Introduce, pass Statehood bill in ongoing Parliament session: Dr. Farooq Abdullah to Centre
Farooq Abdullahs appeal comes days after he led a protest of his party leaders, including Chief Minister Omar Abdullah, and legislators at Jantar Mantar in Delhi over Statehood and constitutional guarantees.
Delhi High Court acquits man in 2006 rape case, says names do not define character
The judge noted that while it is common in North India to name children after Lord Ram, and for Mohammad to precede the names of many Muslims, names do not shape the personality, person, conduct and behaviour.
Sonam Wangchuk Ends Hunger Strike, Expresses Heartbreak Over Criticism
New Delhi, July 25: Sonam Wangchuk, who had been on a hunger strike for 26 days protesting the NEET paper leak and demanding the resignation of Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan, expressed his heartbreak over the criticism he faced after ending his fast. In a video shared on the social media platform X, Wangchuk addressed the ... Read more Sonam Wangchuk Ends Hunger Strike, Expresses Heartbreak Over Criticism
Plea in Delhi HC challenges internet shutdown around Jantar Mantar protest site
Delhi High Court hears plea challenging internet shutdown near Jantar Mantar protest, citing unconstitutional and arbitrary suspension orders.
Stifling Of Protests In TN Angers CPM
The ban on people visiting the Marina and staying there in groups that was quietly enforced after the situation turned critical in New Delhi was relaxed on Friday with the police continuing to keep a close eye on potential protestors visiting the beach
Didi Likely To Join CJP Delhi Stir On July 27
The former West Bengal chief minister, who earlier announced her plans from her party rally on July 21, wrote on X-handle on Friday, I have stood firmly with the students and their movement from the very beginning.
Can EC do whatever it wants?: HC on deputing teachers for SIR in Delhi
Court questions ECs assertion that teachers are compensated for election duties; schedules next hearing in PIL against large-scale deployment of govt. school staff for SIR drive in Delhi for July 28
NEET-UG leak controversy: NTA sacks 47 officials; Delhi Police sets up STF
In a significant response to the NEET-UG paper leak scandal, the National Testing Agency has dismissed forty-seven officials. To tackle examination fraud, Delhi Police has inaugurated a Special Task Force, tasked with investigating leaks in central government recruitment exams.
Delhi Police set up STF to probe exam-related offences, paper leaks
Liquor Shops To Shut By 8 PM In Delhi Over Weekend Amid CJP Protest
Liquor shops in Delhi have been ordered to close by 8 pm until the weekend is over, in view of the student protests, sources said on Friday.
Bangladesh PM invited as BIMSTEC chair amid India outreach to regional blocs
India, holding the BRICS chair, plans outreach to regional groups for its summit. Key organizations like BIMSTEC and ASEAN may receive invitations to attend. Leaders from these groups could visit New Delhi for the September summit. This initiative aims to champion the Global South's agenda effectively. All eleven BRICS members and partner countries will also participate.
The ongoing student protests in Delhi are disrupting travel and hospitality, with backpacker hostels reporting a surge in Gen Z bookings while hotels face weaker corporate demand due to internet shutdowns, traffic curbs, metro closures and work-from-home advisories.
Mumbai-Ahmedabad flooding dominates BRICS meet
Recent urban flooding in Mumbai, Ahmedabad and Surat featured in discussions at the BRICS Ministerial Meeting on Disaster Risk Reduction in New Delhi, where India showcased its urban flood mitigation and preparedness measures. The meeting focused on climate-resilient infrastructure, disaster financing, technology and stronger international cooperation.
At Mapusa, protesters unite under Vande Mataram, Inquilab Zindabad
NT Reporter Mapusa Extending support to the ongoing student movement, hundreds of youths gathered at Lohia Garden in Mapusa on Friday evening for a peaceful solidarity protest against the NEET paper leaks, examination irregularities and police action against student protesters in Delhi. A large number of youths and others participated in the gathering, along with []
Centre airlifts 10 more CRPF companies to Delhi
Ten CRPF companies have been airlifted from Chhattisgarh to Delhi to strengthen security amid ongoing student protests over examination paper leaks. The move comes as around 150 CAPF companies are set to be deployed in the national capital ahead of Independence Day. The CISF has also restricted leaves for its Delhi Metro security unit due to heightened security requirements.
Congress leader Kanhaiya Kumar arrested in Delhi on complaint of Kerala House official
There was an altercation between Mr. Kumar and the Resident Commissioner called the Delhi Police asking them to remove Mr. Kumar from the premises, a source said; Kerala House is located in Jantar Mantar Road where the students protest is going on
Renewable energy expansion, battery storage push key to green transition: Pralhad Joshi
India is accelerating its clean energy transition with a strong push in battery storage, wind and solar power, Union minister Pralhad Joshi said at the Sustainability Conclave 2026 in New Delhi. He highlighted that investments in energy storage and renewables are expected to reduce electricity costs, while initiatives like hydrogen-powered trains signal progress in next-generation technologies.
Student Protests: Why Gen Z is Asking India to Reimagine Democracy
The images emerging from Delhi and other parts of the Country over the past few days have captured more than a protest. They have captured the mood of a generation. The gathering of students, many members of Generation Z, alongside young lawyers and other citizens in peaceful democratic demonstrations reflects a larger national conversation about justice, constitutional values, governance and the future of the Republic. Whether one agrees with every demand or every slogan is secondary. Democracies are ultimately judged not by the absence of dissent but by how they respond to it. Peaceful protests have historically served as democratic correctives, compelling governments and institutions to introspect, engage and reform. Indias constitutional journey has repeatedly been shaped by its youth. From the freedom movement to the Nav Nirman movement in Gujarat, the JP movement, and numerous student-led campaigns on education, corruption and public accountability, young Indians have often become the moral barometer of the nation. Todays Gen Z is no different. They are digitally connected, politically aware, constitutionally conscious and unwilling to remain passive spectators when they perceive democratic institutions to be under strain or public concerns inadequately addressed. Unlike earlier generations, Gen Z has grown up in an India transformed by technology, social media and global connectivity. Their expectations from governance are correspondingly higher. They seek transparent institutions, employment opportunities, quality education, affordable living, environmental sustainability, gender justice, institutional autonomy and equal opportunities. They expect governments to listen rather than merely communicate, to consult rather than simply command. What is equally significant is the increasing participation of young members of the legal fraternity. Law students and young lawyers have traditionally occupied a unique place in Indias democratic landscape. As future custodians of constitutional governance and the rule of law, their engagement in public discourse underscores a deeper concern for the preservation of constitutional institutions and civil liberties. Lawyers are not merely officers of the court; they are also guardians of constitutional values. Their participation in peaceful democratic processes enriches public debate and reminds society that constitutionalism is a living practice, not merely a legal doctrine. The Constitution of India does not merely establish institutions; it creates a culture of accountability. Articles guaranteeing freedom of speech, peaceful assembly and association recognise that citizens have both the right and the responsibility to participate in democratic life. Peaceful dissent is therefore not an inconvenience to democracyit is one of its defining features. At the heart of these demonstrations lies a larger question: what kind of Republic does India aspire to become? Economic growth remains indispensable, but prosperity without justice, institutional credibility and social cohesion cannot sustain democratic legitimacy. Citizens increasingly seek governance that is transparent, accountable, compassionate and constitutionally anchored. They expect institutions to function independently, public authorities to remain answerable, and policymaking to be informed by consultation rather than confrontation. Constitutionalism is not merely about adhering to written provisions; it embodies a philosophy that no public authority is above constitutional limitations. It requires an independent judiciary, a free press, autonomous institutions, robust parliamentary debate and an informed citizenry. These are not obstacles to governance. They are the very foundations of democratic governance. Equally indispensable is inclusivity. Indias diversity has always been its civilisational strength. Every citizen, irrespective of religion, caste, language, gender or region, must experience equal dignity under the Constitution. A confident Republic does not fear diversity; it draws strength from it. Inclusive governance reduces alienation, strengthens national integration and deepens public trust. The concerns voiced by many young Indians extend well beyond campuses. Questions relating to unemployment, educational opportunities, rising living costs, social mobility, institutional integrity and equal access to justice increasingly dominate public discourse. These are not partisan questions. They are questions about the quality of the social contract between the State and its citizens. History demonstrates that governments become stronger when they engage with criticism rather than dismiss it. Dialogue is not a concession; it is a democratic obligation. Mature democracies derive resilience from their ability to accommodate disagreement without perceiving it as disloyalty. At the same time, peaceful protest imposes responsibilities upon citizens. Demonstrations must remain non-violent, respectful of public property and mindful of the rights of others. The legitimacy of democratic movements is strengthened when constitutional methods remain their sole instrument. India now stands at an important democratic crossroads. With one of the worlds youngest populations, the aspirations of Gen Z will significantly shape the Republics future. Their expectations cannot simply be deferred; they must be understood and constructively engaged. Political leadership across ideological divides would do well to recognise that todays youth seek not merely promises but performance, not rhetoric but responsive governance. Ultimately, democratic changewhether in policy or leadershipmust always occur through constitutional means. The ballot remains the ultimate instrument of accountability in a parliamentary democracy. Citizens evaluate governments, weigh competing visions and determine the nations future through free and fair elections. That is the constitutional path to political renewal. The protests in Delhi should therefore not be viewed narrowly as a moment of campus unrest. They are a reminder that democracy is sustained by an active citizenry, responsive institutions and unwavering fidelity to constitutional values. They invite India to renew its commitment to justice, the rule of law, institutional integrity and inclusive development. The message from Indias youth is neither one of despair nor disruption. It is one of expectation. They seek a Republic where governance is transparent, institutions command public confidence, constitutional morality guides public policy and every citizen feels equally invested in the nations future. If India listens with wisdom rather than reacts with anxiety, this moment can become an opportunity for democratic renewal. The energy of Gen Z, the constitutional commitment of students and young lawyers, and the aspirations of millions of ordinary citizens can together strengthen the Republic envisioned by our Constitutionone founded upon justice, liberty, equality and fraternity. That is the conversation India must now havenot about the legitimacy of peaceful dissent, but about how constitutional democracy can better respond to the hopes of its youngest generation. (The Author is a noted Senior Advocate Supreme Court of India and a political Analyst)
Let the Parliament take the Centre Stage
While a peaceful protest is considered not just a legal act in a democratic country like India, it is a necessity at times to highlight issues and demands so that the authorities concerned can seek ways and means to address them. Protesting, however, can take an ugly shape, underscoring the need for the law enforcers to bring the situation under control. The ongoing protests by students at Janter Manter, Delhi, have reportedly turned violent, something pointing to the destabilising attempts against the state. To listen to the demands, the best platform widely accepted is the country's parliament. Seeking the resignation of the country's education minister, following the unfolding of the NEET paper-leak case, is a demand both strange and uncalled for. One, his resignation can in no way deliver justice to those NEET aspirants who lost their lives. Two, he is not the minister just for NEET aspirants, but the minister of the entire education system in the country; besides, he represents the electorate that elected him. Three, forcing him to resign is not lawful and can never guarantee perfection in the future. Tragic but truth, is that the paper-leak incident is symbolic of a deep-seated rot eating into the vitals of the fabric of selection processes for different posts. Addressing this germ of corruption in the system is the key. If the government is of a ruling party, the system is of every citizen of the country. We all, individually or collectively, can improve the system; the governments will improve automatically. I have no quarrel with the argument that the NEET must remain above any irregularities, not just paper leaks, since it produces future doctors for this society. But when these doctors from different areas of the country complete their degrees on the taxpayers funds, do they later on work with integrity and sympathetically prioritise rural areas where healthcare is the big concern? Agreed that we do have some doctors who dedicate every minute of their duty to patient care? But these are exceptions. Generally, the doctors prefer duty near their residence or clinics in the town areas. This scenario is seen prevailing in the other service sectors as well. Certain other malpractices are reported, and the anti-corruption institutions swing into action. Yet, the corruption-free public service remains a work in progress. Why so? Because of systemic challenges. No government possesses a magic wand to prevent the wrongs in entirety. When a high-ranking officer is reported to indulge in corruption practices, how can you prevent it in the lower ranks? If a tree finds its leaves withering, its stem and roots do not stay alive for a long time. Unfortunately, everyone at some time uses wrong ways a little or more to gain some illegal profit. The bitter truth is that integrity and honesty in public services at any level is considerably being viewed as something unnecessary. The loopholes in the legal machinery are exploited to plunder the state exchequer; even preferring to solve those public issues which bring some immediate benefit in cash or kind. Who is responsible -- a government or all of us? All of us in the maximum cases. Yes, the government in office must raise the conviction rate of culprits, but it will not work in the long term. We have several examples where bad elements were punished for their crimes, but hardly has it deterred the wrongdoers. It is all right to punish the black sheep, but the finest way is to correct the systemic wrongs. To do that, one way is to induce compassion for fellow humans, regardless of caste, colour, status, creed or region, in those serving the public at any level. When a person is short of compassion, she/he can never work with integrity and honesty. Compassion guarantees clean and caring institutions. Anything less, the system ironically begins to offend, and then finding selfless services is beating one's head against a brick wall. It is because of the deep-rooted issues in the system, not in any government entirely, that we have to confront big challenges such as drug trafficking, corruption mafia, law and order incidents, traffic rules violations, dishonesty in duty, dearth of staff in rural institutions, stagnation in transfers, carefree attitude towards public infrastructure/ services, embezzlement. The list is longer. One important factor behind the offences is a family, an institution. When a family pressure or increased demands for luxurious items rises, a public functionary generally goes for a wrongdoing. If one's family ask a person about the source of money beyond their income and opposes it, countless corruption cases will resolve on their own. I know a boy who opposed his father's luxurious life originating from the latter's bribery; the father left the harmful practice. Therefore, the best way to address the paper-leak cases, along with the other malpractices, is to help right the wrong in the system. That should begin with one's own lifestyle and official conduct at every level. In this endeavour, the country's parliament is the best stage; here we have the representatives from across the country, and they can effectively bring to the fore the issues confronting the system. It is here that systemic changes in the education system and curriculum, law enforcement, judiciary, and public dealings can be proposed and solutions offered. Protests have, by and large, never been beneficial to any society except for attaining political mileage for a section of people. Protesting mostly births problems, preventing the nation's progress. Let us come forward to raise the issues in the parliament and then display a compassionate public-serving attitude in practice. If we all implement and respect the laws in letter and spirit, not as per our whims, we can improve the system, and a fair and transparent work culture is likely to come up. Just blaming any government for all that goes amiss amounts to a selective approach. (The Author is a teacher by profession and RK columnist. Feedback: sheikhshabir518@gmail.com )
Best Quarterly Performance in Five Years
Every quarter, a familiar debate plays out the moment GST figures for Jammu and Kashmir are published: is the Union Territorys tax revenue rising or falling? The confusion is understandable, because the number most commonly reported the gross monthly collection figure is not actually the amount that lands in the Union Territorys account. To understand why this quarters performance is genuinely a strong one, it helps to first understand how a states real GST revenue is decided in the first place. How a states real GST revenue is actually decided GST was designed as a destination-based tax the idea being that tax revenue on consumption should ultimately go to the state where the goods or services are consumed, not the state where the seller happens to be registered. This is precisely the problem the Integrated GST (IGST) was built to solve. Under Article 269A of the Constitution, tax on inter-State supply is levied and collected by the Union but apportioned between the Centre and the states as Parliament prescribes, on the GST Councils recommendation. The Integrated Goods and Services Tax Act, 2017 particularly the apportionment machinery in Sections 17 and 18 works out the mechanics: the Centre effectively acts as a clearing house. When IGST is paid, the portion equivalent to the CGST rate stays with the Centre, and the portion equivalent to the SGST rate is transferred to the state where the place of supply lies the destination state. This transfer is called IGST settlement, and it happens continuously as credit is utilised and cash is paid against inter-State supplies. This is exactly why a states true GST revenue is never the gross, pre-settlement collection figure. The number that actually matters the one that reflects what a consumer genuinely contributed to the Union Territorys own account is the post-settlement figure: SGST cash collected within J&K, plus its due share of IGST settled in on account of goods and services actually consumed here. A trader in Srinagar or Jammu who buys stock from a supplier in Punjab or Delhi pays IGST on that inter-State purchase; when that trader sells the goods to a consumer in Srinagar, the tax on that final consumption is meant to belong to Jammu and Kashmir, and the settlement mechanism is what actually delivers it here. A single months pre-settlement number, taken in isolation, therefore tells only part of the story; it is the settled, destination-based figure that reflects the Union Territorys actual revenue position. The quarter, in figures Measured on this proper, destination-based criterion, Quarter-1 of the current financial year April to June 2026 has been the strongest opening quarter Jammu and Kashmir has recorded in the last five years. Month Q1 2022-23 ( ` Cr) Q1 2023-24 ( ` Cr) Q1 2024-25 ( ` Cr) Q1 2025-26 ( ` Cr) Q1 2026-27 ( ` Cr) Growth 2026-27 over 2025-26 April 702.08 916.38 951.02 712.13 1,075.86 +51.1% May 506.47 562.17 660.48 697.72 762.48 +9.3% June 683.88 674.25 641.14 609.40 667.45 +9.5% Total (Q1) 1,892.43 2,152.88 2,252.64 2,019.25 2,505.79 +24.1% Put simply: Jammu and Kashmir collected 2,505.79 crore in the first quarter of 2026-27, against 2,019.25 crore in the same quarter last year a jump of nearly 486.5 crore, or 24.1 per cent. To put that in perspective against the recent past: the year-on-year growth for the same April-June quarter was 13.8 per cent in 2023-24, a modest 4.6 per cent in 2024-25, and had actually turned into a decline of 10.4 per cent in 2025-26. This quarters 24.1 per cent growth is, by a considerable margin, the best opening-quarter performance the Union Territory has posted in half a decade. Junes own destination-based numbers tell the same story from a different angle. Jammu and Kashmirs post-settlement SGST for the month rose from 611 crore a year ago to 667 crore this June a growth of roughly 9 per cent even as national commentary around the same period focused on the pre-settlement, pan-India collection comparison. Looked at through the proper, destination-based lens, June was not a month of decline for the Union Territory; it was another month of continued, steady growth, consistent with the trend running through the whole quarter. Growth that has held up through a major rate reset What makes this quarters numbers particularly noteworthy is the backdrop against which they have been achieved. Over the last several months, the GST Councils rate rationalisation exercise has reworked Indias tax slabs cutting rates on a wide range of everyday goods, simplifying the older multi-slab structure into a leaner one, and easing the tax burden on the common consumer. A rate cut, by definition, reduces the tax collected on every rupee of consumption; for revenue to still climb by double digits in the quarter immediately following such a reset is a meaningful signal. It suggests that the reduction in rates is being offset and then some by higher consumption volumes, better compliance, and a genuine widening of the tax base, rather than revenue growth depending on rate increases. For a Union Territory whose economy leans heavily on trade, tourism-linked consumption and small and medium business activity, a broad-based volume-and-compliance-driven recovery is a far healthier sign than one built on rate hikes alone. The takeaway None of this is to say every months numbers will always look this favourable, or that gross collection figures are meaningless they matter for other purposes, including tracking local formal-sector activity. But when the question being asked is how much GST revenue did J&K actually receive, the answer lies in the settlement-based figures, not the gross collection figures. On that measure, Quarter-1 of 2026-27 was a quarter of genuine, broad-based growth for Jammu and Kashmir up roughly 9 per cent for June alone, and 24.1 per cent for the quarter as a whole, its strongest opening-quarter showing in five years. Aijaz Hussain Malik, JKAS, State Taxes Officer, Circle-C, Srinagar.
The Battle for Academic Integrity
In what has emerged as one of the most significant student-led movements in recent Indian history, the widespread agitation against widespread paper leaks in national competitive examinations like NEET-UG reached a critical juncture. Renowned educator and environmental activist Sonam Wangchuk formally ended his gruelling 26-day indefinite hunger strike after receiving official written assurances from the Union Government. However, far from signalling an end to the crisis, Wangchuks health-mandated exit from his fast has passed the baton back to student bodies and political groups. Led by the Cockroach Janata Party (CJP) and allied student groups, the broader movement remains resolute despite the Prime Minister sending a video message at the midnight of 23rd July reiterating the Governments climb down, the CJP is maintaining its core demand for the immediate resignation of Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan and a total overhaul of the countrys public examination architecture. The protest at Delhis Jantar Mantar and across several state capitals erupted following recurring allegations of paper leaks, grace mark controversies, and institutional failures during high-stakes entrance exams. For millions of aspirants who spend years preparing under immense physical, financial, and psychological pressure, the breakdown of examination integrity represented a breach of trust. The public outcry intensified after reports surfaced of organized syndicates compromising examination papers for financial gain, resulting in the tragic deaths by suicide of several desperate candidates. Joined by student unions like the All-India Students Association (AISA) and civil society activists, Sonam Wangchuk embarked on a fast-unto-death on June 28 to demand systemic accountability, legislative safeguards, and official remediation. In a video statement released shortly after ending his 26-day fast, Wangchuk emphasized that while he achieved his immediate objectivesafeguarding young protesters from state prosecution and securing written commitmentsthe broader fight for educational integrity rests in the hands of lawmakers and the public. After losing nearly 11 kilograms and experiencing deteriorating vital parameters while undergoing treatment at Medanta Hospital in Gurugram, Wangchuk insisted on receiving hard assurances in writing before calling off his hunger strike. Following multi-day negotiations involving senior Cabinet leaders, Union Health Minister JP Nadda and Union Minister Dr. Jitendra Singh personally met Wangchuk at his bedside to deliver the formal communication and break his fast. The key clauses of the Governments written assurance were the explicit protection ensuring no criminal cases or retaliatory legal action will be filed against students and youth participating in peaceful demonstrations or the recent Chalo Parliament march. A commitment to dedicate time during Parliaments session to debate examination accountability, structural reforms, and the prevention of paper leaks. Positive consideration toward formulating a compensation framework for families of students who tragically died by suicide amid the exam irregularities and immediate transfer of top bureaucratsincluding the shifting of Higher Education Secretary Vineet Joshialong with the notification of a dedicated Fast-Track Court and amendments to the Public Examinations (Prevention of Unfair Means) Act. Despite Wangchuk stepping back to recover, the CJP and affiliated youth collectives have made it clear that their protest will not dissipate. They are continuing their demand of the resignation of the Union Education Minister, dropping all existing FIRs and preventing fresh cases against the youth, complete transition to secure computer- based exam formats and fast track courts and finally `1 Crore financial compensation for families of affected deceased aspirants. CJP leaders contend that structural reform is impossible without top-level political accountability. They argue that shifting administrative secretaries is insufficient when administrative leadership remains unchanged after repeated paper compromises. Consequently, CJP has announced nationwide protest calls, aiming to keep pressure on the government throughout the legislative session. The collision between student activists, civil society figures, and the central administration carries far-reaching consequences across multiple domains: The crisis forces a structural overhaul of testing bodies such as the National Testing Agency (NTA). The transition toward fully computer-based testing (CBT) models, stricter chain-of-custody protocols for test papers, and severe criminal penalties for leaking cartels will likely redefine how competitive exams are organized going forward. With over 65 Members of Parliament signing petitions or visiting Wangchuk, the paper leak controversy will dominate discussions in Parliament. Opposition parties plan to leverage the CJPs continuing agitation to challenge the ruling coalition on youth unemployment, educational standards, and ministerial accountability. While the governments concessions provide temporary reassurance, public trust in central evaluation systems remains low. Until Fast-Track Courts demonstrate swift convictions of paper-leak mafias, students and parents may remain sceptical about the fairness of upcoming competitive entrance cycles. Conclusion Sonam Wangchuks 26-day hunger strike brought national focus to the systemic vulnerabilities within Indias examination framework. While the written assurances given by the Centre addressed critical immediate concerns regarding police action and legal reforms, the underlying political battle is far from over. As the CJP party and student groups press on with their demand for political resignation and deeper institutional overhauls, the government faces the challenging task of restoring credibility to an educational system that shapes the futures of millions. Prof Upendra Kaul, Founder Director Gauri Kaul Foundation.
Reflections on Governance in India
The recent scenes around Jantar Mantar have been disturbing. Every May, lakhs of young Indians queue outside examination centres carrying the anxieties of entire families on their backs. In May 2026, nearly 2.8 million of them were told to queue again. A leaked question paper had forced the National Testing Agency to order the largest re-test in the history of Indian competitive examinations. It was not the first such collapse, and it will not be the last. What failed that week was not a question paper. It was the states basic ability to keep a secret, guard a process, and deliver what it had promised on a specific date to a specific citizen. This is the argument I want to place before readers, and one I am now developing into a full-length book: Indias deepest crisis is not, at its root, a crisis of democracy. It is a crisis of capacity. We have built one of the more elaborate constitutional architectures in the world an independent judiciary, statutory regulators, a federal structure, a vast schema of rights and welfare schemes. What we have not built, in equal measure, is the administrative muscle to execute any of it reliably. And it is in the widening gap between promise and delivery that our disillusionment, our communal anger, and our creeping tolerance for authoritarian shortcuts all find room to grow. Form without function B.R. Ambedkars warning to the Constituent Assembly in 1949 deserves to be read again, not as history but as a live diagnosis. He cautioned that political democracy in India could remain a thin, ornamental layer sitting atop a society that stayed fundamentally undemocratic beneath it. Substitute capacity for democracy in that sentence and it reads like a description of the republic today: elaborate constitutional form, resting on administrative soil that has never been properly tilled. Political scientists usually break state capacity into three kinds: the capacity to enforce rules, the capacity to design and deliver policy through a competent bureaucracy, and the capacity to raise and spend public money wisely. Indias peculiar tragedy is that it holds wildly uneven amounts of each in different corners of the same state. Our capital markets regulator functions with genuine credibility. Our telecom regulator manages one of the most complex spectrum environments anywhere. Meanwhile, rural public health, monitored under mission-mode programmes for two decades now, remains defined by vacant posts, broken supply chains, and clinics nobody has staffed. Building a digital payments network or a biometric identity platform is not the same achievement as building the human and institutional capacity to actually deliver a service at the other end of it. Infrastructure is not delivery. We have confused the two for years. Fifty-five million and counting Nowhere is the gap starker than in our courts. By March 2026, the backlog across Indian courts had crossed 55.8 million cases, a number rising faster than judges can be recruited or appointed. India has roughly 21 judges per million citizens, against a recommendation made decades ago of 50. In a bitter irony, government itself is the single largest litigant, responsible for roughly half the cases clogging the system it is supposed to be administering. When justice takes a generation to arrive, it has not been delayed. It has been functionally denied. A citizen who has waited twenty years for a land dispute to be resolved does not experience this as an abstract capacity deficit. He experiences it as a republic that has quietly walked away from him. Consider, too, water and disaster. Every monsoon we relearn the same lesson. In June 2026, a flash flood tore through a hydropower site in Arunachal Pradesh; neither the meteorological department nor the water commission appears to have anticipated it. Across the country, our cities generate far more sewage than they can treat, and citizens quietly plug the gap with private borewells and water tankers mistaking the failure of a public system for a private lifestyle choice. We do not lack engineers, rainfall data, or river-basin science. We lack the institutional habit of preparing before a crisis rather than performing heroism during one, and of building regulatory frameworks for floodplains, for river space, for early warning with the same energy we reserve for the rescue operation afterward. Even the architecture of the Union itself often reads more like an instrument of control than of governance. Presidents Rule has been invoked well over a hundred times since Independence, disproportionately as a tool of political convenience rather than genuine constitutional necessity. A republic that reaches for the suspension of elected government as its preferred instrument of efficiency has confused control with competence, and it should not surprise us that the confusion has outlasted the individual governments that indulged it. Closer home Nowhere does this argument land closer to home than here in Jammu and Kashmir. We have lived for decades inside the gap between announcement and delivery recruitment examinations cancelled and re-cancelled, flood warnings arriving after the water, an elected government whose administrative writ is narrower than its electoral mandate. When New Delhi speaks of good governance for this Union Territory, the fair question is not whether the intention is sincere. It is whether the institutional muscle exists to carry that intention through a functioning bureaucracy answerable to the elected government, a judiciary that can clear its own backlog, a disaster-preparedness system that does not wait for the next flood to discover its own gaps. Capacity, not intention, is the honest measure of governance here as much as anywhere else in this Republic. The authoritarian trap There is a temptation, once this diagnosis is accepted, to reach for a dangerous shortcut to conclude that democracy itself is the obstacle, and that a more centralised, less accountable state would simply function better. This is a trap, and a familiar one. Efficient authoritarianism is not the cure for a flailing democracy; it is what a flailing democracy becomes once its citizens stop believing that reform is possible through consent. The honest answer to weak capacity is not less democracy. It is a state professional and insulated enough in its regulators, its judiciary, its civil service recruitment to make democratic consent worth giving in the first place. Rebuilding the Indian republics capacity professionalising bureaucratic recruitment, insulating regulators from political capture, funding the judiciary as though justice mattered, devolving real fiscal power to states rather than symbolic power alone is not a technical footnote to the larger project of Indian democracy. It is the project itself. Until we take institutional capacity as seriously as we take our elections, we will keep mistaking the ceremony of governance for governance itself and calling the difference between the two somebody elses problem to solve. The writer is a retired Indian Army officer and strategic analyst. This essay is drawn from his forthcoming book, The Republic Without Capacity: Reflections on Governance.
Er Rashid presses Kashmir concerns in Parliament
New Delhi, July 24: Baramulla MP Er Rashid on Friday protested in the Lok Sabha against alleged mass detentions and demolition of residential houses in Jammu and Kashmir, raising the issues while the Opposition was protesting over the NEET controversy. As soon as the House assembled, Er Rashid entered the Well of the House and staged a protest over what he described as oppression in Kashmir. While Opposition members, led by Rahul Gandhi, were demanding the resignation of Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan over alleged irregularities in the NEET examination, Er Rashid raised issues concerning Jammu and Kashmir. Targeting both the ruling NDA and Opposition INDIA bloc, Er Rashid questioned the treatment of Jammu and Kashmir, saying that if the region is considered the crown of India, it should not be treated like a colony. During the protest, he urged Leader of Opposition Rahul Gandhi to stand with the people of Kashmir. Gandhi, according to Er Rashid, assured him of his support. Expressing condolences to the family of slain Head Constable Ashiq Hussain Qureshi, who was killed in an attack in Anantnag, Er Rashid said violence against security personnel must be condemned but questioned the alleged arrests of thousands of people and demolition of houses following such incidents. How can you justify the arrest of 2,500 people and bulldozing of residential houses? Nobody in this country speaks about Kashmiris and the state oppression against them, he said. Er Rashid alleged that Kashmiris were being subjected to collective punishment and claimed that restrictions on expression and protests in Jammu and Kashmir reflected a martial law-like situation. He also compared the response to protests in Delhi with the situation in Kashmir, questioning what he termed different standards in handling law-and-order situations. When similar situations occur elsewhere, they are discussed in terms of democracy and freedom of expression, but in Kashmir people face collective punishment and suspicion, he said. Er Rashid again raised the issue when the House resumed at noon, seeking to draw attention to what he described as denial of democratic rights in Jammu and Kashmir. Addressing Union Minister of State Dr Jitendra Singh, he also referred to the death of auto driver Arif Hussain in Baderwah and alleged that he was killed in a cold-blooded manner by police.
Zaffer Mir reviews PDP preparedness for PRI polls
Srinagar, July 24: Senior Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) leader Zaffer Mir (Lasjan) on Friday chaired an organisational meeting of party delegates and workers from Block BK Pora at his residence, with representatives from all 30 Panchayat Halqas of the Chadoora Assembly constituency participating. The meeting focused on strengthening the partys grassroots network and reviewing organisational preparedness ahead of the upcoming Panchayati Raj Institution (PRI) elections, which are being viewed as a key test of political outreach at the village level. Addressing party workers, Zaffer stressed the need for a strong and disciplined organisational structure to revive the PDPs presence and ensure sustained engagement with people. He called upon workers to maintain close contact with local communities, understand public issues and actively work towards addressing their concerns, saying the partys credibility depended on its connect with people at the grassroots. Zaffer also highlighted the leadership of PDP president and former Chief Minister Mehbooba Mufti, recalling her support for the people of Jammu and Kashmir, particularly her solidarity with students from the region who participated in protests in Delhi. Taking on the National Conference-led government, Zaffer accused the ruling dispensation of failing to fulfil its promises and alleged administrative shortcomings and corruption during its tenure. He said the gap between the governments claims and performance had led to growing dissatisfaction among the people. The meeting also reviewed preparations for the PDP Foundation Day scheduled to be observed on July 28. Zaffer urged party workers from Block BK Pora to ensure large participation in the programme and reaffirm their commitment to the partys ideology. He concluded by calling upon workers to intensify public outreach and remain prepared for upcoming organisational and electoral challenges.
Protest venue under a web of cameras and facial recognition systems
The Delhi Police have deployed its DP-Dristhi and Ikshana surveillance vans and a Mobile Command and Control Vehicle, which uses AI-assisted facial recognition technology to scan live CCTV feeds; protesters have expressed apprehension over the use of such technologies
Delhi police suspend all routine leaves
Seeking privacy in public place an oxymoron: Centre tells HC during surveillance PIL hearing
Plea For NIA Probe Into Foreign Funding Junked
According To Law, It Is For Centre To Decide, Says High Court
Time for New Delhi to initiate a meaningful dialogue: Bukhari
Srinagar, July 24: Apni Party President Syed Mohammad Altaf Bukhari on Friday alleged that Srinagar city has remained neglected for decades, claiming that successive governments failed to address issues of unemployment, housing and basic infrastructure. Addressing a party convention, Bukhari said the city continues to face multiple challenges and that no meaningful steps have been taken to improve public infrastructure or enhance the quality of life of residents. He said the biggest challenge before Jammu and Kashmir was to guide the youth and create employment opportunities for them, alleging that young people had suffered due to years of violence and uncertainty. Our biggest challenge today is to support and guide our younger generation by showing them the path of progress, prosperity and a dignified future. Our youth are our greatest asset and it is our collective responsibility to protect and nurture them, Bukhari said. Reiterating his demand for dialogue between the people of Jammu and Kashmir and the Centre, Bukhari urged the Government of India to initiate a meaningful engagement, particularly with the youth, to bridge the trust deficit and address public concerns. He said the Prime Minister and Home Minister had earlier assured engagement with the people of J&K and that the time had come to fulfil that commitment. Bukhari also highlighted issues faced by residents of the Hazratbal constituency, alleging that the government had failed to address public grievances despite people exercising their democratic right to elect representatives. Appealing for support to the Apni Party, he said the party belonged to the people and not any individual or family. Later, while interacting with reporters, Bukhari criticised PDP president Mehbooba Muftis participation in the ongoing Jantar Mantar protest in Delhi, alleging that she had no right to express solidarity with protesters due to her record while in power.
More support pours in for protesting students in Delhi
Delhi protests serve as SPs launchpad for UP poll battle next year
Activist Sonam Wangchuk has accused critics of a smear campaign against him. He ended his 26-day hunger strike after receiving government assurances. Wangchuk stated his aim was not the education minister's resignation. He described his hospital stay as distressing and detention-like. Wangchuk urged critics to exercise restraint and introspect their demands.
Delhi Police Intensifies Probe Into Parliament March Violence, 2,500 Under Verification
18 metro stations shut in the daytime, gates of 2 open in the evening
Interrupted: Internet, Delivery At Jantar Mantar
Not just NEET, everyone deserves a fair chance
CJP launches website to collect evidence against cops
Asks Protestors To Upload Assault Photos, Videos
Top cop sets up STF to probe paper leaks
Video-recording CJP protest in state interest: SG to Delhi HC
New Delhi: Solicitor General Tushar Mehta on Friday, July 24, told the Delhi High Court that video-recording of the ongoing CJP-led protest against NEET paper leak at Jantar Mantar here was in legitimate state interest and any objection to it was ironic. Responding to a PIL by former Jawaharlal Nehru University Students Union (JNUSU) president Get the latest updates in Hyderabad City News , Technology , Entertainment , Sports , Politics and Top Stories on WhatsApp & Telegram by subscribing to our channels. You can also download our app for Android and iOS .
Amid CJP protest, Delhi Traffic Police issues advisory; urges to avoid restricted areas
Delhi Metro restrictions will continue for the fourth consecutive day on Saturday amid the ongoing CJP protest at Jantar Mantar over the NEET paper leak. The DMRC said 18 stations will remain closed from 7.30 am until further orders, while Airport Express services will be restricted. Commuters have criticised the repeated closures and disruption caused by the security measures.
Delhi Metro Closures, July 25: Eighteen Delhi Metro stations will be closed from Saturday morning due to security arrangements. These closures are in place because of the ongoing Cockroach Janta Party protest near Jantar Mantar. Commuters face disruptions for a fourth consecutive day with these extensive travel restrictions. Security remains heightened around the Jantar Mantar protest site as authorities monitor the situation. Passengers are advised to check service updates before commencing their journeys.
Woken from sleep to witness Wangchuk end fast, says Ladakh leader
With Delhi University colleges reopening on July 28 and the weekend approaching, the government hastened channels of communication with the CJP team and Sonam Wangchuk to ensure that the protest is wound up before a major incident takes place
'Avoid Notified Areas': Delhi Traffic Cops Issue Advisory Amid Protests
The advisory comes in view of ongoing Cockroach Janta Party protests in Delhi. Authorities have imposed prohibitory orders under Section 163 of the Bharatiya Nagarik Suraksha Sanhita (BNSS), 2023, in key parts of the capital to maintain public order.
No Ban On Food Delivery Services In New Delhi Area: Police
Delhi Police on Friday dismissed as false, baseless and misleading social media claims that food delivery app services has been banned across the New Delhi area.
Heavy rainfall is forecast across India over the next few days. Gujarat expects the heaviest showers, while Rajasthan will also see significant rain. Delhi-NCR and northeastern states will experience widespread showers with thunderstorms. Active monsoon conditions are attributed to a low-pressure area and cyclonic circulations. Residents in vulnerable areas should remain alert for potential disruptions.
No Copyright Breach by OpenAI, Delhi HC Rules in ANI Case
ANI had failed to show that ChatGPT memorised or reproduced its news reports in responses generated for users, Justice Amit Bansal of the Delhi court said on Friday.
Chennai college students protest on campus in their own ways in support of Delhi protesters
Delhi Police forms special task force to probe paper leaks, exam-related offences
Delhi Police has established a special task force within its Crime Branch. This new unit will investigate paper leaks and unfair means in examinations. The task force will cover exams conducted by UPSC, SSC, and NTA. It will also coordinate with prosecuting agencies for speedy trials. This initiative aims to ensure professional and comprehensive investigations into examination offences.
Telanganas Srikar Reddy named Indias next Ambassador to Qatar
New Delhi: The Government of India (GoI) has appointed Dr K Srikar Reddy as the next Ambassador to the State of Qatar, the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) announced on Friday, July 24. He succeeds Ambassador Vipul, whose tenure in Doha has come to an end. The appointment comes as India and Qatar continue to Get the latest updates in Hyderabad City News , Technology , Entertainment , Sports , Politics and Top Stories on WhatsApp & Telegram by subscribing to our channels. You can also download our app for Android and iOS .
'NEET Destroyed My Family': Brother of S Anitha, Tamil Nadu's First NEET Victim
S Anitha's brother joins Delhi NEET protests, demanding a ban on the exam that he says destroyed his family
Watch: CJP protests: When a petrol pump became a site of violence
During the CJP protests Delhi, a petrol pump became a site of violence on July 20,2026. But one person stood up
Delhi Police established a Special Task Force to investigate examination irregularities. This new unit will probe offenses under the Public Examinations Act, 2024. The task force aims for prompt and comprehensive investigations into such matters. It will coordinate with prosecuting agencies for speedy trial proceedings. This initiative follows recent unrest over the NEET-UG 2026 exam controversy.
Telangana: Educational Institution Bandh Is Complete In Nalgonda
The students unions took out separate rallies by raising their demands including an inquiry into the attack on the protestors at New Delhi: Reports
Pukasa holds protest meet in solidarity with Delhi students in Keralas Kochi
Left-leaning collective of writers and artists expresses solidarity with the ongoing student agitation in Delhi
New Delhi [India], July 24 : As part of efforts to plug loopholes and rule out any paper leaks in the future, the National Testing Agency has terminated 47 officials from their service, sources said on Friday and added that legal and criminal actions will also be taken against some of these officials. The sources said that the steps are part of a complete overhaul of NTA that has been in controversy over paper leaks. This is the sixth big decision of Prime Minister Narendra Modi, who has said that those who try to harm the future of our youth will not be spared, the sources said. NTA holds the NEET-UG exam for which a retest was done in June this year after leakage of paper led to cancellation of the test done in May this year. Prime Minister Narendra Modi had on Thursday emphasized that nothing is more important than the welfare and future of the youth. He stated that the government has decided to set up fast-track courts to ensure swift and stringent punishment for those involved in paper leaks. PM Modi noted in a post on X that he has directed the concerned authorities and officials to take all necessary steps in this regard, adding that this continues a series of measures aimed at safeguarding the interests of students. The Prime Minister asserted that those who try to harm the future of the youth will not be spared. In a video message on Thursday night, he said that stricter actions against paper leaks are to come in the Cabinet meeting held today. There has been a long protest in the national capital over the paper leaks with activist Sonam Wangchuk, who had joined the protest, ending his hunger strike on Thursday night after 26 days. Opposition parties are also supporting the protesters over their demands. The Union Cabinet on Friday approved amendments to the Public Examinations (Prevention of Unfair Means) Act, 2024, amid protests over the NEET examination paper leak. The proposed amendment Bill is likely to be taken up for consideration and passage in Parliament early next week. Union Health Minister JP Nadda and Union Minister Jitendra Singh on Friday met with representatives of the Cockroach Janta Party (CJP) and assured them that the government will respond to their demands related to examinations. Speaking to reporters after the nearly two-hour-long meeting, Nadda said the CJP delegation had raised three main demands and five suggestions for reforms in the examination process. The meeting went on for almost two hours...They had three main demands and five reform suggestions for exams. We have told them that we will meet them again tomorrow afternoon and tell them about the discussion we had among the Government, he said. This was the government's second meeting with CJP delegation CJP Spokesperson Ashutosh Ranka, who was part of the CJP delegation, said later that the government has in principle agreed to two of their demands. In another move, the Education Department has got two new secretaries. Naresh Pal Gangwar has been appointed as Secretary of the Department of Higher Education and TK Anil Kumar will be the new School Education Secretary. Vineet Joshi, who was Higher Education Secretary, has been transferred to the Secretary in the Department of Panchayati Raj. A Fast Track Court has been set up at Rouse Avenue Court to try offences under the Public Examinations (Prevention of unfair means ) Act, 2024 and other related offences at Rouse Avenue. All the related cases will be transferred to the special designated fast-track court. The Judge in-charge of the Mediation Centre, Tis Hazari Court, Anu Grover Baliga, has been transferred to Rouse Avenue Court as Special Judge by the Delhi High Court. Union Minister of State for Civil Aviation and Cooperation Murlidhar Mohol said on Friday that the Centre had acted swiftly after the NEET-UG paper leak by arresting the accused, ordering a CBI probe through a Special Investigation Team (SIT), conducting the re-examination within 37 days, and ensuring that the admission process was not delayed for lakhs of students. Speaking to the media in Pune on Thursday, Mohol said the government's priority was to safeguard the future of students while ensuring strict action against those responsible for the examination irregularities. After the NEET paper leak, 13 people who were involved were arrested from different parts of the country and they have been jailed. It was decided to have an SIT of CBI and through that, all investigations are being done. Right after the paper leak, the exam was cancelled and within just 37 days, the re-NEET exam was held. Within 25 days, the results were declared and the admissions have begun, Mohol said. He said the Centre had ensured that the interests of students were protected alongside stringent legal action On one hand, stringent action was taken against the culprits and, on the other hand, a system was made to ensure that lakhs of students do not suffer. Prime Minister Narendra Modi has once again said that the future and dreams of the students of the country are our first priority. The government gives this the highest priority. No other matter is more important for us than the future of the youth of the country, he said. The Union Minister said that the cases would be tried in fast-track courts and reiterated that the government stood firmly with students. (ANI)
NEET paper leak: NTA terminates 47 officials, may pursue legal action
New Delhi, Jul 24: In a major crackdown in the NEET paper leak controversy, the National Testing Agency terminated 47 officials and is set to pursue legal and criminal action against some, officials said on Friday. The move comes a day after Higher Education Secretary Vineet Joshi was shunted out to the Panchayati Raj Ministry. The NTA is set to undergo an overhaul and more reformative actions will follow. At least 47 officials have been terminated, and legal and criminal action will be initiated against some of them, a senior official said. Outrage surrounding paper leaks and the CBSE digital evaluation glitches has triggered a series of shunting of top officials. Students' anger has spilt out in the form of a huge protest that is taking place at Jantar Mantar.
Delhi weather tomorrow: Will rain return to NCR? Check IMD forecast, temperature update
Delhi anticipates cloudy skies and light rain on Saturday, according to the India Meteorological Department. Strong surface winds will accompany the rainfall throughout the day and into the night. Temperatures remained below normal on Friday, with the maximum settling at 34.6 degrees Celsius. Several areas recorded light rainfall in the 24 hours ending Friday morning. The city's air quality remained satisfactory with an AQI recorded at 70.
Social media posts made during July 20 clash under police scanner
New Delhi: Delhi Police is examining thousands of videos, social media broadcasts and mobile phone records to identify those involved in the July 20 clashes and establish whether the July 20 violence was pre-planned or erupted spontaneously, sources said on Friday. Experts are analysing mobile phone recordings, CCTV footage, livestreams and social media content to Get the latest updates in Hyderabad City News , Technology , Entertainment , Sports , Politics and Top Stories on WhatsApp & Telegram by subscribing to our channels. You can also download our app for Android and iOS .
Delhi Jama Masjid Shahi Imam Ahmad Bukhari surrenders in court
Muzaffarnagar: Shahi Imam of Delhis Jama Masjid, Maulana Ahmad Bukhari, surrendered before a court here on Friday, July 24, in connection with a 19-year-old case of alleged violation of the Model Code of Conduct during an election campaign. Chief Judicial Magistrate Kavita Aggarwal granted him bail after he furnished two sureties of Rs 20,000 each. Get the latest updates in Hyderabad City News , Technology , Entertainment , Sports , Politics and Top Stories on WhatsApp & Telegram by subscribing to our channels. You can also download our app for Android and iOS .
In a significant turn of events, Shahi Imam Maulana Ahmad Bukhari surrendered to a Delhi court in connection with a 19-year-old election code violation case. After presenting sureties amounting to Rs 20,000, he was granted bail. His past failure to appear in court despite numerous summonses and warrants cast a shadow over the incident, which dates back to a helicopter arrival and public meeting in 2007.
Students Block KU Gate Over NEET Row
Student organisations blocked the KU gate in Hanamkonda, demanding action over the alleged NEET paper leak and protesting the police action against students in Delhi.
Metro closures leave Delhi office-goers walking to work
Thousands of protesters have gathered at Jantar Mantar over the past few days, prompting police to seal off Parliament Street, Tolstoy Road and Jai Singh Marg. A Google Maps check of the stretch on Friday showed a ''heavy traffic'' alert across all three major roads
Bandi Sanjay blamesinfiltrators for NEETprotest violence
Hyderabad: Union Minister Bandi Sanjay Kumar on Friday, July 24, alleged that anti-social elements who sneaked into the CJP-led protest against the NEET question paper leak issue indulged in attacks against police and journalists, while Congress and other opposition parties are trying to defame the BJP. Sanjay Kumar said the government allowed protests in Delhi Get the latest updates in Hyderabad City News , Technology , Entertainment , Sports , Politics and Top Stories on WhatsApp & Telegram by subscribing to our channels. You can also download our app for Android and iOS .
New Delhi, Jul 24: New Delhi on Friday rejected Pakistan's allegations that it had deliberately caused flooding across the border, describing the claims as aseless and contrary to facts. Responding to a question during the weekly media briefing, Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal said the recent rise in the flow of the Chenab river was a natural consequence of intense monsoon rainfall over Jammu and adjoining catchment areas between July 20 and 23. Pakistani media reports alleging that India is deliberately causing flooding are baseless and contrary to the facts, Jaiswal said. He noted that Pakistan's own Flood Forecasting Division in Lahore, in an advisory issued on July 22, had attributed the high water levels in the Chenab to heavy rainfall in the upper catchment and had forecast that the high flows at Marala would gradually recede as rainfall decreased. The rise in river flows is, therefore, a natural hydrological response to heavy monsoon rainfall and not the result of any deliberate action by India. Attempts to portray a weather-driven flood event as an upstream intervention are factually incorrect, technically untenable and contradicted by Pakistan's own official flood advisories, the MEA spokesperson said. Rejecting allegations that India had failed to issue flood warnings, Jaiswal said the river discharge during the period had not reached levels requiring any special flood alert. The observed flows were consistent with prevailing monsoon conditions over the upper catchments, as acknowledged by Pakistan's own flood forecasting authorities. Any suggestion that India deliberately withheld flood-related information is, therefore, without factual basis, he said. Jaiswal added that, as in the previous year, India would continue to share high-flood data with Pakistan on humanitarian grounds through diplomatic channels whenever such a situation arises.
A protester discharged from hospital after pellet surgery for injuries sustained during a Delhi march. Sheikh Irshad Mansoori received treatment for pellet fragments lodged in his face and neck. Other protesters also suffered serious injuries during the demonstration at Jantar Mantar. The Delhi Police has denied using pellet guns against the demonstrators. The protest was part of an agitation demanding accountability over examination irregularities.
Food-carrying boys not detained, viral claim false: Delhi Police
New Delhi: Delhi Police on Friday, July 24, dismissed claims that three boys carrying food for Jantar Mantar protesters were detained at Nizamuddin Police Station, labelling such allegations spreading on social media as false and misleading. In an official statement issued by the Deputy Commissioner of Police (Southeast), police said personnel had neither stopped nor Get the latest updates in Hyderabad City News , Technology , Entertainment , Sports , Politics and Top Stories on WhatsApp & Telegram by subscribing to our channels. You can also download our app for Android and iOS .
'Withdraw posts or face action': Kapil Sibal slams DU, JNU VCs for 'threatening' students
Kapil Sibal criticised Delhi University and Jawaharlal Nehru University for advising students to stay away from Jantar Mantar protests over the NEET paper leak, calling the directives hreatening and warning of legal action if they are not withdrawn. He also assured students of legal support if they participate peacefully and face action by the authorities.
Cyber frauds on the rise, offence cant be taken lightly: SC
New Delhi: Cyber frauds are now on the rise and the offence cannot be taken lightly considering its gravity and implications, the Supreme Court said on Friday, July 24, while refusing to quash or club some FIRs lodged in different states. A bench of Justices Sanjay Karol and Augustine George Masih dismissed a plea filed Get the latest updates in Hyderabad City News , Technology , Entertainment , Sports , Politics and Top Stories on WhatsApp & Telegram by subscribing to our channels. You can also download our app for Android and iOS .
Restraining ChatGPT from using copyrighted work detrimental to growth of AI: Delhi HC
The Delhi High Court refused to restrain ChatGPT from using ANI's copyrighted content for training its AI models, saying such use amounts to fair dealing under the Copyright Act. The court observed that restricting AI training would be detrimental to the growth of AI and large language models (LLMs) in India and against public interest.
'If needed, I will visit Delhi and join CJP protest': Mamata Banerjee backs NEET stir
Trinamool Congress chief Mamata Banerjee will visit the Jantar Mantar protest site. She will express solidarity with students protesting alleged NEET paper leaks. Banerjee previously criticized the Centre over police action during a march. She had offered to join the CJP protest if needed. Several TMC MPs have already supported the ongoing student demonstrations.
Cybersecurity researcher Nisarga Adhikary joined the CJP protest at Jantar Mantar, expressing support after meeting party leaders Abhijeet Dipke and Anish Gawande. Adhikary, known for exposing alleged vulnerabilities in CBSE's On-Screen Marking portal, has become a prominent voice in debates over examination security following the NEET paper leak controversy.
Government Should Not Discredit Student Protests: Anand Dubey
Mumbai, July 24: Anand Dubey, spokesperson for Shiv Sena (UBT), has criticized the central government regarding the NEET paper leak case and the ongoing student protests at Jantar Mantar in Delhi. He stated that if any irregularities or anti-national activities arise during a protest, the police should act impartially. The law must take its course, ... Read more Government Should Not Discredit Student Protests: Anand Dubey
Members of the Prajasattatmaka Chintana Vedike (Forum for Democratic Thought), along with students, activists and members of civil society, staged a protest in Kalaburagi on Friday, condemning the alleged police action against NEET protesters at Jantar Mantar in New Delhi and demanding that the Union government address concerns over alleged irregularities in the medical entrance examination
What changed? The 48 hours that transformed Centre's approach to CJP's NEET protest
The Centre has shifted its response to the CJP-led NEET paper leak agitation through negotiations, policy assurances and proposed legislation. After talks with Sonam Wangchuk and CJP leaders, the government announced fast-track courts, compensation, and leniency for peaceful protesters, marking a departure from its earlier dismissive stance toward the movement.
The court said that the grant of an interim injunction against OpenAI in favour of ANI would inflict irreparable injury to OpenAI and the public at large.
Uttarakhand Police initiate action against constable over his remarks at Jantar Mantar protests
Uttarakhand Police initiated action against a suspended constable for his statements. Constable Sher Singh was seen speaking at a protest site in Delhi. He had already been suspended for unauthorized absence from duty. Dismissal proceedings were also underway due to his criminal record. This action follows his alleged inflammatory and irresponsible speech.
Students, NSUI stage protest over NEET imbroglio; around 15 protesters detained
Condemning the alleged police brutalities on students protesting over NEET imbroglio in Delhi and demanding resignation of union ministers Dharmendra Pradhan and Amit Shah and Prime Minister Narendra Modi, scores of students led by NSUI and Congress office bearers staged a demonstration in Hubballi on Friday
Bill in Rajya Sabha to criminalise insult to Vande Mataram
New Delhi: The government on Friday, July 24, introduced a bill in the Rajya Sabha seeking to make any obstruction or insult to the national song Vande Mataram a criminal offence. Minister of State for Home Affairs Nityanand Rai introduced The Prevention of Insults to National Honour (Amendment) Bill, 2026, as several Opposition members, including Get the latest updates in Hyderabad City News , Technology , Entertainment , Sports , Politics and Top Stories on WhatsApp & Telegram by subscribing to our channels. You can also download our app for Android and iOS .
Mamata Banerjee likely to join CJP protest at Jantar Mantar on Monday
Mamata Banerjee will join the Cokroach Janta Party protest at Jantar Mantar. She will express solidarity with students protesting the NEET paper leak issue. Earlier, Banerjee criticized the Centre's police action against CJP protesters near Parliament. She stated her readiness to visit Delhi and join the CJP protest if necessary. Trinamool Congress has supported the CJP since its formation.
Protests Erupt in Jaipur Against NEET Exam Leak
Jaipur, July 24: Protests against the NEET exam leak have spread from Delhis Jantar Mantar to Jaipur. A large number of students and candidates aspiring for competitive exams gathered near Patrika Gate at Jawahar Circle, demanding greater accountability in the examination system while chanting slogans against the leak. On Friday, demonstrators carried banners and placards, ... Read more Protests Erupt in Jaipur Against NEET Exam Leak
Parliament remains deadlockedover NEET paper leakcontroversy
New Delhi: The first week of the Monsoon session of Parliament was washed out as the government and the opposition continued to be at loggerheads over the demand for Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhans resignation before a debate on NEET paper leak issue in both Houses. Hitting out at the opposition, the government said making excuses Get the latest updates in Hyderabad City News , Technology , Entertainment , Sports , Politics and Top Stories on WhatsApp & Telegram by subscribing to our channels. You can also download our app for Android and iOS .
Legal Body Moves Delhi HC Against Internet Shutdown Near Jantar Mantar
This is a PIL against internet shutdown at Jantar Mantar, the lawyer said, urging the bench to take up the matter at 2.30 pm.
Soundarya Rajinikanth Voices Support for Students, Urges Respect for Their Voices
Mumbai, July 24: Film producer and daughter of superstar Rajinikanth, Soundarya Rajinikanth, is currently in the spotlight for her recent statements supporting students. She expressed her solidarity with the students protesting at Jantar Mantar in Delhi, emphasizing that they are the future of the nation and deserve to be heard. On Friday, Soundarya took to ... Read more Soundarya Rajinikanth Voices Support for Students, Urges Respect for Their Voices
Delhi High Court refuses to entertain PIL seeking NIA probe into CJPs Chalo Sansad march
A Bench of Chief Justice D. K. Upadhyaya and Justice Tejas Karia said the alleged incidents of vandalism were given the knowledge and notice of the authorities, who would take action according to the law
RAF probes excessive force used by personnel against students
New Delhi: The Rapid Action Force (RAF) has initiated an inquiry into allegations of its personnel using disproportionate force and firing pellet guns during the ongoing student protests in Delhi, officials said on Friday, July 24. The officials told PTI that the Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF) has asked the Inspector General (IG) of the Get the latest updates in Hyderabad City News , Technology , Entertainment , Sports , Politics and Top Stories on WhatsApp & Telegram by subscribing to our channels. You can also download our app for Android and iOS .
Delhi Assembly, Secretariat, Army school get hoax bomb threat
Delhi Assembly, Secretariat, and an Army Public School received bomb threats on Friday. Authorities intensified security measures across the national capital after the alarming calls. Teams were immediately dispatched to the three locations to investigate the threats. After thorough checks, the bomb disposal squad declared all threats as a hoax. Security remains heightened across the city as a precautionary measure.
Cong Hits Modi Govt Over DU, JNU Advisory Against Jantar Mantar Protest
Congress leader Rahul Gandhi on Friday slammed the Delhi University and asked how dare it hreaten students for exercising their democratic rights.
Congress slams Modi government over DU, JNU 'warning' students to stay away from Jantar Mantar
Delhi and Jawaharlal Nehru Universities warned students to avoid Jantar Mantar protests. Congress criticized the government, accusing it of using universities for propaganda. Rahul Gandhi questioned Delhi University's threat to students exercising democratic rights. Students are protesting the NEET paper leak and demanding the education minister's resignation. The universities cited safety and legal risks for students participating in demonstrations.
