The Times of India

Justice Ujjal Bhuyan expressed concern over shrinking public space for dissent in India. He noted that courts often grant relief belatedly and impose restrictive bail conditions. These conditions can discourage citizens from exercising their fundamental right to express views. Justice Bhuyan cited cases where individuals faced prolonged jail time for minor offenses. He stressed the need for critical examination of judicial decisions to improve the system.

Wildlife trafficking has moved from physical markets to online platforms. This shift impacts lesser-known species like shikras and slow lorises. Recent enforcement operations have recovered protected animals and birds. These seizures highlight a conservation crisis often overlooked by the public. Demand for exotic pets and traditional beliefs fuels this illegal trade.

Prime Minister Modi urged water conservation efforts through the 'catch the rain' campaign. He asked citizens to take responsibility for local water bodies and save every drop. The nation faces a significant monsoon rainfall deficit, impacting water availability. However, improved rains are expected next week in northwest India and eastern regions. Despite potential improvements, July is still projected to end with a countrywide deficit.

The Ministry of External Affairs clarified a misleading social media post regarding protest funding. Spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal stated he had no information on foreign funding claims. This clarification followed viral posts attributing false statements to the spokesperson. The CJP-led protests concluded after the government accepted all their demands. Union minister Pralhad Joshi received additional charge of the education ministry.

Pralhad Joshi has taken charge as the Union Education Minister. He is reviewing the ministry's functioning and familiarizing himself with its operations. Joshi expressed gratitude to Prime Minister Narendra Modi for this new responsibility. This change follows Dharmendra Pradhan's resignation from the Union Council of Ministers. The ministry change occurs amid student protests over examination irregularities.

The Foreign Contribution (Regulation) Amendment Bill, 2026, introduced in the Lok Sabha in March, proposes a new framework for managing foreign contributions and assets when an organisations registration is cancelled, surrendered or ceases. The government says the changes are intended to address administrative and legal gaps, while critics question the breadth of the proposed powers.

Mehbooba Mufti criticized Yogi Adityanath regarding the proposed demolition of 38 buildings at Jauhar University. She suggested the Uttar Pradesh chief minister should learn from the Jantar Mantar protests. Mufti stated destroying the learning institution displays hatred and vengeance against students. Akhilesh Yadav also joined students protesting to save Jauhar University from demolition. The Samajwadi Party demanded the BJP halt the demolition, citing potential harm to students.

Opposition parties will continue their Parliament pressure regarding alleged police brutality against students. Rahul Gandhi has demanded accountability from Home Minister Amit Shah for the protest actions. The INDIA bloc will finalize its strategy on the anti-paper leak bill soon. This proposed legislation aims to increase penalties for examination-related unfair means. The Congress seeks an apology from Prime Minister Narendra Modi for the alleged atrocities.

During a rally in Moradabad, the Hyderabad Lok Sabha MP said he was ready to join hands or form alliance with Samajwadi Party, which would be cautious with the offer as both parties reach out to same voter base in the 403-seat assembly. Brushing off the BJP's B-team tag, Owaisi said he doesn't want BJP to continue in power for the third straight term in the state given that Samajwadi Party ties up with AIMIM to avoid the split of votes.

Assam's flood death toll has reached sixty-six people as the situation shows improvement. Over six lakh people remain affected across six districts, while water levels are receding. The state BJP has initiated a twelve crore rupee relief campaign for flood-hit families. This campaign aims to provide clothing to two lakh women and children. An inter-ministerial central team has arrived to assess the extensive flood damage.

West Bengal chief minister Suvendu Adhikari alleged Islamic fundamentalists orchestrated protest violence. He claimed these individuals were not students and may have foreign backing. The violence occurred during a protest concerning the alleged NEET question paper leak. Media personnel were reportedly targeted during the clashes with security forces. The state government invoked its anti-goonda law against those accused of orchestrating the violence.

Punjab Chief Minister Bhagwant Singh Mann inaugurated a new 120-bed hospital. This facility will improve access to advanced healthcare services in the Malwa region. Eligible patients can receive cashless treatment under government health schemes. The state government is also expanding its network of Aam Aadmi Clinics. Punjab has also introduced a universal healthcare scheme for all resident families.

Addressing the 136th episode of his monthly radio programme, Mann Ki Baat, the Prime Minister pointed to the induction of INS Mahendragiri into the Indian Navy as an example of India's progress in indigenous defence manufacturing. This modern warship has been designed in India and made in India. More than 75 per cent indigenous content has been used in this. This is a symbol of the growing strength of 'Atmanirbhar Bharat', he said.

Peaceful protest is crucial to any democracy. It is the government's responsibility to protect protestors and resolve their grievances through dialogue. Such brutal violence destroys every norm, and has outraged the country. Youth and students, the future of our country, are demanding answers and accountability. Their voice will be heard, he further wrote.

MP minister Vijayvargiya, speaking to news agency PTI in Indore on Saturday, said Pradhan had informed the BJP leadership that he was willing to resign if the party believed it was necessary. On the first day, as soon as the student agitation began, Pradhan had told the BJP president that if he felt it was necessary, he was ready to resign as education minister, Vijayvargiya said.

India is observing the 27th anniversary of Kargil Vijay Diwas, commemorating its victory in the 1999 Kargil War. The day marks the successful culmination of Operation Vijay and honours the 527 soldiers who made the supreme sacrifice while driving Pakistani intruders out of strategic heights in the Kargil sector. The Kargil conflict, fought between May and July 1999, remains the only conventional war between two nuclear-armed neighbours.

While AISA, SFI, AISF Supported Dipke & Co, Mother Outfits Goaded Oppn To Back Protest

Bid To Make Investigation And Judicial Process Time-Bound

Uttar Pradesh government formed a new SIT to investigate alleged embezzlement of temple offerings. This team, led by senior IPS officers, replaces the earlier investigation panel. The Supreme Court directed the state to form a fresh SIT under a senior IPS officer. Investigators previously examined financial records and questioned temple staff about donation irregularities. The new SIT will submit its findings to the Supreme Court on July 27.

Union Home Minister Amit Shah stated the country and students are more important than any position. He reaffirmed the Modi government's commitment to reforms against paper leaks. Dharmendra Pradhan resigned as Union Education Minister amid nationwide protests over the NEET-UG paper leak. Pralhad Joshi was given additional charge of the education ministry later that day. The government respects youth sentiments and ensures justice for NEET aspirants.

A Bhopal court rejected retired judge Giribala Singh's bail plea. She is accused in the dowry death of former model Twisha Sharma. The court cited the serious nature of the charges against the accused. The CBI opposed bail, citing alleged attempts to influence the investigation. Giribala Singh remains in custody as the probe continues.

West Bengal invoked its new Goonda Act against those accused of violence during a recent NEET protest. Chief Minister Suvendu Adhikari announced the action, condemning the attacks on journalists. Around seventy individuals identified from the rally were not students and had no protest connection. Seven FIRs were registered, incorporating provisions of the recently passed Goonda Act. The police exercised maximum restraint despite repeated provocations during the demonstration.

In a remarkable turn of events, student protests led to resignation of Union minister Dharmendra Pradhan, showcasing the power of grassroots activism. The Cockroach Janata Party, born from online memes, played a pivotal role in this uprising. Climate activist Sonam Wangchuk's hunger strike also fueled the movement's progress, raising critical questions for opposition parties regarding their involvement in such significant demonstrations.