In Jammu and Kashmir's Kulgam district, security forces initiated Operation Akhal, resulting in the neutralization of one terrorist. The operation, a joint effort by the Army, J&K Police, and Special Operations Group, targeted the Akhal Khulsan forest area following intelligence inputs. Ongoing operations aim to dismantle the broader ecosystem of terrorism, including targeting drug smuggling and overground workers.

Rahul Gandhi's claim that Arun Jaitley threatened him over farm laws has sparked controversy, drawing strong condemnation from BJP leaders and Jaitley's son, Rohan. They refuted the claim, citing Jaitley's death in 2019, before the laws were introduced. Critics accuse Gandhi of making baseless allegations and disrespecting the deceased leader.

Shashi Tharoor declined to comment on Rahul Gandhi's agreement with Donald Trump's assessment of the Indian economy. Tharoor emphasized the importance of maintaining strong economic ties with the US, highlighting India's significant exports. He urged support for negotiators to secure a fair deal for India and advocated for exploring alternative export regions.

Justice Surya Kant unveiled a mobile app initiative to provide free legal aid across India, especially targeting marginalized communities. The app, available in multiple languages, will offer legal guidance via voice, video, and text, connecting users with lawyers and paralegals.

Union finance minister Nirmala Sitharaman has strongly condemned Rahul Gandhi's remarks about the late Arun Jaitley, deeming them irresponsible and harmful to the Congress party. Gandhi claimed Jaitley threatened him regarding opposition to farm laws, a claim refuted by Jaitley's son, Rohan, who pointed out his father's death preceded the laws' introduction.

Maharashtra's Deputy CM Eknath Shinde defended Pragya Thakur's claims of torture during the Malegaon blast probe, accusing the UPA government of framing Hindutva leaders and coining the term 'saffron terrorism'. Shinde supported Thakur's allegation that she was pressured to implicate PM Modi, criticizing Rahul Gandhi for allegedly echoing Pakistani sentiments.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi has called for a renewed focus on 'Swadeshi' amid global economic instability. Speaking in Varanasi, he urged Indians to prioritise locally-made products, emphasising the need for national unity and economic self-reliance. Modi cautioned against inward-looking trade policies of other nations and stressed India's commitment to becoming the world's third-largest economy.

Mehbooba Mufti advocated for the resumption of sporting ties between India and Pakistan to de-escalate tensions following recent events, including the Pahalgam terror attack and Operation Sindoor. She emphasized that continuous conflict hinders India's progress in addressing unemployment and poverty.

A 15-year-old girl from Odisha, who suffered severe burns after being set on fire by unidentified individuals on June 19, has tragically passed away despite intensive medical care at AIIMS New Delhi. The victim, who sustained over 75% burn injuries, was initially treated in Bhubaneswar before being transferred to Delhi.

Congress leader Rahul Gandhi has launched a scathing attack on the Election Commission, alleging that India's election system is 'dead' and the recent Lok Sabha elections were rigged. Gandhi claims to possess irrefutable proof of electoral malpractice, including manipulated voter data, which he plans to reveal soon.

Amid escalating trade tensions with the US, Prime Minister Modi asserted India's commitment to prioritizing its farmers, small industries, and youth welfare. He urged citizens to embrace indigenous goods, emphasizing economic self-reliance and paying tribute to Mahatma Gandhi. Modi also issued a strong warning to Pakistan following a terrorist attack, vowing retaliation and dedicating it to national pride.

A Prayagraj police officer, Chandradeep Nishad, was captured on video worshipping floodwater outside his home, as monsoon rains intensify across northern India. Nishad, seen offering milk and flowers to the water he calls “Mother Ganga,” shared the video on Instagram.

Pragya Singh Thakur, former BJP MP, declared her acquittal in the 2008 Malegaon blast case as a victory for 'Bhagwa, Sanatana and Rashtra,' accusing Congress of fabricating the lawsuit. The NIA court acquitted all seven accused due to the prosecution's failure to establish the case beyond a reasonable doubt.

Rahul Gandhi alleged that Arun Jaitley threatened him over farm laws, sparking a strong rebuttal from Jaitley's son, Rohan. Rohan Jaitley refuted Gandhi's claim, stating his father passed away before the laws were introduced and emphasized his democratic nature. He also urged Gandhi to be cautious when speaking about deceased figures, referencing a similar incident involving Manohar Parrikar.

Heavy rains caused severe flooding at ABES Engineering College in Ghaziabad, inundating the girls' hostel and damaging students' belongings. Videos circulating online showed waterlogged rooms and corridors, highlighting the extent of the damage. The downpour also disrupted daily life in Ghaziabad, flooding basements and the GDA office, prompting a weather alert for continued heavy rain.

Parliamentary Affairs Minister Kiren Rijiju defended the deployment of CISF personnel in the Rajya Sabha, citing MPs' disruptive behavior like climbing on the treasury bench. He assured that the security measure aims to prevent disruptions, not to stifle voices.

According to officials, a joint team of the Jammu and Kashmir Police, Army and CRPF launched a cordon and search operation in the Akhal forest area of south Kashmir’s Kulgam district on Friday. The action was based on specific intelligence inputs about the presence of terrorists in the area, a police official told news agency PTI.