Narcotics Control Bureau seized five kilograms of high-grade heroin in Poonch district. An alleged smuggler was arrested during a raid in Kosalyain village on Saturday. This seizure is considered one of the largest drug hauls in the border district. Investigators are working to identify the intended recipients and handlers. This incident highlights ongoing cross-border narcotics smuggling attempts.
A 30-year-old man died after being shot by police near Bhaderwah town. Shops and businesses remained closed in Doda and Kishtwar districts on Saturday. The man allegedly tried to snatch a service rifle from a police personnel. This incident led to injuries for three special operations group personnel as well. Mobile internet services were suspended for a second consecutive day as a precaution.
Kashmir school holidays have been extended by three days due to adverse weather. The Amarnath yatra is temporarily suspended from both routes as a precautionary measure. An adverse weather spell is expected from July 20 to July 23 across the region. This system may cause landslides and flash floods in vulnerable areas. Surface transport disruptions are also anticipated on major roads.
Authorities have temporarily suspended the Amarnath and Vaishno Devi Yatras due to inclement weather. The decision was made as a precautionary measure to ensure the safety of all pilgrims. Pilgrims are advised to remain patient and follow official communication channels for updates. The Shri Amarnathji Yatra will remain suspended from both Pahalgam and Baltal routes. The Yatra will resume once weather conditions are deemed safe for travel.
Jan Suraaj Party founder Prashant Kishor claims the BJP fears his electoral debut. He alleges the ruling party is now campaigning door-to-door for votes. Kishor urges voters to reject money and food distribution practices. The Jan Suraaj Party aims to offer a credible political alternative. The Bankipur bypoll is scheduled for July 30 in Bihar.
Anna Hazare urged the government to hold talks with Sonam Wangchuk. Wangchuk was hospitalized after his hunger strike entered its twenty-first day. Police removed him from Jantar Mantar amid heavy security measures. Opposition leaders condemned the government's actions and suppression of dissent. Wangchuk demanded the education minister's resignation over NEET examination issues.
Eyewitnesses described Sonam Wangchuk's swift removal from Jantar Mantar by police. White bedsheets shielded the operation, preventing public view of the activist's departure. Police stated Wangchuk was taken to hospital following medical advice and court orders. Protesters alleged the police action was timed to minimize visibility and support. Despite the removal, demonstrators vowed to continue their protest for educational reforms.
Delhi Police increased surveillance and vehicle checks for an upcoming Parliament march. Climate activist Sonam Wangchuk was hospitalized after his health deteriorated during a hunger strike. The Cockroach Janta Party plans a march to Parliament on July 20. Authorities are unlikely to grant permission for the unauthorized march. Security has been heightened around Parliament and sensitive protest locations.
Political history and military valour dominate the marquee honours, while stories of ageing, caste resistance, women’s agency and ecological renewal give the verdict its human core.
Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath criticized former CM Akhilesh Yadav's tenure. He alleged Yadav lacked public engagement and a development vision for the state. Adityanath highlighted the BJP government's welfare schemes and development projects. He contrasted current progress with the previous administration's perceived failures. The chief minister also accused the opposition of betraying farmers and compromising law and order.
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.
