Prime Minister Narendra Modi said those involved in the NEET paper leak will face strict punishment under the law. Speaking at the NDA parliamentary party meeting on Tuesday, he asked lawmakers to assure students that their interests will be protected. He also said young people should not be misled by the opposition. His remarks came as protests over the paper leak continued during the Monsoon Session of Parliament. Union Minister Kiren Rijiju said the Prime Minister also spoke about recent achievements, including free trade agreements. He added that the government will protect farmers' interests while signing trade deals with other countries. (PC: PTI)

Hundreds of farmers marching from Punjab to Delhi for a Kisan Mahapanchayat against the proposed India-US trade agreement were stopped by Haryana Police at the Shambhu border, where fresh barricades evoked memories of the 2024 "Delhi Chalo-2" agitation. Denied entry, the protesters turned the border into a demonstration site, accusing the Haryana and Punjab governments of curbing their democratic right to assemble. Farmer groups warned the proposed trade pact could expose India's agriculture and dairy sectors to subsidised US imports, threatening millions of livelihoods. They demanded transparency in negotiations and urged the Centre not to sign any agreement without consulting farmers and other stakeholders.

Dr B R Ambedkar’s grandson and Vanchit Bahujan Aghadi president Prakash Ambedkar criticised the police action against Cockroach Janta Party (CJP) protesters, saying the suppression of peaceful demonstrations signals authoritarianism. Speaking to The Indian Express, Ambedkar also condemned the handling of educationist and climate activist Sonam Wangchuk and the police lathi charge on students at Jantar Mantar. He argued that recent protests over the NEET paper leak, tribal land rights and rehabilitation reflected growing attempts to suppress dissent. Citing Dr B R Ambedkar’s Constituent Assembly speech, he said democracy depends on constitutional methods and responsiveness to public grievances, while warning that suppressing dissent ultimately weakens governments instead of strengthening them. (PC: The Indian Express)

At least seven people were killed and several others are feared trapped after an explosion inside an under-construction tunnel at the Samardung site in Sikkim triggered a landslide, officials said. The incident blocked access to the tunnel, complicating rescue efforts as emergency teams battled hazardous conditions. Ambulances have been stationed at the site, while rescue personnel equipped with gas masks and protective gear continue search operations to reach those trapped underground. Authorities are coordinating relief efforts amid fears that the toll could rise. The incident has sparked an urgent rescue mission as officials race against time to safely evacuate survivors from the damaged tunnel.

The Centre opened talks with Cockroach Janta Party (CJP) representatives following their Parliament march but offered no assurance on key demands, including Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan’s resignation. Union minister JP Nadda said protesters approached the government for discussions and urged them to end the sit-in after submitting a written memorandum. CJP leaders said demands, including Sonam Wangchuk’s release and compensation for families of deceased NEET aspirants, were conveyed, but no commitments were made. Meanwhile, Home Minister Amit Shah met Pradhan as the government maintained the protest was politically motivated. Opposition leaders backed the agitation, accusing the Centre of failing students and mishandling examination irregularities and protests. (PC: X/@SauravDassss)

The Centre has ruled out increasing ethanol blending in petrol beyond the current 20% level, with Minister of State for Petroleum and Natural Gas Suresh Gopi telling Parliament that no such decision has been taken. He said any future move would follow detailed scientific and technical studies alongside consultations with automobile manufacturers, oil marketing companies and research institutions. Defending the E20 rollout, the government highlighted savings of Rs 1.97 trillion in foreign exchange, lower crude oil imports, reduced carbon emissions and higher farmer incomes. It also said there is no verified evidence of widespread engine damage linked to E20 and no proposal to reintroduce lower-blend petrol.

The Cockroach Janta Party's (CJP) "Chalo Sansad" march in Delhi ended in clashes between protesters and police on Monday. Protesters began the march from Jantar Mantar, demanding the resignation of Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan over the alleged NEET-UG 2026 paper leak. Police used lathis and tear gas after protesters tried to move towards Parliament. The CJP alleged that women protesters were assaulted and excessive force was used. Delhi Police denied those claims and said officers acted to maintain public order. Around 70 protesters were detained. CJP leaders said the protest would continue until their demands are addressed. (PC: timesofindia/Instagram)

More than 27 workers remain trapped inside an under-construction tunnel in Sikkim's Namchi district after a suspected methane gas explosion caused a landslide. The incident happened at the NHPC Teesta Stage-VI Hydroelectric Project on Monday. Rescue teams from the NDRF, SDRF, police and fire services are continuing operations. Officials said hazardous gas, low oxygen levels and poor visibility have made rescue efforts difficult. Some workers escaped after the blast, but others remain trapped deep inside the tunnel. District Collector Anupa Tamling said the operation is “becoming increasingly difficult” due to methane exposure and the narrow tunnel passage.

Delhi Police said Cockroach Janta Party (CJP) protesters turned “unruly, aggressive and violent” during Monday's march towards Parliament. Police alleged protesters ignored repeated warnings, attacked personnel, damaged public property and tried to break barricades. Officials said over 118 police personnel and around 60 protesters were injured. Around 70 protesters were detained, and police said legal action had begun. The CJP denied the allegations and accused police of using excessive force against peaceful protesters. The group also claimed women protesters were assaulted during the action. Delhi Police rejected those claims and urged people not to spread “false or misleading information.” (PC: Reuters)

Farmers from Punjab are travelling to Delhi to attend a Mahapanchayat on July 21 against the proposed India-US trade deal. The gathering at Kisan Ghat has been called by the Desh Bachao Morcha. Farmer leader Germanjit Singh Bandala claimed the agreement would hurt small farmers, labourers and traders by allowing cheaper US farm imports into India. He said, “This is only the beginning,” and warned of a bigger protest if the Centre did not withdraw the proposed deal. Organisers said around 550 farmers' unions and social organisations are expected to join the Mahapanchayat from across the country.