Abhijeet Dipke reacted strongly to the Centre’s proposed anti-paper leak legislation, saying it fails to address students’ core concerns despite introducing stricter punishment for offenders. He warned that a larger nationwide protest could follow if authorities assume public anger has diminished after announcing the Bill. Dipke maintained that students remain dissatisfied and continue demanding accountability, transparency and meaningful reforms in the examination system. He argued that legislation alone cannot restore trust without concrete action against those responsible and systemic changes preventing future leaks. His remarks underline continuing unrest over examination integrity, with student groups insisting their movement will persist until their key demands are addressed and confidence is genuinely restored. (PC: Bhaskar English)

The Centre has informed Parliament that there is no scientific evidence showing E20 petrol causes engine damage or reduced mileage. In a written reply, Union Road Transport and Highways Minister Nitin Gadkari said the Ethanol Blended Petrol (EBP) Programme was introduced after extensive studies, field trials and expert consultations. Joint research by IOCL, ARAI, SIAM and IIP found no major impact on engine durability, vehicle performance or BS-VI emissions. The government said modern vehicles do not need engine modifications for E20 fuel, while some older models may require routine replacement of rubber components during regular servicing.

Leader of Opposition Rahul Gandhi on Wednesday refused to apologise for accusing Union Home Minister Amit Shah of being responsible for alleged police action against student protesters. Gandhi claimed that force, including firing and use of weapons, was authorised against students, triggering a major uproar in the Lok Sabha. BJP leaders rejected the allegations, demanded evidence and an apology, stating that such decisions are taken according to legal procedures. The confrontation intensified political tensions during the parliamentary debate over student protests and the NEET paper leak issue. (PC: India Today)

US President Donald Trump has warned Iran of a strong retaliation after a missile attack targeted an American military base in Jordan. Trump said the US would respond forcefully if Iran was found responsible for the strike, escalating tensions between Washington and Tehran. The attack reportedly caused damage to the facility and raised concerns over wider regional instability. US officials are assessing the incident and possible links to Iran-backed groups. The latest warning comes amid ongoing friction in the Middle East, with fears that further military actions could deepen the conflict across the region. (PC: X)

Rescue operations continued in Japan after a powerful earthquake caused widespread destruction, with teams racing against time to locate survivors trapped under collapsed buildings and debris. The death toll rose to at least 13, while several others remained missing or injured. Emergency workers deployed heavy machinery and specialist rescue units, including efforts to reach people reportedly trapped inside a damaged shopping centre. Authorities warned that further casualties could emerge as search operations continue. The disaster has disrupted infrastructure, damaged homes, and triggered a major relief response as Japan faces another severe earthquake challenge. (PC: AP)

A political exchange erupted after BJP MP Kangana Ranaut's remarks about Generation Z drew criticism from Cockroach Janta Party (CJP) spokesperson Saurav Das. Responding sharply, Das claimed that Kangana's own party does not take her seriously and questioned her political relevance. The verbal sparring quickly gained attention on social media, with supporters from both sides defending their leaders. The episode highlighted the growing use of social media-driven political rhetoric and personal attacks in public discourse. While no formal political action followed, the exchange intensified debates over political communication, public image, and generational issues in contemporary Indian politics. (PC: ANI)

Iran is expected to receive an initial shipment of up to 400 Chinese-made shoulder-fired air defence missile systems within weeks, according to a Reuters report citing sources familiar with the deal. The portable missile launchers are intended to strengthen Iran's short-range air defence network following recent damage to its military infrastructure during conflict with the United States and Israel. Reports suggest the agreement is worth around $60–70 million and may involve payment through oil shipments. China has denied involvement in the reported transfer, while Pakistan has also rejected claims that it would facilitate transit for the weapons. (PC: ET)

The Rajya Sabha debated the Prevention of Insults to National Honour (Amendment) Bill, 2026, which seeks to extend legal protection to the national song Vande Mataram by making its intentional insult or disruption a punishable offence under the 1971 Act. The government argued the Bill would strengthen respect for a symbol of India's freedom movement and place it on par with other protected national symbols. Opposition MPs questioned the need for new legislation, arguing existing laws are sufficient and expressing concerns over its potential impact on freedom of expression and misuse. The debate reflected sharp political differences before the Bill was passed in the Rajya Sabha. (PC: PTI)

More than 2,000 farmers have reached the outskirts of Bhopal after marching from Narmadapuram, demanding 100% procurement of moong at the Minimum Support Price (MSP) and the removal of the e-token system. The Samyukta Kisan Morcha-led protest continued after initial talks with the Madhya Pradesh government failed to produce a breakthrough. Farmers say current procurement limits force them to sell much of their crop at lower market prices, causing heavy losses. Several Gen Z supporters joined the protest, while security has been tightened around Chief Minister Mohan Yadav's residence ahead of the planned march on Wednesday. (PC: India Today)

A heated confrontation erupted in the Lok Sabha after Congress leader Rahul Gandhi alleged that Union Home Minister Amit Shah "ordered the shooting of students" during the recent NEET protest crackdown. Gandhi also questioned Shah's absence from the House and accused the government of using force against students. Parliamentary Affairs Minister Kiren Rijiju strongly rejected the allegation, demanding proof and calling for the remarks to be expunged. Gandhi also criticised the RSS's role in education, triggering further protests from Treasury benches. Speaker Om Birla termed parts of Gandhi's speech "unparliamentary" and ordered the disputed remarks to be removed from the proceedings. (PC: HT)