The flood situation in Assam has improved as water levels continue to recede in several areas, but the crisis remains severe. According to the Assam State Disaster Management Authority (ASDMA), the death toll has risen to 66, with 4 more fatalities reported in the last 24 hours. More than 6.54 lakh people remain affected across 6 districts. Sivasagar is the worst-hit district, with nearly 2.9 lakh people impacted, followed by Charaideo and Jorhat. Relief and rehabilitation operations are continuing as authorities monitor river levels and provide assistance to displaced families in the flood-affected areas. (PC: The Hindu)

Defence Minister Rajnath Singh on Sunday issued a strong warning to Pakistan during Kargil Vijay Diwas commemorations, saying any future "misadventure" would invite a response "beyond their imagination". Speaking in Dras, Ladakh, Singh said India would hold no talks with Pakistan except on Pakistan-occupied Kashmir (PoK), which he described as an integral part of India. Referring to Operation Sindoor, he said it showed the consequences of supporting terrorism. Singh also said India's armed forces have always been capable, adding that the current government has the political will to take decisive action to protect the country's security and sovereignty. (PC: HT)

Cockroach Janta Party (CJP) founder Abhijeet Dipke has said the movement is "just the beginning" after the government accepted key demands, including the resignation of former Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan over the NEET paper leak. In a video posted on X, Dipke thanked supporters who stayed at Delhi's Jantar Mantar during the 37-day protest and also acknowledged critics, saying their questions helped improve the campaign. He described the protest as difficult but successful and apologised for not meeting supporters earlier because he was recovering from typhoid. The CJP has ended its protest but says its journey will continue. (PC: NDTV)

The Delhi Taxi and Tourist Transporters and Tour Operators Association will hold a protest march to Parliament on August 4, demanding an independent review of the Centre's ethanol-blended petrol (E20) policy. The association claims E20 fuel has reduced mileage, increased maintenance costs and affected engine performance, particularly in vehicles manufactured before 2015. Transporters will also seek a review of the 80 kmph speed limit for tourist vehicles, vehicle scrappage rules, restrictions on BS-IV diesel vehicles, toll charges and the implementation of panic buttons and vehicle tracking devices. The association said the protest will remain peaceful and non-political. (PC: The Indian Express)

India's ancient Buddhist site of Sarnath has been inscribed on the UNESCO World Heritage List, earning global recognition for one of the country's most significant spiritual and historical landmarks. Revered as the place where Gautama Buddha delivered his first sermon after attaining enlightenment, Sarnath symbolises peace, wisdom and compassion. The inscription highlights the site's enduring religious, cultural and civilisational importance while reinforcing India's rich heritage on the global stage. Union Minister Gajendra Singh Shekhawat welcomed the recognition, saying the UNESCO inscription celebrates India's timeless civilisational and cultural legacy. The development is expected to boost international awareness of Sarnath and strengthen its position as a globally significant Buddhist pilgrimage and heritage destination.

Gitanjali Angmo, wife of activist Sonam Wangchuk, praised the student-led movement after Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan's resignation, describing Gen Z as the true embodiment of India's aspiration to become a "Vishwaguru". She said young protesters demonstrated "courage without hate, strength without violence, and patriotism without blind obedience" throughout the agitation. Angmo argued that, unlike many movements globally, the protests stood firmly against injustice without harming the country. She added that the students had "lived Sanatan Dharma, not preached it" and suggested the ruling Hindu nationalist party could learn from them about Hinduism, nationalism and the true meaning of being a Vishwaguru. Her remarks followed Pradhan's resignation.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi's first post on X after Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan's resignation celebrated Sarnath's inscription on the UNESCO World Heritage List, calling it "a proud moment for every Indian". Reposting UNESCO's announcement, Modi said the recognition honours India's civilisational and spiritual heritage and Lord Buddha's enduring message of wisdom, compassion and harmony. The post came about two hours after Pradhan resigned amid nationwide protests over the NEET-UG paper leak. The government has since accepted key protest demands, including withdrawing cases against demonstrators and compensation for families affected by the controversy. Opposition leaders and the CJP described Pradhan's resignation as a major victory for student-led protests and accountability.

The Cockroach Janta Party (CJP) ended its nationwide protest with immediate effect after a third round of talks with the Centre, following Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan's resignation. Announcing the decision at a joint press conference alongside Union Ministers JP Nadda and Jitendra Singh, CJP leaders said the government had accepted all their demands. The organisation urged protesters across the country to return home and said it was withdrawing the agitation in good faith, expecting the agreed commitments to be implemented within the promised timeline. CJP also said the Centre would provide written guarantees by Tuesday, marking the conclusion of weeks of demonstrations over the NEET paper leak and education-related demands. (PC: The Week)

The Cockroach Janta Party (CJP) said its key demand had been accepted after Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan resigned following three rounds of talks with the government. National Spokesperson Ashutosh Ranka said the protest at Jantar Mantar was centred on three demands: Pradhan's resignation, withdrawal of all FIRs and legal cases against protesters and organisers with no future cases to be filed, and ₹1 crore compensation for families of those who lost loved ones after the NEET paper was not held. Ranka said Pradhan's resignation meant the first demand had been fulfilled. The government is yet to announce decisions on the remaining two demands publicly. (PC: IndiaTV News)

Social activist Sonam Wangchuk called Dharmendra Pradhan's resignation a "victory of democracy." He said it showed the power of peaceful protest, adding, "It's a victory of peace, patience and perseverance," and thanked citizens for "shedding fear." Pradhan resigned Saturday after weeks of protests over the NEET-UG paper leak. Celebrations broke out at Jantar Mantar. CJP founder Abhijeet Dipke told the crowd, "We have done it," calling it "just the beginning." Dipke also thanked CJI Surya Kant, whose "cockroach" remark sparked the movement, saying, "If he hadn't called us cockroaches, I wouldn't have come to India."