Leaders of the INDIA bloc briefly walked out of the Centre's all-party meeting ahead of the Monsoon Session, protesting the government's decision to provide separate seating to rebel Trinamool Congress (TMC) MPs. The Opposition objected, saying the rebel group has not been officially recognised as a separate parliamentary party by Lok Sabha Speaker Om Birla. TMC MP Mahua Moitra said the walkout was a symbolic protest backed by several INDIA bloc parties, including Congress, DMK and AAP. The Opposition leaders later returned to the meeting, which was held to discuss the government's legislative agenda for the upcoming Parliament session. (PC: India Today)

Trinamool Congress leader Abhishek Banerjee has challenged rebel MPs and MLAs to return to Mamata Banerjee's leadership, declaring he would resign from all party posts within an hour if they did. Responding to allegations that he caused the party's internal crisis, Abhishek said those claiming loyalty to Mamata should prove it by rejoining the Trinamool Congress instead of attacking the party from outside. He also accused several defectors of aligning with the BJP for political gain. His remarks come amid an escalating rebellion within the TMC and efforts to restore party unity. (PC: PTI)

Argentina coach Lionel Scaloni has praised Lionel Messi ahead of the FIFA World Cup 2026 final against Spain, calling the 39-year-old "the best player in the history of football." Scaloni urged fans to cherish the opportunity to watch Messi play on the biggest stage, saying his achievements are extraordinary. Messi has scored 8 goals in the tournament and is the World Cup's all-time leading scorer with 21 goals. Argentina will face defending European champions Spain on Sunday, aiming to become the first team in 64 years to win back-to-back FIFA World Cup titles. (PC: NDTV)

Congress leader Rahul Gandhi criticised the government over the removal of climate activist Sonam Wangchuk from Jantar Mantar in Delhi. In a post on X, Rahul called the action "wrong" and accused the government of suppressing peaceful protests. Delhi Police said Wangchuk was shifted to Safdarjung Hospital after his health worsened and that the move followed medical advice and court directions. However, the Cockroach Janta Party claimed he was taken without his or his family's consent. Wangchuk's wife, Gitanjali Angmo, said the planned Parliament march on July 20 will continue as scheduled.

Congress leader Rahul Gandhi on Saturday criticised the Narendra Modi government over the removal of activist Sonam Wangchuk from Delhi's Jantar Mantar, where he was on a hunger strike. In a post on X, Rahul said the government's guiding principles were "Asatya" (falsehood) and "Hinsa" (violence), calling the action against Wangchuk "wrong." He linked the protest to issues such as paper leaks, rising education costs and student suicides, saying these concerns cannot be silenced. Delhi Police said Wangchuk was shifted to Safdarjung Hospital following medical advice and Delhi High Court directions, while supporters alleged he was forcibly removed without consent.

Congress MP Shashi Tharoor has urged climate activist Sonam Wangchuk to end his indefinite hunger strike over alleged NEET irregularities, while calling on the Centre to open dialogue with protesters. In an open letter, Tharoor said Parliament's upcoming session provides an opportunity to raise students' concerns through democratic channels rather than a fast unto death. Recalling his middle-class upbringing, he stressed that fair examinations and merit-based opportunities are vital for ordinary families, warning that paper leaks destroy young people's dreams. Tharoor appealed to the government to engage with protesters, saying dialogue reflects statesmanship, not weakness. Wangchuk, meanwhile, has continued his fast despite worsening health concerns.

The Cockroach Janta Party (CJP) may have originated as an online movement, but its identity is now centred around Sonam Wangchuk's indefinite hunger strike at New Delhi's Jantar Mantar. Nineteen days into his fast, the Ladakh-based activist and educationist has evolved beyond being a protester, becoming the movement's most recognisable face and moral centre. While political leaders, celebrities and supporters continue to visit the protest site, Wangchuk remains its constant presence, symbolising the campaign's demands and resilience. His deteriorating health has further amplified public attention, shifting the narrative from the organisation itself to the man leading the protest and embodying its message for many across the country. (PC: PTI)

Aam Aadmi Party chief and former Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal joined Sonam Wangchuk at Jantar Mantar on Thursday as the activist’s hunger strike entered its 19th day. Wangchuk has been fasting since June 28 as part of the Cockroach Janta Party’s (CJP) protest demanding Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan’s resignation over repeated examination paper leaks and broader education reforms. Addressing supporters, Kejriwal accused the Centre of failing students and urged Prime Minister Narendra Modi to appoint Wangchuk as Union Education Minister after Pradhan’s resignation. He praised the youth-led movement, saying students from across the country were demanding a fair, transparent and accountable examination system. (PC: The Indian Express)

Activist Sonam Wangchuk has refused to end his indefinite hunger strike, saying, "Don't ask me to end my fast. Join the July 20 Parliament march instead." On the 18th day of his fast, Wangchuk urged supporters to participate in the Cockroach Janta Party's (CJP) "Chalo Sansad" march, saying it would send a stronger message to the government. He said medical tests, including an ECG, showed no immediate health risk despite weakness and muscle loss. Calling the march a "real lesson in democracy and political science," Wangchuk also invited students and educational institutions to take part. (PC: India Today)

Argentina's FIFA World Cup 2026 semi-final against England has taken on a political tone after Vice-President Victoria Villarruel called England "the usurping pirates" ahead of the match. In a post on X, she said the game was about more than football, linking it to Argentina's long-standing claim over the Falkland Islands, known as Las Malvinas in Argentina. She also referenced football legends Diego Maradona and Lionel Messi, calling the clash symbolic for the nation. Argentina and England will meet in Atlanta, with the winner advancing to face Spain in the FIFA World Cup 2026 final in New York. (PC: NDTV)