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)

Prime Minister Narendra Modi will chair a crucial Council of Ministers meeting at Seva Teerth in Delhi at 4 pm on Thursday, shortly after returning from his foreign visit. All Union ministers, including Cabinet ministers, ministers of state with independent charge and ministers of state, have been directed to remain in the national capital ahead of the high-level discussions. The meeting comes amid intensified political and economic deliberations within the government and is expected to focus on governance priorities, the evolving West Asia crisis and potential political developments. The gathering is being viewed as strategically significant as the Centre assesses domestic challenges alongside fast-changing global geopolitical and economic conditions affecting India’s policy and security landscape. (PC: India Today)  

A Bhopal court has rejected a plea seeking a second postmortem examination at AIIMS Delhi in the Twisha Sharma death case, while simultaneously raising concerns over the preservation of her body. The court directed Katara Hills police to urgently gather information on advanced low-temperature preservation facilities across Madhya Pradesh and nearby metropolitan cities. Twisha’s body has remained at the AIIMS Bhopal mortuary since May 13 and is currently stored at minus 4 degrees Celsius, while long-term preservation reportedly requires minus 80 degrees Celsius storage. Twisha’s family had sought a fresh autopsy alleging dowry harassment, investigative lapses and possible evidence suppression. Meanwhile, a Special Investigation Team continues probing allegations against her husband and mother-in-law. (PC: X)

Bhopal Police Commissioner Sanjay Kumar said police have no objection to a second autopsy in the death case of Twisha Sharma, whose family has alleged dowry harassment and investigation lapses. A local court is set to examine the case diary after the family sought a fresh post-mortem at AIIMS Delhi. Police stated that permission for a second autopsy rests with the court. Twisha was found dead at her marital home in Bhopal on May 12, just months after her marriage. Authorities have registered a dowry death and harassment case against her husband and mother-in-law, while special teams continue searching for the absconding husband. (PC: PTI)

Beef dishes are disappearing from restaurant menus across West Bengal after the BJP government enforced stricter cow slaughter rules following its election victory in the state. Several iconic eateries in Kolkata have stopped serving beef steaks, chops and biryani due to supply shortages and fears linked to the new restrictions ahead of Eid al-Adha. Restaurants such as Shaikh’s, Mocambo and Oly Pub confirmed disruptions in beef supply, while The Burger Shop announced the permanent removal of beef from its menu. The BJP government, led by chief minister Suvendu Adhikari, has intensified enforcement of decades-old cattle slaughter laws after defeating former chief minister Mamata Banerjee. (PC: The Independent)

The satirical Cockroach Janata Party (CJP) and National Parasitic Front (NPF) have gone viral on social media after controversial remarks by Chief Justice Surya Kant comparing some unemployed youth to “cockroaches” and “parasites”. Founded by Abhijeet Dipke, the CJP quickly gained massive attention online with meme-driven campaigns, parody manifestos and mock political promises focused on unemployment, governance and electoral reforms. The NPF soon emerged as its satirical rival, presenting itself as an “opposition” movement. Though both groups describe themselves as satire, they have struck a chord with many young Indians frustrated over jobs, politics and rising economic pressures. (PC: HT)