✊ Omar Abdullah backs RSS chief on youth protests

J&K CM Omar Abdullah welcomed RSS chief Mohan Bhagwat's statement on Gen Z protests on Friday. Bhagwat, speaking in Mumbai on Thursday, clarified that student protests express democratic rights, not anti-national sentiments. These comments followed student protests in Delhi over NEET exam paper leaks. Abdullah agreed that protesting the government is different from being against India, noting reforms resulted from the movement. He also demanded an end to the backlash and targeting of protesting youth. ✊

🚨 CBI charges three NTA experts in NEET-UG 2026 leak

The CBI has officially chargesheeted three subject experts from the NTA regarding the NEET-UG 2026 question paper leak. The named individuals are Manisha Gurunath Mandhare, Prahalad Kulkarni, and Manisha Sanjay Havaldar, who were involved in setting the exam paper. This chargesheet was filed on Friday, citing criminal breach of trust while serving as public servants. Several acts were invoked against them, including the Public Examinations Act, 2024, and the Prevention of Corruption Act, 1988. If found guilty, the experts face potential life imprisonment under the new legal framework. 🚨

🔥 Vijay vs Udhayanidhi clash over Mekedatu dam

A heated exchange occurred in the Tamil Nadu Assembly regarding Karnataka's proposed Mekedatu dam over the Cauvery water dispute. Leader of Opposition Udhayanidhi Stalin demanded an all-party meeting to show unity on the issue. Chief Minister Vijay rejected this, defending his government's stance and his willingness to talk to Karnataka. Vijay stated he was ready for humiliation if it protected Tamil Nadu's interests while maintaining a legal approach. The dam project, costing Rs 9,000 crore, is opposed by Tamil Nadu due to potential impact on delta water flow.

🗳️ CPI(M) asks Centre to separate women's reservation bill

CPI(M) leader B.V. Raghavulu urged the Centre not to tie the proposed women’s reservation law with the delimitation exercise. He stated this while addressing the media in Vijayawada alongside V. Srinivasa Rao on Thursday. Raghavulu noted the government lacked consensus and failed to consult opposition parties adequately. He also demanded the PM respect student sentiments following recent New Delhi protests. Furthermore, Srinivasa Rao called for a White Paper on job creation and better water release for Krishna delta crops. 🗳️

🗣️ Rahul Gandhi calls out his favourite BJP leader

Rahul Gandhi openly praised Amarinder Singh during an 'ask me anything' session with students on Instagram. The interaction took place on August 6, 2026, with Gandhi addressing a large student audience. Amarinder Singh, who joined the BJP in 2022, is noted for his expertise in military history. This outreach happens after Gandhi met students protesting NEET paper leaks last month. Gandhi is actively using Instagram to connect with the rising Gen Z voter bloc ahead of the 2029 elections.

📱 WhatsApp testing age verification in India

WhatsApp is currently testing an age confirmation feature in India. This initiative is being rolled out by the platform across various regions within the country. The rollout began in phases, with specific dates and user groups being targeted for the trial. This move comes as digital identity verification requirements are tightening due to upcoming legislation. The platform plans to expand this feature's deployment as the new law approaches.

📱 Amazon Freedom Sale drops Samsung S25 Ultra price

Amazon's Freedom Sale has brought the Samsung Galaxy S25 Ultra to one of its lowest prices in the Indian market. The deal is happening on Amazon, where the device is currently listed at Rs 88,900. This represents a saving of over Rs 41,000 from the original MRP of Rs 129,999. Further discounts are available via exchange bonuses up to Rs 28,000 and select bank offers. Buyers should check the final billed amount as the sale runs through the first half of August. 📱

📈 Kalyan Jewellers stock jumps on Jefferies 'Buy' call

Kalyan Jewellers shares surged up to 5% on the BSE after Jefferies initiated coverage with a 'Buy' rating and a Rs 830 target price. This stock saw over 60% growth within the last month, as Jefferies noted its strong growth engine combining neighborhood relevance with retail scale. The brokerage forecasts a 21-23% CAGR in revenue and earnings for Kalyan between FY26-29. Kalyan recently reported a 32% YoY rise in net profit to Rs 348.7 crore for the June quarter. The company plans to expand its asset-light franchise model outside of South India moving forward.

🤝 India and China agree on border talks

India and China have agreed to utilize both diplomatic and military channels to prevent misunderstandings along the Line of Actual Control (LAC). This understanding was reached between the two nations' respective authorities. The agreement was formalized recently, setting new protocols for border management. This move aims to de-escalate tensions and maintain peace in the region. Both countries will now engage through these agreed-upon channels moving forward. 🤝

😠 Argentina protests private property bill with clashes

Thousands of demonstrators protested a controversial private property bill outside the Argentine Senate on Thursday. The protests took place in Argentina, with activists carrying signs like "The homeland is not for sale." Clashes escalated as the demonstration concluded at nightfall, leading police to deploy tear gas and water cannons. This legislation, supported by President Javier Milei, aims to streamline eviction and change rural land-use rules. Despite adjustments, opposition groups remain against the bill, fearing homeland fragmentation. 😠

💻 Microsoft's massive new data centre in Hyderabad

Microsoft has launched a massive new data centre in Hyderabad, making its India presence even bigger. This facility joins existing hubs in Pune, Mumbai, and Chennai, significantly boosting the cloud infrastructure. The total investment in India has scaled up to $20.5 billion covering operations through 2029. This new centre features zero-water cooling and is roughly the size of two Eden Gardens cricket stadiums. It positions Microsoft strongly for India's growing AI-driven cloud demand going forward.