Floodwaters inundate low-lying areas and villages in Jonai following heavy rainfall, in Arunachal Pradesh. (ANI Video Grab)The Indian Meteorological Department (IMD) has issued heavy to very heavy rainfall in Arunachal Pradesh from July 31, prompting flash flood alerts for nine districts and putting authorities on high alert. The districts under flash flood alerts are Tawang, West Kameng, East Kameng, Kurung Kumey, Upper Subansiri, Anjaw, Dibang Valley, Tirap and Changlang. The alert said heavy rainfall could trigger surface runoff and inundation in fully saturated soils and low-lying areas in these districts over the next 24 hours, PTI reported.
Delhi drops 13 FIRs against protesters in CJP march to Parliament, no relief for those with criminal past. On July 20, students participating in the CJP-led Chalo Sansad protest marched towards Parliament, demanding government accountability over the NEET examination paper leak.
Voting began at 7 am on Thursday for bypolls to three assembly seats — Bankipur in Bihar, Datia in Madhya Pradesh and Manjalpur in Gujarat — with results due on August 3. In Bankipur, the contest has drawn national attention: Jan Suraaj Party founder Prashant Kishor is making his electoral debut among 26 candidates, with the BJP fielding Neeraj Kumar Sinha against him. Around 3.80 lakh voters are eligible in Bankipur, where the BJP is projecting a “landslide,” while Tejashwi Yadav’s RJD has expressed confidence in a win. Voting is also underway in Datia, where 2.20 lakh voters will choose among 21 candidates, and in Manjalpur, where the contest is a straight two-candidate fight.
Activist Sonam Wangchuk, fresh off his hunger strike at Jantar Mantar, travelled on the newly launched Vande Bharat train from Delhi to Srinagar to experience the Chenab bridge. “Am proud of Indian Railways. Want to be proud of Indian government promises too,” he wrote on X — a pointed reminder, directed at the Centre, that the NEET protest’s unfinished business has not been forgotten even as the immediate confrontation wound down.
An Indian Express exclusive has obtained Goa Police’s 240-point questionnaire administered to CJP protesters, which includes questions on whether they shouted slogans such as “Free Umar Khalid” — a surveillance document that has alarmed civil liberties groups and raised questions about the state’s approach to lawful protest.
The CRPF director general has sent a “work fearlessly” message to his troops even as the row over pellet gun use at the CJP Parliament march on July 20 deepens. The RAF chief is separately learnt to have told personnel that the force gradient adopted that day was not in accordance with prescribed standards — a significant admission that has yet to be made public by the force.
The CBI chargesheet in the NEET paper leak case reveals that the question papers were smuggled out of Maharashtra through two separate routes, adding forensic detail to a case that will now be heard in a fast-track court — and that the government will want resolved before it overshadows the Monsoon Session any further.
The Monsoon Session continues with the Lok Sabha taking up the Supreme Court Judges (Number of Judges) Amendment Bill and the Rajya Sabha scheduled to consider the MSME Development Amendment Bill and the Public Examinations Amendment Bill. Congress president Mallikarjun Kharge has separately targeted Home Minister Amit Shah over police action against student protesters, setting up a combative session day.
The Chhattisgarh High Court has stayed further proceedings against former Chief Minister and Congress leader Bhupesh Baghel in a case linked to the alleged circulation of a purported sleaze video featuring an ex-BJP minister.
(PTI)
The IMD has forecast heavy rainfall in Arunachal Pradesh from July 31 and issued flash flood alerts for nine districts. It has advised all departments to remain on high alert.
The districts under flash flood alerts are Tawang, West Kameng, East Kameng, Kurung Kumey, Upper Subansiri, Anjaw, Dibang Valley, Tirap and Changlang.
(PTI)
Senior police officers from West Bengal, Odisha, and Jharkhand on Thursday held a high-level inter-state meeting to discuss a range of issues, including Maoist and drug trafficking.
(PTI)
The Maharashtra government has decided to discontinue the physical supply of newspapers and magazines to the offices and official residences of deputy chief ministers and ministers from September 1. Instead, ministers will be encouraged to rely on online subscriptions.
A Government Resolution (GR) issued by the General Administration Department (GAD) announced that the new policy will take effect from September 1.
(PTI)
As Assam grapples with an unprecedented flood crisis, the death toll has climbed to 78, with more than three lakh people affected. The Indian Express Hindi presents you with the ground-zero reportage.
The first report documents how flash floods triggered by the Dikhow River swept through villages in just an hour, destroying homes and livelihoods. Villagers speak about breaking through tin roofs to escape rising waters, losing generations-old dairy farming businesses, and being left without shelter or basic belongings.
The second report from Nepali Khuti village on the Assam-Nagaland border in Sivasagar district, shows the tragic loss of human lives, destroyed tin-roof houses, and the massive loss of livestock (over 800 dairy cows) that formed the backbone of the local community's livelihood.
Karnataka Minister Ramalinga Reddy said the Cauvery Water Management Authority (CWMA) has upheld the Centre for Wildlife Rehabilitation and Conservation's recommendation to release 3,500 cusecs of Cauvery water.
(PTI)
More than 200 academicians wrote an open letter to Congress MP Priyanka Gandhi, objecting to her remarks against the IIT Madras Director. In the letter, Academicians wrote, 'Mockery is no substitute for reasoned engagement.'
(PTI)
The Delhi government has issued an order stating that individuals with a criminal background will face legal action.
The order also said that Delhi Police has registered 13 FIRs in connection with the CJP protests and that those arrested or detained will be released expeditiously.
(PTI)
VCK Chief Thol Thirumavalan has asked the Tamil Nadu government to immediately convene an all-party meeting over the Cauvery water dispute. Thirumavalan criticised the Karnataka government for its alleged "anti-Tamil stance" and accused it of failing to release Tamil Nadu's due share of Cauvery water despite explicit dorections fromt he regulatory authorities.
"The cumulative shortfall in water receipt since June 1 stands at nearly 33 TMC ft. Overall water released by Karnataka has barely touched 1 TMC ft cumulatively at key intervals," Thirumavalavan said.
(PTI)
The first all-women Quick Reaction Team (QRT) batch passed out in the Central Industrial Security Force (CISF) at the 10th Reserve Battalion in Bengaluru. The women commandos underwent specialised training in tactical operations, counter-terrorism and rapid response.
CISF Additional Director General Binita Thakur inaugurated a dedicated QRT Training Area to facilitate realistic, mission-oriented training.
VIDEO | The CISF marked a significant milestone with the passing out of its first Mahila Quick Reaction Team (QRT) batch at the 10th Reserve Battalion, Bengaluru, on July 28, 2026, and designated the battalion as the CISF's Mahila QRT Training Centre. The women commandos… pic.twitter.com/xOdZ2FDFMB
— Press Trust of India (@PTI_News) July 30, 2026
The IMD has issued an orange alert for isolated places in Haryana and Chandigarh. Northern Punjab is expected to receive heavy to very heavy rain.
Neeraj Chopra qualifies for the men's javelin final at the Commonwealth Games after finishing fifth in the qualification round.
Amid uproar, Lok Sabha passes Bill to prevent insult to national song 'Vande Mataram' after brief debate.
(PTI)
Jharkhand Chief Minister Hemant Soren has written to Prime Minister Narendra Modi, seeking urgent intervention to address the funding deficit in centrally sponsored scholarship schemes.
"I seek the Prime Minister's urgent intervention for the release of scholarship funds to Jharkhand," Soren said.
In his letter, Soren said the Centre released only Rs 92 crore to Jharkhand against the state's demand of Rs 724 crore for the post-matric scholarship in FY'25.
(PTI)
Rupee rises 9 paise to settle at 95.67 against US dollar.
Commenting on the new anti-paper leak Bill, activist Sonam Wangchuk said it would pave the way for broader reforms in the country's education system. He also urged the government to honour its assurance that no legal action would be taken against students who participated in the recent CJP protest.
STORY | 'Trust between govt, youth vital': Wangchuk urges Centre to honour no-FIR assurance
— Press Trust of India (@PTI_News) July 30, 2026
Activist Sonam Wangchuk on Thursday welcomed the introduction of the Public Examinations (Amendment) Bill in Parliament, saying he hoped it would lead to broader improvements in the… pic.twitter.com/UWgL6PE4vE
PM Narendra Modi held discussions with MPs from Arunachal Pradesh and Nagaland on the flood situation in the two northeastern states.
Had a meeting with MPs from Arunachal Pradesh and Nagaland. We talked about the situation in these states in the wake of floods there. The Central Government will keep working with the respective state Governments to address the challenges. Praying for everyone’s wellbeing and… pic.twitter.com/XuIxcZLB0n
— Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) July 30, 2026
Jan Suraaj founder and Bankipur bypoll candidate Prashant Kishor said the Election Commission would announce the official voter turnout figures. Claiming the BJP was losing the election, Kishor alleged that the party was using the administration and police because it had "no other option left". He said the media should report the election trends while he continued to assess the ground situation.
https://platform.x.com/widgets.jsVIDEO | Bankipur bypolls: Jan Suraaj founder and candidate Prashant Kishor (@PrashantKishor) says, “The Election Commission will announce the voter turnout percentage…You should be the ones telling us about the trends. We are just going around and observing things on the ground… pic.twitter.com/bctMpmR8dM
— Press Trust of India (@PTI_News) July 30, 2026
Activist Sonam Wangchuk said he was "proud of Indian Railways" and hoped to be equally proud of the government for keeping its promises. In a video shared on X, Wangchuk said he travelled on the newly launched Vande Bharat train from Delhi to Srinagar to experience the Chenab bridge. Calling it a beautiful journey, he said he felt immense pride in Indian Railways and was now heading to Ladakh after a day's rest in Kashmir.
https://platform.x.com/widgets.jsAM PROUD OF INDIAN RAILWAYS
— Sonam Wangchuk (@Wangchuk66) July 30, 2026
Want to be proud of Indian (govt) promises too…
Copy-LeftRightnCentre… pic.twitter.com/syCigFCKOb
Lok Sabha adjourned till 3 pm amid continuing uproar by the Opposition in the House.
Divya A reports that proceedings in the Rajya Sabha resume. The House allocated seven hours for discussion on paper leak bill, which was passed by Lok Sabha a day earlier. Union Minister Jitendra Singh introduced the Bill for consideration and passing in the Upper House. The minister said that there is zero tolerance for paper leak.
Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma said 27 more relief distribution centres have been opened in the state over the past 24 hours. The total number of relief centres has now reached 1,745, while restoration work is progressing and relief operations continue, he said.
https://platform.x.com/widgets.js🚨 Update on #assamfloods | 30 July
— Himanta Biswa Sarma (@himantabiswa) July 30, 2026
Over the last 24 hours, 27 additional relief distribution centres have been operationalised, taking the total to 1,745 across the State.
Restoration work is progressing steadily while relief operations continue uninterrupted. https://t.co/Ig6Ewbs1ag pic.twitter.com/WIbYDlLFnr
Leader of Opposition Rahul Gandhi accused Home Minister Amit Shah of avoiding Parliament and said his absence "reeks of guilt" over the alleged police action against student protesters. Rahul Gandhi demanded an independent Supreme Court-monitored high-powered committee to investigate alleged excesses by security forces during the July 20 Cockroach Janta Party-led protest march and other student demonstrations. He also shared a video of police allegedly lathi-charging students and earlier demanded Shah's removal over what he called a "brutal attack" on protesters and the use of pellet guns.
A Thane magistrate court has directed Shiv Sena (UBT) chief Uddhav Thackeray and Maharashtra Deputy Chief Minister Eknath Shinde to record their statements in a 17-year-old defamation case. Thackeray has been asked to appear on August 5, while Shinde will appear on August 6 under Section 313 of the CrPC, which allows the court to question accused persons. The case relates to the 2009 Lok Sabha election campaign in Kalyan, when Thackeray allegedly screened a controversial video involving NCP leader Vasant Davkhare during a rally in support of Shiv Sena candidate Anand Paranjpe.
TMC MP Abhishek Banerjee has approached the Supreme Court challenging a Calcutta High Court order that refused him permission to travel abroad for eye treatment. Banerjee has challenged the July 20 order of the high court, and the matter is yet to be listed for hearing. The Calcutta High Court had earlier extended his interim protection from coercive action till October 6 in a case linked to alleged intimidatory remarks during the West Bengal Assembly election campaign. The court had directed Banerjee to cooperate with the probe and barred him from travelling abroad without permission.
Liz Mathew reports that cabinet ministers including Defence Minister Rajnath Singh, Commerce Minister Piyush Goyal, Health Minister J P Nadda, Petroleum Minister Hardeep Puri, Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman, EAM S Jaishankar, Cabinet secretary and NSA are attending a meeting chaired by the Prime Minister ahead of the Lok Sabha session, expected to resume 2 pm onwards.
Rajya Sabha adjourned till 2 pm as Question Hour ends.
A Delhi court on Thursday cancelled the non-bailable warrants issued against SFI joint secretary Aishe Ghosh in a 2021 case. Judicial Magistrate Vijayshree Rathore cancelled the non-bailable warrants (NBWs) after Ghosh appeared in the court. A detailed order is awaited.
Liz Mathew reports that the government plans to bring the Prevention of Insults to National Honour (Amendment) Bill, 2026 to the Lok Sabha in the afternoon. The bill was passed by the Rajya Sabha on Wednesday. The Lok Sabha is adjourned till 2 pm.
Nikhil Ghanekar reports that Leader of the House in the Rajya Sabha, JP Nadda said: "I want to tell the House through you (Chairman) that the opposition’s stance has been negative since this session began, they only want to interrupt, they want to shift goalposts. I want to clarify on behalf of the government that Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s government is willing to discuss any matter. The government has always been ready to discuss issues, and whenever discussions have happened, the opposition has fallen flat on their face. They are in the habit of doing this and I condemn this strongly, Modi’s government, they are indulging in irresponsible behaviour."
The Question Hour commenced in the Rajya Sabha.
Apurva Vishwanath reports that Supreme Court issued notice in pleas by ex-IPS officer Yashovardhan Azad and two pellet injury victims seeking a ban on the use of pellet guns for crowd dispersal when dealing with civilian assemblies. The Supreme Court directed the Centre to preserve the ammunition log of the RAF deployed at Jantar Mantar during the protests. The Court maintained that police is empowered to use pellet guns in exceptional situations.
The Supreme Court directed the Centre to preserve the ammunition logs of RAF personnel deployed at Jantar Mantar during the CJP-led student protest over the NEET paper leak. The court said it was ready to examine the use of pellet guns during the July 20 protest and asked the Delhi government to provide the best medical treatment to those injured by pellets. The SC also questioned a plea seeking a complete ban on the use of metallic pellet guns for maintaining law and order and said that the police is empowered to use pellet guns in exceptional situations.
Polish authorities found a crater and debris in a field after an unidentified object entered the country's airspace during Russian strikes on Ukraine. Poland scrambled fighter jets after Russian attacks killed at least 13 people in Ukraine, including victims in Kyiv and Lviv. The object was detected moving westward over Polish airspace before disappearing from military radars. A Mi-24 helicopter later located the suspected crash site near Tarnawa-Kolonia village in Lublin province. Authorities said the crater was around 10 metres wide.
Samajwadi Party leaders staged a protest inside the Parliament premises over the alleged Ayodhya Ram Temple donation theft case.
SP MP Awadhesh Prasad alleged that the issue had hurt the sentiments of millions of people and brought disgrace to Ayodhya. He said the party would fight to protect the values and dignity associated with Lord Ram. Prasad said SP chief Akhilesh Yadav had pledged to uphold and preserve those values.
https://platform.x.com/widgets.jsVIDEO | Parliament Monsoon Session: Samajwadi Party leaders hold a protest inside Parliament premises over Ayodhya Ram Temple donation theft case.
— Press Trust of India (@PTI_News) July 30, 2026
Samajwadi Party MP Awadhesh Prasad, says, "They have committed robbery and looting. They have hurt the sentiments of millions of… pic.twitter.com/SqrnaqU4vK
Nikhil Ghanekar reports that the Zero Hour continues in the Rajya Sabha amid opposition protests. Congress party's MP Pramod Tiwari reiterates to the RS Chairman that ministers as well as the Prime Minister is answerable to the Parliament. He says, " We are calling him here and not at our homes. Since this matter concerns use of force through lathi charge and firing of guns, it is only appropriate that the Home Minister answers on this issue."
The DMK said that only the Cauvery Water Management Authority (CWMA) has the power to take decisions on Cauvery water sharing. The party maintained that water-sharing issues should be handled through the established mechanism of the CWMA.
Kerala Home Minister Chennithala said that the Kerala Vigilance and Anti-Corruption Bureau closed its case against Chief Minister VD Satheesan in Foreign Contribution Regulation Act (FCRA) violation. Home Minister Chennithala said that there's no evidence against him and the case against the Chief Minister is politically motivated.
Lok Sabha proceedings adjourned till 2 pm as the Opposition continued to raise slogans in the house on 'pellet gun use' on protestors in Delhi.
Nikhil Ghanekar reports that on the use of brutal police force on protestors in Delhi, the Deputy leader of the opposition Pramod Tiwari in the Rajya Sabha said that the ministers of the government are answerable to the Parliament. Since there was lathi charge and pellet gun firing on students, Home Minister Amit Shah should be here in the House. However, Rajya Sabha Chairman said he will allow members to speak on matters to be raised with permission of the chair. Meanwhile, the Opposition raised slogans of "Sadan mai aao, Sadan mai aao, Home Minister sadan mai aao." Ruckus continues in the Rajya Sabha as Aam Aadmi Party's MP Sanjay Singh speaks amid sloganeering on Home Minister.
Nikhil Ghanekar reports that the Rajya Sabha chairman on Thursday said that the notice to move the motion for consideration of the Public Examination (Prevention of Unfair Means) Amendment Bill, 2026 was accepted by him. Taking up the Bill has been added to the supplementary list of business and a copy was circulated to members yesterday. The chairman requested members to submit notices seeking amendments on the Bill by noon.
The Delhi Police Crime Branch arrested two shooters linked to the Himanshu Bhau gang after an encounter near Khera Nahar in North Delhi. Police recovered two pistols from the accused during the operation. Further investigation is underway.
https://platform.x.com/widgets.jsVIDEO | Delhi police crime branch arrests two shooters of Himanshu Bhau gang after encounter near Khera Nahar of North Delhi; two pistols seized.
— Press Trust of India (@PTI_News) July 30, 2026
(Full video available on PTI Videos - https://t.co/n147TvrpG7) pic.twitter.com/t0aIF9ANIp
Opposition MPs from the INDIA bloc staged a protest at Makar Dwar in the Parliament complex on Thursday over alleged police action against student protesters and the Ayodhya Ram Temple donation row. The MPs held placards seeking accountability over the alleged use of force against students during the July 20 Jantar Mantar protest and alleged financial irregularities in donations to the Shri Ram Janmabhoomi Temple. The protest came ahead of the Rajya Sabha taking up the Public Examinations (Prevention of Unfair Means) Amendment Bill, 2026. Congress MP Syed Naseer Hussain said the opposition would decide its future course of action after a meeting.
https://platform.x.com/widgets.js#watch | Delhi: Congress MPs including Priyanka Gandhi Vadra and others hold a protest at Makar Dwar of the Parliament, against Union Home Minister Amit Shah over 'police action' against CJP protestors on 20th July. pic.twitter.com/zmuqaWOt6n
— ANI (@ANI) July 30, 2026
Around 4.61% of the 3.8 lakh registered voters cast their votes in the first two hours of polling for the Bankipur Assembly by-election in Bihar on Thursday. Polling began at 7 am across 422 polling stations and will continue until 6 pm. Officials said the voting process has remained peaceful so far. A total of 26 candidates, including Jan Suraaj Party founder Prashant Kishor, are contesting the bypoll. The BJP has fielded youth wing leader Neeraj Kumar Sinha for the seat, which the party has held since 1995.
Senior India batter Ajinkya Rahane announced his retirement from international cricket with immediate effect, saying the time was right for him to move on. The 38-year-old played 85 Tests, 90 ODIs and 20 T20Is for India. His last international appearance came during the 2023 Test series against the West Indies. Despite being out of the national team, Rahane remained active in domestic cricket and captained Mumbai until the 2024–25 season.
