More than half of NDA supporters are reluctant to use E20 petrol, according to a C-Voter survey, underscoring persistent concerns over the Centre’s ethanol blending policy. The survey found 52.5% of NDA voters would not prefer E20 fuel, while 18.1% supported its use and 29.5% remained undecided. Around 50% of respondents feared E20 could damage vehicle engines, while many also expressed concerns about reduced mileage. The findings suggest apprehensions over vehicle performance continue to outweigh policy support, even among the ruling alliance’s voter base. Most respondents also said E20 petrol should be priced lower than regular fuel if it is to gain wider consumer acceptance across the country. (PC: Drivespark)

At the first-ever conference of police chiefs from 119 border districts, States raised concerns over illegal migrants allegedly appearing on electoral rolls despite Assam’s special voter list revision, misuse of the Nepal border by radical elements to reach Punjab, and the growing use of encrypted apps such as WhatsApp, Skred and Zangi for arms and narcotics smuggling across the Pakistan border. Officials also highlighted increased drone activity along the Pakistan border for transporting weapons and drugs. The meeting discussed the migration of residents from border villages due to inadequate infrastructure and employment opportunities, stressing the need to strengthen border communities through initiatives such as the Vibrant Villages Programme. (PC: PTI)

India's retail inflation rose to 4.38% in June, its highest level in 16 months, driven by a steady increase in food prices, according to data released by the Ministry of Statistics and Programme Implementation (MoSPI). Food inflation climbed to 5.32% from 4.78% in May, pushing overall consumer price inflation above the Reserve Bank of India's 4% target. Inflation has increased every month in 2026 under the new Consumer Price Index (CPI) series, which uses 2024 as the base year. Despite the rise, average CPI inflation for April-June stood at 3.9%, below the RBI's 4.2% forecast. (PC: The Indian Express)

Shiv Sena (UBT) chief Uddhav Thackeray has urged Congress leader Rahul Gandhi to visit Delhi's Jantar Mantar and support climate activist Sonam Wangchuk's ongoing hunger strike. Backing the Cockroach Janta Party's protest over alleged examination irregularities, Thackeray said the movement was about protecting the future of the country's youth rather than politics. He appealed to political parties across India to organise similar demonstrations in their states and announced that Shiv Sena (UBT) would also hold solidarity protests in Maharashtra. Thackeray said he may personally visit the protest site in Delhi on July 20. (PC: HT)

The escalating conflict between Iran and the United States is putting global energy markets under pressure, but India's diversified crude oil import strategy has helped reduce immediate risks. Over the past few years, India has increased oil purchases from countries including Russia, the United States and Brazil, lowering its dependence on Middle Eastern supplies. However, any prolonged disruption in the Strait of Hormuz could still affect shipping, insurance costs and global crude prices. Industry experts say India's diversified sourcing and strategic planning have strengthened its energy security, though continued regional instability remains a concern for the country's fuel imports and economy.

Kolkata has emerged as India's fastest-growing housing market, recording stronger demand growth than Bengaluru and Hyderabad, according to a new real estate report. The city bucked the national slowdown in residential sales, supported by steady home prices, improved affordability and rising buyer confidence. Industry experts said Kolkata's balanced pricing and increasing interest from end-users have helped drive demand, while several other major cities witnessed slower growth. The report suggests homebuyers are increasingly looking at value-driven markets, making Kolkata one of the country's strongest-performing residential real estate destinations despite a broader moderation in housing sales. (PC: X)

Additional District and Sessions Judge Tabassum Khan has received death and rape threats after sentencing 14 men to life imprisonment for the 2022 lynching of cattle trader Nazir Ahmad in Madhya Pradesh. The court convicted the men of murder, attempted murder, rioting and other offences, describing the attack as a case of mob lynching. Following the verdict, abusive videos targeting Khan over her religion spread on social media, prompting authorities to provide her police protection. The Madhya Pradesh High Court has sought a report on the security measures taken, while judicial bodies have condemned the threats and demanded strict action. (PC: BBC)

Mumbai's iconic Taj Mahal Palace Hotel witnessed a major security scare after a late-night anonymous caller claimed that underworld don Dawood Ibrahim had planted a bomb inside the hotel. Acting swiftly, Mumbai Police, bomb disposal squads, and other security agencies conducted a thorough search of the premises. After an extensive inspection, no explosive or suspicious object was found, confirming the threat to be a hoax. Authorities have launched an investigation to trace the caller using technical evidence and call records. Security remains heightened around the hotel, given its historical significance and association with the 26/11 terror attacks. (PC: X)

Former Chief Election Commissioner S.Y. Quraishi has recalled an emotional exchange with former Prime Minister Manmohan Singh during the 2012 Uttar Pradesh Assembly elections. In his upcoming book, Quraishi writes that Singh told him, "If that is what you think, I will commit suicide. I have never done anything against the Election Commission. I have the highest respect for it." The remark came after Quraishi informed him that the Election Commission was upset over comments made by some Congress ministers following action against Salman Khurshid for violating the Model Code of Conduct. Quraishi said Singh insisted he was unaware of the remarks and assured him such incidents would not happen again. (PC: HT)

Climate activist and educator Sonam Wangchuk said he is "just an ordinary citizen" and not a "modern Gandhi" as he continued his indefinite hunger strike at Delhi's Jantar Mantar. Wangchuk urged people to stop waiting for heroes and instead take responsibility as active citizens. His remarks came as the Cockroach Janta Party's protest over alleged examination irregularities entered its 22nd day. The protesters are demanding accountability over alleged paper leaks and exam-related issues. Wangchuk has been fasting in support of the campaign, which also seeks the resignation of Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan. (PC: India Today)