The Bihar State Transgender Welfare Board approved constructing a temple for Prime Minister Narendra Modi. A board member stated the prime minister provided the community with respect and rights. This proposal was moved during the board's inaugural meeting after the new act's implementation. The board functions under the Bihar government's Social Welfare Department for community empowerment. This decision reflects the transgender community's institutional representation in the state secretariat.
Rajya Sabha saw a sharp exchange between opposition and ruling party leaders. Mallikarjun Kharge alleged an assault on democracy and demanded action. J.P. Nadda defended police action as a routine law and order measure. He stated student activists face consequences for overriding public order. The government maintained police acted within legal boundaries to prevent unauthorized marches.
Rahul Gandhi praised youth protests and criticized the education system in Parliament. He stated that every Indian should be proud of the youth's actions. Rahul also shared a student's definition of a true student. He alleged rampant privatization and RSS capture of the education system. The opposition leader targeted home minister Amit Shah over alleged police actions.
Arvind Kejriwal raised concerns over the Centre's alleged pressure on automakers regarding the compatibility of vehicles with E20 petrol. He suggested that vehicles manufactured before 2023 might suffer from damage and performance issues. However, the BJP dismissed these allegations, referencing statements from leading industry figures who confirmed E20 petrol’s safety following comprehensive testing and validation, thus reinforcing the automotive sector's support for the E20 initiative.
A special court will consider the CBI's chargesheet in the NEET-UG 2026 paper leak case. The agency filed charges against thirteen accused, including NTA experts and coaching associates. Investigations uncovered the entire conspiracy from paper leak sources to beneficiary candidates. The CBI also traced the money trail and froze several linked bank accounts.
Government ministers defended trade pacts, contrasting them with past agreements. These new deals involve larger economies and aim for balanced growth. Fisheries sector exports have doubled, showing significant economic expansion. New markets are emerging, offsetting reduced exports to the United States. The government secured substantial committed investments from European and New Zealand trade partners.
Speaking at an open debate of the United Nations security council on the situation in the Middle East, India's Permanent Representative to the UN, Ambassador Parvathaneni Harish, said the recent escalation after a brief lull in fighting was deeply worrying. He urged all sides to return to dialogue and diplomacy to prevent the conflict from worsening.
Union minister Bhagirath Choudhary and MP Lumba Ram received central scheme aid. Choudhary has since refunded the subsidy to the National Horticulture Board. The government informed Parliament about these financial assistance instances. Existing scheme guidelines lack specific conflict of interest provisions. All eligible applicants are treated equally under the transparent NHB mechanism.
DMK MP Dayanidhi Maran demanded NEET be scrapped in Lok Sabha. He argued the proposed paper leak law amendment misses the core issue. Maran highlighted DMK and Tamil Nadu's long-standing opposition to the medical entrance exam. He also raised concerns about Meta smart glasses recording protesting students. Maran mentioned issues with WhatsApp broadcast limits for MPs and a removed Facebook post.
The Centre has released its seventh draft notification for ecologically sensitive areas. This proposal aims to protect 56,825 sq km across six Indian states. States have raised objections, primarily Kerala, citing livelihood concerns. The draft allows for phased implementation, potentially speeding up the process. This initiative follows previous attempts since 2011 to conserve the fragile region.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi urged government ministries to remain youthful and forward-looking. He stressed the need for young entrepreneurs' active participation in key sectors. Officials were asked to devise industry-aligned courses for emerging sector skills. Proactive communication is vital to counter misinformation on major national initiatives. Citizens must remain at the center of all policy decisions and governance reforms.
Rajya Sabha adjourned for the day amid opposition protests demanding a statement. MPs demanded Union Home Minister Amit Shah explain police action against demonstrators. The House was first adjourned within minutes of assembling at 11 am. Later, legislative business was attempted while opposition MPs continued their sloganeering. The Deputy Chairperson adjourned the House till Wednesday as protests persisted.
The government has capped sugar stock at 400 tonnes per dealer. Dealers must liquidate excess stock by August 1 and sell within thirty days. This measure aims to prevent hoarding and stabilize sugar prices. The essential commodities act was invoked to impose these restrictions. Sugar exports have also been banned amid monsoon deficit forecasts.
India has condemned Pakistan's legislative assembly elections in Pakistan-occupied Kashmir. The Ministry of External Affairs called the polls a cosmetic exercise to hide illegal occupation. India reiterated its firm stance that the entire Union Territories of Jammu and Kashmir and Ladakh are integral parts of India. The spokesperson highlighted Pakistan's promotion of terrorism and religious fundamentalism. This stance questions Pakistan's claims to any pluralistic cultural legacy.
The Supreme Court has ordered the Bihar government to stop filling historic ponds in Darbhanga. This action follows allegations that the state is filling water bodies for public amenities. The court warned the state not to touch the ponds without its explicit approval. The project aimed to beautify and rejuvenate Gangasagar, Digghi, and Harahi Lake. The Supreme Court directed the government to ensure the ponds' areas remain intact.
India and Nepal have initiated a new era of rail connectivity. The first direct commercial container freight train arrived in Nepal last week. This new service is expected to significantly reduce transit times and logistics costs. The achievement builds upon the broad-gauge rail link inaugurated in June 2023. Direct freight movement to Biratnagar has now become operational, boosting bilateral trade.
BJP and allies defended the government's handling of student protests and paper leaks. They asserted that the youth trust Prime Minister Modi's commitment to reforms. Opposition leaders were criticized for using students for political gains and spreading cynicism. The government highlighted its efforts to reform the education system and address concerns. Measures were taken to clean the examination system after incidents occurred.
The CBI has filed a chargesheet against thirteen individuals in the NEET-UG 2026 paper leak case. These accused include three NTA subject experts and several middlemen involved in question distribution. The agency's investigation confirmed the circulation of leaked questions prior to the examination date. Digital forensics and expert opinions corroborated the accused's involvement in the paper leak. Further investigation is ongoing, with a supplementary chargesheet anticipated soon.
BJP MP Nishikant Dubey plans to disclose information about a UK-registered company. He will reveal which Indian politician is a director in Backops Limited. Dubey stated that Brian Lovegrove and Ulrik McKnight are linked to this company. These individuals are associated with numerous companies and TV channels registered at one address. The MP will present these findings inside Parliament soon.
Thirty-nine Amarnath pilgrims were injured when their bus fell into a gorge. The bus skidded off the road in Ganiwan, Ganderbal district, on Tuesday morning. A house broke the fall, preventing a more severe tragedy for the pilgrims. Injured devotees were moved to SKIMS in Soura for medical treatment. Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha assured best possible care and safe return arrangements.
Insha Mushtaq lost her sight to pellet guns during 2016 Kashmir unrest. She now pursues education and a government job despite her visual impairment. Recent protests in Delhi have reopened old wounds for her. Pellet guns, introduced as non-lethal, caused hundreds of eye injuries in Kashmir. Her story highlights the lasting impact of these weapons on individuals.
Two Army jawans sustained injuries from an accidental blast near the Line of Control. The incident occurred in the Kamalkote area of Uri sector on Tuesday. Both injured soldiers were promptly transported to the Army Base Hospital in Badamibagh. Medical officials confirmed that both soldiers are currently in stable condition. There is no immediate threat to the lives of the injured personnel.
Mehbooba Mufti apologized for her Jantar Mantar remark which appeared to justify force in Kashmir. She claimed the controversial statement was a slip of tongue and a misinterpretation. The PDP president stated that her words were taken out of context by political rivals. Governing NC rejected her apology and clarification, demanding a clear response. The party also asked her to apologize for her alliance with the BJP.
Indian shipping minister directed officials to safeguard seafarers from geopolitical conflicts. The government prioritizes the safety and welfare of Indian mariners serving on merchant vessels. Officials reviewed security situations and diplomatic mission preparedness in conflict zones. A union reported Indian sailors trapped in a Ukrainian port facing drone attacks. Mental health support and pre-departure risk awareness programs were also emphasized.