The Bihar government has announced that it will withdraw all FIRs, criminal complaints, and show-cause notices filed against people who participated in protests over the alleged NEET-UG paper leak. It also decided to release all those jailed in connection with the demonstrations, assuring that no further punitive action will be taken against protesters involved before the notified deadline. The decision aims to ease tensions following widespread student-led protests demanding transparency and accountability in the examination process. The move has been welcomed by protest groups as a major relief, while legal support for affected students will also continue. (PC: ANI)

An internal CRPF inquiry has revealed that Rapid Action Force (RAF) personnel used pellet guns during the July 20 ‘Chalo Sansad’ protest at Delhi’s Jantar Mantar. The probe found that one RAF personnel fired seven pellet rounds, with several hitting protesters and causing injuries. The review also identified lapses in crowd-control procedures, stating that the force used did not fully follow standard operational protocols. Authorities have ordered corrective measures, including stricter adherence to force guidelines and warnings before using force. The findings have intensified demands for accountability and transparency over the handling of the student protest. (PC: X)

Canadian authorities have arrested 19 people, including 13 individuals of Indian origin, after dismantling an alleged cross-border drug trafficking network in one of Ontario's largest-ever drug busts. The operation, named Project Bay, uncovered nearly 1.7 tonnes of illegal drugs worth more than CA$139 million. Police said the network used commercial trucking routes to smuggle narcotics from the US into Canada. Officers seized 973 kg of cocaine, 660 kg of methamphetamine, 49 kg of opium, firearms, cash, jewellery and electronic devices. Investigators said the operation dealt a major blow to organised crime operating across the Canada-US border. (PC: India today)

The Bihar government has announced it will withdraw all cases registered against protesters before 6 pm on July 26 and immediately release those arrested. The decision follows criticism over the police crackdown during protests linked to the CJP movement demanding former Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan's resignation. Police had detained 694 people across the state, including 355 sent to judicial custody. CJP welcomed the move, calling it a "big relief" for students and protesters. However, police action continued in West Bengal and Prayagraj, where more arrests were made in connection with protest-related violence. (PC: PTI)

Delhi Police has claimed that 2,873 people with criminal records were identified at or near the CJP protest using facial recognition technology. According to police sources, 989 had records in serious cases, including murder, attempted murder, robbery, rape, kidnapping, Arms Act and narcotics offences. Police also released CCTV footage, alleging protesters breached barricades, threw stones, used pepper spray and damaged police vehicles during the July 20 violence. Officials said many of those identified were repeat offenders with multiple criminal cases. The claims are based on Delhi Police sources, and no independent verification has been reported. (PC: PTI)

Rajya Sabha MP and senior advocate Kapil Sibal has announced a ₹1 crore legal fund to support student protesters facing legal action. He said CJP will launch a website to track cases against protesters and connect them with lawyers across India. "I will contribute ₹1 crore," Sibal said, urging other lawyers to donate. The website will allow lawyers to register and offer legal help. The announcement comes after CJP alleged students and volunteers were being detained despite assurances that no police action would be taken. CJP has also warned of fresh protests if FIRs are not withdrawn.

At least 68 people have died and more than 5.24 lakh people have been affected by floods across five districts in Assam this year. Charaideo is the worst-hit district, while thousands are staying in relief camps. Experts say Assam floods almost every year because of the Brahmaputra River, heavy monsoon rain and its location between mountain ranges. Water from Tibet, Arunachal Pradesh and Bhutan also flows into the river, increasing the flood risk. Climate change, deforestation and wetland loss have made the situation worse. Experts say better flood planning and wetland protection can help reduce the damage.

CJP volunteer Mohammad Junaid has alleged that people identifying themselves as Delhi Police picked him up after he distributed food to student protesters at Jantar Mantar. "We thought they were trying to kill us," Junaid said, claiming he was blindfolded, questioned overnight and later left in Mussoorie. He said officers asked about the funding for the food distribution. His family also alleged police questioned his father and searched their home. Ghaziabad Police said Junaid's father was only questioned and later released. CJP said Junaid is safe and receiving legal support.

CJP has warned the government that it will launch another protest if FIRs against student protesters are not withdrawn. "We demand that all the FIRs against the protestors be immediately withdrawn," spokesperson Ashutosh Ranka said. He also urged the government to release detained students and stop filing new cases. CJP said the government had earlier assured that no legal action would be taken against protesters. AISA president Neha Bora also demanded that the government honour its promise. The warning comes after reports of student arrests and fresh police action in several states.

The CRPF has identified at least one Rapid Action Force (RAF) personnel accused of firing pellet guns during the July 20 NEET paper leak protests in Delhi, with an internal inquiry now underway. According to officials, the personnel allegedly fired 7 rounds in Connaught Place, with 5 pellets striking protesters. The probe will examine why pellet guns were used and whether force protocols were violated. Several protesters suffered pellet injuries, while hospitals confirmed at least one case. The Delhi Police has denied using pellet guns, and senior RAF officials have reportedly criticised the use of excessive force during the protest. (PC: NDTV)