Hollywood actor John Cusack has expressed support for the Cockroach Janta Party (CJP)-led student protest over the alleged NEET paper leak. Cusack shared an article by author Arundhati Roy on X that criticised the reported use of force against students during their march towards Parliament in New Delhi. Reacting to the post, he wrote, “Beautiful news from my favorite fellow cockroach.” Thousands of students have been protesting, demanding accountability for examination irregularities and the resignation of Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan. Cusack had also voiced support for student protesters during the Citizenship Amendment Act demonstrations in 2019. (PC: Economic Times)

Zinedine Zidane is set to become the new head coach of the France men's football team, replacing Didier Deschamps after his 14-year spell in charge. French media reports say the French Football Federation is expected to officially announce Zidane's appointment soon. Deschamps stepped down after leading France through a successful period that included the 2018 FIFA World Cup title and the 2021 UEFA Nations League trophy. Zidane, who has been out of management since leaving Real Madrid, is expected to begin a new era for Les Bleus as the team prepares for upcoming international competitions. (PC: X)

Hundreds of students and protesters in Mizoram sang 'Give Me Some Sunshine' from the film '3 Idiots' during a Cockroach Janta Party (CJP) protest, creating a peaceful moment that has gone viral on social media. The video shows participants standing together and singing instead of raising slogans, with many describing it as a symbol of solidarity over education and examination reforms. The protest is part of a nationwide movement demanding accountability over the alleged NEET paper leak and broader changes to the education system. The clip has drawn widespread praise for its peaceful and emotional expression of students' concerns.

Authorities have extended the internet shutdown in parts of Central Delhi until midnight as tensions continued during the Cockroach Janta Party (CJP)-led protest over the alleged NEET paper leak. Police and protesters faced off near Sansad Marg, with reports of bottles being thrown at security personnel. Heavy police deployment remains in place, while 16 Delhi Metro stations remain closed. The government has offered another round of talks, with Union minister J P Nadda saying discussions can be held at his office or residence. CJP leaders have demanded a neutral venue and continue to seek Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan's resignation. (PC: HT)

Nepal Prime Minister Balen Shah is set to hold separate meetings with the Indian and Chinese ambassadors, ending his self-imposed policy of avoiding one-on-one meetings with foreign envoys, according to media reports and government sources. Shah is expected to meet India's Ambassador Naveen Srivastava and China's Ambassador Zhang Maoming on the same day, reflecting Nepal's effort to maintain balanced ties with both neighbours. Since taking office in March, Shah had preferred joint meetings with diplomats instead of individual engagements. The move comes after his government completed its first 100 days in office and signals a shift in diplomatic outreach. (PC: NDTV)

IPL founder and former chairman Lalit Modi has said he plans to return to India after 16 years after receiving major relief from an appellate tribunal in the 2009 IPL South Africa FEMA case. Modi, who has lived abroad since 2010, said the ruling ended a 16-year legal battle and cleared the allegations against him. The tribunal found no material to hold him responsible for the alleged foreign exchange violations linked to the 2009 IPL, which was held in South Africa. Modi said he hopes to return to India by the end of 2026 or early 2027 after his grandson is born. (PC: India Today)

A Change.org petition demanding a replay of the 2026 FIFA World Cup final has gained more than 67,500 signatures after Spain defeated Argentina 1-0. The campaign, started by an Argentina supporter, claims several refereeing decisions by Slovenian official Slavko Vinčić influenced the result and calls on FIFA to review the match. However, FIFA rules do not allow online petitions to overturn official results or order replays. Argentina coach Lionel Scaloni dismissed claims of unfair officiating, saying Spain deserved the victory. The petition has sparked debate online but is unlikely to affect the tournament's official outcome.

Indian boxer Lovlina Borgohain has secured at least a bronze medal at the Commonwealth Games 2026 after receiving a direct entry into the women’s 75kg semifinals in Glasgow. The Tokyo Olympic bronze medallist advanced without competing because the event features only five boxers, with three receiving first-round byes. Lovlina will face Tuvalu’s Tarona Khanum Badi Pasoni Taafaki in the semifinal on July 31, with the winner progressing to the gold medal match. This guarantees Lovlina her first Commonwealth Games medal, completing a collection that already includes honours from the Olympics, World Championships, Asian Games and Asian Championships.

Actor Imran Khan joined a student protest march in Mumbai on Thursday, expressing solidarity with the CJP-led movement demanding education reforms. Responding to a question about artists who avoid political issues, Imran said, “If you can’t stand by your opinions and pour your heart into your art, your art has no value.” A day earlier, he criticised the alleged use of force against student protesters, saying the system had failed young people seeking accountability. The nationwide protests began over alleged exam paper leaks and have drawn support from several public figures, including Salman Khan and Alia Bhatt.

The Centre has renewed its offer to hold talks with the Cockroach Janta Party (CJP) and student protesters, saying discussions can take place “at your convenience, any time.” Union Minister Jitendra Singh said the government had sent four formal proposals since Wednesday and that he and Union Minister JP Nadda were ready to discuss all demands. However, the CJP rejected the invitation to meet at Nadda’s office or residence, insisting talks be held at Jantar Mantar or a neutral venue. The group also sought assurances against fresh FIRs or action against peaceful protesters before any dialogue begins. (PC: NDTV)