Farmers from Punjab are travelling to Delhi to attend a Mahapanchayat on July 21 against the proposed India-US trade deal. The gathering at Kisan Ghat has been called by the Desh Bachao Morcha. Farmer leader Germanjit Singh Bandala claimed the agreement would hurt small farmers, labourers and traders by allowing cheaper US farm imports into India. He said, “This is only the beginning,” and warned of a bigger protest if the Centre did not withdraw the proposed deal. Organisers said around 550 farmers' unions and social organisations are expected to join the Mahapanchayat from across the country.

Delhi Police have started an investigation into social media posts linked to Pakistani handles following violence during the Jantar Mantar protest. Police are examining whether online misinformation increased tensions. Officials said they are also looking into a possible conspiracy and the role of outsiders. More than 70 people have been detained, and multiple FIRs have been registered. CCTV footage and mobile phone videos are being reviewed to identify those involved. Police said some online posts falsely claimed that protesters had died and hundreds were injured. The investigation into the violence and the spread of misinformation is continuing. (PC: timesofindia/Instagram)

A group of Indians in Berlin held a protest in support of activist Sonam Wangchuk and the Cockroach Janta Party (CJP) movement. A video of the gathering near the Brandenburg Gate has gone viral on social media. Protesters carried placards demanding the resignation of Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan over the alleged NEET-UG 2026 paper leak. One poster read, “We stand with Sonam Wangchuk, the students of India.” The protest received support online, with many praising the Indian diaspora. Some users also expressed interest in joining future demonstrations in Berlin in support of the ongoing student movement.

6 teams have already qualified for the 2030 FIFA World Cup as host nations. Spain, Portugal and Morocco qualified automatically as the main hosts. Uruguay, Argentina and Paraguay also secured places because they will host the opening centenary matches marking 100 years since the first World Cup in 1930. FIFA said the tournament will begin in South America before moving to Europe and Africa. “The 2030 edition is a symbolic milestone for FIFA,” the governing body said. The tournament will become the first World Cup to be held across three continents, making it one of the competition’s most historic editions. (PC:AP Photo/Julio Cortez)

4 Indian nationals were killed and another was critically injured after a cargo ship leaving Ukraine's Odesa port came under attack on July 19. The Ministry of External Affairs said the Guinea-Bissau-flagged MV Golden Leo had 17 crew members, including five Indians. India condemned the attack, saying, “Targeting commercial shipping and endangering innocent civilian crew members... is deplorable.” Ukraine blamed Russian cruise missiles for the strike, while Russia has not commented on the allegation. The Indian mission in Ukraine is assisting those affected. The attack has raised fresh concerns over the safety of commercial shipping in the Black Sea. (PC: AFP)

The Centre told Parliament that it has not received any widespread or verified complaints linking E20 petrol to engine failure or vehicle damage. In a written reply to the Rajya Sabha, Minister of State for Petroleum and Natural Gas Suresh Gopi said, “No widespread or substantiated complaints” had been received. He said scientific studies and field tests found E20 petrol safe when used under prescribed standards. The government added that more than 20 crore two-wheelers and over 3 crore petrol cars have been using ethanol-blended fuel without verified major problems. It also said India achieved 20% ethanol blending ahead of schedule. (PC: praful Gangurde)

Activist Sonam Wangchuk said he will continue his hunger strike until student leaders protesting the alleged NEET-UG 2026 paper leak are allowed to meet Members of Parliament or MPs visit him in hospital. In a handwritten note shared by his wife, he said, “I will continue my fast.” Wangchuk criticised the alleged police action against peaceful protesters and urged the government to let students present their demands before Parliament. He also called for accountability from the Education Minister. Wangchuk praised the students for staying peaceful despite “provocation” and appealed to the government and police to resolve the issue through dialogue.

Mediators have proposed a 10-day halt in fighting between the US and Iran and urged both sides to revive an earlier ceasefire deal. Iran confirmed that diplomatic talks through mediators were continuing despite ongoing US strikes. “The diplomatic apparatus has been active in recent days,” Foreign Ministry spokesperson Esmaeil Baghaei said. On Monday, the US carried out fresh strikes in Iran's Bushehr city. Iran responded with attacks in Bahrain and Kuwait. Tehran also said it would not allow the Strait of Hormuz to be used to threaten its security. The conflict has raised fears of a wider regional war. (PC: AFP)

The Cockroach Janta Party (CJP) submitted a memorandum to Union Minister JP Nadda during talks in New Delhi on Monday. The group made three main demands. It sought the unconditional release of activist Sonam Wangchuk, the resignation of Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan, and Rs 1 crore compensation for families of NEET aspirants who allegedly died by suicide after the 2026 paper leak. Nadda said the meeting was held in a “cordial atmosphere” and urged protesters to end their sit-in. The CJP said the minister listened to its concerns with empathy and hoped the government would act on its demands.

The conflict between the US and Iran continued to grow on Monday. Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian said Iran was in a “full-scale war” with the US. Iran's Revolutionary Guards claimed they attacked US military targets in the region after fresh US strikes. The US also identified two soldiers killed in Jordan as 1st Lt. Tyler James Feehan, 25, and Pvt. Isabella Gonzales, 19. Bahrain said Iranian drones targeted its air navigation systems, while Kuwait also reported attacks. A ship was hit near the Strait of Hormuz. Oil prices briefly rose as concerns over regional security increased. (PC: AFP)