IPL founder and former chairman Lalit Modi has said he plans to return to India after 16 years. He said he may return by the end of this year or early next year after getting relief in the 2009 IPL South Africa FEMA case. Reacting to the tribunal's decision, Modi said, "Truth has finally emerged." He added that he had always worked for the "well-being of the IPL." The Appellate Tribunal set aside most of the Enforcement Directorate's findings and penalties against him in the case. Modi has been living abroad since leaving India in 2010. (PC: AFP)

The Delhi High Court issued notices to the Centre and Delhi Police over petitions alleging police brutality during the CJP-led protest near Parliament. The court directed authorities to preserve CCTV footage and other records related to the incident. During the hearing, the Centre called the petitions "publicity seeking petitions" aimed at "hogging the limelight." The bench questioned the claim, asking, "How can you say this is a publicity petition?" Petitioners alleged excessive force, injuries to protesters and misuse of tear gas. The Centre said the crowd turned violent and police personnel were also injured.

Singer Arijit Singh defended his remarks on the police action during the student protest at Delhi's Jantar Mantar. Reacting to videos online, he called some uniformed personnel "goons" and questioned the use of force against students. After a social media user said they had lost respect for him, Arijit replied that he was "not worried" about losing fans. He added, "You can delete all my playlist and forget my existence," but said his opinion would not change. The singer apologised if his words hurt anyone's feelings but said he spoke out because he was angry.

Activist Sonam Wangchuk shared a video from a Gurugram hospital on the 25th day of his hunger strike. Beginning with the words, "I am still alive," he said he was ready to end his fast if the government assured that student protesters would face no police action, arrests, FIRs or harassment. Wangchuk praised students for remaining peaceful despite the police action during the 'Chalo Sansad' march. He said he had lost 11 kg but was recovering under medical observation. Wangchuk has been on an indefinite hunger strike since June 28 over exam reforms and accountability.

Union Minister JP Nadda responded to Rahul Gandhi's claim that India saw over 150 exam paper leaks in the last 10 years. He said, "The government, being a responsible government, will undoubtedly investigate and present the truth to the public." Nadda also accused Gandhi of showing "selective outrage" and listed paper leak cases in Opposition-ruled states, including Kerala, Karnataka, West Bengal and Tamil Nadu. He said the government was ready to discuss the NEET paper leak issue. Nadda also confirmed that the Centre would respond to activist Sonam Wangchuk's letter regarding student protesters and his hunger strike.

The Delhi High Court has directed Delhi Police to respond to allegations of brutality during the Cockroach Janta Party's July 20 'Chalo Sansad' protest and ordered preservation of all relevant footage and records for a thorough investigation. Hearing two PILs, a Division Bench led by Chief Justice DK Upadhyaya rejected the police's argument that injured protesters should individually pursue legal remedies. The court observed the allegations were not isolated incidents and questioned whether police action complied with Supreme Court guidelines governing force against unlawful assemblies. During the hearing, petitioners also alleged excessive force, with senior advocate Sankaranarayanan naming Additional DCP Sandeep Lamba and seeking accountability over alleged misconduct during the protest. (PC: Rediff)

The Centre is prepared for an in-depth discussion in Parliament on examination paper leaks and the ongoing NEET controversy, Leader of the House in Rajya Sabha JP Nadda said on Wednesday. Addressing the media, Nadda urged Leader of Opposition Rahul Gandhi and other political parties not to politicise the issue and instead work with the government to resolve the deadlock. His remarks came hours after Rahul Gandhi alleged that 152 examination paper leaks had occurred over the past decade without a single conviction. Nadda reiterated the government's willingness to debate the matter in Parliament, signalling openness to a detailed discussion as protests over examination irregularities continue across the country. (PC: News 18)

Climate activist and education reformer Sonam Wangchuk said he will end his 25-day indefinite hunger strike only if the Centre gives an unequivocal assurance that no punitive or retaliatory legal action will be taken against students and protesters involved in the nationwide NEET-UG 2026 paper leak movement. In a letter to Union ministers JP Nadda and Jitendra Singh, who met him at Medanta Hospital, Wangchuk thanked them for discussions on compensation for families of students who died by suicide and a parliamentary debate on accountability, including consideration of Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan’s resignation. He said he wants to return to education but cannot do so unless protesting students are protected from legal consequences.

Blue Tokai Coffee Roasters co-founder Matt Chitharanjan praised the staff at the Janpath outlet in Delhi for helping people during the CJP's "Chalo Sansad" protest. Social media users said the cafe gave shelter to protesters, offered free water refills and provided first aid as police used tear gas and batons to disperse the crowd. Chitharanjan shared a video on Instagram and said he was proud of the team. He also said kindness should not be seen as something rare. The protest was held over the alleged NEET paper leak and the demand for Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan's resignation.

Climate activist Sonam Wangchuk said he will end his hunger strike only if the Centre promises not to take legal action against people who joined the CJP's "Chalo Sansad" march. In a letter to Union ministers JP Nadda and Jitendra Singh, he thanked them for meeting him and discussing his demands. These include help for families of students who died after the NEET paper leak and a debate in Parliament on accountability. Wangchuk said the July 20 protest was peaceful. He urged the government not to harass protesters and warned he would continue his fast without such assurance.