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.

The Cockroach Janta Party (CJP) has said its movement will continue even after Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan resigned. CJP founder Abhijeet Dipke called the resignation only the beginning of a larger campaign. He demanded ₹1 crore compensation for families of students who died by suicide during the exam controversy and action against police over clashes during the July 20 protest. CJP leaders said they will now focus on education reforms and youth issues across the country. They also plan to expand the movement at the grassroots. The group said entering electoral politics is not its immediate priority. (PC: PTI)

Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Sunday announced a high-powered task force led by Nandan Nilekani, Infosys co-founder and former Aadhaar architect, to recommend reforms for India's examination system. The panel will focus on making National Testing Agency (NTA) exams more transparent, reliable and technology-driven. Other members include former ISRO Chairman S. Somnath, former Intelligence Bureau Director Tapan Deka, IIT Madras Director V. Kamakoti, former Education Secretary Anita Karwal, and logistics expert Amrit Lal Meena. The announcement came a day after Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan resigned following nationwide paper leak protests. The Centre will also introduce a tougher anti-cheating law in Parliament. (PC: India Today)

Social activist Anna Hazare on Saturday welcomed the end of the Cockroach Janata Party’s (CJP) 37-day protest following Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan’s resignation, saying public grievances should be resolved through democracy and dialogue. “It is democracy, not rule by diktat, and one should always follow the path of democracy,” Hazare said. Recalling his 22 hunger strikes, the 89-year-old activist stressed that he never used violence and credited peaceful protests with bringing legislative changes. He said governments must listen to citizens, adding that lasting solutions come through dialogue, not confrontation or violence.

Cockroach Janta Party (CJP) founder Abhijeet Dipke on Sunday addressed supporters at Delhi’s Jantar Mantar after Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan’s resignation. Referring to Chief Justice of India Surya Kant’s earlier “cockroaches” remark, Dipke said, “If you had not called us cockroaches, this movement would never have happened. We thank you because your words united students and unemployed youth across the country.” He said the remark became the turning point that transformed public anger into a nationwide campaign. Calling Pradhan’s resignation a significant milestone, Dipke added that the movement would continue until wider education reforms are implemented. (PC: X)

The flood situation in Assam has improved as water levels continue to recede in several areas, but the crisis remains severe. According to the Assam State Disaster Management Authority (ASDMA), the death toll has risen to 66, with 4 more fatalities reported in the last 24 hours. More than 6.54 lakh people remain affected across 6 districts. Sivasagar is the worst-hit district, with nearly 2.9 lakh people impacted, followed by Charaideo and Jorhat. Relief and rehabilitation operations are continuing as authorities monitor river levels and provide assistance to displaced families in the flood-affected areas. (PC: The Hindu)

Defence Minister Rajnath Singh on Sunday issued a strong warning to Pakistan during Kargil Vijay Diwas commemorations, saying any future "misadventure" would invite a response "beyond their imagination". Speaking in Dras, Ladakh, Singh said India would hold no talks with Pakistan except on Pakistan-occupied Kashmir (PoK), which he described as an integral part of India. Referring to Operation Sindoor, he said it showed the consequences of supporting terrorism. Singh also said India's armed forces have always been capable, adding that the current government has the political will to take decisive action to protect the country's security and sovereignty. (PC: HT)

Cockroach Janta Party (CJP) founder Abhijeet Dipke has said the movement is "just the beginning" after the government accepted key demands, including the resignation of former Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan over the NEET paper leak. In a video posted on X, Dipke thanked supporters who stayed at Delhi's Jantar Mantar during the 37-day protest and also acknowledged critics, saying their questions helped improve the campaign. He described the protest as difficult but successful and apologised for not meeting supporters earlier because he was recovering from typhoid. The CJP has ended its protest but says its journey will continue. (PC: NDTV)

The Delhi Taxi and Tourist Transporters and Tour Operators Association will hold a protest march to Parliament on August 4, demanding an independent review of the Centre's ethanol-blended petrol (E20) policy. The association claims E20 fuel has reduced mileage, increased maintenance costs and affected engine performance, particularly in vehicles manufactured before 2015. Transporters will also seek a review of the 80 kmph speed limit for tourist vehicles, vehicle scrappage rules, restrictions on BS-IV diesel vehicles, toll charges and the implementation of panic buttons and vehicle tracking devices. The association said the protest will remain peaceful and non-political. (PC: The Indian Express)

India's ancient Buddhist site of Sarnath has been inscribed on the UNESCO World Heritage List, earning global recognition for one of the country's most significant spiritual and historical landmarks. Revered as the place where Gautama Buddha delivered his first sermon after attaining enlightenment, Sarnath symbolises peace, wisdom and compassion. The inscription highlights the site's enduring religious, cultural and civilisational importance while reinforcing India's rich heritage on the global stage. Union Minister Gajendra Singh Shekhawat welcomed the recognition, saying the UNESCO inscription celebrates India's timeless civilisational and cultural legacy. The development is expected to boost international awareness of Sarnath and strengthen its position as a globally significant Buddhist pilgrimage and heritage destination.