Actor Sonu Sood has criticised BJP MP and actor Kangana Ranaut over her controversial remarks about Gen Z protesters, calling the comments "shameful". Speaking to reporters, Sonu said young people are the reason actors achieve success and deserve respect. "If she has said that, then I think it is very shameful. It should not have been said," he said. Sonu also urged public figures to think before speaking, adding that "the public is another form of God." Kangana had earlier called Gen Z protesters "Generation Gutter", triggering widespread criticism and a fresh political and social debate. (PC: NDTV)

The Supreme Court on Thursday sought the Delhi Police's standard operating procedure (SOP) on the use of pellet guns during the CJP protest at Jantar Mantar. Hearing a petition challenging the alleged use of metallic pellets against protesters, the bench led by Chief Justice Surya Kant said pellet guns are allowed only in exceptional circumstances under police rules. The court asked the Centre and Delhi Police to explain the graded use-of-force protocol and whether it was followed. The petitioners alleged metallic pellets injured peaceful protesters, while police maintained they used plastic pellets and other crowd-control measures during the July 20 clashes. (PC: India Today)

The Supreme Court has cleared former Prime Minister Manmohan Singh in the Talabira-II coal block allocation case, bringing an end to a legal battle that lasted more than 11 years. Nearly 2 years after Singh's death in November 2024, the court quashed a 2015 trial court order that had summoned him as an accused. A bench led by Chief Justice Surya Kant reviewed the CBI's closure reports, which had recommended ending the case, and ruled that the trial court's observations should be set aside. Singh had held the coal ministry portfolio when the allocation was made, but the Supreme Court found no basis to continue proceedings against him. (PC: X)

The death toll from this year's floods in Assam has reached 78 after three more people died in Sivasagar and Golaghat districts. More than 3 lakh people remain affected across seven districts, according to the Assam State Disaster Management Authority. Over 16,500 people are staying in relief camps, while thousands more are receiving aid. Floods have damaged roads, homes, schools and farmland. Urban flooding also continues in parts of Guwahati. The India Meteorological Department has warned of heavy rain until August 1. Officials have asked people to stay alert as fresh rain could worsen flooding and landslides.

A medical report says doctors removed several metallic foreign bodies from the body of Sheikh Irshad Mansoori after the July 20 protest in Delhi. The report states the objects were found in his head, neck, shoulder, and mouth during surgery. Mansoori said seven pellet-like objects were removed, while some still remain in his body. He claimed the hospital kept the recovered objects. The hospital did not say if they were sent for forensic tests. Delhi Police said some social media claims of gunshot injuries are not supported by medical records. Police and the CRPF are separately examining the use of pellet rounds. (PC: Reuters)

Farmers protesting in Bhopal continued their agitation on Wednesday after talks with the Madhya Pradesh government failed to fully address their demands. A minor scuffle broke out when some protesters tried to move forward despite police appeals to remain calm. Following a three-hour meeting, the government increased moong procurement at the Minimum Support Price (MSP) from 25% to 60%, extended procurement and registration deadlines, and suspended the fertiliser e-token system pending a review. However, farmer leaders rejected the measures, insisting on 100% MSP procurement and warning that the protest would continue until all demands are accepted. (PC: India Today)

Cockroach Janta Party (CJP) founder Abhijeet Dipke criticised Prime Minister Narendra Modi and questioned the effectiveness of the anti-paper leak law. “If he is such a good influencer, then he should leave the Prime Minister's chair, become an influencer, and let someone else do the job,” Dipke said. On the new law, he added, “You can make whatever laws you want, but until the people implementing them are good, what is the point of those laws?” He also warned of fresh student protests if FIRs against demonstrators are not withdrawn, saying students would respond through their votes. (PC: HT)

Abhijeet Dipke reacted strongly to the Centre’s proposed anti-paper leak legislation, saying it fails to address students’ core concerns despite introducing stricter punishment for offenders. He warned that a larger nationwide protest could follow if authorities assume public anger has diminished after announcing the Bill. Dipke maintained that students remain dissatisfied and continue demanding accountability, transparency and meaningful reforms in the examination system. He argued that legislation alone cannot restore trust without concrete action against those responsible and systemic changes preventing future leaks. His remarks underline continuing unrest over examination integrity, with student groups insisting their movement will persist until their key demands are addressed and confidence is genuinely restored. (PC: Bhaskar English)

The Centre has informed Parliament that there is no scientific evidence showing E20 petrol causes engine damage or reduced mileage. In a written reply, Union Road Transport and Highways Minister Nitin Gadkari said the Ethanol Blended Petrol (EBP) Programme was introduced after extensive studies, field trials and expert consultations. Joint research by IOCL, ARAI, SIAM and IIP found no major impact on engine durability, vehicle performance or BS-VI emissions. The government said modern vehicles do not need engine modifications for E20 fuel, while some older models may require routine replacement of rubber components during regular servicing.

A political exchange erupted after BJP MP Kangana Ranaut's remarks about Generation Z drew criticism from Cockroach Janta Party (CJP) spokesperson Saurav Das. Responding sharply, Das claimed that Kangana's own party does not take her seriously and questioned her political relevance. The verbal sparring quickly gained attention on social media, with supporters from both sides defending their leaders. The episode highlighted the growing use of social media-driven political rhetoric and personal attacks in public discourse. While no formal political action followed, the exchange intensified debates over political communication, public image, and generational issues in contemporary Indian politics. (PC: ANI)