Sharmila Dhankar, overcoming polio and an abusive marriage, made history by winning India's first para-athletics gold medal in 20 years at the Commonwealth Games in the women's shot put F57 event. Her compatriot Shilpa Shyla also secured a bronze after a protest. Dhankar's inspiring journey from Haryana to international success, supported by her family and second husband, highlights her remarkable resilience and dedication to para-athletics.
Former India cricketer Sanjay Manjrekar has voiced his support for the ongoing student protests against exam paper leaks, characterising it as a "revolt against feeling of suppression in a democracy." His comments follow similar calls from other prominent sports personalities like Sachin Tendulkar and Shubman Gill for lasting solutions. Students are demanding the removal of Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan, while Prime Minister Narendra Modi has assured steps to protect student interests amidst the protests, which recently saw a 'Sansad Chalo' march met with police action.
Jan Suraaj Party founder Prashant Kishor secured a significant victory in the Bankipur assembly bypoll, defeating the BJP candidate by over 19,000 votes. Kishor attributed his win to support from disgruntled members of major parties and potentially Gen Z protests, while firmly rejecting any future political alliances. He claimed the mandate was a wake-up call for the BJP-led government in Bihar and its Chief Minister Samrat Choudhary, giving his party its maiden presence in the state assembly.
Cockroach Janta Party (CJP) founder Abhijeet Dipke has criticised the government for allegedly troubling protesting students, asserting they are the nation's future and not terrorists. He warned that if the government fails to address their concerns, the youth are prepared to bring about political change, referencing the recent resignation of Union minister Dharmendra Pradhan over the NEET paper leak issue.
Dipke has clarified the funding of his US education, stating it was supported by a scholarship and an education loan, amidst growing scrutiny and calls for a probe into his finances.
Congress leader Rahul Gandhi has strongly criticised the Indian government's temporary restriction on Telegram ahead of the NEET-UG re-examination, calling it a 'new trick' that punishes students instead of tackling the root cause of paper leaks. He highlighted the suicides of two students, Umesh and Riya, linking their deaths to the 'broken, corrupt system' and the government's alleged failure to protect students from exam mismanagement.
The Cockroach Janta Party (CJP) has reiterated its demand for Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan's resignation, stating that Prime Minister Narendra Modi's announcement on fast-track courts for paper leak cases does not address accountability.
Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma defended his Cabinet colleague Keshab Mahanta after Mahanta's daughter joined a protest against NEET exam irregularities, stating that children's actions should not be linked to their parents' political ideologies.
The Congress on Sunday lashed out at Prime Minister Narendra Modi over the US' statements after three Indian sailors were killed in American attacks on ships, with party leader Rahul Gandhi saying the "compromised PM" listens "like an obedient servant" and "complies with the orders".
Abhijeet Dipke, founder of the Cockroach Janta Party (CJP), emphasised the importance of young or Gen Z voices leading dialogues with youth, ahead of RSS chief Mohan Bhagwat's interaction with students in Mumbai. Dipke highlighted that youth protests, including those against the NEET paper leak, have compelled leaders to engage with Gen Z. He also expressed solidarity with students protesting alleged paper leaks in Jharkhand, criticising the government's handling of the issue.
Relentless protests by Opposition parties forced the adjournment of the Lok Sabha for the day after the passage of the Bankers' Books Evidence Bill without a debate on Wednesday, with the government accusing them of coming to the House to disrupt proceedings and not for discussion.
The Congress escalated its campaign against alleged examination irregularities by marching to Prime Minister Narendra Modi's residence, transforming the issue into a direct challenge to his political authority and demanding the resignations of top government officials.
Athletics Federation of India's selection committee chairman Adille Sumariwalla has dismissed concerns over Neeraj Chopra's recent silver medal, stating that the "country's greatest athlete" should not be scrutinised for an occasional silver after consistently delivering gold for a decade.
Former poll strategist Prashant Kishor made a stunning electoral debut by winning Bihar's Bankipur assembly seat, a long-held BJP bastion. Concurrently, the Congress retained the Datia assembly seat in Madhya Pradesh, while the BJP successfully held onto the Manjalpur seat in Gujarat, showcasing mixed results for the ruling and opposition parties in these crucial by-elections.
The long-standing public feud between Kangana Ranaut and Hrithik Roshan has reignited, triggered by a social media post and Kangana's controversial comments regarding Gen Z.
Congress leader Rahul Gandhi has intensified his criticism of the government, demanding the immediate removal of Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan and an apology from Prime Minister Narendra Modi following alleged pellet gun injuries to student protesters.
Congress leader Rahul Gandhi has accused the Modi government of 'destroying' India's education system, expressing full support for protesting students and their demands, including the resignation of Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan and an apology from Prime Minister Narendra Modi.
'1991 was an exceptional period in Indian history.' 'A big 400-volt shock was administered to the system, which was required. Today, we are in a much, much better position.'
Following Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan's resignation amidst widespread student protests over the NEET paper leak, Congress leader Rahul Gandhi congratulated the youth, calling it a crucial step for education reform, and urged broader public action to hold the government accountable, demanding an apology from Prime Minister Narendra Modi.
Holding Home Minister Amit Shah responsible for alleged police brutalities on protesting students, Leader of the Opposition in the Rajya Sabha Mallikarjun Kharge on Thursday said that "Jan Shakti" (people's power) will "drag him out" one day to make him accountable.
Congress leaders Rahul Gandhi and Priyanka Gandhi Vadra, along with Samajwadi Party chief Akhilesh Yadav, were forcibly removed and detained by Delhi Police during a protest outside Prime Minister Narendra Modi's residence, demanding justice for students protesting the NEET paper leak and condemning alleged police brutalities.
It is plain to see that the US senate bill's real objective is to derail India's time-tested strategic partnership with Russia, points out Ambassador M K Bhadrakumar.
At this point at 85, Sharad Pawar is like a mature but ageing trapeze artist who is assessing if he will still land on his feet if he jumps from the safe perch of INDIA to the NDA. Can a Great Betrayal be presented as a tactical move? Watch Sharad Pawar do it, predicts Aditi Phadnis.
Russian President Vladimir Putin asserted that any attempts to undermine India's sovereignty through 'threats of sanctions' would 'boomerang immediately' under Prime Minister Narendra Modi's leadership, highlighting India's sovereign decision-making and strong national interests.
Opposition parties, particularly the Congress, have strongly criticised the BJP for felicitating former Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan, who resigned following student protests over the NEET exam controversy. They have also dismissed the government's proposed anti-paper leak legislation as a 'cosmetic Bill' and questioned the sincerity of education reforms.
Indian Grandmaster R Praggnanandhaa has made history by becoming the first Indian to win the prestigious Norway Chess tournament, a feat that included defeating world No. 1 Magnus Carlsen twice. Prime Minister Narendra Modi congratulated him on this significant achievement.
'They probably imagine any hue and cry in the event Sheikh Hasina is hanged will be shortlived as it happened when Bhutto was hanged in Pakistan in 1979.'
India's foreign exchange reserves increased by USD 1.08 billion to USD 676.237 billion for the week ended July 17, primarily due to a significant rise in foreign currency assets, despite a drop in gold reserves.
AAP chief Arvind Kejriwal is leading a march to the Prime Minister's residence to submit a petition with two lakh signatures against E20 petrol. He is demanding consumer choice, lower E20 prices, and transparency regarding studies supporting the fuel. The government defends the E20 programme, citing energy security and no evidence of vehicle harm.
Sports Minister Mansukh Mandaviya felicitated the Indian weightlifting team for their strong performance at the Commonwealth Games in Glasgow, where they secured one gold, six silver, and one bronze medal.
President Droupadi Murmu has given her assent to the Public Examinations (Prevention of Unfair Means) Amendment Bill, 2026, which introduces fast-track courts and significantly enhances punishment for those involved in public examination question paper leaks.
Congress leader Rahul Gandhi received birthday wishes from across the political spectrum as he turned 56, with Prime Minister Narendra Modi, Congress chief Mallikarjun Kharge, and various INDIA bloc leaders extending their greetings and praising his dedication to democratic values and the welfare of the marginalised.
External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar met his Chinese counterpart Wang Yi in Manila, reiterating that peace and tranquillity in border areas are prerequisites for normal India-China relations. He stressed the importance of mutual respect, interest, and sensitivity, while also raising concerns about market access, trade imbalance, and supply chain uncertainties.
Amidst escalating protests over the NEET paper leak, the Cockroach Janta Party (CJP) has declared Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan's resignation 'non-negotiable' and is also demanding 1 crore compensation for families affected by suicides linked to the exam cancellation.
The Union Cabinet has approved a draft bill to introduce stricter punishments for examination paper leaks, following Prime Minister Narendra Modi's announcement. This new legislation builds upon the Public Examinations (Prevention of Unfair Means) Act, 2024, aiming to curb cheating in public examinations conducted by various central agencies amidst recent controversies like the NEET and NET paper leaks.
On camera, youngsters gave their names, where they'd come from, where they were studying or working - and then proceeded to criticize Modi. On camera, they held up posters mocking Modi, points out Jyoti Punwani.
'We can integrate AI and tech into education, but that is just a means and not an end.' 'Ultimately, we need to control what happens in a classroom and we need to let teachers innovate their teaching style to suit the needs of Gen Z and beyond.'
Top BJP leaders, including Home Minister Amit Shah and party president Nitin Nabin, met at PM Modi's residence ahead of the Parliament's Monsoon session, amidst speculation of a party and cabinet reshuffle.
India will officially receive the Commonwealth Games flag at the closing ceremony on August 2, marking its role as the host for the 2030 centenary edition in Ahmedabad. The ceremony will feature a cultural presentation by Shankar Mahadevan and Rashmika Mandanna, with Prime Minister Narendra Modi expected to attend.
Defence Minister Rajnath Singh has expressed serious concern over ongoing student protests in Delhi, accusing the opposition of using them as a 'political tool' to further their interests. He urged opposition parties to raise issues in Parliament rather than on the streets, amidst demonstrations against the NEET paper leak.
