attempt by Pakistan to hide its illegal occupation of Jammu and Kashmir and its violation of the human rights of the people there. As we have said before, the protests underway there are the result of decades of systematic economic exploitation, the denial of fundamental rights, and administrative repression in Pakistan.”

The first round of voting was held on July 27 across 13 seats in the Mirpur Division. It has been a messy start — allegations of rigging, a boycott call from the Joint Awami Action Committee, and a heavy security presence, with clashes and the deaths of political workers reported. Jaiswal said the unrest in PoJK is simply what happens when a region is squeezed economically and denied basic rights.

Source: https://www.timesnownews.com/india/taking-note-of-the-terror-in-your-backyard-indias-message-to-pakistani-gen-z-rooting-for-cjp-article-155198169

The Delhi Police said thousands of fake posts, manipulated videos and misleading content were circulated on Facebook, Instagram, X and YouTube platforms during the CJP protests, spreading misinformation and vitiating the atmosphere.

The Delhi Police on Tuesday issued notices to four major social media platforms – Facebook, Instagram, X and YouTube – directing them to remove false and misleading posts, and deepfake videos related to the violence during the Cockroach Janta Party (CJP)-led protests in the national capital.

According to police, thousands of fake posts, manipulated videos and misleading content were circulated on these platforms during the protests, spreading misinformation and vitiating the atmosphere. Officials said several social media-based news portals were also involved in amplifying the content.

The notices were issued by the Intelligence Fusion and Strategic Operations (IFSO) unit of the Delhi Police, asking the platforms to take down the identified posts and videos. Police said they have been acting on complaints received from various quarters and are investigating multiple instances of misinformation linked to the protests.

The development came days after the CJP called off its 36-day agitation at Jantar Mantar on Saturday (July 25) following the resignation of Dharmendra Pradhan as the Union Education Minister.

The Centre also accepted its key demands of the CJP, including the resignation of Pradhan, withdrawal of FIRs against protesters, an assurance against retaliatory action and a commitment to consider broader examination reforms. The government had also agreed to share a written draft of the understanding after legal consultations.

However, the outfit earlier today warned of resuming its nationwide agitation if the government failed to honour its assurance to withdraw FIRs and prevent punitive action against protesters. The CJP alleged there was a “credible apprehension” that the Supreme Court’s interim order could be used to continue cases against individual students.

Source : https://www.indiatoday.in/india/story/delhi-police-asks-facebook-instagram-x-youtube-to-remove-fake-posts-deepfakes-linked-to-cjp-stir-violence-2958447-2026-07-28

According to Delhi Police, the vehicle was initially parked near Parliament Street police station due to space constraints after being seized. Ahead of the “Chalo Sansad” protest, it was emptied and shifted to a safer location in the early hours of July 20 after due instructions to its owner.

Delhi Police has rubbished social media claims that a truck parked near Jantar Mantar during the Cockroach Janta Party’s (CJP) protest was deliberately stationed as part of a conspiracy against protesters, calling the allegations “false and misleading.”

In a statement, police clarified that Truck No. HR63 E 6865 had been seized on July 16, 2026, in connection with an FIR registered after a road accident involving the truck and an EECO van, in which six people were injured.

According to Delhi Police, the vehicle was initially parked near Parliament Street police station due to space constraints after being seized.

Ahead of the “Chalo Sansad” protest, it was emptied and shifted to a safer location in the early hours of July 20 after due instructions to its owner.

Police said any attempt to link the truck to a conspiracy against protesters was “completely baseless” and urged people not to circulate unverified information.

Separately, the Delhi Police’s Intelligence Fusion & Strategic Operations (IFSO) unit has issued notices to Facebook, Instagram, YouTube and X, asking the platforms to remove posts and videos that allegedly spread false and misleading information related to the violence during the CJP protests.

According to police sources, thousands of posts, including alleged deepfake videos and misleading content about the protests and the subsequent violence, were shared across social media platforms by multiple accounts, including some social media-based news portals.

Source : https://www.indiatoday.in/india/story/delhi-police-cjp-protest-truck-conspiracy-claim-denied-misleading-posts-flagged-2958453-2026-07-28

A molestation and attempted sexual assault case was reported at Upgraded Primary School in Jerua village, Jamtara, and police are searching for absconding headmaster Mola Ansari.

A six-year-old Class 1 student was allegedly molested and subjected to an attempted sexual assault by the headmaster of an upgraded primary school in Jharkhand’s Jamtara district. The accused threatened the child with dire consequences if she narrated the incident to anyone, police said on Tuesday.

The incident was reported from Upgraded Primary School in Jerua village under the Narayanpur police station limits. The accused, identified as headmaster Mola Ansari, is currently absconding, and police have launched a search operation to arrest him.

According to the complaint lodged by the girl’s father, the child had gone to school as usual on Monday. After classes ended, the headmaster allegedly asked some students to stay back and later took the six-year-old girl to a room on the upper floor of the school building.

The complaint alleges that he attempted to sexually assault her. The child reportedly raised an alarm, after which she was allowed to leave.

The family alleged that the accused threatened the girl with dire consequences if she disclosed the incident to anyone. “Kisi ko bataya to jaan se maar dunga. (If you tell anyone, I will kill you),” he allegedly told the child.

The child returned home around 2 pm in a distressed condition and narrated the incident to her family, following which they approached the police.

Source : https://www.indiatoday.in/india/story/jamtara-headmaster-accused-assault-six-year-old-girl-jerua-school-2958477-2026-07-28

A joint Delhi-Haryana enforcement team uncovered an alleged illegal drug unit in a Narela flat. The seizure has raised fresh alarm over counterfeit medicines and steroid distribution in the capital.

The Delhi Drugs Control Department, along with the Food and Drug Administration, Haryana, and Delhi Police, has busted an alleged illegal drug manufacturing and stocking racket operating from a residential apartment in Delhi, seizing suspected counterfeit medicines, anabolic steroids, raw materials and manufacturing equipment, officials said on Tuesday. According to a Delhi government statement, the two-day operation was carried out after specific intelligence about the suspected movement of spurious medicines from the premises.

Officials said the first day of the raid led to the detection of an unlicensed manufacturing and packaging unit inside the apartment in outer Delhi’s Narela. During the inspection, the occupant of the flat told officials that the premises had been rented for stocking and packaging allopathic medicines and claimed the operation was being run by another individual allegedly linked to a manufacturing facility in Haryana’s Sonipat. However, officials said no drug licence, purchase records or stock registers could be produced.

The team recovered sealing machines, hand-operated seal crimping devices, heat guns, electric stirrers, precision weighing scales, industrial filter paper, glass beakers, rubber closures and flip-off caps. Thousands of unlabelled tablets suspected to be Tofacitinib, liquid vials of anabolic steroids, including Boldenone, Masteron and Testosterone variants, and chemical solutions used in drug preparation were also seized, the statement said.

Acting on fresh intelligence, the joint team returned to the apartment complex the following day and searched common utility areas, leading to the recovery of additional consignments concealed inside electric utility shafts on multiple floors. The recovered stock included bulk steroid hormone powders such as Progesterone, Oxandrolone, Mesterolone and Trenbolone Enanthate, over 1,500 finished steroid injection vials carrying “Made in Germany” markings, more than 5,000 loose tablets, over 5,000 empty glass and amber vials, nearly 2,500 packaging boxes, thousands of flip-off caps and several documents believed to be linked to the alleged illegal operation.

Source : https://www.indiatoday.in/india/story/delhi-fake-medicines-racket-busted-narela-flat-steroids-counterfeit-drugs-seized-ptag-2958465-2026-07-29

The Lucknow-Kanpur expressway was inaugurated by Yogi Adityanath, Rajnath Singh, and Nitin Gadkari on July 13.

It hadn’t been even two weeks since Lucknow-Kanpur elevated expressway was inaugurated amid much fanfare in Uttar Pradesh. Cracks have now appeared on a section of the expressway due to rain, raising concerns over the quality of construction.

The Lucknow-Kanpur Greenfield National Elevated Expressway was built at a cost of Rs 4,200 crore and inaugurated by Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath, Defence Minister Rajnath Singh, and Union Highways Minister Nitin Gadkari on July 13.

Come July 25, the scene changed. A large section of the road had caved in, and the visuals from Unnao just 12 days after inauguration left the authorities in disbelief.

Samajwadi Party leader Madhusudan Yadav shared a video from the expressway, stating that a five-to-seven-metre stretch of the road caved in near Korari village.

“I was travelling on Lucknow-Kanpur elevated expressway and as I reached Korari, I saw how the road had cracked after rain,” Yadav said, pointing to the cracks on the expressway.

Source: https://www.ndtv.com/india-news/rs-4-200-crore-expressway-develops-cracks-12-days-after-inauguration-in-up-11827179?pfrom=home-ndtv_topstories

989 people have serious criminal records including murder, rape, kidnapping, robbery, and cases filed under the Protection of Children from Sexual Offences (POCSO) Act, sources said

The Delhi Police have been going through hundreds of gigabytes of CCTV footage of the chaotic events that unfolded at Jantar Mantar last week, when protesters led by a satirical political group demanded the resignation of the Union education minister over exam paper leaks.

The protest site in the high-security central Delhi area erupted on July 20 and 22 when supporters of the Cockroach Janta Party (CJP) and the police faced-off. At least 100 CCTV video clips showed the crowds breach security cordons, attack police personnel, throw stones and damage property.

Many faces with criminal history and files already existing in police records appeared on CCTV, sources said. So far, 2,873 people with criminal backgrounds have been identified using facial-recognition systems.

Of them, 989 have serious criminal records including murder, rape, kidnapping, robbery, and cases filed under the Protection of Children from Sexual Offences (POCSO) Act, among others, sources said.

Many of the names already existed in the records as habitual offenders, sources said, adding that a significant number have more than one criminal case filed against them.

In brief, the following are the number of individuals with criminal history, as per data shared by sources: 101 (murder), 62 (murder attempt), 284 (robbery), 61 (rape), 6 (under POCSO Act), 25 (sexual assault), 229 (under Arms Act) and 19 (kidnapping), among others.

Of the 101 accused in murder cases, 42 have two or more cases, and 12 have 10 or more cases against their names. Eight of the 61 rape accused have two or more cases against them.

CCTV installed at several locations captured the crowds attacking police and security personnel, breaching barricades, throwing stones, using pepper spray, vandalising vehicles, attacking policemen inside their vehicles, damaging public property and shops along the protest route and violating the ban on large gatherings.

Some of the footage include scenes of the mob breaking through barricades and advancing, along with instances of stone-throwing at multiple locations at Sansad Marg on July 20.

The same day, crowds threw stones at the police, vandalised vehicles and tried to overturn a police vehicle despite a policeman sitting inside, near Jantar Mantar. At Tolstoy Marg, CCTV captured a vehicle being set on fire and bus tyres being punctured.

Sources said many videos clearly showed direct attacks on police personnel. A woman police officer, who was injured, was seen being evacuated by her colleagues. At Sansad Marg, the crowds surrounded a policeman and thrashed him. There are many clips of injured police personnel, blood dripping on their uniforms. Some 200 of them were injured, according to the Delhi Police.

CCTV footage captured on July 22 showed the attacks on police officers Nandkishore and Vivek Bhagat.

Derogatory comments made by some protesters on camera have been saved and analysed for further action, sources said. These include derogatory and objectionable comments against Prime Minister Narendra Modi made by a woman in Connaught Place, inflammatory comments about the parliament by a man at Sansad Marg, and a woman spewing expletives against the police.

Source: https://www.ndtv.com/india-news/over-2-800-with-criminal-records-including-rape-and-murder-identified-at-student-protest-sites-sources-11829299?pfrom=home-ndtv_topscroll

Kapil Sibal said the website will also “identify lawyers who can help.”

The Cockroach Janta Party will launch a website which tracks legal action taken against protesters and will connect them to lawyers, Rajya Sabha MP Kabil Sibal said on Monday. Sibal further announced ₹1 crore as legal aid for the website, and urged lawyers across India to contribute to the fund.

The CJP also demanded that no future cases be filed against students, organisers or supporters linked to the agitation.

Assam and Bihar have decided to withdraw cases registered against NEET protestors after the Cockroach Janta Party (CJP) warned that it would resume its agitation if legal action against students and demonstrators was not stopped.

The Assam government on Monday announced that it would withdraw all five cases registered in the state in connection with protests over alleged irregularities in the NEET (UG) examination. At least 13 people had been arrested in these cases as of 6 pm on July 26.

The state Home Department said no adverse legal action would be initiated against people involved in the protests and the process to withdraw the cases would begin as per law. It also said the arrests would be reviewed and those detained would be released after necessary procedures.

Bihar Also Drops Cases, Orders Release Of Protesters

The Bihar government also announced the withdrawal of cases filed against NEET protesters and ordered the release of those arrested during the demonstrations.

The state Home Department said no punitive or retaliatory action would be taken against individuals who participated in the protests before 6 pm on July 26. It added that FIRs, criminal complaints and show-cause notices against protesters would be withdrawn.

According to police, 694 people were detained during the Bihar bandh called on July 25 by pro-Left student organisations. While 339 minors were released, the remaining 355 people were booked under various laws.

The government said all persons arrested or detained in connection with these cases would be released immediately and no further action would be taken against them.

CJP Warns Of Fresh Agitation

The developments came after the CJP demanded the withdrawal of all FIRs against protesters and organisers involved in the NEET paper leak agitation.

CJP national spokesperson Ashutosh Ranka said the organisation had discussed the issue with the government during talks on July 25, before its 36-day protest at Jantar Mantar was called off. He said an agreement was reached that cases against protesters would be withdrawn and no fresh FIRs would be filed.

Ranka said the government was expected to provide a written assurance by Tuesday after legal consultations. He warned that the CJP would be forced to resume protests if the agreement was not honoured and arrested protesters were not released.

The CJP also demanded that no future cases be filed against students, organisers or supporters linked to the agitation.

Source: https://www.news18.com/cities/patna-news/bihar-drops-legal-action-against-neet-protesters-orders-release-of-arrested-demonstrators-ws-l-10236851.html

A false claim circulating on social media suggested that Instagram would be banned in India starting August 25, 2026. The Government of India, through the PIB Fact Check unit, has confirmed that this information is inaccurate and advised the public against believing or sharing such misinformation.

A viral claim circulating on social media has sparked confusion, with several posts alleging that Instagram will be banned in India from August 25. However, the Government of India has clarified that the claim is false and urged people not to believe or share such misinformation.

The Press Information Bureau’s (PIB) Fact Check unit addressed the viral posts through its official X handle, writing that there is no decision to ban Instagram in India on August 25. The government advised users to rely only on official sources for such information and avoid spreading unverified claims online.

“A post is being shared on social media claiming that #Instagram will be banned in India from the night of 25 August 2026. PIBFactCheck: The claim is false. No such announcement has been made by the Government of India,” the post read.

Saurav Das, spokesperson for the Cockroach Janta Party, defended the peaceful nature of their 30-day protest at Jantar Mantar amid police crackdowns and threats of renewed demonstrations if FIRs against protesters aren’t withdrawn.

A father and his son were struck by lightning while transplanting paddy in a Dhenkanal field on Sunday. Both were declared dead at hospital, leaving their family and village in shock.

A father and his son were killed after being struck by lightning while transplanting paddy in a field in Odisha’s Dhenkanal district on Sunday, officials said.

The deceased were identified as Santosh Dehury and his son, Satyanarayan, residents of Balipada village under the Kamakhyanagar police station limits.

According to local sources, the father-son duo had gone to the Goradia paddy fields near their village on Sunday afternoon to transplant paddy when the weather suddenly deteriorated. They were directly struck by lightning while working in the field, suffering severe injuries and collapsing on the spot.

Villagers rushed to their aid and shifted them to Kamakhyanagar Hospital. However, doctors declared both dead on arrival.

Source: https://www.indiatoday.in/india/odisha/story/odisha-lightning-strike-kills-father-son-transplanting-paddy-dhenkanal-2957694-2026-07-28

Delhi is planning nearly 300 police posts under flyovers and inside pedestrian subways. The move aims to improve safety while putting underused public spaces to better use.

The Delhi government is moving ahead with a plan to set up police posts under flyovers and inside pedestrian subways to improve safety and make better use of public infrastructure, officials said on Monday.

The proposal is part of a wider plan under which nearly 300 police posts may come up across flyovers, foot overbridges and pedestrian subways in the city.

Officials said the government has already conveyed its approval in principle and is now waiting for Delhi Police to complete the next steps.

“We have plans to set up the police posts and a confirmation has also been given to Delhi police regarding the project; now we are waiting for them to complete other formalities,” a senior government official said.

The Public Works Department, which maintains around 106 flyovers, 115 foot overbridges and nearly 70 subways, will build the proposed police posts for Delhi Police.

Officials said Delhi Police had first sent a proposal for about 50 posts, and after an assessment, the government found the project feasible.

After approving that proposal, the government decided to expand the scope of the plan. “While we have approved that proposal, going further, we plan to cover all road assets like flyovers, pedestrian subways, and FOBs; approximately 300 police posts will be set up,” the official added.

PWD CONSIDERING COMMERCIAL ESTABLISHMENTS LATER
In a later phase, the PWD is also considering allowing commercial establishments inside pedestrian subways, though that proposal has not yet been approved. Officials said the aim of the project is to give subway users a sense of security.

Separately, in July last year, a decision was taken on the ‘adopt a flyover’ project under the public-private partnership model to improve cleanliness and maintenance of road infrastructure. The government has signed agreements with private companies for work under the initiative.

Source: https://www.indiatoday.in/india/story/delhi-police-posts-under-flyovers-subways-300-safety-plan-ptag-2957581-2026-07-27

The case stems from the Bihar bandh called over the alleged NEET paper leak, the demand for the resignation of Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan and action against police personnel over the handling of student protests.

The Bihar bandh over the NEET paper leak has landed Jan Shakti Janata Dal chief Tej Pratap Yadav in legal trouble, with him facing one of the most serious charges in connection with the violence during the protests in Patna.

Tej Pratap has been booked under Section 109 of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS), which deals with attempt to murder. If convicted, the charge carries a punishment of up to 10 years in prison and a fine. In cases where grievous hurt is caused, the punishment can extend to life imprisonment.

A Patna court on Sunday sent Tej Pratap to 14 days of judicial custody, following which he was lodged in Beur Central Jail.

Apart from the attempt to murder charge, the FIR includes provisions related to assault on public servants, abetment, criminal conspiracy, unlawful assembly, rioting, promoting enmity and disobedience of lawful orders.

It also includes charges related to public disorder, causing hurt to public servants, alleged acts affecting religious sentiments and damage to public property.

BIHAR BANDH VIOLENCE

The case stems from the Bihar bandh called over the NEET paper leak, the demand for the resignation of Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan and action against police personnel over the handling of student protests.

The protest near Gandhi Maidan in Patna, which started as a demonstration by students and political workers, later turned violent, with police alleging clashes and stone-pelting. Several police personnel were injured during the confrontation.

Police arrested dozens of protesters and registered FIRs against hundreds of named and unnamed individuals.

Source : https://www.indiatoday.in/india/story/tej-pratap-yadav-bihar-bandh-violence-attempt-to-murder-charge-14-day-custody-2956857-2026-07-26

Young protesters turned Dadar and Shivaji Park into daily sites of NEET agitation. Their placards, slogans and persistence kept the protest visible despite detentions and political attention.

What began in Maharashtra as scattered gatherings of young people demanding Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan’s resignation soon turned into a daily show of protest in the heart of Mumbai, with Dadar becoming the city’s own version of Jantar Mantar — only without a permanent dharna.

The script was simple: come every evening, pick up a placard, raise slogans and let creativity do the talking.

The movement began gathering momentum after Maharashtra’s Abhijit Dipke set up camp at Jantar Mantar in Delhi. Within days, young people in different parts of the state began coming together without an invitation, a political party or the backing of any organisation.

The atmosphere at Dadar and near Azad Maidan began to echo the mood at Jantar Mantar. Soon, Gen Z had made Dadar its own protest hub.

POLICE ACTION BRINGS POLITICAL PARTIES INTO THE PICTURE

The turning point came after police action at Chaityabhoomi.

Dipke had appealed to people on July 20 to hold protests in their respective cities. By afternoon, a large number of young people had gathered at Chaityabhoomi. Police began detaining some of them and taking them to police stations.

The visuals that emerged on television caused anger among parents and protesters. According to the account shared by those involved, the phones of some detained youngsters were taken away, preventing them from recording the events or contacting others.

The reports of detentions and possible cases against protesters brought Shiv Sena and Maharashtra Navnirman Sena leaders to the police stations. They helped secure the release of some of the youngsters. Shiv Sena also issued an email address for legal assistance to the protesters.

The police action also brought political parties into an agitation that had initially been driven largely by young people who said they were not there to support any political organisation.

VIRAL POLICE VIDEO PUT CRACKDOWN UNDER SPOTLIGHT

On July 23, a video surfaced showing three young people being detained and put into a police van. In the video, a police constable is heard allegedly threatening them, saying that if they joined the protest again, a 50-gram packet of powder would be planted in their pockets and a case would be registered against them.

The video spread widely on social media and triggered questions over the police’s handling of the protests.

Yet, the controversy did not stop the young protesters from returning to Dadar every day.

RAJ THACKERAY’S HOME BECOMES A SAFE SPACE

Shivaji Park, where MNS chief Raj Thackeray lives, soon became another important gathering point.

The area has a large open space where children and young people gather, and it soon became a natural meeting point for protesters. Every afternoon, the crowd began swelling.

On the first day, police began detaining youngsters who were raising slogans outside Raj Thackeray’s residence and putting them into vehicles.

That was when Raj Thackeray’s wife Sharmila and son Amit intervened and confronted the police, helping get the protesters out of the police vehicle.

The next day, Raj Thackeray held a press conference and warned that if anyone troubled the youngsters, the MNS would stand with them in front of the police.

THE NATIONAL ANTHEM THAT CHANGED THE MOOD

On July 24, the Thackeray brothers announced that they would join the protest by organising a national anthem event at Shivaji Park.

By afternoon, the roads leading to the park were packed with young people. There was barely any space to walk.

The protesters had the backing of Shiv Sena and the MNS, and were allowed to continue their agitation.

But it was not political speeches that became the defining feature of the gathering.

It was the placards.

PLACARDS, SLOGANS AND SARCASM BECOME GEN Z’S WEAPONS

Thousands of youngsters gathered in Dadar on July 24. They came from different parts of Mumbai, spoke different languages, followed different faiths and studied in different institutions.

The one thing they appeared to have in common was their age. Most of them were under 25.

Their placards were as creative as their slogans.

One read, “Mere kuchupuchu, tum resign kab doge?” — a playful demand for the Education Minister’s resignation.

Another said, “Humse breakup kar lo aap humein nahi chahiye.”

For many of the young protesters, humour and sarcasm were not a distraction from the issue. They were the way they chose to express their anger.

Sakshi Bhalerao, who lives in Mumbai’s Bandra, questioned the government’s communication with young people.

“This government’s communication is extremely weak. Even my ex-boyfriend’s communication was not this weak. We are protesting for those 20 children who lost their lives because of irregularities in NEET. Has this government spoken to their parents about what they have gone through?” she said.

Another young woman from the western suburbs said the NEET issue was only one part of a much larger frustration.

“It is not just about NEET. There is no clean water to drink, the air is not clean for our health and when we step out of our homes, there are potholes on the roads. Where are we heading?” she said.

Another young protester made it clear that the gathering was not about supporting a political party.

“We do not support any political party. We are here only because of the issue of education. We are not interested in any party,” he said.

Source : https://www.indiatoday.in/india/story/neet-protests-mumbai-gen-z-dadar-shivaji-park-dharmendra-pradhan-resignation-2956907-2026-07-26

Sonam Wangchuk will visit Rajghat after his discharge from hospital on Monday and then leave for Ladakh. The visit follows his 26-day fast for NEET protesters and comes after the 36-day agitation ended.

Activist Sonam Wangchuk will be discharged from hospital on Monday and will visit Rajghat to pay homage to Mahatma Gandhi before leaving for Ladakh, his team said.

Wangchuk, who is recovering in the hospital in Gurugram after he broke his 26-day fast late Friday night, is expected to be discharged at around 11.30 am on Monday.

After his discharge, he would visit Rajghat before departing.

He earlier paid homage to Mahatma Gandhi at Rajghat on June 28 before launching his indefinite hunger strike at Jantar Mantar here to support students protesting alleged irregularities in the NEET examination.

Source : https://www.indiatoday.in/india/story/sonam-wangchuk-discharge-rajghat-visit-before-ladakh-departure-2956930-2026-07-26

Punjab Police arrested a suspected operative and seized a 1.3 kg IED in Jalandhar. Investigators said the alleged ISI-backed BKI module was planning a major attack in Punjab.

Punjab Police have foiled a major cross-border terror conspiracy by busting an alleged Pakistan’s Inter-Services Intelligence (ISI)-backed terror module linked to the banned Babbar Khalsa International (BKI), officials said on Sunday.

The operation was carried out jointly by the Counterintelligence unit in Jalandhar and the Jalandhar Rural Police. During the operation, police arrested a suspected terrorist and recovered a powerful improvised explosive device (IED) weighing 1.3 kg from his possession.

Punjab Director General of Police (DGP) shared details of the operation on X, stating that the accused was allegedly working at the behest of handlers based abroad. The suspect’s identity has not yet been disclosed.

In a major breakthrough against cross-border terror networks, Counter Intelligence Jalandhar, in a joint operation with Jalandhar Rural Police, busts an #ISI-sponsored #BKI terror module operated by foreign-based handlers and arrests a key operative from Jalandhar.

The operation… pic.twitter.com/QozimuHAca

— DGP Punjab Police (@DGPPunjabPolice) July 26, 2026

According to the police, the seized IED was packed with high explosives along with iron shrapnel and ball bearings, indicating that it was designed to inflict maximum damage. Investigators suspect the module was planning a major terror attack in Punjab, and the timely operation helped avert a potentially devastating incident.

Officials said the module was allegedly operating under the directions of Pakistan’s ISI and BKI operatives based outside India. Police believe the network was part of a larger cross-border conspiracy aimed at disturbing peace and law and order in the state.

Following the arrest, a case has been registered at Patara Police Station in Jalandhar Rural under relevant provisions of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS), the Explosive Substances Act and the Arms Act.

Source : https://www.indiatoday.in/india/story/punjab-police-bki-terror-module-bust-1-3-kg-ied-seized-in-jalandhar-2956946-2026-07-26

 

Assam’s flood situation improved on Sunday, but over 5.24 lakh people remained affected across five districts. Two more deaths in the past 24 hours raised the state’s flood death toll to 68.

The flood situation in Assam improved further on Sunday, but more than 5.24 lakh people remained affected across five districts, according to an official bulletin. Two more deaths in the last 24 hours pushed this year’s flood toll in the state to 68.

The Assam State Disaster Management Authority (ASDMA) said over 5,24,700 people have been impacted in Charaideo, Golaghat, Jorhat, Nagaon and Sivasagar districts. The situation was better than on Saturday, when nearly 6.55 lakh people were affected across six districts.

Two people died after drowning in flood waters in Charaideo district during the last 24 hours, the ASDMA said in its bulletin issued late on Sunday. Charaideo remained the worst-hit district, with nearly 1.9 lakh people affected, followed by Sivasagar with over 1.5 lakh and Jorhat with around 1.4 lakh.

The administration has been running 354 relief camps and aid distribution centres in four districts, where 37,724 displaced people are being looked after. The ASDMA said the Army, NDRF, SDRF, Fire and Emergency Service, and the police have rescued several people from different parts of Upper Assam.

At present, 763 villages are under water and 48,742.09 hectares of crop area have been damaged across the state, the bulletin said. Embankments, roads, bridges and other infrastructure have also suffered damage in several districts.

Source : https://www.indiatoday.in/india/assam/story/assam-floods-death-toll-rises-to-68-5-24-lakh-people-still-affected-ptag-golaghat-jorhat-nagaon-2956964-2026-07-27

A Scorpio headed from Delhi to a wedding in Uttar Pradesh’s Bijnor collided head-on with an Ertiga in Hapur after the driver tried to avoid an animal. Three people died at the spot, seven were injured, and police are investigating the circumstances of the crash.

Three people were killed and seven others seriously injured after a Scorpio and an Ertiga collided head-on on the Delhi-Lucknow highway in Uttar Pradesh’s Hapur district on Sunday night, police said.

According to police, a group of young men from Mustafabad in Delhi were travelling in the Scorpio to attend a wedding procession in Bijnor. The accident occurred in the Garh area when an animal suddenly appeared on the highway.

The Scorpio driver allegedly lost control while attempting to avoid the animal. The vehicle first hit the animal and then crossed the divider, entering the opposite lane, where it collided head-on with an Ertiga travelling from the direction of Sambhal.

The collision was so severe that both vehicles were completely wrecked. On receiving information, personnel from Garh police station, along with local residents, rushed to the spot and rescued the injured, who were taken to nearby hospitals.

Source : https://www.indiatoday.in/india/uttar-pradesh/story/hapur-accident-three-killed-seven-injured-scorpio-ertiga-delhi-lucknow-highway-2956973-2026-07-27

Two students returning from an anti-NEET protest were reportedly assaulted in Delhi after being questioned about their identities.

Two students returning home after the anti-NEET paper leak protest at Delhi’s Jantar Mantar allegedly faced assault after being stopped and questioned about their names, religion and address.

A video circulating on social media purportedly shows Hindu nationalist leader Satyam Pandit confronting the two students. According to claims shared online, the students were verbally abused and slapped before the incident was recorded and posted on social media. The allegations have not been independently verified.

In an interview with Times Now, Satyam Pandit was questioned about the alleged assault on the students.

When asked why he had beaten students heading to Jantar Mantar, Pandit replied, “Inki pitai pehle din hi honi chahiye thi, hum late ho gaye.”

Times Now editor Priyank Tripathi then pointed out that the students had been protesting peacefully for nearly a month and that the government had accepted the key demand of the Cockroach Janta Party (CJP), which led the anti-NEET paper leak movement, resulting in Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan’s resignation.

TIMES NOW Confronts Satyam Pandit

Who gave the protesters the right to attack police, media personnel, and RAF?… I have no regret about what I have done; I am proud of my actions: Satyam Pandit, who assaulted protesters tells @priyanktripathi pic.twitter.com/h6taJ5CZyO

— TIMES NOW (@TimesNow) July 26, 2026

When asked who gave him the right to assault the students, Pandit responded, “Who gave the protesters the right to attack police, media personnel, and RAF?… I have no regret about what I have done; I am proud of my actions.”

He reiterated that he was proud of his actions and did not regret the alleged assault. The Cockroach Janta Party (CJP) condemned the incident and demanded strict action against Pandit.

Source : https://www.timesnownews.com/delhi/i-have-no-regret-says-man-who-slapped-students-participating-in-jantar-mantar-protest-video-article-155183653

 

 

Bhagwant Mann ruled out any paper leak over the last four and a half years, though he admitted that cheating attempts were made during exams at two places.

After Dharmendra Pradhan’s resignation as education minister, the BJP and AAP have opened a fresh front over an alleged paper leak in Punjab. The BJP has started demanding Punjab Education Minister Harjot Singh Bains’ resignation. However, Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann has denied any paper leak during his tenure.

“When is the education minister of Punjab resigning? When will Arvind Kejriwal ask for resignation of Punjab’s education minister for morality,” asked BJP spokesperson Pradeep Bhandari.

When is the education minister of Punjab resigning? When will @ArvindKejriwal ask for resignation of Punjab’s education minister for morality

Paper Leaks in Punjab:

– Naib Tehsildar Recruitment – Large-scale cheating using
Bluetooth devices.
– PSEB Class 12 English Board… pic.twitter.com/lt8bCOgsTS

— Pradeep Bhandari(प्रदीप भंडारी)🇮🇳 (@pradip103) July 26, 2026

He alleged paper leaks in PSEB Class 12 English Board Examination, Punjab State Teacher Eligibility Test (PSTET), and Agriculture Development Officer (ADO) Examination, besides irregularities in Punjab Subordinate Services Selection Board (PSSSB) Group-B and Combined recruitment.

He also alleged a large-scale cheating in Naib Tehsildar and Pharmacy Officer recruitment tests, besides fake names being found in the Excise and Taxation Inspection merit list.

Punjab Congress chief Amarinder Singh Raja also alleged six major paper leaks over the past four years.

Today at Jantar Mantar, while @AamAadmiParty tries to sell its fake narrative of “justice for youth,” @IYCPunjab President @Shuvamsharmainc stood up for the students of Punjab and asked the question every young person deserves an answer to:

When will Punjab Education Minister… pic.twitter.com/Q9YIpkSHf2

— Amarinder Singh Raja Warring (@RajaBrar_INC) July 25, 2026

“When will Punjab Education Minister Harjot Bains resign? Four years. 6 major paper leaks. Countless dreams shattered. Yet no accountability. Punjab’s students deserve answers. They deserve accountability. They deserve a better future,” he alleged.

‘No Paper Leaks, My Guarantee’

The AAP called these “fake news.”

मुख्यमंत्री @BhagwantMann जी ने विपक्ष के झूठ और Fake News को किया Expose! pic.twitter.com/AkSiy8d1It

— AAP (@AamAadmiParty) July 26, 2026

Bhagwant Mann ruled out any paper leak over the last four and a half years, though he admitted that cheating attempts were made during exams at two places.

“There is no single paper leak in Punjab in the past 4.5 years. I assure you that there will be no paper leaks in Punjab. This is my guarantee. We got cheating reports from two places, but no single paper leak happened in Punjab. We acted on cheating incidents within 10 mins only. We acted against cheating gangs,” he said.

Another AAP Punjab leader, Baltej Pannu, said these were false allegations. In one of the cheating incidents, he said, candidates were caught using gadgets and faced action. But the paper did not get leaked, he asserted.

Source : https://www.ndtv.com/india-news/bjp-congresss-paper-leak-charge-in-punjab-bhagwant-manns-retort-11824085?pfrom=home-ndtv_topscroll

 

According to the government, the task force will focus on technology, institutional reforms and improving the credibility of the examination ecosystem.

The Centre on Sunday announced the members of a six-member expert panel that will recommend structural and technological reforms to the National Testing Agency (NTA). Following this, IIT Madras Director V Kamakoti, who is part of the high-powered task force, said fixing accountability across institutions involved in conducting examinations will be one of its top priorities.

The multidisciplinary task force will be headed by technology expert Nandan Nilekani. It has been set up to recommend comprehensive reforms to make the NTA’s examination process more transparent, secure and technology-driven.

Speaking exclusively to CNN-News18, Kamakoti outlined the key objectives of the panel and said its work would focus on strengthening the country’s examination system.

Kamakoti said the task force has identified two main focus areas – technological advancements and building a robust organisational structure. He said the approach would be to fix accountability in every institution responsible for conducting examinations across the country.

The panel will recommend immediate measures to secure upcoming examinations. It has also been tasked with overhauling India’s national examination and testing systems to make them leakproof and secure while maximising the use of advanced technology to create a transparent and future-ready process.

According to Kamakoti, competitive examinations have changed significantly over the years as the number of aspirants has continued to grow.

“The examinations have been evolving over the period of time. Ever since I appeared for it, to now when more and more students as aspirants who have been appearing for the competitive examinations,” he said.

NEET paper leak shook trust

Kamakoti said the alleged NEET-UG 2026 paper leak had exposed serious weaknesses in the existing system.

“The root of trust in this year NEET UG exam was compromised, those who set the examination paper had leaked it. The NTA had trusted that core group but that trust was shaken. There are imminent challenges that we would have to face and bring reforms suited accordingly,” he said.

He also pointed to the growing number of students appearing for higher education entrance examinations. Referring to the All India Survey of Higher Education, he said a 30 per cent growth had been recorded, indicating that more students would appear for such examinations in the future.

Kamakoti added that rapid technological advancements had also brought new challenges, including artificial intelligence.

Why each member was chosen?

Describing the composition of the task force, Kamakoti said every member had been selected for their expertise.

He said Nilekani was the best person to deploy technology at scale. Explaining the inclusion of former ISRO Chairman S Somanath, Kamakoti said, “Launching a rocket and running an examination are the same,” adding that no one was better suited for the role.

He said former Intelligence Bureau Director Tapan Deka would help secure the implementation of examinations from legal and intelligence perspectives.

Source : https://www.news18.com/india/fix-accountability-first-iit-madras-director-part-of-pm-modis-exam-reform-task-force-reveals-top-priority-10234798.html

The composition of the six-member task force makes it clear that the Centre is treating NTA reform as a national governance and technology challenge.

In a move that underscores the Narendra Modi government’s preference for domain expertise over political history, Infosys co-founder Nandan Nilekani — who contested the 2014 Lok Sabha election as a Congress candidate — has been appointed to the high-powered task force on National Testing Agency (NTA) reforms.

Nilekani had joined the Congress in March 2014 and contested from Bengaluru South, losing to BJP’s Ananth Kumar by over 2.28 lakh votes. Before entering politics, he had been handpicked by the UPA government to head the Unique Identification Authority of India (UIDAI), where he architected the Aadhaar programme, becoming one of India’s foremost technocrats.

More than a decade later, the Modi government has once again turned to Nilekani, signalling that technical competence and institutional experience have outweighed past political affiliations in one of the Centre’s most significant reform exercises.

His inclusion comes as the government attempts a comprehensive overhaul of the NTA after controversies surrounding competitive examinations, including NEET.

The composition of the six-member task force makes it clear that the Centre is treating NTA reform as a national governance and technology challenge rather than merely an education issue.

Instead of limiting the committee to educationists and bureaucrats, the government has brought together experts from technology, space, intelligence, cybersecurity, academia, education policy and public administration.

The panel suggests that reforms will focus on creating secure digital examination systems, preventing question paper leaks, strengthening cybersecurity, improving institutional accountability and introducing structural changes to examination processes.

Nilekani brings unparalleled experience in building India’s digital public infrastructure through Aadhaar. His expertise is expected to guide technology architecture, digital identity systems and scalable, secure examination platforms.

Former ISRO Chairman S. Somanath is known for leading complex, mission-critical scientific programmes requiring precision, systems engineering and operational reliability—skills relevant to designing robust national examination systems.

Former Intelligence Bureau Director Tapan Deka adds an internal security dimension. His experience in intelligence and counter-terrorism could help design mechanisms to prevent organised cheating networks, paper leaks and cyber-enabled examination fraud.

IIT Madras Director V. Kamakoti, a computer scientist specialising in artificial intelligence, cybersecurity and indigenous computing, is expected to contribute to building resilient digital examination infrastructure.

Former Union Education Secretary Anita Karwal brings deep administrative knowledge of school and higher education policy, helping ensure reforms remain practical and aligned with India’s education ecosystem.

Amrit Lal Meena, known for his expertise in infrastructure, logistics and public administration, is expected to focus on execution, coordination and large-scale implementation across states and examination centres.

The committee’s composition also sends a broader political and administrative message.

By bringing together a former Congress candidate, a former ISRO chief, a former Intelligence Bureau director, leading academics and senior bureaucrats, the government appears to be prioritising specialised expertise over ideological or political considerations.

Source : https://www.news18.com/india/from-congress-candidate-to-modis-go-to-technocrat-why-nandan-nilekanis-appointment-to-nta-reforms-panel-stands-out-10234772.html

Rahul Gandhi has said Amit Shah first has to answer why Delhi Police acted the way it did at Cockroach Janta Party’s ‘Sansad Chalo’ march on July 20.

Dharmendra Pradhan is gone from Narendra Modi’s cabinet, and the Cockroach Janta Party (CJP) stir is over, but Congress-led Opposition isn’t closing the file yet, as Monday sees resumption of the ongoing Monsoon Session of Parliament. The House — disrupted since the session began on July 20, also the day CJP’s ‘Sansad Chalo’ march faced violent police action on the streets near Parliament — is set for a two-track clash now, one involving home minister Amit Shah as the target after Pradhan.

The government is keen to push further with its promise of exam reforms. The bill for a tougher law against paper leaks is set for Monday, after Modi also formed a committee under all-season technocrat Nandan Nilekani of Infosys and Aadhaar fame.

But the INDIA bloc led by Rahul Gandhi wants to keep the spotlight on the July 20 police action, the Gen-Z-driven online-offline energy of the protest having already pushed the Modi government onto the back foot.

What Rahul wants

Leader of Opposition (Lok Sabha) Rahul Gandhi already announced his target on Saturday after Pradhan resigned.

“Someone’s hand was broken, someone’s leg, someone’s rib. Pellet guns-like deadly weapons were used, and many were injured so severely that they became critical. These are all directly the responsibility of home minister Amit Shah,” said Gandhi, who ran a parallel protest-cum-awareness drive on paper leaks for weeks even as the CJP came on the scene on the NEET-UG paper leak.

On Sunday, in a letter to the home minister, Gandhi asked whether he had personally cleared the use of pellet guns and other force against protesters.

“I met 19-year-old student Sahil Lochab, who is now in severe pain and is likely to lose an eye because he was shot with pellet guns,” the Congress MP wrote. “Security forces deployed in Delhi answer ultimately to you, so I ask: As Home Minister, did you approve the use of lethal force, including pellet guns against students? If not, who did?” the letter said.

He also asked who had authorised the deployment of men in plain clothes seen beating students with lathis, and whether they were police personnel or “volunteers”.

TMC’s Rule 267 notice

Separately, Trinamool Congress Rajya Sabha deputy leader Sagarika Ghose has moved a notice under Rule 267 seeking suspension of the day’s business on Monday to allow an immediate discussion on the alleged use of “lethal and semi-lethal force” against protesters, including reports of pellet gun injuries attributed to the Rapid Action Force.

INDIA bloc parties are thus expected to raise the issue in both Houses. Delhi Police has denied that its personnel used pellet guns during the protest; the CRPF, under whose remit the RAF falls, has not issued a public response to the specific allegations.

Government’s bill move

The Centre, meanwhile, is set to introduce the Public Examinations (Prevention of Unfair Means) Amendment Bill, 2026, in the Lok Sabha on Monday, to be moved by minister of state Jitendra Singh, who has also served as the government’s interlocutor with protesters alongside health minister JP Nadda.

The bill had already been announced by Modi in a midnight video before Pradhan’s resignation came as the CJP and Rahul said the demand was “non-negotiable”.

The bill, which did not suffice on its own to calm the protests, proposes to substantially raise penalties under the original 2024 law.

• For individuals, the minimum jail term rises from three to five years and the maximum from five to 10 years, while the maximum fine increases five-fold to ₹50 lakh.
• Service providers face fines of up to ₹5 crore, up from ₹1 crore, and blacklisting of up to eight years.
• Directors or senior management of service provider firms face a minimum five-year term, up from three, with fines up to ₹5 crore.
• For organised crime linked to paper leaks, the minimum term rises to seven years and the minimum fine to ₹10 crore.

Source : https://www.hindustantimes.com/india-news/rahul-targets-amit-shah-over-pellet-guns-at-cjp-march-govt-plans-bill-move-as-parliament-session-resumes-101785083843946.html

Singh wrote that existing military stations in Andaman and Nicobar islands like INS Kohassa, INS Utkrosh and Air Force Station Car Nicobar are further away from critical sea lanes of communication that are vital to India’s military interest.

Ramesh said the Centre’s claim of building a greenfield airport at Galathea Bay causing less environmental damage than the expansion of the existing naval airbase INS Baaz is “demonstrably incorrect and logically contradictory”. He cited seven reasons on why such an assertion is flawed.

The Congress leader made these points in a letter to Defence Minister Rajnath Singhwho wrote to Ramesh on July 17 about why the GNI project was strategically important.

Singh wrote that existing military stations in Andaman and Nicobar islands like INS Kohassa, INS Utkrosh and Air Force Station Car Nicobar are further away from critical sea lanes of communication that are vital to India’s military interest.

“Repeated characterisation of the project as just a costly commercial venture grossly overlooks the strategic realities of the region,” Rajnath wrote, observing that the site’s proximity to vital sea lanes of communication enhances India’s military strength.

I had written to the Raksha Mantri on May 16, 2026 and June 12, 2026 on the Great Nicobar Island Project. He had replied on July 17, 2026. I have now responded to him.

The debate continues even as the ecological disaster of a project is kept getting bulldozed through with… pic.twitter.com/XuZGFObtCp

— Jairam Ramesh (@Jairam_Ramesh) July 25, 2026

According to Ramesh, such an argument doesn’t hold water because the heart of the GNI project is the trans-shipment port, which is a commercial enterprise.

“Only 10 per cent of the budget for the project appears to be for the (dual use) airport. To say that the entire Great Nicobar Island project has strategic importance is clearly an exaggeration,” the Congress leader said.

“Very senior and distinguished naval officers have been questioning the stated defence reasoning for the GNI project. It is clear that such writings have escaped your attention or have not been brought to your notice,” Ramesh said, appealing to the minister to listen to the concerns raised by these officers.

Source : https://www.deccanherald.com/india/centre-invented-strategic-rationale-to-justify-great-nicobar-island-project-jairam-ramesh-writes-to-rajnath-singh-4087453

Several critical factors drove Prime Minister Modi’s decision: As public anger surged, youth and middle-class citizens became vocal on social media, sharply targeting Modi himself.

Sources told DHthat the Modi government was initially reluctant to let Pradhan go and preferred resolving the student agitation by meeting other demands such as paying compensation and withdrawing cases.

However, the movement evoked strong reactions after the crackdown on protesters on the first day of the Monsoon Session of Parliament. Over time, the movement acquired its character that made the minister’s accountability a non-negotiable condition for a détente.

Several critical factors drove Prime Minister Modi’s decision: As public anger surged, youth and middle-class citizens became vocal on social media, sharply targeting Modi himself.

NDA allies, particularly the TDP and JD(U), reportedly exerted strong pressure on the Centre to end the standoff quickly. The intensity of protests in Bihar, governed by the BJP-JD(U) coalition, added to Modi’s worries.

The government also became alarmed by the Bharatiya Kisan Union (Ekta Ugrahan)’s announcement that it would join the student agitation at Jantar Mantar in Delhi from July 27, fearing the movement could widen and spiral beyond control.

The complete shutdown of Central Delhi — including the closure of 18 metro station gates — caused widespread inconvenience to office-goers and triggered fresh waves of public frustration directed at the government and Modi for prolonging the issue.

The ongoing parliamentary logjam, with Opposition parties cornering the government, further complicated the situation. Senior ministers advised both Prime Minister Modi and Home Minister Amit Shah to take a swift decision. Concerns over anti-social elements infiltrating the protests and creating trouble added to the urgency for immediate resolution, the sources said.

Source : https://www.deccanherald.com/india/political-cost-impact-on-pm-modis-image-force-govt-to-agree-to-cjp-demands-4087604#google_vignette

The President’s office, after accepting Dharmendra Pradhan’s resignation, confirmed Pralhad Joshi’s appointment in a communique this evening.

Union minister Pralhad Joshi has been given additional charge of the Ministry of Education, following the resignation of Dharmendra Pradhan amid protest over exam paper leaks.

The President’s office, after accepting Pradhan’s resignation, confirmed Joshi’s appointment in a communique this evening.

Joshi is currently Union Minister of Food and Consumer Affairs.

“I accept this responsibility with a sense of duty and humility. I am thankful to the Prime Minister. In the last 12 years of Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s government, many historic achievements have been made,” Joshi told reporters in his first comments following the confirmation of the appointment.

“In the last four to five years, Dharmendra Pradhan also implemented the National Education Policy, and several important initiatives were undertaken. The country has made significant progress in the new education system. Under the guidance of the Prime Minister, I will work to the best of my ability and fulfil my responsibilities with dedication,” he added.

Pradhan, 57, in his resignation letter on the 35th day of the protests in Delhi’s Jantar Mantar over exam paper leaks, said he decided to step down in order to prevent anti-national forces from exploiting the situation.

“For over four decades, I have dedicated myself to the cause of students, teachers, and educational reform. I have always believed that a robust, inclusive, and visionary education system forms the cornerstone of a strong nation,” he said in his resignation letter.

Hours after his resignation, the CJP’s spokespersons Saurav Das and Ashutosh Ranka in a joint press conference with Union ministers JP Nadda and Jitendra Singh announced they had ended the protest “in good faith” after the Centre assured to meet their demands.

Pradhan’s resignation was the main demand of the group created by Abhijeet Dipke, a Boston University graduate who recently returned to India to lead the protest over paper leaks.

Source : https://www.ndtv.com/india-news/pralhad-joshi-gets-additional-charge-of-education-ministry-after-dharmendra-pradhan-resigns-11821626?pfrom=home-ndtv_topscroll

A two-member CJP delegation met with Union Ministers JP Nadda and Jitendra Singh on Saturday, hours after the resignation of Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan.

The Cockroach Janata Party (CJP) on Saturday announced that it will withdraw its agitation at Delhi’s Jantar Mantar after holding the third round of talks with the Centre, bringing an end to the 49-day protest over NEET-UG paper leak and irregularities in the education system.

A two-member CJP delegation met with Union Ministers JP Nadda and Jitendra Singh on Saturday, hours after the resignation of Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan. Following the talks, the CJP announced that it was withdrawing the protest with immediate effect and appealed to all protests to go back home peacefully.

Addressing a press conference alongside Nadda, CJP’s spokesperson Saurav Das said the Centre had agreed to consider the demands of the movement, which included the resignation of Dharmendra Pradhan, withdrawal of all FIRs against student protesters and a compensation of Rs 1 crore for the families of students who died by suicide.

“We had demanded compensation of Rs 1 crore for the families of NEET victims. The government has agreed to this, stating that an honorary compensation will be given to those families under whatever rules and regulations allow. Apart from this, we also placed a five-point demand charter before the government, which talked about broader educational reforms and exam reforms,” he added.

A special court in Bhopal rejected Giribala Singh’s bail plea in the Twisha Sharma dowry death case. The court accepted the CBI’s argument that her release could affect witnesses and the investigation.

A special court in Bhopal on Saturday rejected the bail plea of retired judge Giribala Singh in the dowry death case linked to former model and actor Twisha Sharma, holding that the charges against her were serious.

Singh, Twisha Sharma’s mother-in-law, is among the accused in the case, which is being investigated by the Central Bureau of Investigation. Twisha was allegedly found hanging at her marital home in Bhopal on May 12. Singh and her son Samarth Singh were later arrested on charges of dowry-related harassment, mental abuse and domestic violence.

The bail application was initially listed before Special Judge Neelam Shukla, who recused herself from hearing the matter. It was then transferred to the court of Special Judge Ram Pratap Mishra, where detailed arguments were heard. The court reserved its order on Friday after hearing the prosecution and the defence.

The defence sought bail on humanitarian grounds, saying Singh was an elderly woman with health issues and was not getting adequate medical care in jail. It also said her nearly 100-year-old mother depended on her for care. The defence further argued that Singh had cooperated with the investigation, that a burglary had taken place at her residence while she was in custody, and that she received a regular salary and a war widow’s pension, making the allegation of dowry demand implausible.

Opposing the plea, the CBI argued that being a woman alone could not be a ground for bail, especially when the deceased was also a woman. The agency told the court that the Madhya Pradesh High Court had on May 27 quashed the anticipatory bail granted to Singh by a subordinate court in Bhopal. It also said she had refused to provide her voice sample during the investigation.

Source: https://www.indiatoday.in/india/story/twisha-sharma-dowry-death-case-bhopal-court-denies-giribala-singh-bail-ptag-2956278-2026-07-25

The Supreme Court quashed a POCSO FIR against a minor boy’s paternal aunt in a custody-linked family dispute. It said such cases can be misused to target in-laws and criticised the high court for not examining the record.

The Supreme Court has expressed concern over in-laws being drawn into cases arising from marital disputes and children being used to target family members, while quashing a POCSO case filed against the paternal aunt of a minor boy. The case came up against the backdrop of a bitter matrimonial dispute between the child’s divorced parents.

A bench of Justices JB Pardiwala and K Vinod Chandran also criticised the Bombay High Court for refusing to quash the case without examining the material on record. The court said there was no reason to subject the woman to trial and ordered that no further proceedings be taken on the FIR.

In its order dated July 23, the bench said, “It is commonplace, nay customary that in-laws are dragged in to settle scores in cases arising out of marital discord and often children are used to vilify each other. But we are shocked by the allegations raised herein by the divorced mother that her son is constantly molested sexually by his paternal aunt.” The court said the FIR appeared to be a counterblast to another FIR lodged earlier by the divorced father, which contained an equally serious allegation against the maternal uncle involving the boy’s twin sister.

The court referred to the divorce decree of September 2023, passed by mutual consent, and noted that the appellant was the paternal aunt of the twins born to the couple. It recorded that the children were in the father’s custody, with visitation rights at the mother’s home. The mother alleged that her son had complained of sexual harassment even when she was living in her matrimonial home, and that she had witnessed one such incident herself. However, the court noted that no such allegation was raised during the divorce proceedings and no complaint was made before the FIR filed on March 17, 2024, just hours after the father lodged a similar FIR.

The bench said the FIR, on a plain reading, did not inspire confidence. Advocate Sana Raees Khan, appearing for the appellant, argued that the prosecution was a classic abuse of the criminal justice process and had been launched only to settle personal scores in a custody battle. She said the allegations surfaced only after the father filed an FIR against the maternal side of the family, showing that the complaint was a retaliatory counterblast rather than a genuine disclosure of child sexual abuse. Khan also submitted that the allegations were belated and contradicted by the statement of the child victim recorded before the Judicial Magistrate under Section 164 of the Code of Criminal Procedure. She told the bench that the existence of rival FIRs could not dilute the court’s duty to independently examine whether the allegations in a case disclosed a prima facie offence.

The Supreme Court said the high court’s division bench had initially stayed the proceedings after finding, on a perusal of the records, that the mother’s complaint lacked substance. It also noted, “It was also specifically noticed that the statement of the victim boy recorded under Section 164 of the Criminal Procedure Code by the Judicial Magistrate of the First Class indicates that no assault as stated by the de-facto complainant had been occasioned.” The top court said the bench that later heard the matter ought to have examined the records, especially when an earlier bench had, even in an interim order, found that the allegations could not prima facie stand.

Source: https://www.indiatoday.in/india/story/supreme-court-quashes-pocso-fir-against-paternal-aunt-flags-misuse-in-marital-disputes-ptag-2955980-2026-07-25

The ancient Buddhist site Sarnath in Uttar Pradesh has been inscribed on the Unesco World Heritage List, becoming India’s 45th World Heritage Site during the 48th session of the World Heritage Committee in Busan, South Korea.

India’s ancient Buddhist site of Sarnath in Uttar Pradesh was on Saturday inscribed on the UNESCO World Heritage List during the 48th session of the Unesco World Heritage Committee in Busan, South Korea.

Unesco announced the decision in a post on X, saying, “New inscription on the Unesco World Heritage List: Ancient Buddhist Site of Sarnath, India.”

The inscription makes Sarnath India’s 45th site on the Unesco World Heritage List.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi welcomed the recognition and described it as “a proud moment for every Indian.”

“A proud moment for every Indian! Delighted that Sarnath in Uttar Pradesh has been inscribed on the Unesco World Heritage List,” PM Modi said in a post on X.

The Prime Minister said Sarnath has a deep connection with Lord Buddha, whose timeless message of wisdom, compassion and harmony continues to inspire the world.

“This recognition celebrates India’s profound civilisational and spiritual heritage. It will also inspire more people across the world to come to Sarnath and connect with the ideals of Lord Buddha,” he said.

Located around 10 kilometres from Varanasi, Sarnath is one of the most significant pilgrimage sites for Buddhists across the world. It holds a unique place in history as the site where Gautam Buddha delivered his first sermon.

The decision to inscribe Sarnath on the World Heritage List was taken during the ongoing 48th session of the Unesco World Heritage Committee in Busan, South Korea.

In August 2025, Union Culture Minister Gajendra Singh Shekhawat informed the Lok Sabha in a written reply that India had submitted a dossier titled “Ancient Buddhist Site, Sarnath” to the Unesco World Heritage Centre for the 2025-26 nomination cycle.

The World Heritage Committee is one of the two bodies that govern the Convention for the Protection of the World’s Cultural and Natural Heritage.

Union Home Minister Amit Shah also welcomed the development, saying, “Our cultural pride soars even higher today as Sarnath in Uttar Pradesh has been included in the Unesco World Heritage List.”

Calling it an endorsement of India’s ancient heritage associated with Lord Buddha, Shah said the recognition would take the Buddha’s luminous wisdom to more people and inspire them to embrace the ideals of peace and enlightenment for a better world.

Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath said that under the visionary leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi, India’s timeless civilisational heritage continues to receive global recognition.

Source: https://www.indiatoday.in/india/story/sarnath-unesco-world-heritage-list-india-45th-site-uttar-pradesh-pm-modi-2956398-2026-07-25

Uttar Pradesh is set to place the names of three senior IPS officers before the Supreme Court for a new SIT in the Ayodhya temple donation case. The move follows the court’s insistence on a team that conducts the probe itself rather than merely supervising it.

The Uttar Pradesh government is set to submit a panel of three senior IPS officers before the Supreme Court on Monday for the constitution of a new Special Investigation Team (SIT) to probe the alleged theft and misappropriation of donations at the Shri Ram Janmabhoomi Temple in Ayodhya.

The matter is scheduled to come up for hearing before the apex court, which had earlier directed the state government to constitute an SIT headed by a senior IPS officer to ensure an independent and effective investigation into the alleged embezzlement of devotees’ donations.

According to sources, the state government is likely to propose the names of Inspector General (IG), Lucknow Range, Kiran S, Deputy Inspector General (DIG), Ayodhya Range, Somen Verma, and Senior Superintendent of Police (SSP), Ayodhya, Gaurav Grover for the new SIT. The proposed team is expected to function under the leadership of IG Kiran S and submit its findings to the Supreme Court.

The proposed panel marks a change from the existing SIT. Earlier, the committee included Lucknow Divisional Commissioner Vijay Vishwas Pant and Special Secretary (Finance) Neel Ratan Kumar. Under the revised proposal, the two civil officers have been replaced by senior IPS officers in line with the Supreme Court’s observations.

The Supreme Court, while hearing a batch of petitions on July 20 seeking a fair, impartial and time-bound investigation into the alleged embezzlement, had questioned whether the existing SIT was directly investigating the case.

Responding to the Bench, Solicitor General Tushar Mehta, appearing for the Uttar Pradesh government, had informed the court that the investigation was being carried out by the Uttar Pradesh Police, while the SIT was only supervising the probe.

Expressing dissatisfaction with the arrangement, Chief Justice of India (CJI) Surya Kant directed the state government to obtain instructions on constituting an SIT that would itself conduct the investigation. The Bench suggested that the team be headed by a senior IPS officer, such as the IG of the Lucknow Range, who was already a member of the existing SIT.

The matter is being heard by a bench comprising CJI Surya Kant and Justices Joymalya Bagchi and V. Mohan in a batch of petitions seeking an independent probe into the alleged embezzlement of donations made by devotees at the Shri Ram Janmabhoomi Temple.

Source: https://www.indiatoday.in/india/story/ayodhya-donation-theft-case-up-govt-to-propose-three-ips-sit-panel-to-supreme-court-2956432-2026-07-26

Sridhar Vembu asserts that his advice is free from political bias and remains steadfast amid criticism.

Zoho co-founder and former CEO Sridhar Vembu on Saturday issued a fresh statement after facing criticism over his remarks expressing “sadness” at Union education minister Dharmendra Pradhan’s resignation. Many social media users accused Vembu of defending the Narendra Modi government to protect Zoho’s business interests in India.

Without naming any individual or group, Vembu asserted that his views were independent and said he would not be influenced by criticism or threats. In his latest post, he sought to reinforce that claim by highlighting Zoho’s business model, its revenue sources and his interactions with governments.

Vembu says revenues comes from outside India
Addressing the criticism, Vembu said that around 90% of Zoho’s revenue comes from outside India, earned by competing in the global market. He added that only about 2% of the company’s revenue comes from government contracts, and whenever Zoho does business with the government, it ensures value for taxpayers’ money.

 

Most of the parents said the government never understood pain of the students who appeared for NEET and their parents

For many parents, who lost their children by suicide after National Eligibility cum Entrance Test Undergraduate (NEET-UG) 2026 paper was cancelled, resignation of education minister Dharmendra Pradhan is not enough.

Most of the parents said the government never understood pain of the students who appeared for NEET and their parents. They also expressed their anguish at the police for assaulting students in New Delhi and making Pradhan resign only after the pressure of students.

They called for structural changes in education so that no papers are cancelled in future due to leak or any other examination malpractice.

Father of a 21-year-old NEET aspirant of Uttar Pradesh’s Kheri district, who had died by suicide in May, lauded the peaceful protest by students despite “brutal” attack by the police on them and sought education reforms to prevent something similar in future.

His son had appeared for NEET for the third time. On Saturday he accompanied his wife to a Lucknow hospital, who is in a trauma after their son’s death.

“ Compensation cannot bring back my son”
“Any compensation cannot bring back my son to life. The void cannot be filled. I hope the protest will prevent such tragedies in future,” he said. He added if Pradhan would have resigned soon after the protest started, violence at Jantar Mandar could have been avoided.

Mother of 18-year-old NEET aspirant, who died by suicide in Nagpur on May 20, said those responsible for her death should be punished. “Resignation is fine but I would like to thank the children who fought for my child and faced police bullets and batons. I want that those responsible for paper leak and assaulting students should be severely punished,” she said.

“Justice was served today”
Her father said, “Justice was served today. The resignation will not bring back my daughter, but it will at least give peace to her soul.” On compensation, he said, “After her death, my relatives helped me repay the debt taken for her education. If I receive compensation, I will use it to clear the remaining dues.” His wife participated in the Cockroach Janta Party (CJP) protest in Nagpur.

Father of NEET aspirant from Rajasthan’s Kotputli-Behror district, said, “Governments must understand this pain that the students undergo while preparing for competitive exams and take strict measures to prevent such incidents.”

He added that the government was not willing to accept their mistake after so many children died. “It was only after so many students protested and faced police lathis and refused to leave Jantar Mantar that they agreed. Pradhan did not resign on his own. It was under pressure of these kids,” he said, adding that compensation cannot bring his daughter back.

“I hope that government would be serious on reforms in the examination system which must be completely transparent and fair.”

Mother of 23-year-old NEET aspirant from Dehradun said that Pradhan’s resignation showed that the government has accepted its mistake, although belatedly.

“My daughter died because of no fault of her. She was in severe depression as it was her last chance. The government cannot understand her and our pain. Compensation cannot bring her back but structural reforms can prevent such tragedies in future,” she said, holding the Central government directly responsible for death of NEET aspirants following examination cancellation.

In Berhampur town, the mother of a 20-year-old NEET aspirant who died by suicide last week after failing to crack the Re-NEET exam said the resignation of Pradhan means nothing to her. “She was our only asset. How does it matter to us if Pradhan resigned? But as mother I would say only bright students should make it to NEET and not those who get through by unfair means,” she said.

Source: https://www.hindustantimes.com/india-news/neet-victims-families-seek-reforms-say-pradhan-s-resignation-not-enough-101784988306622.html