Cockroach Janta Party (CJP) founder Abhijeet Dipke has accused Delhi Police of restricting access to food, water, washrooms and other basic facilities during a student-led protest at Jantar Mantar. Dipke alleged that supporters were stopped at barricades and prevented from joining the demonstration against alleged examination irregularities.   He also claimed police were preparing to arrest him and urged supporters to continue the movement peacefully if that happened. Despite the alleged restrictions, Dipke said the protest would continue until its demands, including greater transparency in examinations and the resignation of Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan, are addressed. (PC: India Today)

An IndiGo flight bound for Agartala was struck by lightning while parked at Kolkata Airport during a thunderstorm, forcing the airline to deboard all passengers as a precaution. The Airbus A320, carrying 141 passengers and six crew members, suffered a temporary power outage after the lightning strike. No passengers were injured in the incident. Authorities conducted safety inspections before arranging a replacement aircraft for the journey. The flight eventually departed more than three hours later. Two ground staff members were taken to hospital for medical checks after being affected by the incident but were discharged shortly afterward.  

The National Testing Agency (NTA) has strengthened security measures ahead of the NEET-UG re-examination scheduled for June 21. More than 22.79 lakh candidates will appear for the medical entrance test across 551 cities in India and 14 overseas locations.   To prevent malpractice, the NTA has deployed 1.38 lakh CCTV cameras, over 51,000 jammers, biometric verification teams and thousands of frisking staff. AI-powered monitoring and live surveillance will also be used at exam centres. Authorities conducted a nationwide mock drill on Friday to test security arrangements. The NTA said the measures are aimed at ensuring a fair and smooth examination process. (PC: HT)

Delhi Police have uncovered a major baby trafficking racket that allegedly bought newborns from poor families in Rajasthan and Gujarat and sold them to childless couples in several states. Investigators said baby boys were sold for ₹6-8 lakh, while girls were sold for ₹3-4 lakh.   The operation began after police received a tip about a woman frequently seen with different infants. A decoy operation led to multiple arrests and the rescue of five babies. Police allege a hospital in Delhi's Rohini area was used to forge documents and hold infants before sale. Authorities say at least 30 infants may have been trafficked in the past year.  

Thousands of young protesters assembled at New Delhi’s Jantar Mantar as the ‘Cockroach Janta Party’ stepped up its agitation with a symbolic campaign aimed at drawing attention to public grievances. Demonstrators banged metal plates, raised slogans, and carried placards to highlight issues they claim have been ignored by authorities. The rally witnessed large participation from students and youth groups, turning the protest into a vibrant display of dissent. Organisers said the movement seeks greater accountability and policy changes, while authorities maintained security arrangements to ensure the demonstration remained peaceful amid growing public attention. (PC: PTI)

A man was allegedly beaten to death by fellow passengers following a scuffle over boarding a train at Delhi's Shahdara railway station. According to reports, the altercation broke out amid heavy crowding as passengers attempted to enter the train. The victim was assaulted by several individuals and later succumbed to his injuries. A video of the incident has surfaced, drawing widespread concern over passenger safety and mob violence. Police have launched an investigation, reviewed CCTV footage, and are working to identify those involved. Authorities have assured strict action against the accused in the shocking incident.

A medical aspirant from Nagpur was left stunned after receiving Abu Dhabi in the United Arab Emirates as the allotted centre for the NEET-PG examination. The unexpected allocation sparked concern and frustration, as the candidate had applied to take the exam in India. The incident gained attention after details emerged online, raising questions about the examination authority's centre allotment process. Candidates and parents have called for corrective measures to prevent such errors. The case has highlighted concerns over logistical challenges and the need for greater accuracy in managing one of India's most competitive medical entrance examinations.

The Indian Coast Guard has inducted its first indigenously built Air Cushion Vehicle (ACV), or hovercraft, marking a significant milestone in India's maritime modernization efforts. Built by Goa-based Chowgule & Company Pvt. Ltd., the vessel is the first of six ACVs being developed under the government's Aatmanirbhar Bharat initiative. The hovercraft is designed to enhance coastal surveillance, search-and-rescue missions, and rapid response capabilities in shallow waters. Officials said the induction strengthens the Coast Guard's operational readiness and showcases the growing capabilities of India's domestic shipbuilding industry. The ceremony was held in Goa with senior defence and industry representatives present. 

The Border Security Force's first-ever all-women mountaineering team scripted history by successfully scaling Mount Everest, marking a major milestone for women in India's security forces. The achievement was hailed as an example of courage, perseverance and empowerment. After reaching the world's highest peak, the team celebrated by chanting “Vande Mataram,” symbolizing national pride and unity. Officials described the feat as an inspiration for aspiring women adventurers and a testament to the BSF's commitment to promoting gender equality. The historic expedition highlighted the growing role of women in challenging and traditionally male-dominated fields.

Indian equity markets continued their upward momentum for the fifth consecutive session on June 18, with the Sensex and Nifty gaining on optimism surrounding a potential US-Iran peace agreement and declining global crude oil prices. Lower energy costs improved investor confidence and supported gains across several sectors, particularly banking and financial stocks. Analysts said easing geopolitical tensions and expectations of stable inflation have strengthened market sentiment. The rally also received support from positive global cues, although concerns over future US interest-rate decisions continued to weigh on information technology shares. Overall, Indian markets maintained a strong bullish trend. (PC: Rediff)