Samajwadi Party president Akhilesh Yadav on Wednesday reached out to the Brahmin community, asserting that 'PDA' includes Pandits, and also accused the Bharatiya Janata Party government in Uttar Pradesh of targeting opposition workers, Brahmins, and religious leaders, including Shankaracharya.
Security forces in Jammu and Kashmir initiated extensive search operations along the International Border and Line of Control in Samba and Rajouri districts following multiple overnight sightings of suspected Pakistani drones. The increased drone activity has prompted concerns over potential air-dropping of narcotics, weapons, or facilitation of infiltration, leading to heightened surveillance and anti-drone measures.
The Congress party, through Deputy Leader Gaurav Gogoi, has criticised the proposed amendments to India's anti-paper leaks law, arguing that previous legislation has failed to prevent examination leaks. Gogoi highlighted the ongoing student protests and questioned the government's sincerity, particularly regarding the handling of the NEET fiasco and the welcome given to former Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan. He also raised concerns about the National Testing Agency's accountability.
Parliamentary Affairs Minister Kiren Rijiju met Leader of Opposition Rahul Gandhi to discuss resolving the persistent deadlock in the Lok Sabha's monsoon session, focusing on the Delimitation Bill and FCRA Bill, though no immediate commitment was secured from the Congress leader.
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.
Actors Ayesha Khan, Imran Khan, Huma Qureshi and Saqib Saleem have joined the nationwide youth protests.
The Bihar government has announced the withdrawal of all cases filed against protesters involved in demonstrations concerning the NEET paper leak. This decision includes the release of individuals who were jailed in connection with these incidents.
Abhijit Dipke, founder of the Cockroach Janata Party (CJP), has commenced an indefinite hunger strike at Jantar Mantar following the hospitalisation of activist Sonam Wangchuk. Wangchuk was moved to Safdarjung Hospital by Delhi Police after his health declined during a 21-day fast protesting NEET irregularities. Dipke alleged police crackdown, while authorities stated Wangchuk's shift was for medical care, urging protesters to disperse. Other activists continue the hunger strike at the site.
Nationwide protests against the NEET paper leak have intensified across several Indian states, with demonstrators condemning the Delhi Police crackdown and demanding the resignation of Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan. The Congress party has called for further demonstrations, while various student and political groups have organised marches and sit-ins, some leading to clashes with police.
The Centre has ordered the deployment of 20 additional companies of the Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF) in Delhi. These forces are being airlifted from West Bengal to strengthen security measures in response to CJP protests, demonstrations by various political parties, and the ongoing Parliament session, following instances of violent clashes.
The Jharkhand government is holding fresh discussions with student aspirants protesting alleged recruitment exam irregularities, even as the health of key protest leader Devendra Nath Mahto has significantly deteriorated after being on an indefinite hunger strike for about a week.
Solicitor General Tushar Mehta has argued that video-recording of the ongoing CJP-led protest against the NEET paper leak at Jantar Mantar is in 'legitimate state interest' for security reasons, while petitioners allege 'continuous, indiscriminate and intrusive surveillance'.
Sheikh Irshad Mansoori, an accounts manager from Gurugram, was severely injured by pellets during a protest in Central Delhi on July 20. He underwent surgery at Lady Hardinge Hospital to remove pellets from his face and neck, sustaining injuries near vital structures. The Delhi Police denied using pellet guns, while other protesters, including a 10-year-old boy, also suffered serious injuries during the demonstrations against alleged exam irregularities.
'It's not about individuals operating the mule accounts being more or less skilled. Instead, 'lower-level' refers to the role the individual account plays in the broader mule network.'
The challenge thrown by the youth movement creates the opportunity for a more consequential debate on India's economic trajectory because it must remain centered on India's youth as its driving impulse, asserts former foreign secretary Shyam Saran.
'They were hitting students. They are not just students, they are the youth, they are the future. You cannot destroy our future.' LGBTQIA+ activist and makeup artiste Jaanmoni Das, who participated in the youth protest at Jantar Mantar in New Delhi, recounts her experience on The Rediff Podcast.
The body of a 19-year-old woman was discovered hanging from a tree in a village in Uttar Pradesh, India, prompting a police investigation into a suspected murder.
Delhi Police's Special Cell has arrested a wanted member of the Gogi gang in Sonipat, Haryana, after he evaded arrest for over a year in connection with an extortion case. Baljit, 39, was a proclaimed offender in a 2025 case registered in Rohini.
The Allahabad High Court's Lucknow bench ordered the immediate release of a minor, criticising the police and a judicial magistrate for illegally detaining him without verifying his age and failing to follow Supreme Court guidelines on juvenile justice. The court has sought affidavits from the officials involved.
Two women in Etah, Uttar Pradesh, allege they were chased and threatened by policemen in a car while riding a scooter. The incident is under investigation after a video went viral on social media.
A former IPS officer and two individuals injured during a recent protest in Delhi have filed a petition in the Supreme Court seeking a ban on the use of pellet guns by law enforcement agencies for crowd dispersal. The petitioners argue that pellet guns are an arbitrary and dangerous tool, violating the right to freedom of assembly and failing the test of necessary and proportional force. They also seek compensation and medical treatment for victims.
The Rajya Sabha has passed the Prevention of Insults to National Honour (Amendment) Bill, 2026, making insult to the national song 'Vande Mataram' a criminal offence. The bill, which also covers other national symbols, was passed amidst protests from opposition parties regarding the NEET paper leak. Union Minister Nityanand Rai criticised the opposition's stance, emphasising the song's historical significance and its role in national unity.
West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee has declared that the TMC will proceed with its planned sit-in protest against alleged attacks on party leaders and workers, as well as the Railways' hawker eviction drive, despite the police denying permission for the event.
There are friends you make because life brings you together. And then there are friends who become part of the place you call home. Mine lived across my building.
Congress leader Rahul Gandhi has demanded that Prime Minister Narendra Modi apologise to students for alleged police brutality and resign along with Home Minister Amit Shah. Gandhi criticised the government's handling of student protests concerning the education and testing system, highlighting the use of force against demonstrators near Parliament.
Thane police have solved the murder of a Mumbai-based tailor within 48 hours, arresting two men after discovering the victim was killed over an unpaid loan of Rs 3 lakh. The method of tying the victim provided a crucial clue to investigators.
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.
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.
Tripura Police have initiated a forensic analysis of all electronic gadgets belonging to DGP Anurag Dhankar, who was found dead in his office washroom. A case of unnatural death has been registered, and the investigation aims to determine the cause and circumstances, especially if suicide is confirmed. Calls for a judicial probe into the incident are also growing.
CJP founder Abhijeet Dipke questioned the FIR against a woman for allegedly using abusive language against Prime Minister Narendra Modi, asking if 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.
Gujarat police have launched 'Operation Delta Hunt', apprehending 362 illegal Bangladeshi migrants and probing 780 more suspects across the state. The operation, which involved technical surveillance and human intelligence, aims to identify and repatriate all illegal nationals, with investigations also targeting those who provided accommodation or employment without verification.
Bollywood has captured the essence of India's youth activism and student protests, from fighting corruption in Yuvaa to demanding accountability in Rang De Basanti.
Speaking at the ceremony, Deepti said it was a matter of great pride to address the gathering at the Police Headquarters.
Forty-six militants of the banned Kangleipak Communist Party (People's War Group) surrendered before security forces in Manipur on Tuesday, the police said.
Delhi Police executed a meticulously planned overnight operation, involving white sheets and potential network jammers, to shift activist Sonam Wangchuk to a government hospital after his health deteriorated during a 20-day hunger strike, following directions from the Delhi High Court.
The Delhi Police has confirmed that it has not yet received any official request for permission from the digital group Cockroach Janta Party (CJP) to hold a protest at Jantar Mantar. Authorities are closely monitoring the situation and are ready to deploy personnel to maintain law and order if necessary.
Many of them travelled to Delhi in groups or connected with other participants through WhatsApp groups and activist networks. These networks helped them coordinate their travel, decide meeting points and stay in touch during the protest.
Delhi Police have arrested the prime suspect and apprehended a juvenile in connection with the murder of a 21-year-old man in Delhi's Anand Parbat area. The victim, Sagar, was allegedly killed due to a past rivalry.
Amidst escalating tensions at Jantar Mantar, climate activist Sonam Wangchuk was hospitalised by Delhi Police on the 21st day of his hunger strike, sparking widespread protests from supporters.
The Delhi Traffic Police has issued an advisory for heavy vehicular movement and restrictions around the Parliament complex ahead of the Monsoon Session and a planned 'Chalo Sansad' march by the Cockroach Janata Party (CJP). Security has been significantly intensified across New Delhi, with additional personnel, barricades, and checks to manage traffic and maintain law and order during the protest against alleged NEET irregularities.
