Prime Minister Narendra Modi congratulated Andy Burnham on becoming the United Kingdom's new Prime Minister, expressing confidence that India and the UK would continue strengthening their Comprehensive Strategic Partnership. In his message, Modi said he looked forward to working closely with Burnham to deepen cooperation across trade, investment, technology, defence, innovation and people-to-people ties. The congratulatory message came as both countries seek to expand collaboration following recent progress in bilateral relations. Modi reaffirmed India's commitment to advancing shared priorities and enhancing cooperation on regional and global issues, underscoring the importance of the India-UK partnership in promoting mutual growth, economic opportunities and strategic engagement in the years ahead.

Cockroach Janta Party (CJP) founder Abhijeet Dipke said the group's protest will continue, accusing the Centre of prioritising Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan over students demanding accountability in the NEET paper leak row. Addressing supporters, Dipke alleged the government was willing to "spill" students' blood to protect the minister, whom he held responsible for the deaths of more than 20 students who allegedly died by suicide following the controversy. His remarks came as the agitation entered another day despite talks between CJP representatives and the Centre yielding no concrete assurances. Protesters have reiterated that demonstrations will continue until their key demands, including Pradhan's resignation, are addressed by the government.

Spain’s FIFA World Cup final hero Ferran Torres shares a unique connection with India, where the forward first showcased his talent at the FIFA U-17 World Cup in 2017. Then a 17-year-old Valencia academy prospect, Torres scored two goals and provided two assists as Spain finished runners-up, playing in Kochi and Kolkata. Nearly nine years later, the Barcelona forward struck the decisive 106th-minute winner against Argentina to secure Spain’s second World Cup title and was named Player of the Match. Torres also became only the second Spaniard after Andres Iniesta to score a World Cup-winning goal, while teammate Eric Garcia also featured in India’s 2017 U-17 tournament. (PC: India.com)

Dr B R Ambedkar’s grandson and Vanchit Bahujan Aghadi president Prakash Ambedkar criticised the police action against Cockroach Janta Party (CJP) protesters, saying the suppression of peaceful demonstrations signals authoritarianism. Speaking to The Indian Express, Ambedkar also condemned the handling of educationist and climate activist Sonam Wangchuk and the police lathi charge on students at Jantar Mantar. He argued that recent protests over the NEET paper leak, tribal land rights and rehabilitation reflected growing attempts to suppress dissent. Citing Dr B R Ambedkar’s Constituent Assembly speech, he said democracy depends on constitutional methods and responsiveness to public grievances, while warning that suppressing dissent ultimately weakens governments instead of strengthening them. (PC: The Indian Express)

At least seven people were killed and several others are feared trapped after an explosion inside an under-construction tunnel at the Samardung site in Sikkim triggered a landslide, officials said. The incident blocked access to the tunnel, complicating rescue efforts as emergency teams battled hazardous conditions. Ambulances have been stationed at the site, while rescue personnel equipped with gas masks and protective gear continue search operations to reach those trapped underground. Authorities are coordinating relief efforts amid fears that the toll could rise. The incident has sparked an urgent rescue mission as officials race against time to safely evacuate survivors from the damaged tunnel.

India has hardened its position on the 65-year-old Indus Waters Treaty, stating it cannot be restored in its current form and would require a complete renegotiation, according to government sources cited by PTI. New Delhi has made clear that any future river water-sharing arrangement will depend on Pakistan permanently ending cross-border terrorism against India. The remarks come amid repeated warnings from Pakistan's military and political leadership over India's suspension of the treaty last year, including references to possible war and nuclear escalation if water flows are halted. Sources also said India is not currently seeking to exit the treaty but retains the sovereign right to terminate agreements deemed against its national interests. (PC: Arunesh's Blog)

Argentina’s FIFA World Cup final defeat to Spain was followed by reported unrest at MetLife Stadium, where several relatives of Argentine players were allegedly detained after post-match chaos. Colombian broadcaster reports claimed at least a dozen people linked to Argentina’s squad were taken into custody, though US authorities have not confirmed the number of detentions or any charges. The Argentine Football Association has also not commented. Tensions flared after Spain’s 1-0 extra-time victory, with Argentina midfielder Leandro Paredes sent off for grabbing Eric Garcia by the throat before kicking him. Reports said Argentine players rushed toward their families, briefly delaying the runners-up medal ceremony amid the commotion. (PC: AP)

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)