Violence has intensified in Pakistan-administered Kashmir, with News18 reporting that at least 35 people were killed during a security crackdown in Rawalakot. The report alleges snipers targeted unarmed protesters participating in demonstrations linked to the Joint Awami Action Committee (JAAC). Protest leaders and witnesses accused security forces of using excessive force, while authorities have disputed aspects of the allegations and blamed unrest on hostile elements. Communications disruptions have made independent verification difficult. The escalating violence has sparked international concern, with human rights organisations calling for an impartial investigation and urging authorities to ensure accountability, restore communications, and protect civilians. (PC: Instagram)

The Supreme Court on Thursday asked the Centre to preserve the Rapid Action Force's (RAF) ammunition records used during the July 20 Jantar Mantar protests over the NEET-UG controversy. The court issued notice to the Centre while hearing petitions seeking a ban on the use of pellet guns for crowd control. The bench said pellet guns may be used only in exceptional situations and sought details of the standard operating procedure (SOP) governing their use. The case follows allegations that pellet guns were used excessively during the protest. The matter will be heard again after the Centre files its response. (PC: The Indian Express)

Ajinkya Rahane has ended his cricket career with a unique captaincy record for India. He never lost a Test or ODI match while leading the national team. Rahane captained India in 6 Tests, winning 4 and drawing 2, including the famous 2-1 Border-Gavaskar Trophy victory in Australia in 2020-21 after taking over from Virat Kohli. He also won all 3 ODIs he captained against Zimbabwe. Overall, Rahane led India in 11 international matches, losing only 1 T20I. His unbeaten record in Tests and ODIs remains unmatched among Indian captains with at least 5 Test matches. (PC: NDTV)

More than 215 vice chancellors, academicians, and education leaders have written an open letter criticising Congress MP Priyanka Gandhi Vadra for referring to IIT Madras Director V. Kamakoti as a "gau mutra expert" during a Lok Sabha debate. The signatories said personal ridicule should not replace reasoned scientific discussion and warned that such remarks could discourage scholars from participating in public discourse. They urged political leaders to debate ideas respectfully rather than target individuals, stressing that academic freedom, scientific inquiry, and civil dialogue are essential for a healthy democracy and informed policymaking. (PC: India Today)

The Delhi government has announced that it will not pursue further legal action against people involved in protests over the alleged NEET-UG examination irregularities. The relief covers cases linked to demonstrations in the national capital but excludes individuals with criminal antecedents. Authorities said 13 cases were registered during the protests, and the review of arrests will be expedited. The order, approved by the Lieutenant Governor, follows the Centre's assurance that peaceful protesters would not face punitive action. However, Delhi Police said 989 of the 2,873 people identified during the July 20 violence had previous criminal records and remain outside the relief. (PC: HT)

The Central government has again summoned senior Meta executives after Facebook briefly restricted a video message posted by Prime Minister Narendra Modi last week. MeitY Secretary S. Krishnan said the government has asked Meta to explain the incident at the highest level. Meta earlier apologised, calling the removal a technical error, and said it has introduced new safeguards for accounts of prominent public figures. The video, addressing students during the NEET-UG paper leak protests, was later restored. While the post briefly disappeared from Facebook, it continued to gain massive traction on Instagram, attracting hundreds of millions of views. (PC: India Today)

The death toll from the 6.8-magnitude earthquake that struck Japan's Kumamoto prefecture on Kyushu island has risen to 34, authorities said on Thursday. Rescue teams continue searching for survivors as more than 100 aftershocks keep residents on edge. Around 9,000 people remain in evacuation centres, while over 30,000 households are without electricity. With temperatures expected to reach 39°C, officials have warned of heatstroke risks and sent hundreds of air conditioners to shelters. The quake caused widespread damage, including the partial collapse of a shopping mall and a paper factory. Investigations into a suspected gas explosion at the mall are ongoing. (PC: BBC)

Commercial satellite images have shown that China has deployed at least 12 J-20 stealth fighter jets at two airbases near the Line of Actual Control (LAC) with India. Images captured by Vantor show 8 J-20 "Mighty Dragon" aircraft at Hotan airbase in Xinjiang and 4 more at Damxung airbase in Tibet. Defence sources said the deployment reflects China's growing military presence along the border rather than a temporary move. The development comes as India continues to strengthen its border defences, while tensions between the two countries remain despite ongoing military and diplomatic talks since the 2020 Galwan Valley clash. (PC: India Today)

India's campaign at the Commonwealth Games 2026 enters a crucial phase on Day 8, with star javelin thrower Neeraj Chopra returning to the competition after an eight-year gap. The Olympic champion will renew his much-anticipated rivalry with Pakistan's Arshad Nadeem in one of the biggest events of the day. Indian decathlete Tejasvin Shankar will also compete across multiple disciplines, while the country's weightlifting team aims to add to its impressive medal tally after winning 6 medals so far. With several medal events scheduled, India will look to strengthen its position in the overall standings in Glasgow. (PC: NDTV)

The flood situation in Assam remains critical as the death toll has risen to 78 after fresh rain triggered flooding and waterlogging across several districts. More than 3 lakh people continue to be affected, with many unable to return home despite floodwaters receding in some areas. Roads remain blocked by mud and damaged infrastructure, slowing relief and restoration work. Authorities are operating relief camps and providing food and essential supplies to affected families. The India Meteorological Department has forecast more rainfall, raising concerns that conditions could worsen in flood-hit regions as rescue and rehabilitation efforts continue. (PC: The Indian Express)