🚀 Jaipur residents turn potholes into moon craters

Over 100 residents from Gokulpura staged a unique protest to highlight civic issues in Jaipur. Two protesters, dressed as astronauts, entered large, water-filled potholes on Pratap Circle Road. This two-hour event took place on Thursday, from 10 am to noon, in wards 46 and 47. The action aimed to draw attention to the poor road and drainage conditions worsened by recent rains. Authorities have already awarded tenders, and construction work is expected to start post-monsoon. 🚀

🇮🇳 Madras High Court adds Vande Mataram before anthem

The Madras High Court decided to play the national song Vande Mataram before the national anthem during Independence Day 2026 celebrations. This directive applies to its principal seat in Chennai, the Madurai Bench, and all district judicial units across Tamil Nadu and Puducherry. The instruction, issued by Registrar General Deepthi Arivunithi, follows the Centre's advisory for the 'Har Ghar Tiranga Campaign 2026'. The sequence mandates Vande Mataram first, then the flag hoisting, and finally the national anthem. However, the Bar Association expressed concern over the exclusion of the State song, Tamil Thai Vazhthu.

📉 Oracle planning another big layoff wave

Oracle is preparing for another round of job cuts this month as it aims to lower its payroll before September 1st. This action comes after the company already eliminated about 21,000 full-time roles over the past year. The recent reductions are partly attributed by Oracle to the deployment of AI technology across the organization. The layoffs follow a March cut affecting over 10,000 employees across the US and India. These cuts are part of a massive restructuring amid significant AI data center spending.

⚖️ Supreme Court drops FIRs against comedians

The Supreme Court quashed the FIRs against comedians Samay Raina, Vipul Goyal, and others regarding disability jokes. This decision was made by a bench comprising Chief Justice Surya Kant on Friday. The court noted their efforts, including a chess tournament held from March 14 to 16, 2026. The comedians also engaged in dialogue with the Cure Foundation about spreading awareness for SMA warriors. The bench appreciated these actions and directed the petition to remain pending for wider guidelines.

🛡️ Rijiju denies excessive force during NEET protests

Parliamentary Affairs Minister Kiren Rijiju has dismissed claims of excessive force used during the NEET protest. This statement came after the Monsoon Session was adjourned sine die amid major disagreements. Rijiju asserted that there were no widespread injuries among the students during the agitation. The government is ready to debate the police action in Parliament, according to the minister. Home Minister Amit Shah will reply in Parliament if the Opposition lets proceedings function.

🤒 H1N1 cases spike in Delhi, parents worried 😟

A sharp rise in H1N1 influenza cases is currently being witnessed across Delhi. The National Centre for Disease Control reports that 1,449 cases have been recorded in the national capital. This figure shows a six-fold increase compared to the 229 cases reported during the same period last year. Dedicated wards have been set up at hospitals like Ram Manohar Lohia and Safdarjung Hospital to manage this surge. Parents are advised to get children vaccinated and practice strict hand hygiene for safety.

🤝 Iran President visiting India for BRICS summit amidst regional heat 🇮🇷

Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian is set to visit New Delhi to attend the upcoming BRICS summit. This high-level engagement is happening in New Delhi as Iran signals interest in India's role in easing West Asia tensions. The summit is scheduled for September, where India will be hosting under its 2026 chairship theme. Iran views India as a potential partner in de-escalating the ongoing crisis in the region. This visit follows previous high-level meetings between the two nations.

🏏 Manav Suthar: India's next spin ace?

Manav Suthar is being highlighted as a classic all-weather finger spinner India needs right now. He was observed in Galle, and selectors are keen to develop him as a key asset. He made his Test debut against Afghanistan on June 8 and played for Warwickshire in Scarborough on June 12. His unique wrist action and ball revolutions are praised for bringing back deception to cricket. Coaches believe his hard work and adaptability will ensure a long career for Suthar. 🏏

🏏 Manav Suthar: India's next all-weather spinner?

Manav Suthar is being highlighted as a throwback spinner with unique skill sets. He hails from India, and his talent was noticed by selectors after his domestic days. In Test vs Afghanistan on June 8th, he showcased his craft, followed by a County match on June 12th. His ability to deliver subtle variations makes him a highly valuable asset for the team. Coaches believe his hard work and unique style will benefit India for a long time. 🏏

🤔 Can Rahul Gandhi shift the 'Pappu' narrative on Modi?

Rahul Gandhi is facing challenges in countering the negative 'Pappu' narrative surrounding Prime Minister Narendra Modi. This political battle is unfolding across various state and national platforms. Specific data points regarding campaign polling and public sentiment are currently under analysis by political observers. The core context involves a push for narrative control in the highly polarized Indian political landscape. Future political maneuvering will determine the success of these efforts.

💔 Anupama addresses 'gold digger' tag, reveals engagement delay

Anupama Parameswaran recently spoke out regarding the 'gold digger' label she has faced publicly. She shared that she intentionally postponed her engagement because she sensed it wasn't genuine love. The actress stated that her partner started discussing the engagement within three months of dating them. She further revealed that rejecting the proposal prevented a potential marriage that would have ended in divorce. Anupama detailed the toxic nature of the relationship, calling it narcissistic abuse. 💔