An IndiGo flight travelling from Dubai to Mumbai made an emergency landing at Rajkot International Airport on Monday after smoke was detected in the aircraft's cargo hold. Airport authorities said the flight was diverted as a precautionary measure. Rajkot Airport Director Diganta Borah confirmed that the aircraft landed safely and that all passengers and crew were unharmed. Officials have launched an inspection to determine what triggered the smoke alert. The aircraft will remain under examination until the cause is identified. Further details are awaited as aviation authorities continue their assessment of the incident. (PC: HT)

The campaign against the Centre's E20 ethanol-blended petrol policy is gathering momentum after the end of the NEET paper leak protests. Activist groups have announced protest marches to Parliament on July 31 and August 4, demanding that consumers be allowed to choose between E20, E10 and pure petrol. Protesters are also seeking accountability from Union ministers Nitin Gadkari and Hardeep Singh Puri over the policy. A LocalCircles survey claimed that 60% of pre-2023 vehicle owners reported mileage or maintenance issues. However, the Centre maintains that E20 fuel is scientifically validated and safe for all petrol vehicles. (PC: India Today)

Singer Papon has appealed for more support for flood-hit Assam as the state's flood death toll climbed to 68. More than 5.24 lakh people remain affected across five districts despite improving conditions. In a video shared on X, Papon thanked volunteers and donors while describing the widespread devastation, saying villages remain submerged, many people are homeless, and countless animals have died. He pledged to continue helping within his capacity. Meanwhile, Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma said electricity is being restored in phases. The Army, NDRF, SDRF, Assam Rifles and other agencies continue rescue and relief operations across affected districts.

The Supreme Court on Monday said the right to peaceful and lawful protest is "absolutely guaranteed" under the Constitution and observed that police cannot order a lathicharge merely because people are protesting. Hearing petitions over alleged police action during the July 20 student march to Parliament and the reported AK-47 firing in Bihar, the court said police excesses must be investigated. It also indicated it may frame nationwide guidelines on handling protests. The bench, led by Chief Justice Surya Kant, will continue hearing the matter on Tuesday, alongside a separate plea alleging attacks on police personnel during demonstrations. (PC: X)

International endurance athlete Sabita Mahto from Bihar's Saran district has completed a 265-km ultra-run from Leh to Mig La, one of the world's highest motorable passes at around 19,400 feet, in six days. Battling thin air, freezing temperatures and rugged Himalayan terrain, she completed one of her toughest endurance challenges. Mahto, who comes from a modest family in Panapur's Diyara region, has previously completed several high-altitude expeditions, including a 1,200-km cycling journey to Umling La. She said the achievement is meant to inspire young people, especially women, to pursue their dreams despite limited resources and challenges. (PC: India Today)

Mumbai-based model Rhiya Ahir has filed a police complaint alleging she has been subjected to a coordinated online hate campaign after going viral during the CJP-led NEET protest at Shivaji Park. Ahir, who drew attention for standing in front of a police van carrying detained protesters, said she has faced sustained abuse, including slut-shaming, doctored social media posts and defamatory content targeting both her and her family. In her complaint, the 27-year-old argued that the harassment extends beyond criticism of her participation in the protest and is an organised attempt to damage her reputation. Police are expected to examine the allegations and the online content cited. (PC: X)

Delhi Police has issued notices to multiple social media platforms seeking the removal of posts deemed "abusive" towards Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Union ministers during the CJP-led NEET protest at Jantar Mantar. According to officials, the force is reviewing content shared during and after the demonstrations to identify posts that may violate the law or disturb public order. The Social Media Monitoring Team is examining material across platforms and will recommend action under relevant provisions of the Information Technology Act where necessary. Police also said they had blocked 480 Pakistan-based social media accounts allegedly involved in coordinated misinformation campaigns linked to the protests and related online activity. (PC: Times Now)

A preliminary probe has found that Rapid Action Force (RAF) personnel used pellet guns during the July 20 Parliament march in Delhi, with pellets reportedly injuring several protesters after striking the ground in the Connaught Place area, according to sources. The CRPF has launched a detailed review of the incident and is preparing an official investigation report following a comprehensive assessment. Sources said more than 47 RAF personnel were also injured during the clashes, some seriously. Authorities had deployed multiple crowd-control measures, including tear gas shells and lathi charges, to disperse demonstrators. The findings have intensified scrutiny over the use of force during the protest and the subsequent security response. (PC: India Today)

Prime Minister Narendra Modi has constituted a 6-member task force to recommend reforms to India's examination system following the paper leak crisis. The panel is chaired by Infosys co-founder Nandan Nilekani and includes former ISRO chairman S. Somnath, former Intelligence Bureau director Tapan Deka, senior bureaucrats and experts from education, technology and logistics. The task force has been asked to suggest structural reforms, strengthen exam security and increase the use of technology in public examinations. The government said the panel will work to improve transparency, prevent paper leaks and restore public confidence in India's examination system. (PC: India Today)

RSS chief Mohan Bhagwat said the LGBTQ+ community is a part of Indian society and deserves dignity and acceptance. Speaking at an event in Hyderabad, he said such communities have always existed in India and should not be excluded. Bhagwat said Indian traditions have recognised people with different gender identities and sexual orientations. He added that they have the right to live with respect and have a place in society. His remarks are similar to his earlier statements supporting dignity for LGBTQ+ people. However, the RSS continues to oppose legal recognition of same-sex marriage despite supporting the decriminalisation of homosexuality.