Rahul Gandhi is focusing on forging a bond with the youth ahead of the 2029 elections, recognizing that Gen Z will be a key voting bloc.

Parliamentary affairs minister Kiren Rijiju criticized the Congress party for its perceived lack of self-awareness. He contrasted the current leadership with former Prime Minister Indira Gandhi's admission of Emergency actions. Rahul Gandhi questioned the delay in implementing the Women's Reservation Bill. He urged its immediate implementation without linking it to delimitation. The bill's passage and subsequent implementation remain a point of contention.

On Thursday, an expert panel from Akal Takht convened to deliberate on the proposed anti-sacrilege law. They highlighted that the Punjab government’s response failed to address critical concerns and urged it to submit a compliance report prior to any further discussions. Additionally, the panel observed that the government had yet to create its own discussion group, emphasizing that this sensitive topic demands a broader Panthic agreement for effective resolution.

A former judge of the Calcutta High Court has approached the Supreme Court for protection, citing numerous death threats issued to her and her family ahead of elections. Reports indicate that they received threatening letters, and CCTV wires were tampered with at their residence. Despite submitting complaints, local police failed to provide adequate safety measures.

In a recent statement, India expressed its disapproval of the comments made by former Bangladesh Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina. The Ministry of External Affairs emphasized that India was uninvolved in the private media event, leading to Bangladesh's fierce reaction. Dhaka labeled the event as an attack on its sovereignty, asserting that it offends the sentiments of its people and threatens already delicate bilateral relations.

In a recent request, Lok Sabha Speaker Om Birla has called for the construction of a new porch to shield MPs and staff from rain at Makar Dwar. CPWD officials will investigate whether this covered entryway can be constructed, especially as the expenses for the new Parliament House project have surged. The proposed porch will offer a protective haven during vehicle wait times.

A recent study advocates for the removal of prohibition in Bihar to foster state growth and enhance capital spending. It posits that banning alcohol hasn't curbed crime rates but instead has spurred illicit activities. By abolishing the prohibition, the state could potentially enjoy a tax revenue boost of 14 to 15 percent.

Air India has announced a significant pay rise for pilots, ranging from eight to fifteen percent, with commanders seeing the most substantial hikes. In a strategic move to resolve fleet shortages and improve career advancement opportunities, first officers will gain command upgrades at Air India Express first. Moreover, the airline plans to resume its international flight services next month, marking a return to normal operations.

Two Indian seafarers remain missing after a drone attack on a merchant ship. Intense search operations have yielded no sign of the missing sailors. The government informed the Supreme Court about the grim situation. The court directed facilitation of maritime insurance payments for the families. This ensures support for the affected families during this difficult time.

The Delhi High Court has temporarily halted an FSSAI directive that questioned Dabur India's product claims. Acknowledging Dabur's established market presence, the court provided initial relief. The order from FSSAI was deemed unjust, as it was issued without company representation. Dabur emphasized that the FSSAI's approach contravened principles of natural justice. The case is set for a further hearing on August 24.

India and China participated in candid discussions regarding border conditions, taking stock of the current landscape along the Line of Actual Control. New Delhi highlighted the necessity of maintaining peace for the advancement of their bilateral relationship. Furthermore, India sought an expedited meeting on the expert committee for trans-border rivers amidst China's unveiling of a significant dam project upstream.

The government is set to expedite the Foreign Contributions Regulation Act, which focuses on managing foreign funding for organizations. In contrast to criticism from a US Congressman regarding proposed changes, the administration remains resolute. Home Minister Amit Shah has met with church leaders to resolve their issues. The Bill's discussion and possible approval in Parliament are imminent.

A WhatsApp conversation triggered the CBI's probe into the NEET-UG examination scam. Subject matter experts colluded by memorizing exam questions and distributing them to students for a fee. Tracking through Mygate app logs and WhatsApp groups led investigators to the involved students and question setters. Additionally, papers were smuggled to Rajasthan, where coaching centers disseminated the leaked materials. The CBI's chargesheet scrutinizes the organized gang's exploitation of NTA's weaknesses.

India has taken a decisive step by officially naming twenty-seven sites in Arunachal Pradesh on its maps, a move designed to clarify territorial boundaries and counter Chinese assertions. These sites represent key historical moments related to border conflicts, featuring important mountains and villages along the McMahon Line, helping to raise awareness of India's rightful claims on these significant lands.

A parliamentary committee proposed an integrated security framework for Jammu and Kashmir's tourist spots. This includes comprehensive CCTV coverage and centralized monitoring facilities for enhanced safety. Clear inter-agency standard operating procedures are also recommended before peak tourist seasons. These suggestions follow a terror attack and a committee visit to assess security arrangements. The committee noted sustained growth in tourist arrivals due to improved security and infrastructure.

Authorities are on the hunt for Lashkar commander Mohammad Lateef Bhat throughout Kashmir and Jammu, offering a significant cash reward for information that can lead to his capture. Bhat has been linked to the targeted murders of a police officer and two migrants. In a separate incident, an SUV attempted to run over officers at a Ramban checkpoint, resulting in one arrest after the vehicle was seized.

Omar Abdullah, J&K chief minister, labeled the Iltija Mufti incident a contrived event, alleging that agencies are working to bolster the PDP's tarnished political standing. Iltija Mufti faced interrogation regarding an alleged attack on a police officer, asserting that she experienced rough treatment by police during a protest. She emphasised that her struggles represent the desires of all Kashmiris, rather than being a personal crusade.

Addressing a press conference in Goa, Kejriwal said, «Till such a time, the government makes its intention clear, I appeal to the people to stop buying petrol and diesel vehicles. The government did not conduct any testing for E20 fuel.»

India ahs onsistently rejected Beijing's practice of assigning Chinese names to places in Arunachal Pradesh, describing the exercise as «vain and preposterous». India has maintained that such actions do not change the «undeniable» fact that the state «was, is, and will» remain an integral part of the country. Several of the newly marked locations hold strategic importance because of their proximity to the Line of Actual Control (LAC).

Uttarakhand Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami on Friday said that the Char Dham Yatra is being stopped intermittently, keeping in mind the safety of pilgrims as the state continues to face heavy rainfall and landslides.

Yogi Adityanath on Thursday paid tribute to the state's weaving community, describing handloom artisans as preservers of India's cultural heritage

A bench of Justices Dipankar Datta and Sheel Nagu said it was not inclined to interfere with the high court's direction requiring the Krishnanagar MP to join the investigation. Senior advocate Gopal Sankaranarayanan, appearing for Moitra, argued that she should be allowed to appear before the investigating officer virtually as she was entitled to do so under the law.