Varanasi is launching India's first urban public transport ropeway soon. This aerial system will connect the railway station with Godowlia Chowk. It promises to significantly reduce travel times and ease traffic congestion. The project serves as a test case for aerial mobility in heritage cities. This innovative transport model could influence future urban development across India.

India and Bhutan reviewed development projects and signed a Rs 4,000-crore credit line. They also expanded cooperation in the health sector and approved new projects. India provided financial and technical assistance for various initiatives. Electric vehicles were handed over as part of green mobility support. The two nations also inaugurated new parks developed under Indian funding.

The petroleum ministry defended India's ethanol blending program on Friday. It stated that blending saved consumers nearly thirty rupees per litre. Food security obligations always take precedence over ethanol production needs. Rice is only one approved feedstock, used when surplus stocks are available. Ethanol blending acts as insurance against global oil price shocks.

The Supreme Court ordered the MEA to appoint a nodal officer for families. This officer will coordinate with families of Indians who joined the Russian military. The court also asked for DNA matching and assistance with compensation claims. The Centre previously stated 217 Indians joined the Russian military, with 49 deaths reported. Efforts are ongoing to verify deaths and trace missing individuals.

Exiled writer Taslima Nasreen returned to Kolkata after nearly two decades. She described her visit as an emotional homecoming to her own country. Nasreen is scheduled to attend a public program in the city on August 1. This marks her first public appearance in Kolkata since 2007. Protests over her memoir «Dwikhandito» had forced her departure then.

Raghav Chadha spoke in Rajya Sabha supporting the anti-paper leak Bill. He stressed institutional solutions are needed to resolve the crisis. The Bill introduces stricter penalties for paper leaks and exam malpractices. Individuals face jail terms and significant fines for unfair means. Parliament approved the Public Examination Amendment Bill after Lok Sabha clearance.

Shehzad Poonawalla's X bio change has sparked rumors about his departure from the BJP. His updated profile omits any mention of the political party affiliation. However, his Instagram bio still lists him as a BJP Spokesperson. Poonawalla joined the BJP in December 2017 and has been a vocal supporter. There has been no official confirmation regarding his status with the party.

Rahul Gandhi criticized Prime Minister Modi and Home Minister Shah for actions against students. He alleged the government is silencing Generation Z through FIRs and account takedowns. Gandhi demanded a Supreme Court-monitored probe into alleged police brutality at Jantar Mantar. Opposition MPs also protested alleged police action and financial irregularities. The protests occurred before a bill on public examinations was considered.

Abhijeet Dipke, CJP founder, mocked Prime Minister Narendra Modi's recent video message. The Prime Minister discussed the new anti-paper leak Bill passed by Parliament. This legislation aims to create a more reliable examination system for students. PM Modi highlighted decades of paper leak issues affecting governments nationwide. The government is implementing reforms and using technology to ensure exam integrity.

Government MPs criticized opposition for politicizing the NEET-UG paper leak issue. They highlighted government dialogue with students and a proposed stronger law. Senior ministers held talks with students and activist Sonam Wangchuk. A fast-track court and task force were established to address concerns. The proposed bill aims for stringent punishment and time-bound investigations.

Rajya Sabha saw a heated debate during the Public Examinations Bill discussion. Opposition leader Mallikarjun Kharge cited Manusmriti, alleging its influence on BJP's curriculum. JP Nadda challenged Kharge to produce the original manuscript for authentication. Kharge quoted alleged discriminatory verses against Shudras from the ancient text. BJP MP Sudhanshu Trivedi countered, referencing Ambedkar's writings on the era.

Sixteen Indian nationals, including ten seafarers, have died in the West Asia conflict. Seventy-five other Indian nationals sustained injuries in the same regional conflict. In a separate incident, twelve Indian nationals perished at Qatar's Ras Laffan Gas Facility. The government is coordinating with host nations to repatriate mortal remains. Injured individuals received medical treatment and necessary assistance from Indian missions.

Parliament approved a bill to amend the anti-paper leak law. This legislation introduces stricter punishments for individuals involved in exam malpractices. Prime Minister Modi stated this is a crucial step for a credible exam system. The bill proposes significant jail terms and substantial fines for offenders. It also empowers governments to establish special fast-track courts for these cases.

Rajya Sabha saw a political storm after Mallikarjun Kharge questioned Amit Shah's absence and silence. He clarified his remarks meant people's power for accountability, not physical force. Opposition MPs questioned the effectiveness of the new anti-paper leak bill. Several parties demanded the government scrap the NEET exam. The debate highlighted ongoing concerns about student protests and exam integrity.

The Supreme Court questioned Parliament's decision to exclude the Chief Justice of India from the selection panel. Justices noted the CJI's inclusion in other key appointment committees. The court heard arguments challenging the 2023 Act's appointment process. The government urged the court not to question legislative wisdom. The bench clarified it was not questioning the Prime Minister's trustworthiness.

India's July monsoon rainfall exceeded expectations, defying earlier forecasts of below-normal precipitation. This unexpected recovery eased fears of a significant monsoon shortfall for the nation. However, rainfall distribution remained uneven across different regions of the country. Experts now emphasize that El Nino alone cannot explain India's changing rainfall behaviour. Climate change is increasingly altering monsoon patterns, making predictions more complex.

Jammu and Kashmir Police attached properties belonging to five Pakistan-based terrorist handlers in Reasi district. This action aims to prevent the misuse of these assets for terror financing activities. The attached land was linked to a case registered under stringent anti-terror laws. Investigations revealed the accused had exfiltrated to Pakistan for terrorist training and now operate as handlers.

Ladakh's Lieutenant Governor Vinai Kumar Saxena declared twenty-three heritage sites protected monuments. This initiative provides legal protection for Ladakh's rich archaeological and historical heritage. Sites in Leh and Kargil districts were notified as protected monuments under a specific act. The administration will now undertake conservation measures and prevent encroachments on these sites. This move reflects a commitment to preserving Ladakh's unique historical legacy for future generations.

The J&K government approved a gas agency for Insha Mushtaq eight years later. This rehabilitation pledge was approved on Thursday, reviving a commitment made in 2016. Insha lost her eyesight at fourteen after a pellet gun incident during protests. She has since learned Braille and is pursuing a bachelor's degree. The approval marks a significant turning point for her future.

The National Commission for Indian System of Medicine issued a warning regarding AYUSH doctors. It stated that calling registered practitioners 'quacks' lacks legal basis. Such descriptions may infringe upon their constitutional and professional rights. Duly qualified and registered AYUSH doctors are legally recognized healthcare professionals. The commission reiterated that these practitioners deserve legal protection and respect.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi announced Parliament passed a new bill to prevent unfair means in public examinations. This legislation aims to build a more trustworthy examination system across the nation. The government has taken continuous steps to improve examination processes and address paper leaks. This new law will ensure no paper leak mafia or gang playing with students' futures is spared.