The Centre opened talks with Cockroach Janta Party (CJP) representatives following their Parliament march but offered no assurance on key demands, including Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan’s resignation. Union minister JP Nadda said protesters approached the government for discussions and urged them to end the sit-in after submitting a written memorandum. CJP leaders said demands, including Sonam Wangchuk’s release and compensation for families of deceased NEET aspirants, were conveyed, but no commitments were made. Meanwhile, Home Minister Amit Shah met Pradhan as the government maintained the protest was politically motivated. Opposition leaders backed the agitation, accusing the Centre of failing students and mishandling examination irregularities and protests. (PC: X/@SauravDassss)

The Centre has ruled out increasing ethanol blending in petrol beyond the current 20% level, with Minister of State for Petroleum and Natural Gas Suresh Gopi telling Parliament that no such decision has been taken. He said any future move would follow detailed scientific and technical studies alongside consultations with automobile manufacturers, oil marketing companies and research institutions. Defending the E20 rollout, the government highlighted savings of Rs 1.97 trillion in foreign exchange, lower crude oil imports, reduced carbon emissions and higher farmer incomes. It also said there is no verified evidence of widespread engine damage linked to E20 and no proposal to reintroduce lower-blend petrol.

The Cockroach Janta Party's (CJP) "Chalo Sansad" march in Delhi ended in clashes between protesters and police on Monday. Protesters began the march from Jantar Mantar, demanding the resignation of Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan over the alleged NEET-UG 2026 paper leak. Police used lathis and tear gas after protesters tried to move towards Parliament. The CJP alleged that women protesters were assaulted and excessive force was used. Delhi Police denied those claims and said officers acted to maintain public order. Around 70 protesters were detained. CJP leaders said the protest would continue until their demands are addressed. (PC: timesofindia/Instagram)

More than 27 workers remain trapped inside an under-construction tunnel in Sikkim's Namchi district after a suspected methane gas explosion caused a landslide. The incident happened at the NHPC Teesta Stage-VI Hydroelectric Project on Monday. Rescue teams from the NDRF, SDRF, police and fire services are continuing operations. Officials said hazardous gas, low oxygen levels and poor visibility have made rescue efforts difficult. Some workers escaped after the blast, but others remain trapped deep inside the tunnel. District Collector Anupa Tamling said the operation is “becoming increasingly difficult” due to methane exposure and the narrow tunnel passage.

Spain star Lamine Yamal celebrated the country's FIFA World Cup victory with his three-year-old brother, Kenye, after the final against Argentina. Videos of Kenye cheering, playing with the trophy and celebrating on the pitch quickly went viral on social media. Many fans called him one of the breakout stars of the tournament. Spain won the World Cup 1-0 after defeating Argentina in extra time. Yamal later shared an emotional message about his brother, saying, “My little brother means everything to me. I am in love with him; it feels like he is my son.” The siblings' celebration touched fans worldwide. (PC: FIFA/Getty Images)

Delhi Police said Cockroach Janta Party (CJP) protesters turned “unruly, aggressive and violent” during Monday's march towards Parliament. Police alleged protesters ignored repeated warnings, attacked personnel, damaged public property and tried to break barricades. Officials said over 118 police personnel and around 60 protesters were injured. Around 70 protesters were detained, and police said legal action had begun. The CJP denied the allegations and accused police of using excessive force against peaceful protesters. The group also claimed women protesters were assaulted during the action. Delhi Police rejected those claims and urged people not to spread “false or misleading information.” (PC: Reuters)

Former England captain and manager Kevin Keegan has died at the age of 75, seven weeks after revealing he had stage four cancer. His family said he passed away surrounded by his wife and daughters. Keegan enjoyed a successful playing career with Liverpool, Hamburg, Southampton, Newcastle United and Scunthorpe United. He also managed Newcastle, Fulham, England and Manchester City. A two-time Ballon d'Or winner, Keegan is regarded as one of England's greatest footballers. Newcastle United called him “one of the most iconic, influential and deeply loved figures” in the club's history. Tributes have poured in from across football. (PC: X)

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.