Mehbooba Mufti will join the National Conference protest for Jammu and Kashmir statehood. She demands the agenda also include Article 370 restoration and prisoner release. Mufti believes protesting solely for statehood legitimizes the revocation of special status. She urged for an all-party meeting to address disempowering issues affecting people. Restoring statehood requires sustained political effort and engagement from leaders.

Prime Minister Modi congratulated Skyroot Aerospace after its historic Vikram-1 rocket launch. A Trinamool Congress office linked to Abhishek Banerjee faced demolition in West Bengal. Rahul Gandhi criticized the removal of Sonam Wangchuk from his protest site. Ukrainian drones struck multiple targets deep inside Russia, causing casualties. Donald Trump blamed Canada for wildfire smoke affecting air quality.

Abhishek Banerjee challenged former Trinamool Congress colleagues to return to Mamata Banerjee. He stated they would not return as they made a deal with the BJP. Banerjee claimed these individuals received protection from central agencies after switching sides. He mentioned facing multiple summons himself but never running away. This challenge comes amid the Trinamool Congress's significant organizational crisis.

Kolkata police detained a local broker linked to the BJP regarding a building blast. Investigators suspect crude bomb explosives caused the explosion which damaged a residential building. The prime suspect, Md Shamim alias Salim, remains absconding while police question the detained individual. Remnants of crude bombs and raw materials were recovered from the affected building premises. A National Investigation Agency team may visit the site as the probe continues.

Rahul Gandhi criticized the Centre's removal of Sonam Wangchuk from Jantar Mantar. Wangchuk was on an indefinite hunger strike for twenty-one days regarding NEET examination irregularities. Police shifted the climate activist to Safdarjung Hospital for medical observation and treatment. Opposition leaders condemned the Centre's actions, calling it suppression of peaceful dissent. The protest demanded resignation and reforms in the education system.

Defence Minister Rajnath Singh stated India's zero tolerance for terrorism is a line of action. Operation Sindoor demonstrated India's retaliatory military capabilities and technological advancements. The government trusts India's defence capabilities more than previous administrations did. India's defence production has reached a record Rs 1.78 lakh crore annually. Defence exports have surged significantly, positioning India as a global security partner.

The discussions took place during the 12th Meeting of the Heads of Border Services of the Competent Authorities of the SCO member states, which was chaired by Pakistan, according to a statement issued by the country's Foreign Office. Representatives from Belarus, China, India, Iran, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Pakistan, Russia, Tajikistan and Uzbekistan, along with officials from the Executive Committee of the SCO Regional Anti-Terrorist Structure (RATS), attended the meeting.

Congress MP Manish Tewari addressed speculation regarding his interaction with Prime Minister Narendra Modi. He stated his belief in protocol and keeping development above partisan politics. Tewari attended official programs where the Prime Minister inaugurated development projects in his constituency. This interaction follows his recent omission from Punjab Congress appointments. He expressed acceptance of his current political situation with a philosophical outlook.

Skyroot Aerospace launched India's first privately developed orbital rocket, Vikram-1. The vehicle successfully placed four technology demonstration satellites into low-Earth orbit. This launch marks a significant milestone in opening India's space sector to private companies. Vikram-1 utilized advanced carbon-composite structures and a restartable liquid-fuelled module. The mission validates India's capabilities in private orbital launch vehicle development.

Medical aspirants demonstrated remarkable resilience after the NEET-UG exam cancellation. Many students faced renewed preparation challenges and anxieties. Top performers like Aryan Gupta and Panshul Bansal achieved exceptional scores. Their success highlights dedication and effective coping mechanisms during adversity. The merit list reflects perseverance and determination among these young individuals.

NEET-UG 2026 attendance revealed regional disparities across India. Kerala, Tamil Nadu, and Karnataka experienced significant candidate absenteeism this year. Rajasthan, however, saw increased registrations and a strong qualification rate. Other northern states like Uttar Pradesh also reported lower absentee numbers. This shift highlights evolving patterns in medical entrance examination participation.

Defers adoption of report on Contentious bill to oust PM, CMs

Visa and consular services are severely impacted in four Indian missions abroad. The Delhi High Court had quashed the selection of private service providers for these crucial functions. The Centre informed the Supreme Court that these services are now at a standstill. This cancellation has forced missions to divert staff to meet emergency needs. The Supreme Court agreed to hear the Centre's appeal on Monday.

NEET-UG's qualifying cutoff reached a record high of 213 marks this year. Fewer candidates cleared the exam, while attendance also saw a substantial decline. The success rate among those who appeared remained nearly unchanged at 56.1 percent. Reserved category qualifiers for EWS and OBC exceeded sixty percent of their appeared cohort. Unreserved qualifiers now constitute less than fifty percent of the total qualified candidates.

Political momentum builds for the government's Constitution amendment bill. DMK and NCP (SP) signals suggest support for the upcoming legislation. This comes after recent political realignments and party splits. The government plans to incorporate changes to assure fence-sitters. The bill aims to increase Lok Sabha seats and implement women's reservation.

National Medical Commission regulations have changed regarding medical college establishment. Previously, only Section 8 companies could set up medical colleges. Now, all companies incorporated under the Companies Act can establish medical institutions. This shift follows earlier amendments allowing private companies to enter medical education. The government aims to increase transparency and revenue through this policy.

SC to take up high cost of lifesaver meds

The Supreme Court has mandated states to construct washrooms for women lawyers. This directive addresses a significant human rights and health issue for advocates. States are given a six-week deadline to complete the construction of these facilities. The court rejected pleas of fund paucity, suggesting alternative revenue sources. This action aims to ensure women lawyers can practice with dignity and health.

A man was shot dead in Doda district following an encounter with police personnel. Mobile internet services were suspended across the district as tensions escalated rapidly. Three police officers sustained injuries during the confrontation on Jai valley road. Locals protested the death, and a shutdown was called by a local outfit. Authorities are investigating the incident, and senior officials are present in Bhaderwah.

India's space department faces a growing manpower crunch, with over twenty-five percent of sanctioned posts vacant. This staffing gap has widened significantly since 2019, impacting critical mission development. Recruitment processes were delayed due to Covid-19 and reforms, creating a substantial gap. Efforts are underway to fill over two thousand vacancies by late 2026. The department must rebuild its workforce while retaining experienced scientists.

Jammu and Kashmir politics intensifies as the National Conference plans a protest in New Delhi. The Congress party announced its participation in the proposed sit-in demonstration. Meanwhile, the BJP has scheduled a protest against the current government's alleged corruption. Peoples Conference chief Sajad Lone questioned the timing and motives behind the protest. He suggested an assembly session and an all-party delegation instead of street protests.

A Jammu court rejected Kamal Singh Jamwal's bail plea in the Farooq Abdullah assassination attempt case. The judge cited wider implications for public order and democratic stability in the decision. Jamwal's medical plea was also dismissed, with no evidence of mental disorder presented. Charges were formally framed against Jamwal under attempt to murder and arms act provisions. The court directed the prosecution to produce witnesses for the upcoming trial.