The Supreme Court has directed States and Union Territories to consider raising the retirement age of judicial officers from 60 to 61 years as an interim measure. This directive comes while the court is deliberating on a petition seeking a uniform enhancement of the retirement age for district judiciary judges from 60 to 62 years across the country. The decision is subject to consultation between the State/UT governments and their respective High Courts, and the interim arrangement will not prejudice the final adjudication on the substantive legal question.
Trinamool Congress MP Kalyan Banerjee was suspended from the Lok Sabha for the remainder of the Monsoon session for using "unsavoury" language against women members. The suspension followed a complaint to the Speaker, a resolution moved by a Union Minister, and a voice vote in the House. The incident occurred after a heated exchange between Banerjee and members of the Nationalist Citizens Party of India (NCPI), who are former TMC MPs now allied with the NDA.
The India Meteorological Department (IMD) is implementing 'Mission Mausam' to provide panchayat-level weather forecasts and agrometeorological advisories to residents and farmers in Telangana villages via WhatsApp. This initiative leverages the Panchayat Mausam Seva Portal, integrated with digital governance platforms like e-GramSwaraj, and utilizes networks such as Krishi Sakhis and Pashu Sakhis for last-mile dissemination. The service aims to deliver critical information on weather events and crop-specific guidance to minimize agricultural losses, supported by IMD's extensive weather observation infrastructure.
The article details a 'Chalo Sansad' protest organized by the Cockroach Janta Party (CJP) on July 20, 2026, demanding the resignation of Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan over alleged examination paper leaks, particularly concerning NEET. Thousands marched to Parliament, leading to clashes with police, internet blackouts in Central Delhi, and protests spreading nationwide. Key figures like CJP founder Abhijeet Dipke, actor Shabana Azmi, and activist Sonam Wangchuk were involved.
The article explores the historical and political impact of hunger strikes in India, from Mahatma Gandhi's satyagraha to contemporary movements. It highlights how figures like Potti Sriramulu, Irom Sharmila, Anna Hazare, Medha Patkar, K. Chandrashekar Rao, G.D. Agrawal, and Sonam Wangchuk used this non-violent protest to influence state formation, challenge contentious laws like AFSPA, advocate for anti-corruption legislation, demand environmental justice, and seek constitutional safeguards for regions, thereby significantly shaping India's political landscape and public discourse.
The article discusses escalating tensions between the U.S. and Iran, focusing on U.S. President Donald Trump's threats to bomb Iran's under-construction 'Pickaxe Mountain' nuclear site. This fortified underground facility, located near Natanz, is being developed by Iran in response to previous attacks on its nuclear infrastructure and is believed to be for uranium enrichment and centrifuge assembly. The situation is further complicated by Iran's threats to block vital seaways like the Strait of Hormuz. While an interim memorandum of understanding was signed to suspend military operations and negotiate a permanent agreement, the threat to the Pickaxe Mountain site remains, with concerns that an attack could drive Iran's nuclear operations deeper underground, ending diplomatic oversight.
The article reports that Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan met Lok Sabha Speaker Om Birla after the government agreed to discuss the NEET paper leak in the Lok Sabha. The government urged the Speaker to convene an all-party meeting to decide on the debate's rules, date, and duration. The Opposition is demanding a discussion on the issue and the Education Minister's resignation over alleged examination irregularities.
Mobile Internet services were shut down in parts of Central Delhi during a 'Chalo Sansad' protest organized by the Cockroach Janta Party (CJP). The protest demanded the resignation of Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan over NEET paper leaks. The internet shutdown, which lasted until evening, was condemned by the Internet Freedom Foundation (IFF) and the Software Freedom Law Centre, India (SFLC), raising questions about its legality and impact on fundamental rights.
The Supreme Court directed the Union and Madhya Pradesh governments to strictly comply with its interim order to identify an 'adjacent' open space for the Muslim community to offer Friday namaz near the disputed Bhojshala-Kamal Maula Mosque complex. This directive came after the authorities identified a site nearly 2 km away, which the court deemed non-compliant with its earlier order. The dispute involves competing Hindu and Muslim religious claims over the 11th-century ASI-protected monument, following a High Court ruling that declared it a Saraswati temple and barred Friday namaz. The SC emphasized avoiding tension and prohibited structural alterations to the complex without its prior permission.
The article details the cancellation of a joint U.S.-Canada ceremony for the opening of the Gordie Howe International Bridge, connecting Detroit and Windsor, Ontario. This cancellation followed President Donald Trump's announcement of a 50% tariff on most Canadian goods, citing unfair discrimination against U.S. products. Canada views the tariffs as inappropriate and plans its own ceremony, while the U.S. considers a separate event. The tariffs have escalated trade tensions between the two close allies, with Canada's Prime Minister Mark Carney advocating for free and fair trade and Ontario's Premier Doug Ford suggesting retaliatory tariffs. The bridge, a significant economic artery, was financed by Canada, and its construction has been subject to previous disagreements and demands from the Trump administration.
The Supreme Court, led by CJI Surya Kant, declined to take suo motu cognisance of alleged police violence during a student protest organized by the Cockroach Janta Party (CJP) in Delhi. The lawyer presenting the case cited videographic evidence of police brutality against protesters demanding reforms in the National Testing Agency (NTA) and the resignation of the Union Education Minister. Both the Supreme Court and the Delhi High Court refused urgent hearings, with the CJI stating the court's time should not be 'wasted' on watching videos. The police action, which included alleged pellet gun use and an internet shutdown, sparked political protests and demands for ministerial resignations.
External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar emphasized the need for deeper cooperation between India and ASEAN to navigate an 'extremely turbulent' world. He highlighted challenges such as supply chain disruptions, and threats to energy, food, and health security, stressing the importance of observing international law, especially in maritime trade. The minister outlined a broad agenda for India-ASEAN ties, encompassing trade, investment, technology, digital, AI, green initiatives, sustainability, and connectivity, noting the Philippines' role as country coordinator and 2026 as the ASEAN-India year of maritime cooperation.
