IBTimes

While the ruling side must justify major constitutional changes with legal clarity, the Opposition must move beyond symbolic protests and effectively scrutinise legislation. The piece concludes that Parliament's conduct during these debates will determine whether constitutional change strengthens or weakens India's democratic framework.

Partial shutdowns were observed in Doda and Kishtwar following the death of a youth in an alleged police firing in Bhadarwah. Protesters demanded a CBI investigation, while authorities extended internet restrictions, detained two associates of the deceased for questioning, and intensified security to maintain law and order.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi hailed the successful launch of Vikram-1, India's first privately built orbital rocket by Skyroot Aerospace, calling it a milestone for Atmanirbhar Bharat. Speaking to CEO Pawan Kumar Chandana and co-founder Naga Bharath Daka after the launch from Sriharikota

The Fire Force did not disclose the severity of the injuries or identify the locations of the two sites, saying firefighting operations were still underway and that further updates would be released, Xinhua news agency reported.

As of July 18, 2026, retail gold prices in major Indian cities stood at around 1,42,530 per 10 grams for 24-carat gold and 1,30,650 per 10 grams for 22-carat gold. Meanwhile, 999 purity silver was retailing at approximately 1,71,900 per kg

Political parties in Jammu and Kashmir remain divided over the National Conference's July 20 Jantar Mantar protest for statehood restoration. While Congress has extended support, the PDP has demanded inclusion of Article 370 restoration and the release of political prisoners, and the JKPC and Apni Party have declined to participate.

Jennifer Winget married her long-term boyfriend, Singapore-based businessman William Ishmael, in a dreamy white wedding in the UK. Jennifer was previously married to Karan Singh Grover.

The winners of the 72nd National Film Awards were announced on Saturday for films certified by CBFC during 2024. Article 370 emerged as the top winner with Best Feature Film and Best Actress for Yami Gautam. Rajkumar Periasamy won Best Direction for Amaran, while Kalki 2898 AD received the wholesome entertainment award.

Apple was last valued at $4.88 trillion as its shares held steady, while Nvidia was roughly at $4.86 trillion, following a 3.5% decline.

FD interest must be reported under 'Income from Other Sources'. Check AIS and Form 26AS, claim eligible deductions and adjust TDS to avoid notices.

Members of the Deve Gowda family indicated that a decision is likely to be taken to conduct the funeral rites in Hassan, the former Prime Minister's home district.

The National Conference has expelled LAHDC-Kargil Chief Executive Councillor Mohammad Jaffer Akhoon from the party for six years over alleged anti-party activities. The action comes days after Akhoon retained his majority with BJP-backed support, deepening the political crisis over the NC-Congress power-sharing agreement in Kargil.

Maharashtra Congress chief Harshwardhan Sapkal also demanded Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan's resignation, questioned Prime Minister Narendra Modi's silence on the issue, and accused the Centre of apathy towards Wangchuk's protest.

A moving car caught fire inside the Mumbai Coastal Road tunnel on the Haji Ali-Worli carriageway on Wednesday afternoon, triggering a swift emergency response. The Mumbai Fire Brigade received the alert at around 12:25 pm and dispatched fire personnel, police, and a 108 ambulance.

The Sensex rose 130.49 points, or 0.17 per cent, to settle at 77,185.43, while the Nifty advanced 26.45 points, or 0.11 per cent, to close at 24,074.85.

Senior Trinamool Congress leader Madan Mitra joined the rebel faction led by Ritabrata Banerjee, calling the party a fragmented organisation. The move comes weeks after his promotion as general secretary and adds to the internal turmoil following the TMC's defeat in the 2026 West Bengal Assembly elections.

In south Mumbai's Bhendi Bazar area, the licence of the well-known Shalimar Hospitality hotel was reportedly cancelled after officials found 25 separate violations during a follow-up inspection, despite an earlier notice giving the establishment time to rectify faults.

The India-UK Free Trade Agreement (CETA) comes into effect after nearly three years of negotiations, reducing tariffs on thousands of products. While Indian consumers may benefit from cheaper Scotch whisky, gin and luxury cars over time, exporters in textiles, footwear, seafood, engineering goods and auto components are expected to gain from wider market access

Tension gripped parts of Ladakh after the Youth Wing of the Ladakh Buddhist Association (LBA) alleged that a group of non-local individuals was involved in religious conversion-related activities in remote areas of the Union Territory. Acting on intelligence inputs, Leh Police detained eight persons and registered an FIR, launching a probe into the alleged operation.