India on Tuesday responded to reports that Pakistani influencers and Gen Z groups had expressed support for the Cockroach Janta Party (CJP)-led student protests in Delhi. Ministry of External Affairs spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal said the focus should remain on Pakistan ending state-sponsored cross-border terrorism. "The people of India, including Gen Z, have been demanding that Pakistan end its state-sponsored cross-border terrorism. We hope their counterparts are taking due note," he said. Several Pakistani influencers had shared messages supporting the protesters, while Pakistan's Foreign Office earlier described the demonstrations as India's internal matter and declined to comment further.

Congress MP Priyanka Gandhi Vadra on Tuesday questioned the Centre over the police action against students protesting alleged exam irregularities, asking, "Who ordered pellet guns and AK-47s on students?" Speaking during the Lok Sabha debate on the Public Examinations Bill, she asked whether Prime Minister Narendra Modi or Union Home Minister Amit Shah authorised the crackdown. Priyanka alleged students were treated "like terrorists" and accused the government of suppressing peaceful protests. She also claimed repeated exam paper leaks had eroded trust in the examination system and urged the government to answer who approved the use of force. (PC: India Today)

Actor Tiger Shroff has been named in Mumbay FC's squad for the upcoming Durand Cup and could make his professional football debut during the tournament. Club co-owner Zoheb Amrani said Shroff is training with the team and may travel for one of the group-stage matches in Shillong, subject to security arrangements. Shroff has been associated with Mumbay FC since its formation in 2024 and has previously played in the Mumbai District League. Amrani praised the actor's technical ability and professionalism, saying his commitment turned a passion for football into a serious pursuit of competitive football. (PC: NDTV)

France have appointed football legend Zinedine Zidane as their new head coach, replacing Didier Deschamps after the team's semi-final exit at the 2026 FIFA World Cup. Zidane, who has been out of management since leaving Real Madrid in 2021, has signed a contract through the 2030 World Cup qualifiers. The 1998 World Cup winner said leading the French national team is "a great source of pride" and promised high ambitions for Les Bleus. Zidane enjoyed remarkable success at Real Madrid, winning 3 UEFA Champions League titles and 2 La Liga crowns during his two spells as manager. (PC: BBC)

Congress MP Rahul Gandhi on Tuesday launched a sharp attack on newly appointed Union Education Minister Pralhad Joshi, calling him "the most filthy type of man" and accusing him of "protecting rapists". Speaking outside Parliament, Rahul questioned Prime Minister Narendra Modi's decision to appoint Joshi, referring to his 2022 remarks defending the Gujarat government's remission for the Bilkis Bano case convicts. Earlier, Congress MP Priyanka Gandhi Vadra made similar allegations in the Lok Sabha. Joshi strongly denied the accusations, demanded an apology from Priyanka Gandhi and called for action over what he described as misinformation during the debate on the anti-paper leak bill. (PC: India Today)

Violence broke out in Pakistan-Occupied Kashmir during the first phase of assembly elections on Monday. The banned Joint Awami Action Committee (JAAC) claimed that 14 of its supporters were killed after security forces opened fire on a protest march near Rawalakot. Authorities denied the claim, saying they could not verify the deaths because no bodies had reached hospitals. Police said protesters fired first and injured two officers. The JAAC rejected the accusation and said the march was peaceful. The group has been protesting since June over the region's election system and has called for a boycott of the polls.

A powerful 7.1-magnitude earthquake struck Japan's Kumamoto prefecture on Tuesday, causing heavy damage across the region. The quake triggered an explosion at Aeon Mall Kumamoto in Kashima Town. Part of the mall's second floor collapsed, trapping several people inside. Customers were safely evacuated, but officials fear some people may have died. Rescue teams are searching for survivors. The earthquake also caused power cuts, transport delays, and mobile network problems. Kumamoto Airport closed its runway after the quake. Authorities said there were no problems at nearby nuclear plants. Officials continue to assess the damage and help those affected. (PC: Reuters)

A general diary entry accessed by The Hindu shows that the Rapid Action Force (RAF) fired two rounds of plastic pellets from an anti-riot gun during the July 20 Cockroach Janta Party (CJP) march to Parliament on the directions of a Delhi Police Deputy Commissioner (DCP). The entry also records the use of non-electrical shells, electrical shells and tear smoke grenades to disperse protesters. Delhi Police had earlier denied using pellet guns. At least four people were injured, including 19-year-old Sahil Lochab, who may lose vision in one eye. The Supreme Court is hearing petitions over the alleged use of excessive force. (PC: The Hindu)

Punch, a Japanese macaque abandoned by his mother shortly after birth, celebrated his first birthday with around 2,500 greeting cards sent from across the world. The cards are being displayed at the Ichikawa City Zoological and Botanical Garden in Japan, where zookeepers raised the orphaned monkey. As an infant, Punch was given an orangutan plush toy to help him develop essential gripping skills after his mother rejected him. Images of Punch hugging the toy went viral, winning hearts globally. His journey from an abandoned newborn to a beloved zoo resident has inspired thousands of animal lovers. (PC: The Wasington Post)

The Supreme Court on Tuesday directed authorities to release all minors and students without criminal records who were arrested or detained during nationwide protests over exam paper leaks. The court also ordered that no coercive action be taken in cases linked to FIRs filed against students involved in the Cockroach Janta Party (CJP)-led protests in Delhi and other states. A three-judge bench led by Chief Justice Surya Kant said the protection would not apply to those with criminal antecedents. The court also ordered preservation of protest-related evidence and indicated it may order an independent probe into alleged police excesses. (PC: India Today)