Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Thursday announced that the government will set up fast-track courts to ensure swift trials and strict punishment for those involved in exam paper leak cases. Calling students' welfare a top priority, Modi said those responsible "will not be spared." Responding to the announcement, Congress leader Rahul Gandhi said, "You are the one who has harmed the future of our youth the most," accusing the government of damaging the education system. He also reiterated his demand for Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan's resignation as protests over alleged NEET-UG paper leaks continue.

The United States and Saudi Arabia have signed a landmark civilian nuclear cooperation agreement that lays the foundation for a long-term partnership in nuclear energy. While the deal is aimed at supporting Saudi Arabia's peaceful nuclear programme, reports suggest it could eventually allow the kingdom to enrich uranium on its own soil. US officials said the agreement includes safeguards to prevent nuclear proliferation and strengthen regional security. However, nuclear experts and some US lawmakers have raised concerns that uranium enrichment could increase the risk of future nuclear weapons development. The agreement will now go to the US Congress for review.  

Delhi Police has removed Additional DCP Sandeep Lamba from duty at the Jantar Mantar protest site after a video showed him allegedly slapping a woman protester during the CJP's "Chalo Sansad" march on July 20. The incident was raised before the Delhi High Court during a hearing on alleged police excesses against protesters. Former Trinamool Congress MP Saket Gokhale said he filed a police complaint seeking an FIR against Lamba. The High Court has directed authorities to preserve CCTV footage and other evidence while hearing petitions over the police action. (PC: NDTV)

Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Thursday announced that the government will set up fast-track courts to ensure speedy trials in paper leak cases, saying protecting students' future remains a top priority. In a post on X, Modi said those responsible for harming the future of young people would face strict punishment and directed authorities to take all necessary steps. His statement comes during nationwide protests over alleged irregularities in exams, including the NEET-UG paper leak. The Opposition has demanded Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan's resignation, while the government has said the matter is under investigation. (PC: HT)

Iran warned it could strike bridges and critical infrastructure across the region after US President Donald Trump threatened to bomb Iranian bridges and power plants for any attack on shipping in the Strait of Hormuz. A senior Iranian official told Tasnim News Agency that Tehran would target regional infrastructure and energy facilities linked to US interests if Washington attacked Iranian assets. The warning came as the US launched its 12th consecutive night of strikes against Iran, while Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi reiterated Tehran’s “eye for an eye” policy. Iran also claimed it intercepted three oil tankers in the Strait of Hormuz, underscoring escalating tensions around the strategic global energy shipping route. (PC: Reuters)

The Cockroach Janta Party (CJP) protest at Delhi’s Jantar Mantar has witnessed a sharp surge in participation, with many protesters saying the July 20 police lathi-charge and tear gas, rather than Sonam Wangchuk’s hunger strike, became the turning point. Several students who had previously supported the movement online travelled to Delhi after videos of the police action went viral. Protesters say the crackdown transformed frustration over the alleged NEET-UG paper leak into widespread anger, drawing thousands to the protest site. The growing mobilisation has intensified pressure on the Centre as demonstrations demanding accountability over examination irregularities continue alongside nationwide political support and public outrage. (PC: PTI)

China signalled its willingness to properly handle sensitive issues with India as Foreign Minister Wang Yi stressed the importance of maintaining stable bilateral ties despite existing differences. Speaking during diplomatic engagements, Wang said both countries should strengthen communication, deepen practical cooperation and manage disputes through dialogue. He emphasised that China is ready to work with India to safeguard peace and stability along the border while expanding collaboration in areas of mutual interest. The remarks come as Beijing and New Delhi continue efforts to stabilise relations following years of border tensions. Wang underscored that healthy China-India relations serve the interests of both nations and contribute to regional as well as global stability and development. (PC: India Today)

The Cockroach Janta Party (CJP) rejected Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s announcement of fast-track courts for paper leak cases, insisting that Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan must resign. Responding to the Prime Minister’s assurance of a stronger crackdown on examination leaks, CJP maintained that accountability begins with the minister heading the education system. The party reiterated that its demand for Pradhan’s resignation remains non-negotiable despite the government's promise of swift investigations and stricter punishment for those responsible. The development comes amid nationwide protests over the alleged NEET-UG 2026 paper leak, with the Opposition also pressing for Pradhan’s resignation while the Centre has agreed to a parliamentary debate but ruled out accepting the demand.

Yemen’s Houthis claimed attacks on two Saudi oil tankers in the Red Sea as the US launched its 12th consecutive night of strikes on Iran. The group said it targeted the Encelia and Layla with drones and missiles for allegedly violating its maritime embargo on Saudi shipping. Saudi authorities confirmed the Encelia was hit, causing a fire but no casualties, while UKMTO also reported a projectile strike. Meanwhile, US strikes targeted Iranian military infrastructure, with Iranian media reporting two deaths. Iran’s Revolutionary Guard claimed the Strait of Hormuz was completely closed after an explosion, saying three tankers were intercepted. Escalating tensions threaten global oil supplies and key international shipping routes. (PC: BBC)

Prime Minister Narendra Modi announced the establishment of fast-track courts to ensure swift trials and stringent punishment in paper leak cases, calling youth welfare the government’s top priority. Posting on X amid nationwide protests over the alleged NEET-UG 2026 paper leak, Modi said authorities have been directed to take all necessary steps to bring those responsible to justice. He described the move as part of a broader effort to safeguard students’ interests and reiterated that those harming their future “will not be spared.” The announcement comes as the Opposition and CJP continue demanding Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan’s resignation, while the government has agreed to an in-depth parliamentary debate but rejected the resignation demand.