Prime Minister Narendra Modi thanked young people for their “insightful” suggestions on his Instagram video through another reel as the government intensified its response to the nationwide agitation over alleged examination irregularities. The Union Cabinet approved a draft Bill proposing stricter punishments for paper leak cases, including tougher penalties for those involved in organised examination fraud. The development follows the Centre’s recent announcements on strengthening safeguards against paper leaks and reforming the examination system. Meanwhile, the Cockroach Janta Party (CJP) maintained that Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan’s resignation remains “non-negotiable”, arguing that legislative changes alone cannot address concerns over accountability amid the continuing nationwide protests demanding education reforms. (PC: PTI)

A Mozambique-flagged LPG tanker carrying 28 Indian crew members came under attack in Iranian territorial waters on Friday amid escalating Iran-US tensions. The Indian Embassy in Tehran confirmed the incident, identifying the vessel as DISHA, and said all 28 Indian nationals on board are safe. The embassy added that it is in close contact with Iranian authorities and is closely monitoring the situation. Officials have not disclosed the extent of damage to the tanker or identified those responsible for the attack. The incident has heightened concerns over the safety of commercial shipping in the region as hostilities between Iran and the United States continue to intensify. (PC: News18)

An Indian sailor was killed after commercial vessel MV Omorfi came under attack while transiting the Black Sea on July 18, prompting India to strongly condemn attacks on commercial shipping. The Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) said the ship was sailing in Russian territorial waters with 10 crew members, including three Indian nationals. One Indian died in the attack, while the two others are safe. India said its mission in Russia is assisting the victim's family and urged all parties to protect civilian seafarers, maritime navigation and global trade. The incident follows another deadly strike on MV Golden Leo, where four Indian sailors were killed and one critically injured.

The Supreme Court on Friday barred the recording, extraction, modification, dissemination, monetisation and circulation of live-streamed courtroom proceedings without prior permission from the concerned court authorities, citing growing misuse of judicial videos on social media. The interim order, passed by a three-judge Bench led by Chief Justice of India Surya Kant while hearing a PIL, also prohibits reposting and reviewing such recordings across digital platforms without approval from the Registrar or Secretary General of the Supreme Court or the Registrar General of High Courts. The court clarified that the restriction will not affect legitimate news reporting and is aimed solely at preventing unauthorised use of judicial proceedings online. (PC: The Indian Express)

India on Friday strongly objected to China's continued activities in parts of Jammu & Kashmir and Ladakh, saying Beijing is undertaking projects on Indian territory under its illegal occupation. Responding to media queries, MEA spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal said China has remained in illegal occupation of Indian territory in Jammu & Kashmir and Ladakh since 1963, and India has consistently conveyed its objections. He reiterated that India respects China's sovereignty and territorial integrity, but Beijing has not reciprocated. The remarks followed External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar's statement that India, not China, has legitimate sovereignty concerns. New Delhi also reiterated its opposition to Chinese projects in Pakistan-occupied Jammu & Kashmir.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi announced stricter measures to curb examination paper leaks, with key decisions approved at Friday’s Union Cabinet meeting amid nationwide protests over the alleged NEET-UG leak. The National Testing Agency (NTA) dismissed 47 officials as part of a major organisational overhaul, with more corrective action and legal proceedings against some officials expected. The Cabinet also cleared a draft Bill to amend the Public Examinations (Prevention of Unfair Means) Act, proposing tougher penalties, including up to 10 years’ imprisonment and a maximum ₹10 crore fine for organised paper leak rackets. The reforms aim to strengthen examination integrity while ensuring candidates are not penalised under the law for unfair practices. (PC: PTI)

Chief Justice of India Surya Kant said he was "misquoted" over remarks suggesting the Supreme Court did not have time to watch videos related to the Cockroach Janta Party (CJP) protest controversy. Speaking on the sidelines of the UNCITRAL conference, the CJI clarified that the Supreme Court is open to every citizen and never refuses to hear any matter, while emphasising that due judicial procedure must be followed. Addressing the controversy surrounding his earlier comments, he reiterated the judiciary's commitment to accessibility and fairness. The clarification comes amid political debate and criticism linked to the student protests and the police crackdown following the July 20 demonstrations. (PC: India Today)

Prime Minister Narendra Modi urged Union ministers to strengthen their Instagram presence and use reels and interactive content to engage more effectively with India's youth during a Cabinet meeting. According to CNN-News18 sources, the Prime Minister asked ministers how many actively used Instagram and emphasised that young citizens increasingly consume information on the platform. Hours earlier, Modi himself posted a short-form Instagram reel in a conversational style, signalling the government's focus on digital-first communication. The push comes as the Gen Z-led Jantar Mantar protests over the alleged NEET-UG 2026 paper leak have gained massive traction through viral reels, videos and live updates, making social media a central space for public engagement. (PC: Reuters)  

The demand for Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan's resignation appears closer to consideration than before as talks between the Centre and Cockroach Janta Party (CJP) continue amid nationwide protests over the alleged NEET-UG paper leak. CJP leaders said Union Ministers JP Nadda and Jitendra Singh sought time until Saturday to respond on the resignation demand after a two-hour meeting, while indicating in-principle approval for compensation to affected families and withdrawal of cases against students. However, government sources maintained there was "no question" of Pradhan resigning. CJP insisted the resignation remains non-negotiable and warned of larger nationwide protests if no progress is made by the government's deadline. (PC: X)

The Centre held a two-hour meeting with Cockroach Janta Party (CJP) representatives at Delhi's Constitution Club on Friday to discuss the ongoing protest over alleged examination irregularities. Union Ministers J.P. Nadda and Jitendra Singh described the discussions as constructive and said the government would review the demands. CJP leaders, however, insisted that Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan's resignation remains non-negotiable and claimed the government sought time until Saturday afternoon to respond. While both sides agreed to continue dialogue, protesters said their agitation would continue until their core demands, including systemic exam reforms, are addressed. (PC: PTI)