Mumbai Police have started sending WhatsApp notices under Section 35(3) of the BNSS to around 300 NEET protesters, asking them to appear at Shivaji Park Police Station. More than 900 people have been booked across 12 FIRs.

Source

Iranian Parliament News Agency chief Mehdi Rahimi said Thursday that Tehran has warned Pakistan about the possibility of US President Donald Trump deploying mercenary forces along Iran's eastern border.

Speaking to Al Mayadeen, Rahimi said the warning was delivered by Iran's Interior Minister Eskandar Momeni during discussions with Pakistani officials, amid concerns over potential security threats along the two countries' shared border.

Rahimi added that the Iranian minister warned Pakistani officials that Tehran would respond decisively and with full force to any terrorist aggression against the country.

#internationalnews

Rs 4,294-Crore Projects: Cabinet Approves Three Chemical Parks, Railway-Line Expansion

BHAVYA Rasayan Scheme Gets Rs 3,030-Crore Approval

The Cabinet approved the BHAVYA Rasayan Scheme, announced in the Union Budget 2026-27, with a total financial outlay of Rs 3,030 crore to establish three dedicated chemical parks across India over the next five years.

Cabinet Approves Rs 1,264-Crore Railway Multi-Tracking Project

The Cabinet approved the construction of the third and fourth railway lines between Ballari and Guntakal, spanning Karnataka and Andhra Pradesh, at an estimated cost of Rs 1,264 crore.
The project is targeted for completion by 2028-29

Source

#infrastructure #railways

"In view of the current situation in New Delhi district and in light of law and order, Facial Recognition System (FRS) cameras have been installed at various locations to prevent anti-social elements, criminals, wanted criminals, or anti-social elements from entering the Jantar Mantar protest. Previously, Delhi Police had installed FRS cameras at various locations for security purposes during major events in Delhi, such as January 26th, August 15th, Holi, Diwali, Eid, and Ramlila. It is completely false to claim that these cameras have been installed around Jantar Mantar in New Delhi district with the intention of spying on the Jantar Mantar protesters. Delhi Police and central agencies have received inputs that cross-border terrorist organizations are also monitoring the student protests and conspiring to disrupt the national atmosphere."

– Delhi Police Sources (ANI)

#NationalSecurity

Ravneet Singh Bittu has resigned from the Union Council of Ministers. He was Minister of State for Railways and Food Processing Industries. Hon'ble President of India has accepted his resignation with immediate effect. #Policy

National Testing Agency has terminated 47 officials from their service. Legal and criminal actions will also be taken against some of these officials. This is part of a complete overhaul of NTA that has been in controversy over paper leaks. (ANI) #Education

In yesterday Rajya Sabha Question Hour, the government disclosed that of the 39 sanctioned posts in the National Testing Agency (NTA), 15 remain vacant. The agency is currently staffed with 24 officers on deputation, supported by 73 officials on contract and 124 outsourced personnel who handle functions ranging from data analysis and legal support to housekeeping and communications.

Senior positions such as Directors and Joint Directors are filled only through deputation under the Central Staffing Scheme, while specialized roles like the General Manager (Communications) and various consultants are also engaged externally to sustain operations. #Education

India's pulses import bill fell in FY26 as domestic production rose to 27.4 million tonnes and global prices dropped 30-40%, with kabuli chana imports down 98.8% and Bengal gram down 52%, while kabuli chana and other pulses exports increased.

Experts warn El Nino could hurt future domestic output and lead to higher imports again. #Exports #Economy #Food

Govt allowed 100% FDI for foreign-owned e-commerce firms like Amazon and Flipkart to hold inventory exclusively for exports of goods made in India. The move supports the $80 billion export target for 2030, helps MSMEs sell globally, and clarifies policy while keeping the ban on inventory-based e-commerce for domestic sales. #Exports

Parliament's PAC criticized the Defence Ministry for gaps in implementing the Defence Offsets Policy, noting a 45% shortfall in foreign OEM commitments. Of 56 offset contracts worth $13.2 billion signed since 2006, only about 55% obligations are fulfilled, with 26 ongoing contracts worth $9.91 billion.

The PAC cited poor contract management and planning, and suggested making offsets universal and focusing on technology transfer rather than just production. #Defence

The PAC flagged delays in production of the electronically upgraded 155mm/45 calibre Dhanush gun, saying it has affected Army operational preparedness, especially the Artillery Division. Based on a 2018 CAG report, it noted user trials weren’t fully cleared and bulk production clearance for the 2013 indent is still pending from the Army.

The PAC recommended the Defence Ministry take concrete steps to avoid unrealistic delays and proactively assess stockpiles given the current geopolitical scenario. #Defence

India will build Phase-II of its strategic petroleum reserves at a cost of Rs 14,527 crore under a PPP model, with government viability gap funding capped at 60%. Approved in July 2021, it will add 6.5 million tonnes of storage in Odisha (4 MT) and Karnataka (2.5 MT). #Energy #Oil

Phase-I already has 5.33 MT capacity at Visakhapatnam, Mangaluru, and Padur. The government also signed an MoU with ADNOC for UAE use of 750,000 tonnes cavern at Mangaluru to strengthen energy security.

Telangana HC initially ordered Army deployment to protect a disputed private 40-acre property in Secunderabad, saying it had "lost faith in the state government" over HYDRAA's alleged illegal interference. Justice Anil Jukanti later kept the order in abeyance after hearing HYDRAA's denial and directing its commissioner to file an affidavit. The case was posted to July 24.

#Defence #judiciary

Bengal government barred panchayat pradhans, municipal chairmen, and mayors from issuing birth certificates after inspections found about 25% fake registrations, with 11,000 fake certificates in one sample of 47,000.

The state cited massive irregularities since 2023 during electoral roll revision, started police raids, and said officers will now issue certificates after integrating with the central CRS portal to restore transparency.

#Policy #Reforms

Centre approved 22 research and innovation projects worth ₹4,744 crore with ₹2,192 crore funding from the RDIF to boost innovation in areas like energy, AI, quantum, space, biotech, and pharmaceuticals.

TDB and BIRAC were named fund managers and BIRAC has 8 more projects worth ₹390.35 crore under review, as part of the ₹1 lakh crore RDIF launched in 2025 to support indigenous tech and self-reliance.

#Research