National Testing Agency (NTA) Director General Pradeep Singh Kharola informed a Parliamentary Standing Committee that NEET-UG 2026 did not witness a full-scale paper leak, though certain questions reportedly surfaced online before the examination. He said investigations found no evidence suggesting the entire question paper was compromised. The clarification came amid nationwide concerns over exam integrity and repeated allegations of irregularities in competitive tests. The NTA also highlighted strengthened security measures, including enhanced digital monitoring and stricter logistics protocols, to prevent future breaches. Opposition members and students’ groups, however, continued demanding greater transparency and accountability in the conduct of national-level entrance examinations across India. (PC: India Today)

The father of late influencer Twisha Sharma has approached the Madhya Pradesh High Court seeking cancellation of bail granted to Twisha’s mother-in-law in the ongoing dowry death case. The plea argues that the accused may influence witnesses and hamper the investigation if allowed to remain free. Twisha Sharma died under suspicious circumstances earlier this year, sparking public outrage and allegations of harassment by her husband’s family. Her family has consistently demanded stricter action and a deeper probe into the case. The High Court is expected to hear the matter soon as investigations into the alleged dowry-related death continue. (PC: Bar and Bench)

The Calcutta High Court has upheld the West Bengal government’s restrictions on cattle slaughter ahead of Eid-ul-Zoha, stating that cow sacrifice is not an essential religious requirement under Islam. The court reaffirmed that slaughter of cows and buffaloes in public places remains strictly prohibited under existing law. The ruling came while hearing petitions challenging the state’s recent notification enforcing stricter slaughter regulations, including mandatory fitness certificates from authorities. The government said the move aims to prevent illegal slaughter and cattle smuggling. The decision has triggered political debate and discussions around religious practices, legal compliance, and public order in West Bengal. (PC: HT)

The X account of the viral satirical group “Cockroach Janata Party” (CJP) has been withheld in India, triggering widespread discussion on social media. Founder Abhijeet Dipke confirmed the restriction and quickly launched a new account titled “Cockroach is Back.” The group had gained massive popularity within days, especially among Gen Z users, through humorous political commentary and memes addressing unemployment, inflation, and governance issues. Reports say CJP amassed millions of Instagram followers, even surpassing the BJP’s Instagram presence briefly. The incident has intensified debates around online satire, censorship, and digital political expression in India. 

The Calcutta High Court on Thursday restrained police from taking coercive action against Trinamool Congress leader Abhishek Banerjee till July 31 in connection with an FIR over alleged inflammatory remarks made during the West Bengal Assembly election campaign. However, the court directed Banerjee to cooperate fully with the investigation and prohibited him from leaving India without prior court permission. The bench also ordered police to provide 48-hour notice before summoning him for questioning. The FIR relates to comments allegedly targeting Union Home Minister Amit Shah during a poll rally.

An Air India aircraft operating from Delhi to Bengaluru was grounded on Thursday after suffering a tail strike while landing at Bengaluru airport. The airline said flight AI2651 landed safely and all 179 passengers and crew members disembarked normally. Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) officials have launched an investigation into the incident, while the operating pilots have been taken off roster pending inquiry. Officials said the aircraft may have encountered wake turbulence caused by a departing freight Boeing 747 before attempting landing. Air India cancelled the return Bengaluru-Delhi flight and arranged alternative travel options for affected passengers. (PC: HT)

The Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) has arrested Latur-based paediatrician Dr Manoj Shirure in connection with the alleged NEET-UG 2026 paper leak case, making him the first parent arrested in the investigation. Officials alleged that Shirure bought leaked chemistry question papers for his son, who appeared for the medical entrance examination this year. Investigators said Shirure was in contact with retired chemistry professor P V Kulkarni and RCC Classes founder Shivraj Motegaonkar, both under scrutiny in the probe. The doctor was questioned for two days before being taken to Pune and is expected to be produced before a Delhi court. (PC: The Indian Express)

The X account of the satirical Cockroach Janata Party (CJP) was withheld in India on Thursday, hours after the movement crossed 10 million Instagram followers and overtook the Bharatiya Janata Party’s 8.7 million followers on the platform. CJP founder Abhijeet Dipke, a former Aam Aadmi Party social media campaign worker, confirmed the restriction by sharing a screenshot on X. The meme-driven movement began after remarks attributed to Chief Justice of India Surya Kant comparing some unemployed youth to “cockroaches” triggered backlash online. The group has gained rapid support among young users over unemployment, exam leaks and political accountability issues. (PC: India Today)

The West Bengal government has made singing Vande Mataram compulsory in all state-run schools and recognised madrassas. The song must be sung during morning assemblies before classes begin. The order was issued by the school education department last week. Officials said the move follows a Union home ministry directive marking 150 years of the national song. Some school heads are confused about whether the state song, “Banglar Mati Banglar Jal”, will continue alongside Vande Mataram and the National Anthem. They said singing three songs daily may take more time and delay classes in schools across the state.

India’s satirical online movement, the Cockroach Janata Party (CJP), has crossed 11.7 million Instagram followers, overtaking the Bharatiya Janata Party’s 8.7 million followers on the platform. The meme-driven movement was launched by social media creator Abhijeet Dipke after remarks attributed to Chief Justice of India Surya Kant comparing some unemployed youth to “cockroaches” sparked online backlash. The group describes itself as the “Voice of the Lazy & Unemployed” and uses humour to highlight unemployment, political privilege and youth frustration. Despite the social media milestone, the BJP remains India’s dominant political force electorally and organisationally across the country. (PC: Instagram)