After the Delhi University (DU), Jawaharlal Nehru University (JNU) has now issued an advisory urging students and other stakeholders to avoid visiting Jantar Mantar, where the Cockroach Janta Party (CJP) is holding a protest in connection with the NEET-UG paper leak and other issues.

In its advisory, the JNU asked members of its academic community to act responsibly and prioritise their personal safety.

“All stakeholders of JNU’s epistemic community are advised to act responsibly and prioritise their personal safety. In accordance with the Hon’ble Supreme Court of India’s directions on public demonstrations, you are requested to refrain from participating in or visiting gatherings at or around Jantar Mantar, New Delhi,” read the advisory.

The university has even cautioned students regarding their conduct on social media and warned that violations could attract legal and disciplinary action.

“Please exercise responsibility on social media. Violations may invite legal consequences under applicable laws as well as disciplinary action under the University’s code of conduct,” the statement added.

Advisory
All stakeholders of JNU’s epistemic community are advised to act responsibly and prioritize their personal safety. In accordance with the Hon’ble Supreme Court of India’s directions on public demonstrations, you are requested to refrain from participating in or visiting…

— Jawaharlal Nehru University (JNU) (@JNU_official_50) July 24, 2026

Further, it told students and staff to uphold the principles of responsible citizenship and stated, “You are also encouraged to uphold the values of academic responsibility and responsible citizenship.”

This comes a day after the Delhi University issued a similar appeal to its students and faculty members, asking them to remain away from demonstrations at Jantar Mantar.

“Dear students and faculty, your safety matters to us,” the advisory said. It added that gatherings at Jantar Mantar are subject to regulations and restrictions laid down under directions of the Supreme Court of India.

Notably, students protest continues to take place at Jantar Mantar over the demand for the resignation of Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan, despite activist Sonam Wangchuk ending his 26-day fast.

The Indian Army has joined large-scale flood rescue operations in Gujarat as relentless rainfall continued to batter the state’s southern districts, forcing thousands of people to evacuate and disrupting road and rail connectivity.

Army flood relief columns from the Golden Katar Division have been deployed in Valsad, Navsari, Ahmedabad city and Ahmedabad rural areas to assist civil authorities. Troops are rescuing stranded residents, delivering essential supplies and supporting relief efforts, including at Dhamdaccha village in Navsari district.

The deployment comes as the state government ramps up rescue and rehabilitation measures across the worst-hit districts of Valsad, Navsari, Surat, Tapi and Dang.

Gujarat Chief Minister Bhupendra Patel reviewed the flood situation at the State Emergency Operation Centre in Gandhinagar and directed officials to deploy additional National Disaster Response Force (NDRF) and State Disaster Response Force (SDRF) teams wherever required.

Deputy Chief Minister Harsh Sanghavi reviewed the situation in Valsad after record rainfall inundated large parts of the district. Officials told him that Umargam received 1,064 mm of rainfall in a single day, while Kaprada recorded 2,566 mm during the current monsoon season.

Heavy rain, combined with water released from the Madhuban Dam, caused rivers to overflow, flooding low-lying areas across the district.

The district administration said 12,376 people were shifted to safer locations in a single day. Sanghavi praised the rescue effort, saying the evacuation was completed without any major accident or reported loss of life.

He directed officials to begin sanitation drives, organise health camps and ensure the immediate distribution of cash assistance and ration kits once floodwaters recede. He also asked authorities to deploy additional sanitation workers, remove accumulated mud and debris, and dispose of damaged household goods to reduce the risk of disease outbreaks.

The Deputy Chief Minister also advised officials to coordinate with insurance companies to speed up claim settlements for traders and shopkeepers affected by the floods.

During his visit, Sanghavi met passengers stranded at Valsad railway station after heavy rain disrupted train services. Railway officials informed him that the Mumbai-bound railway line had been reopened.

According to the NDRF, its 6th Battalion rescued 67 people, including 25 women and 22 children, from floodwaters in Sarikhurad village of Navsari district after receiving a request from the local administration. Rescue operations were continuing.

In Valsad district, authorities have deployed around 70 Army personnel with five boats, five NDRF teams, five SDRF teams and 25 fire brigade personnel. More than 500 residents from Umargam, Vapi, Dharampur and Pardi talukas have been shifted to safer locations.

Flood conditions have also worsened in Surat district after the Kim River overflowed following heavy inflows from upstream areas. Water submerged the Gaikwadi Road connecting Kosamba and Kim in Mangrol taluka, forcing authorities to close the route to traffic. Floodwaters also entered nearby residential colonies, while officials advised residents to stay away from rivers and waterlogged areas.

In Surat city, emergency teams rescued more than 50 people from Geeta Nagar in Limbayat, the Shitala Mata Mandir area in Varachha and Krishna Nagar in Udhna. Authorities said 2,244 residents from Surat city and another 2,603 people from rural parts of the district have been moved to relief centres and other safe locations.

In Navsari, district officials said heavy rainfall caused the Juj and Keliya dams to overflow, leading to the closure of around 250 roads. Nearly 3,000 people have been relocated to relief shelters.

In Tapi district, SDRF personnel rescued 11 villagers stranded after floodwaters inundated Dhodiyawad Faliya in Dolvan taluka.

In Dang district, rainfall eased on Thursday night, but restoration work continued. The district recorded an average of 263.33 mm of rainfall in the 24 hours ending July 23. While 23 roads reopened after water levels receded, 18 roads, most of them in Waghai taluka, remained closed.

Authorities have urged residents not to cross flooded rivers, canals or causeways and to follow advisories issued by the India Meteorological Department and local administrations.

India’s top seed Anahat Singh continued her impressive run at the 2026 World Junior Squash Championships, defeating Egypt’s Habiba Rizk to book her place in the women’s singles semifinals in Ontario on Thursday.

The women’s world No. 20 produced another composed display to beat the fifth/eighth seed 11-7, 11-5, 6-11, 11-9 in the quarterfinals.

Anahat Singh creates history with back-to-back World Junior semifinals

With the victory, Anahat became the first Indian to reach back-to-back semifinals at the World Junior Squash Championships, underlining her status as one of the tournament favourites.

The top seed is now just one win away from becoming the first Indian to reach the final of the prestigious junior event and remains firmly in contention to script history by claiming India’s maiden World Junior title.

Anahat will next face Egypt’s Barb Sameh, who advanced to the last four after a straight-games win over Hong Kong, China’s Helen Tang.

The other women’s semifinal will feature another all-Egyptian clash between second seed Ruqayya Salem and Malika Elkaraksy. Salem survived a five-game battle against Malaysia’s Whitney Wilson, while Elkaraksy eased past Belgium’s Savannah Moxham in straight games.

Egypt dominate men’s semifinals

The men’s draw will feature an all-Egyptian semifinal lineup after the country’s top contenders progressed from the quarterfinals.

Top seed Mohamad Zakaria advanced comfortably with a straight-games win over USA’s Yaseen Shalaby, while Seifeldin Refaay defeated Belgium’s Maddox Moxham in three games to set up a last-four clash with Zakaria.

Second seed Adam Hawal overcame Saudi Arabia’s Mohammed Alnasfan in four games, while Marwan Assal booked the final semifinal spot after edging France’s Amir Khaled-Jousselin in a thrilling five-game contest.

With momentum firmly on her side, Anahat will now look to take another step towards history when she faces Barb Sameh for a place in the World Junior Squash Championships 2026 final.

Quarter-final Women’s Results

[1] Anahat Singh (IND) bt [5/8] Habiba Rizk (EGY) 3-1: 11-7, 11-5, 6-11, 11-9

[3/4] Barb Sameh (EGY) bt [5/8] Helen Tang (HKG) 3-0: 11-1, 11-9, 11-7

[2] Ruqayya Salem (EGY) bt [9/12] Whitney Wilson (MAS) 3-2: 4-11, 11-5, 8-11, 11-9, 11-7

[3/4] Malika Elkaraksy (EGY) bt [5/8] Savannah Moxham (BEL) 3-0: 11-8, 11-8, 11-5

World Squash Junior Individual Championships – Quarter-final Men’s Results

[1] Mohamad Zakaria (EGY) bt [9/12] Yaseen Shalaby (USA) 3-0:11-0, 11-7, 11-4.

[3/4] Seifeldin Refaay (EGY) bt [9/12] Maddox Moxham (BEL) 3-0: 11-6, 11-7, 11-9

[2] Adam Hawal (EGY) bt [9/12] Mohammed Alnasfan (KSA) 3-1: 11-2, 10-12, 11-3, 11-3

[3/4] Marwan Assal (EGY) bt [5/8] Amir Khaled-Jousselin (FRA) 3-2: 11-7, 7-11, 7-11, 11-6, 11-7

NTR Jr is known for his films and his dancing. But there are parts of his life that don’t get much attention. Here are seven facts about him that go beyond his movie roles.

He started as a child Actor

NTR Jr appeared in his first film as a child. The movie was Brahmarshi Viswamitra. It was directed by his grandfather, Nandamuri Taraka Rama Rao. That was his first time in front of a camera, long before his acting career took shape.

He trained in Kuchipudi

NTR studied Kuchipudi, a classical Indian dance form. This training shows up in his film dance sequences. The technique comes from years of formal practice, not just natural rhythm.

He also sings

NTR has done playback singing for some of his films. He has recorded songs alongside his acting work. He also speaks multiple languages, which has helped him work across different film industries in India.

He trains hard for roles

NTR changes his body for different characters. This involves months of workouts and diet changes before filming starts. He has done this repeatedly throughout his career for different roles.

He prioritises family time

NTR has spoken about making time for his family despite a busy filming schedule. He travels often for work but tries to schedule time at home between projects.

Colleagues describe him as easy to work with

People who have worked with NTR, including directors and crew members, have described him as professional and respectful on set.

His reach has grown internationally

The film RRR introduced NTR to audiences outside India. He has also signed on for international projects since then. He continues to work primarily in Telugu cinema alongside these newer projects.

What’s next

NTR has two major upcoming films. One is Dragon, directed by Prashanth Neel. The other is an untitled project with director Trivikram, referred to online as NTRxTrivikram. Both are among the most anticipated Telugu films currently in production.

Patreon is laying off 93 employees. That is 20% of its total workforce. CEO Jack Conte announced the decision on Thursday in a message sent to staff and creators.

Conte shared the news in a note titled “A Painful Update about our Team.” He posted it publicly on the platform and sent a version to employees as well. In the note, he said the company’s core business remains strong. He described this year’s market shifts as significant and said Patreon needed to adjust how it operates to stay stable for creators going forward.

He also said the decision was his responsibility. He called it a hard day for the company and acknowledged the pain it would cause for employees.

Severance and support

Workers affected by the layoffs will get at least 16 weeks of severance pay. They will also get one extra week of pay for every year they worked at the company. Patreon will cover healthcare costs through the end of the year. It is also giving each affected employee a $1,500 stipend to replace their work laptop.

Restructuring the org chart

Beyond the layoffs, Patreon is changing how its teams are organized. Conte said the company is flattening its management structure. Teams will be refocused around a smaller set of top priorities. The goal appears to be a leaner company that can move faster with fewer layers of management.

The AI question

Many companies point to artificial intelligence when cutting jobs. Conte addressed this directly. He said AI has changed the tech industry in a real way. He admitted it affects how Patreon builds products and communicates internally.

But he pushed back on the idea that AI tools caused these specific job cuts. He said the more his team has used these tools, the more they have seen their limits. He argued that AI cannot replace the creativity, judgment, and care that human employees bring to their work. He also said it cannot replace the human connection that people value.

A bigger pattern for Patreon

This is not the first time Patreon has made deep cuts. Back in 2022, the company laid off 80 employees. That was about 17% of its staff at the time. That round also affected the team that worked directly with creator partnerships.

The current round of cuts is larger than the 2022 layoffs, both in raw numbers and in percentage of the workforce. It marks the biggest single reduction in the company’s history.

Recent moves before the layoffs

The layoffs come shortly after another notable announcement from Patreon. Last week, the company said it was working with Cloudflare, the internet infrastructure provider. The partnership is meant to block AI bots from scraping content on the platform without permission.

Patreon said this step was necessary because AI scraping tools have grown more advanced. This fits into a wider fight between online creators and AI companies. Many publishers and creators worry that their work is being used to train AI models without consent or payment.

Conte has spoken about this tension before. He has said publicly that he feels both amazed and angry about AI. As a creator himself, he has argued that creators deserve payment when their work contributes to training AI systems.

Business performance numbers

Despite the layoffs, Patreon’s business numbers appear solid. The platform hosts more than 300,000 creators. It generated estimated $179 million in revenue in 2025. That marked 28% increase from year before.

Podcasters specifically earned $629 million through the platform in 2025. That was a 33% jump and made podcasting the platform’s fastest growing content category.

I have always been a firm believer in the power of hope. No matter how many lemons life throws at you, you should make as much lemonade as you can. It may sound cliché, but when you relate it to life, it feels deeply true.

Whenever life takes an unexpected turn, the first thing many of us lose is hope. We begin to believe that nothing good can come from what has happened. But I don’t think that’s the right way to look at life. Hope is what keeps us moving. It is the quiet force that reminds us there is still a tomorrow worth waiting for.

Recently, I watched ‘Voicemails for Isabelle’, and one particular line stayed with me was – “ Sometimes life rings a bell in our favour” To truly understand the weight of those words, you have to watch the film. But here’s what I took away from it.

Jill loses her sister, Isabel, to an illness. From that moment, her life changes forever. A void forms within her, a void that no one can ever truly fill. That’s what grief does. When someone who holds a special place in our life leaves us, whether through death or any other form of loss, our hearts ache in a way that words can barely describe.

Have you ever come across the phrase “a distraught heart”? I once read it somewhere, and whether it’s an established term or simply a beautiful way of describing grief, it has stayed with me ever since.

To me, a distraught heart is what happens when someone cannot fully accept the absence of a person they deeply loved. You still find yourself talking to them. You still feel their presence in quiet moments. Even though they are no longer physically with you, their soul seems to remain by your side, perhaps for years, or maybe forever.

I don’t think that’s a weakness. In fact, I think it’s one of the purest expressions of love. When you have loved someone with all your heart, a part of them continues to live within you. Their absence hurts, but their presence never completely fades.

Also Read: In the rhythm of Kopai: A journey through Tagore’s Santiniketan

Maybe that’s what we all long for, to love someone so deeply that even after they’re gone, the bond refuses to disappear. Not because we cannot move on, but because some connections are simply too profound to be measured by physical presence alone.

The same happens with Jill. She knows Isabel isn’t coming back, yet whenever life overwhelms her, she calls her sister’s old number and leaves a voicemail. What she doesn’t know is that Isabel’s number has been assigned to someone else. And, that’s where her life takes a turn with a pinch of magic and little bit of hope. In a different corner of a different city, a guy named Wes receives all her voicemails.

He carries wounds of his own, and perhaps that is why he understands Jill in a way no one else can. Two strangers, connected by grief, find each other through something as ordinary as a phone number.

Sometimes life can be magical in the most unexpected ways. For Jill and Wes, meeting each other was nothing short of that. Maybe Isabel, in some unseen way, was the force behind this beautiful coincidence. Or maybe it wasn’t magic at all. Maybe it was simply life finding a way to lead two broken people toward healing.

The truth is, grief never completely disappears. The pain doesn’t vanish; we simply learn to carry it. With time, with a few small miracles, and with people who choose to stay, life slowly begins to move again.

Hope arrives quietly, often disguised as a person or a moment we never expected.
For Jill, that hope is Wes. He understands her trauma, yet never gives up on her.

Together, they navigate their pain, nurture each other’s healing, and discover that moving forward doesn’t mean forgetting.

For Wes, Jill becomes the calm he never knew he needed but always had the longing for. She doesn’t erase his past, but she helps him see that grief and love can exist together.

And perhaps that’s what hope really is. Hope doesn’t promise a life free from pain. It doesn’t erase loss or rewrite the past. Instead, it gives us the courage to keep going despite everything. It reminds us that even after our darkest days, life still has a way of surprising us.

Sometimes, hope arrives as a voicemail. Sometimes, it arrives as a stranger. And sometimes, it simply arrives when we’ve almost stopped looking for it.

India pacer Mayank Yadav admitted his two-year absence from international cricket was one of the toughest phases of his career after making a memorable return with a Player of the Match performance in the first T20I against Zimbabwe in Harare.

The 24-year-old, who made his India debut in 2024 before injuries halted his progress, returned with figures of 2/18 in four overs to help India restrict Zimbabwe to 125/7. India then chased down the target with 40 balls to spare to take a 1-0 lead in the three-match series.

‘I had to suffer so much at a young age’: Mayank Yadav

Reflecting on his long road back, Mayank said the extended layoff was mentally challenging, especially at such an early stage of his career.

“It was very difficult, especially the gap of two years was a challenge because age wasn’t on my side. I was just 22-23 years old. I felt that I had to suffer so much at a young age. At the same time, the motivation to play for the country was always there. So I wanted to make a comeback and perform as I did before.”

India fielded an inexperienced pace unit in Harare, with Prince Yadav having played only four T20Is before the match and Ashok Sharma making his international debut. Despite limited experience, Mayank said the fast bowlers relied on communication and teamwork rather than discussing raw pace.

After bowling the opening over, he shared feedback with his fellow seamers on how to exploit the conditions and maintain pressure on Zimbabwe’s batters.

“We don’t talk a lot about pace, but we have a nice bond. I bowled the first over today, so I shared inputs with Prince and Ashok about the assistance I got and the better options to attack. We were in a very good situation after the first six overs. So the conversations were about how much more we can squeeze them and what more we could bowl.”

India makes winning start under Shreyas Iyer

India’s convincing win not only gave them a 1-0 lead in the series but also marked Shreyas Iyer’s first T20I victory as India’s captain, ending a run of six defeats and one no-result in his previous matches in charge.

For Mayank, the performance was a significant milestone as he announced his return to international cricket after a lengthy injury layoff with a match-winning display.

In a bizarre incident, a 17-year-old Dalit girl was alleged raped by a policeman in Madhya Pradesh’s Bhopal, while his colleague kept watch with his three-year-old son.

Officials informed on Friday that the main accused Santosh Sen, attached to the police special task force and currently posted in Dhar district, along with his colleague Jitendra Rajput, deployed in Gwalior district, have been arrested, PTI reported.

The policeman is believed to have lured the victim on the pretext of inviting her to his daughter’s birthday party and later raped her, Rajan Singh Ahirwar, station house officer of Jahangirabad police station, said.

Sen was booked on charges of rape and other offences under the Protection of Children from Sexual Offences (POSCO) Act, Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita and the Scheduled Castes and Scheduled Tribes (Prevention of Atrocities) Act.

The actys have also been invoked against Rajput, apart from the rape count, the senior official added.

Ahirwar said that Rajput allegedly arranged a car to ferry the teenager and later helped his colleague to commit the crime. Sen was recently shifted to Dhar district from Bhopal.

As per the PTI report, the main accused allegedly called the victim on the evening of July 22 using an acquaintance’s mobile phone to invite her to his son’s birthday party. After she arrived near Lal Parade Ground around 6.30 p.m., the two policemen present in a car along with Rajput’s three-year-old son.

Soon after, Sen gained the girl’s trust and they took her to a house in MP Nagar. Sen raped the teenager and his colleague monitored the premises outside with his son, police said.

Later on, the girl reached her home and informed her family about the incident. Following this, they lodged a police complaint. At first, police registered a ‘Zero FIR’ in the matter at the Kamala Nagar police station and then transferred the case to the Jahangirabad police station for further investigation.

“They were arrested on Thursday. We are going to produce them in court today,” Ahirwar said.

The touring lineup of the Beach Boys has called off the rest of its summer shows. Mike Love, the band’s sole original member still on the road, announced the break in a statement shared on his Instagram page.

Nearly 30 concerts are affected. The dates run from July 23 through September 3. This includes a show at Wolf Trap in Virginia and a planned stop at the Colorado State Fair. Of these dates, 11 are being rescheduled. The rest have been cancelled outright.

The statement

Love wrote that playing live has been the highlight of the band’s summer every year. He noted this year carries extra weight. The band is marking the 250th anniversary of the United States. It is also celebrating the 60th anniversary of the album “Pet Sounds.”

The statement said the group would take a short break “to recharge.” It promised a return to the road in September. Love added that all tickets for the postponed shows will be honored once the tour resumes.

When they return

The band plans to restart touring on September 24. The first show back will be in West Springfield, Massachusetts. Confirmed rescheduled dates include stops in Quakertown, Pennsylvania. Other new dates cover Bristol, Virginia, Nashville, Cincinnati, Bloomington, Indiana, and Aurora, Illinois. Shows in Edmonton and Calgary have also been rebooked. A concert in Enoch, Alberta, has been pushed all the way to May 2027.

Some shows remain unresolved. Concerts planned for Wantagh, New York, Indianapolis, and Lewiston, Idaho, have been postponed. New dates for these have not been announced yet.

Health concerns

The band’s statement did not give a specific reason for the pause. But reports point to health issues affecting Love, who is 85 years old. Dean Torrence, a longtime collaborator known from Jan and Dean, spoke to Rolling Stone about the situation. He said Love has been struggling but does not plan to stop touring.

Torrence described Love as tough. He said Love has kept performing despite clear difficulty. Videos from recent shows have circulated online showing Love having trouble with his voice.

Background on the tour

The summer run had already seen some disruption. Days after a show in New Jersey, the band cancelled several dates due to an unspecified illness. The tour picked back up on June 14 in Chelsea, England. Shows continued through July 18 in Valdosta, Georgia.

Along the way, the band played three nights at the Hollywood Bowl over the July 4th weekend. John Stamos joined them as a guest during those shows.

The Delhi Police on Friday rejected as “false and misleading” social media claims that a woman police officer lost her unborn child after being injured during the Jantar Mantar protest, saying the officer is neither married nor pregnant.

In an official clarification posted on X, Delhi Police said the viral photographs were taken after the officer sustained injuries in a stampede-like situation and that she is currently under medical supervision.

“Claims circulating on social media alleging that a woman police officer lost her unborn child during the Jantar Mantar protest are completely false and misleading,” Delhi Police said.

The force further said that “the individual is neither married nor pregnant and is currently under medical supervision.”

Official Clarification

Claims circulating on social media alleging that a woman police officer lost her unborn child during the Jantar Mantar protest are completely false and misleading.

The viral photographs were taken after the officer sustained injuries in a stampede-like… pic.twitter.com/B4s2DJ00Qt

— Delhi Police (@DelhiPolice) July 24, 2026

Delhi Police urged the public not to share or amplify unverified information and advised citizens to rely only on official updates.

The clarification comes amid a series of misleading claims linked to the ongoing protest at Jantar Mantar.

Earlier, Delhi Police had also rejected social media allegations that personnel opened fire or pelted stones during the protest, saying videos being circulated online were falsely linked to the demonstration.

“The claim alleging that the Delhi Police was firing or pelting stones is false and misleading. No such incident took place. The video is being circulated with a false narrative to mislead the public, and it is not from the Jantar Mantar protest,” Delhi Police said in an earlier post on X.

Delhi Police also rejected a claim by Cockroach Janta Party (CJP) spokesperson Saurav Das that three youths were detained at Nizamuddin Police Station for carrying food to protesters.

The claim of boys being detained at Nizammudin Police station for carrying food to Jantar Mantar is FALSE and MISLEADING.

Read full clarification by @DCPSEastDelhi below-@DelhiPolice https://t.co/OJt1lWbt2F pic.twitter.com/RkgbLoSYH8

— DCP South East Delhi (@DCPSEastDelhi) July 23, 2026

According to Delhi Police, the vehicle carrying the youths was stopped as part of routine identity verification at a checkpost. The force said the driver left the spot before the verification process was completed and that officers were unaware the food was meant for protesters until after he had left.

Delhi Police appealed to citizens not to believe or share unverified posts, warning that the spread of misinformation could create unnecessary panic and confusion.

(With inputs from ANI)

Teenage batting sensation Vaibhav Sooryavanshi says making an impact early in his international career has given him the confidence to perform consistently after his record-breaking knock in India’s opening T20I against Zimbabwe in Harare.

The 15-year-old opener smashed 50 off just 19 balls to become the youngest player in international cricket history to score a half-century, helping India begin the three-match series with a commanding victory.

Reflecting on his match-winning innings, Sooryavanshi said performing in the early stages of his career has strengthened his belief heading into future matches.

“When it’s the starting phase of your career and you get these kinds of innings early on and you perform well, it builds confidence for the upcoming matches. I felt like I was in my zone and I just backed my strengths,” Sooryavanshi said in a video shared by BCCI.tv.

The youngster dedicated his maiden T20I fifty to his family, coaches and everyone who has supported him throughout his journey.

“I would dedicate this fifty to my family, my coaches and everyone who has supported me through every good and bad phase.”

Celebration dedicated to his mother

After reaching his half-century, Sooryavanshi celebrated by making an ‘A’ sign with both hands above his head before giving a thumbs-up gesture.

Explaining the celebration, he revealed that the ‘A’ was a tribute to his mother, Aarti.

“I did that celebration for my mum, and the other one was based on a conversation with Rinku Bhai.”

Youngest player to score an international fifty

Sooryavanshi’s 19-ball fifty eclipsed Nepal’s Kushal Malla, who was 15 years and 340 days old when he scored an ODI half-century against the USA in 2020.

The milestone also made him the youngest Indian to score an international fifty, surpassing Sachin Tendulkar, who was 16 years and 213 days old when he scored 59 against Pakistan during India’s 1989 tour.

The innings came in just Sooryavanshi’s fourth T20I appearance, having become India’s youngest-ever men’s international cricketer earlier this month.

Harare continues to bring out the best in Vaibhav Sooryavanshi

Harare has already become a memorable venue for the teenage batter.

Earlier this year, he smashed a stunning 175 off 80 balls against England in the ICC Under-19 World Cup final at the same ground after scoring 68 in the semi-final against Afghanistan, helping India clinch a record sixth Under-19 World Cup title.

His fifty against Zimbabwe also marked a welcome return to form after scores of 14, 13 and 15 in his first three T20Is against England.

“You could say I like the vibe here. There are some grounds where you just love scoring runs. Maybe it’s like that, but I’m not taking this for granted. I’m just trying to give my best, contribute to the team and perform well whenever I play,” he said.

The United States on Friday outlined plans to expand cooperation with Southeast Asia in artificial intelligence (AI), liquefied natural gas (LNG) and small modular nuclear reactors (SMRs), a move that aligns with India’s rapidly expanding civil nuclear ambitions and broader Indo-Pacific technology partnerships.

Speaking after Secretary of State Marco Rubio’s participation in the 59th ASEAN Foreign Ministers’ Meeting in Manila, U.S. Ambassador to ASEAN Kevin Kim in a virtual media briefing said Washington was prioritising advanced technologies and energy security across Southeast Asia.

“There’s a big emphasis on advancing technologies of the future in Southeast Asia, given the region’s interest in digital economy development, whether it’s in AI or data centers and so forth.”

Kim announced the U.S.-ASEAN AI SPARK initiative, saying it “will support American AI exports in the region by providing financial and technical support to Southeast Asian governments interested in deploying the U.S. AI stack for public sector applications.”

On energy cooperation, Kim said the United States was “investing $1.5 billion in an investment platform to facilitate the buildout of energy security infrastructure across the Indo-Pacific,” describing it as “the largest single project investment in the history of the Development Finance Corporation.”

He added that Washington wanted “to work with Southeast Asia by providing access to the American LNG market development, the deployment of U.S. grid technologies, as well as providing and working with ASEAN and Southeast Asia on small modular nuclear reactors as well.”

On advanced nuclear energy, Kim described SMRs as a strategic priority.

“‘This is a growing industry in the United States. Given the energy demands of this region as well as within the United States and throughout the world, SMRs will play a critical role in supplying energy in the future.'”

He said the United States was holding discussions with several Southeast Asian governments on deploying the technology, but declined to identify specific countries, saying the talks remained sensitive.

Although Kim did not mention India directly, the focus on AI, LNG, energy security and SMRs mirrors key pillars of the expanding U.S.-India strategic partnership and broader Indo-Pacific cooperation in emerging technologies and clean energy.

The U.S. push comes as India accelerates its own nuclear energy programme. New Delhi recently enacted the SHANTI Act, 2025, opening the civil nuclear sector to private and foreign participation to facilitate the deployment of SMRs and support its target of achieving 100 GW of nuclear power capacity by 2047.

The initiative also follows Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s recent visit to Australia, where the two countries finalised arrangements for Australian uranium exports to India. The agreement is seen as more than a new fuel supply arrangement, reinforcing India’s long-term civil nuclear strategy as it seeks to reduce dependence on imported hydrocarbons and strengthen energy security. With rising electricity demand from artificial intelligence, data centres and advanced manufacturing, SMRs are expected to become an important pillar of India’s clean energy transition and deepen opportunities for collaboration with partners such as the United States under the Indo-Pacific framework.

Actor Dia Mirza has criticised Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s video message on the ongoing student protests. She posted her reaction on Instagram late Thursday night, hours after Modi addressed the nation on the issue.

Modi’s video message

On Thursday night, Modi released a video address. He said the government would bring a tougher law to stop paper leaks in the future. Soon after, Wangchuk announced he was ending his hunger strike. He said the decision followed long negotiations and came out of concern over possible violence in the country.

Modi later urged Wangchuk to follow doctors’ advice and regain the weight he lost during the fast.

Dia Mirza’s reaction

 

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Dia Mirza did not hold back her disappointment. In her Instagram note, she said Modi’s message lacked empathy. She pointed to the parents who lost children, the students who died, and the resilience shown by those who kept demanding their rights.

She specifically named Sonam Wangchuk and the students who stayed on hunger strike for weeks. “How hard can it be Sir?” she wrote, questioning why basic acknowledgment of the pain was missing from the address.

Mirza also raised concerns about timing. She noted it took 47 days for the Prime Minister to respond publicly to the crisis. Her frustration deepened over what she felt was an empty response even after that long wait.

“It took 47 days for you to say something. And now that you have, you have said nothing,” she wrote. She added that nothing in the address could heal the broken hearts of millions who had been following the tragedy.

Also Read: Alia Bhatt shares Instagram note on NEET protests, writes ‘their courage humbles me’

The Cockroach Janta Party (CJP) on Friday said its protest at Jantar Mantar would continue even after social activist Sonam Wangchuk ended his 26-day hunger strike, maintaining that the agitation would end only if Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan resigns.

CJP founder Abhijeet Dipke said the party was relieved that Wangchuk had ended his fast but reiterated that the protest would continue.

“Our protest will continue until Dharmendra Pradhan resigns. We are very happy and relieved that Sonam sir has ended his hunger strike, as it had been over 26 days. His life is extremely precious to this country,” Dipke told reporters.

He also said any talks with the Centre should take place at a neutral venue.

“Our demonstration will go on until Dharmendra Pradhan steps down. Any meeting must take place at a neutral location or venue. Nothing less than the resignation of Dharmendra Pradhan will be accepted,” he said.

CJP outlines next steps

CJP representative Ashutosh Ranka said the party had scheduled a press conference and meetings as discussions with the Centre continued.

“There is a meeting with JP Nadda Ji at the CCI scheduled for 12:30. As far as we have been told, Jitendra Singh Ji might also be present there. Whatever is discussed will be shared with you all. We have also organised a press conference at 11:00, where we will provide more details,” he said.

Ranka said Wangchuk ended his hunger strike after receiving government assurances on some of the protesters’ demands.

“We were constantly requesting Sonam Ji to end her hunger strike as her health was continuously deteriorating. We are very proud that Sonam Ji has made the government accept two of our conditional demands: no legal action will be taken against any of the protesters, and adequate compensation will be provided. Although the return details for that are yet to come, Sonam Ji has officially ended her hunger strike,” he said.

However, he maintained that the party’s primary demand remained unchanged.

“We want to make it very clear that this protest at Jantar Mantar will continue until Dharmendra Pradhan resigns. His resignation has been the core demand of this movement from the very beginning, and until Pradhan Ji resigns, we are not going to step back,” Ranka said.

PM’s remarks cited

Referring to a video released by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, Ranka claimed the government was under public pressure and urged it to remove the Education Minister.

“Finally, we noticed that for the first time, the Prime Minister had to release a selfie video at 12 midnight, which shows that the pressure is very high. Prime Minister, you said that today you want to take very strict action; for us the strictest action would be to remove Dharmendra Pradhan. If you remove him quickly, then we will believe that you are truly serious about the youth of this country,” he said.

CJP spokesperson Deepak Balyan also said the agitation would continue indefinitely, alleging that assurances of fast-track courts were insufficient to address concerns over the alleged examination paper leak.

Earlier in the day, Wangchuk ended his 26-day hunger strike at Medanta Hospital after receiving a written assurance from the Union government regarding the NEET examination issue and proposed reforms to the country’s competitive examination system. Prime Minister Narendra Modi had also said those responsible for alleged paper leaks would face strict action and that the Union Cabinet would consider a draft Bill providing for fast-track courts and stricter punishment for offenders.

(With inputs from ANI)

Criticising the central government over its handling of ongoing student protests over examination paper leaks, Congress Parliamentary Party (CPP) Chairperson Sonia Gandhi on Friday alleged that India’s education system was facing a deep crisis.

“The Modi government routinely uses violence in preference to dialogue. The pattern is clear, from farmers to activists,” the veteran leader wrote in an article for The Hindu, shared by the Congress party on X.

In her column, titled ‘An Education System’s Collapse, Young India’s Trauma,’ she stated that student protests against examination paper leaks and problems in the education system had gained momentum across the country, adding that their demands were focused on accountability and reforms.

Claiming that the Centre’s response had been excessive, she wrote, “The Narendra Modi government has responded to their courage with cowardice and wanton cruelty, treating them not as inheritors of the future but as enemies of the nation.”

Talking about the ‘Chalo Sansad’ march of the Cockroach Janta Party (CJP) on July 20, Sonia Gandhi said that security forces used force against protesting students. “The Delhi Police and the Central Armed Police Forces (CAPFs) sought to suppress them with uncalled-for violence, using brutal lathicharges and tear gas,” she wrote.

She added, “These are our sons and daughters, our young men and women”.

She further stated that the central government “routinely uses violence in preference to dialogue.”

“The pattern is clear, from farmers to activists,” she added.

The Congress leader later went on to raise concen over public education, examination reforms and accountability mechanisms, claiming that declining investment in public education, increased dependence on private institutions as well as problems within the examination system had placed additional pressure on students and families.

Moreover, she has slammed the functioning of the National Testing Agency (NTA), questioning its accountability. She claimed that all the reforms recommended by parliamentary committees had not been adequately addressed.

“The Modi government has not just degraded India’s education landscape but has also made a habit of acting with utter impunity, supreme self-delusion, and abject insensitivity,” she wrote.

She added, “India’s students have called the Modi regime’s bluff. It is our moral, political, and constitutional duty to stand with them and safeguard their future.”

Yoga guru and Patanjali Ayurved co-founder Acharya Balkrishna has shared a simple nutrition tip for people who find dry fruits too costly. In a recent Facebook video, he said that soaked black gram and peanuts can offer many of the same benefits as almonds, walnuts and raisins, at a fraction of the price.

Dry fruits are not the only option

Balkrishna said Ayurveda has always placed nutrition and balance at the centre of good health. He noted that people often assume good nutrition requires expensive ingredients. This is not true, he said. Everyday foods, when used correctly, can support the body just as well.

He pointed out that many households cannot afford to eat dry fruits every day. For such families, he suggested a low-cost swap using ingredients already found in most Indian kitchens.

The suggested method

According to Balkrishna, the process is simple. Soak around 50 grams of black gram and 10 grams of peanuts overnight in water. In the morning, eat them slowly with breakfast, chewing each bite properly.

He stressed that chewing matters here. Proper chewing helps the body absorb nutrients better and eases the load on digestion.

Nutritional value of the combination

Balkrishna described this mix as a strong source of protein and fibre. He said it also carries other essential nutrients that support daily health. For people looking to build a balanced diet without spending heavily on imported or premium foods, he called this combination a practical choice.

Black gram, also known as urad dal, is widely used in Indian cooking and is known for its protein content. Peanuts are a common and affordable source of healthy fats and protein as well. Together, soaked overnight, Balkrishna said they form a wholesome addition to breakfast.

Digestion matters as much as diet

Balkrishna added a wider point about Ayurvedic thinking. He said that food alone does not guarantee good health. The body’s digestive fire, referred to in Ayurveda as agni, must also stay balanced. Without strong digestion, even the healthiest food fails to deliver its full benefit, he explained.

He urged people to focus on three things together. These are healthy digestion, a steady daily routine and a balanced diet. According to him, these three factors work as a unit. Ignoring one weakens the value of the other two.

Senior RSS functionary Indresh Kumar on Friday accused “forces within the country and abroad” of backing the Cockroach Janta Party’s (CJP) protests over the NEET issue, alleging that they were attempting to obstruct India’s progress as a developed and educated nation.

Addressing reporters in Jammu, Kumar claimed the Opposition had initially taken up concerns surrounding the medical entrance examination but had later shifted focus towards political objectives.

“The Opposition raised the issue of NEET, but later strayed from it and began pursuing its own politics,” he told ANI.

Kumar alleged that domestic and international elements were working together to weaken India’s development.

“I want to tell the youth participating in these protests that it should now be clear that forces operating both within the country and globally do not want India to become a developed, strong and educated nation. Instead, they want to destroy the country,” he said.

#WATCH | Jammu | On the Cockroach Janta Party protest, RSS leader Indresh Kumar says, “I want to tell the youth gathered there that one thing must be clearly visible now that there are some internal and external powers that do not want India to become a developed nation.” pic.twitter.com/XEJ3Ncb0rt

— ANI (@ANI) July 24, 2026

Calling on young people to contribute constructively, Kumar said India was gaining global recognition through its economic growth and expanding startup ecosystem.

“India is emerging as a role model for the world through thousands and lakhs of startups. Everyone should cooperate in strengthening this progress and play a positive role so that future generations remember how the country’s youth stood by its development despite attempts to derail it,” he said.

He also appealed to protesters to avoid harming the country’s interests.

“If you cannot contribute positively, then at least do not cause damage. If you cannot appreciate others doing well, do not try to bring them down. That is unfortunate,” Kumar added.

#WATCH | Jammu | On the Cockroach Janta Party protest, RSS leader Indresh Kumar says, “If all the countries of the world have awarded the highest honours to any country, it is to India. No one has given such honours to the US, Russia, the Arab world, or England. This means India… pic.twitter.com/54FaoI1c9q

— ANI (@ANI) July 24, 2026

The RSS leader further urged young people to draw inspiration from freedom fighters and national leaders, including Bhagat Singh, Subhash Chandra Bose, VD Savarkar, Banerjee and Syama Prasad Mukherjee, while working towards nation-building.

His remarks came as Opposition parties and the CJP continued demonstrations in Parliament and at Jantar Mantar over the NEET issue, demanding the resignation of Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan.

The CJP has maintained that its protest at Jantar Mantar will continue until Pradhan steps down. Party representative Ashutosh Ranka said on Friday that climate activist Sonam Wangchuk had ended his hunger strike after receiving assurances from the government, but the demand for the Education Minister’s resignation remained unchanged.

Meanwhile, Union Law Minister Arjun Ram Meghwal said the government’s decision to conduct day-to-day hearings in paper leak cases through specially designated fast-track courts would help ensure quicker trials and timely justice.

Earlier, Union Minister Bhupender Yadav criticised the Opposition’s handling of the NEET issue, urging it to debate the matter in Parliament instead of engaging in what he described as “unnecessary politics.”