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)

A four-storey residential building collapsed in Bhiwandi, Maharashtra, near Mumbai, killing at least three people and trapping several others under the debris. Rescue teams, including the National Disaster Response Force (NDRF), firefighters, and local police, launched a massive search-and-rescue operation using heavy equipment and sniffer dogs to locate survivors. Several residents were rescued and shifted to nearby hospitals for treatment. Authorities are investigating the cause of the collapse, with concerns over the structural condition of the building. Rescue efforts remain underway as officials work urgently to save those still believed to be trapped beneath the rubble.

Students from Generation Alpha are increasingly leading protests across government schools in Uttar Pradesh, Bihar, and Rajasthan, demanding better education infrastructure and adequate teaching staff. Many schools reportedly face severe teacher shortages, overcrowded classrooms, broken toilets, lack of drinking water, and poor maintenance, disrupting learning. Students have staged demonstrations, raised slogans, and approached local authorities, highlighting growing awareness of their educational rights. The protests have sparked wider debate about the quality of public education and the urgent need for government intervention. Education experts say addressing these systemic issues is essential to ensure equitable and quality learning opportunities for millions of children. (PC: X)

Union Road Transport and Highways Minister Nitin Gadkari informed Parliament that vehicles running on E20 petrol (20% ethanol-blended fuel) may experience a 2% to 6% reduction in fuel economy, depending on the vehicle's age and category. However, he emphasized that extensive testing has found no evidence of engine failure or abnormal wear and tear caused by E20 fuel. The government defended the ethanol blending programme, highlighting its role in reducing crude oil imports, lowering emissions, and supporting farmers through increased ethanol production. Authorities also clarified that while older vehicles may see a slight drop in mileage, E20 remains safe for use in compatible vehicles. (PC: The Hindu)

Prime Minister Narendra Modi released a selfie-style video celebrating Parliament's passage of the Public Examinations (Prevention of Unfair Means) Amendment Bill, 2026. Calling paper leaks a decades-old problem affecting governments at both the Centre and states, he said the new law would safeguard students' futures and restore trust in India's examination system. The legislation introduces stricter penalties, including up to 10 years' imprisonment and heavy fines for those involved in paper leak networks. Modi said the government acted decisively against offenders and reaffirmed its commitment to ensuring transparent, fair, and credible public examinations across the country. 

A Zero FIR has been registered against a Noida-based woman for allegedly making objectionable remarks against Prime Minister Narendra Modi during a protest at Delhi's Jantar Mantar on July 23. The complaint, filed by a Ghaziabad resident at Noida's Expressway Police Station, alleges the remarks insulted the dignity of the Prime Minister's constitutional office and could incite hatred and disturb public peace. Police confirmed the case will be transferred to the Parliament Street Police Station in Delhi, as the alleged incident occurred within its jurisdiction. Further investigation will now be conducted by the Delhi Police. (PC: India Today)

For the first time in its history, the Pirelli Calendar is dedicated to India. The 2027 edition pays tribute to late photographer Raghu Rai and celebrates the country's beauty, culture and diversity. After Rai's passing, his daughter Avani Rai completed his vision for the project. Norwegian photographer Sølve Sundsbø also worked on the calendar, bringing an international perspective. The project features more than 200 people, including artists, performers and everyday citizens. It also includes celebrities such as Aditi Rao Hydari, Freida Pinto and Padma Lakshmi. The calendar was photographed across Rajasthan and the streets of Old Delhi.

CJP spokesperson Saurav Das said people offended by abusive slogans during recent protests should file defamation cases against those responsible instead of seeking criminal action. He said using the criminal justice system over offensive remarks could harm free speech. Das also urged young protesters to use respectful language during demonstrations. Reacting to the Delhi government's decision to close FIRs linked to the protests, he said the cases should be withdrawn instead. He also asked the government to fulfil promises made under the July 25 Jantar Mantar agreement. Das warned that students could return to the streets if those promises are not kept. (PC: ANI)

A rat allegedly carried away diamond and gold jewellery worth around Rs 10 lakh from a jewellery store in Karnataka's Tumakuru. The incident happened at Vishwas Jewellery near Caltex Circle. Staff found more than 50 grams of jewellery missing when they opened the shop. There were no signs of a break-in, which left everyone confused. Before informing the police, employees checked the CCTV footage. The video allegedly showed a rat dragging rings and chains one by one into its burrow. Staff followed the rat's path and dug up the burrow. They recovered 10 rings and three chains, bringing relief to the store.

The Supreme Court on Thursday asked the Centre to preserve the Rapid Action Force's (RAF) ammunition records used during the July 20 Jantar Mantar protests over the NEET-UG controversy. The court issued notice to the Centre while hearing petitions seeking a ban on the use of pellet guns for crowd control. The bench said pellet guns may be used only in exceptional situations and sought details of the standard operating procedure (SOP) governing their use. The case follows allegations that pellet guns were used excessively during the protest. The matter will be heard again after the Centre files its response. (PC: The Indian Express)