Delhi Police has claimed that 2,873 people with criminal records were identified at or near the CJP protest using facial recognition technology. According to police sources, 989 had records in serious cases, including murder, attempted murder, robbery, rape, kidnapping, Arms Act and narcotics offences. Police also released CCTV footage, alleging protesters breached barricades, threw stones, used pepper spray and damaged police vehicles during the July 20 violence. Officials said many of those identified were repeat offenders with multiple criminal cases. The claims are based on Delhi Police sources, and no independent verification has been reported. (PC: PTI)

Rajya Sabha MP and senior advocate Kapil Sibal has announced a ₹1 crore legal fund to support student protesters facing legal action. He said CJP will launch a website to track cases against protesters and connect them with lawyers across India. "I will contribute ₹1 crore," Sibal said, urging other lawyers to donate. The website will allow lawyers to register and offer legal help. The announcement comes after CJP alleged students and volunteers were being detained despite assurances that no police action would be taken. CJP has also warned of fresh protests if FIRs are not withdrawn.

At least 68 people have died and more than 5.24 lakh people have been affected by floods across five districts in Assam this year. Charaideo is the worst-hit district, while thousands are staying in relief camps. Experts say Assam floods almost every year because of the Brahmaputra River, heavy monsoon rain and its location between mountain ranges. Water from Tibet, Arunachal Pradesh and Bhutan also flows into the river, increasing the flood risk. Climate change, deforestation and wetland loss have made the situation worse. Experts say better flood planning and wetland protection can help reduce the damage.

CJP volunteer Mohammad Junaid has alleged that people identifying themselves as Delhi Police picked him up after he distributed food to student protesters at Jantar Mantar. "We thought they were trying to kill us," Junaid said, claiming he was blindfolded, questioned overnight and later left in Mussoorie. He said officers asked about the funding for the food distribution. His family also alleged police questioned his father and searched their home. Ghaziabad Police said Junaid's father was only questioned and later released. CJP said Junaid is safe and receiving legal support.

CJP has warned the government that it will launch another protest if FIRs against student protesters are not withdrawn. "We demand that all the FIRs against the protestors be immediately withdrawn," spokesperson Ashutosh Ranka said. He also urged the government to release detained students and stop filing new cases. CJP said the government had earlier assured that no legal action would be taken against protesters. AISA president Neha Bora also demanded that the government honour its promise. The warning comes after reports of student arrests and fresh police action in several states.

The CRPF has identified at least one Rapid Action Force (RAF) personnel accused of firing pellet guns during the July 20 NEET paper leak protests in Delhi, with an internal inquiry now underway. According to officials, the personnel allegedly fired 7 rounds in Connaught Place, with 5 pellets striking protesters. The probe will examine why pellet guns were used and whether force protocols were violated. Several protesters suffered pellet injuries, while hospitals confirmed at least one case. The Delhi Police has denied using pellet guns, and senior RAF officials have reportedly criticised the use of excessive force during the protest. (PC: NDTV)

An IndiGo flight travelling from Dubai to Mumbai made an emergency landing at Rajkot International Airport on Monday after smoke was detected in the aircraft's cargo hold. Airport authorities said the flight was diverted as a precautionary measure. Rajkot Airport Director Diganta Borah confirmed that the aircraft landed safely and that all passengers and crew were unharmed. Officials have launched an inspection to determine what triggered the smoke alert. The aircraft will remain under examination until the cause is identified. Further details are awaited as aviation authorities continue their assessment of the incident. (PC: HT)

The campaign against the Centre's E20 ethanol-blended petrol policy is gathering momentum after the end of the NEET paper leak protests. Activist groups have announced protest marches to Parliament on July 31 and August 4, demanding that consumers be allowed to choose between E20, E10 and pure petrol. Protesters are also seeking accountability from Union ministers Nitin Gadkari and Hardeep Singh Puri over the policy. A LocalCircles survey claimed that 60% of pre-2023 vehicle owners reported mileage or maintenance issues. However, the Centre maintains that E20 fuel is scientifically validated and safe for all petrol vehicles. (PC: India Today)

Singer Papon has appealed for more support for flood-hit Assam as the state's flood death toll climbed to 68. More than 5.24 lakh people remain affected across five districts despite improving conditions. In a video shared on X, Papon thanked volunteers and donors while describing the widespread devastation, saying villages remain submerged, many people are homeless, and countless animals have died. He pledged to continue helping within his capacity. Meanwhile, Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma said electricity is being restored in phases. The Army, NDRF, SDRF, Assam Rifles and other agencies continue rescue and relief operations across affected districts.

The Supreme Court on Monday said the right to peaceful and lawful protest is "absolutely guaranteed" under the Constitution and observed that police cannot order a lathicharge merely because people are protesting. Hearing petitions over alleged police action during the July 20 student march to Parliament and the reported AK-47 firing in Bihar, the court said police excesses must be investigated. It also indicated it may frame nationwide guidelines on handling protests. The bench, led by Chief Justice Surya Kant, will continue hearing the matter on Tuesday, alongside a separate plea alleging attacks on police personnel during demonstrations. (PC: X)