Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Friday said he wanted to forgive the students who allegedly abused him during the Jantar Mantar protest. In a video message, he called them "misguided children" and urged society to guide them instead of seeking punishment. Modi said legal action and social harassment would not help young people learn from their mistakes. "I want to forgive those who abused me," he said. His remarks came after a Zero FIR was registered against a woman accused of making abusive remarks against him during the protest. Modi urged students to learn, pursue their dreams and help build the nation.

AAP convenor Arvind Kejriwal will launch a nationwide campaign against the Centre's E20 petrol policy in New Delhi on Saturday. He will hold a "National Town Hall Against E20" at the Constitution Club and said a prominent personality would join the event. Activist Tehseen Poonawalla will also step up his protest with a silent march to Gandhi Smriti followed by a hunger strike. Both oppose the rollout of 20% ethanol-blended petrol, claiming it affects fuel efficiency and vehicle performance. The Centre has maintained that E20 fuel may reduce mileage but does not damage vehicles. Thousands are expected to join the campaign. (PC: PTI)

One migrant labourer was killed and another was seriously injured after terrorists opened fire at a brick kiln in Jammu and Kashmir's Kulgam district on Friday evening. The victims, both non-local workers, were attacked in the Kellam area. Deepak, a resident of Chhattisgarh, died from his injuries. Bhopinder was taken to Government Medical College, Anantnag, for treatment. Security forces reached the spot soon after the attack, sealed the area and launched a search operation to find the attackers. The incident came less than ten days after a police officer was shot dead by terrorists in Anantnag district.

Cockroach Janta Party (CJP) founder Abhijeet Dipke expressed sympathy for Delhi Police personnel injured during the Jantar Mantar protest. However, he alleged that the attacks were carried out by "BJP goons" and not student protesters. Dipke also said students injured in the police action should not be forgotten. He accused the government of targeting innocent students instead of habitual offenders to stop future protests. CJP spokesperson Ratna Singh also highlighted injuries suffered by protesters and their families. Their remarks came after families of injured Delhi Police personnel held a press conference describing the violence faced by officers during the protest.

Cockroach Janta Party (CJP) founder Abhijeet Dipke has firmly dismissed speculation of a rift with activist Sonam Wangchuk, stressing that their shared movement remains united. Dipke said Wangchuk's sacrifice and prolonged hunger strike for students' rights and exam reforms would never be forgotten, calling him an inspiration to millions. He emphasized that differences in strategy should not be mistaken for personal or ideological divisions. Dipke reiterated that the campaign for accountability, transparent examinations, and justice will continue peacefully, adding that the movement's goals remain unchanged despite rumours of internal disagreements. (PC: PTI)

Exiled Bangladeshi author Taslima Nasrin returned to Kolkata after 19 years, describing the visit as an emotional homecoming to a city she has long considered her own. Forced to leave in 2007 following violent protests over her writings, Nasrin will attend a public event at Rabindra Sadan on August 1. Her return has reignited discussions on freedom of expression, secularism, and political tolerance in West Bengal. The visit carries strong symbolic significance, reflecting changing political dynamics while highlighting Nasrin's enduring bond with Kolkata despite years of exile and controversy surrounding her outspoken views. (PC: ANI)

Renowned Nepalese mountaineer Nirmal Purja is among 10 climbers reported missing after a powerful avalanche struck Pakistan's K2, the world's second-highest mountain. Rescue operations are underway, but harsh weather, high altitude, and difficult terrain are hampering search efforts. Purja, celebrated for his record-breaking achievements in high-altitude climbing, was part of an expedition when the avalanche occurred. Pakistani authorities, rescue teams, and mountaineering officials are coordinating efforts to locate the missing climbers. The incident has raised fresh concerns about the extreme dangers of mountaineering on K2, particularly during unpredictable weather conditions and avalanche-prone periods. (PC: X)

The Central Government informed Parliament during the Monsoon Session that only Indian citizens are eligible to receive an Indian passport. However, it clarified that a passport is primarily a travel document issued after due verification under the Passports Act and is not declared as conclusive proof of citizenship. The statement came in response to ongoing debates over which government-issued documents legally establish Indian citizenship. The issue has drawn political attention, with opposition parties demanding greater clarity on officially accepted citizenship documents and the legal framework governing proof of citizenship in India. (PC: India Today)

At least 8 people were killed and several others are feared trapped after a 4-storey residential building collapsed in Bhiwandi near Mumbai late on Thursday night. The building, identified as Kohinoor Apartment in Balaji Nagar Gangaramwadi, had earlier been declared dangerous by the municipal corporation. Teams from the National Disaster Response Force (NDRF), Thane Disaster Response Force (TDRF), and the fire brigade are carrying out search and rescue operations. Several injured people have been admitted to hospital. Officials said the building had 48 rooms, and efforts are continuing to rescue anyone still trapped under the debris. (PC: The Indian Express)

Hyderabad Cybercrime Police have registered FIRs against several Facebook and Instagram account operators and named Meta's India head as a co-accused over alleged morphed and objectionable posts targeting Prime Minister Narendra Modi during the Cockroach Janta Party (CJP) protests against exam irregularities. The cases were filed following complaints by BJP supporters under relevant provisions of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS) and the Information Technology Act. Police said notices have been issued to Meta and investigations are underway to identify those responsible. Meta recently agreed to appear before the Centre to explain issues related to its platforms. (PC: HT)