Defence Minister Rajnath Singh on Wednesday expressed “serious concerns” over the ongoing Cockroach Janta Party and Congress protests at Jantar Mantar in Delhi.

Dismissing the students’ protests against the Centre over the issue of paper leaks as “manufactured anger”, Singh alleged that some people with vested interests are trying to use the youth as political tools.

“The ongoing protests in Delhi are a matter of serious concern. It is extremely unfortunate that some people are trying to use our students and youth as political tools to serve their own vested interests,” he said.

The Defence Minister further reiterated the Narendra Modi government’s resolve to fulfil the aspirations of students.

“Under the leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi, our government remains fully committed to fulfilling the aspirations of students and young people and ensuring their welfare,” Singh said.

He said that the government has already expressed its readiness to discuss the issue of paper leaks in Parliament, asserting that a solution cannot be found on the streets.

“It is our responsibility to listen to every concern of our students and address it. I have complete faith that India’s aware, mature, and discerning youth understand such misleading attempts and will choose the path of progress, development, and nation-building,” he added.

Singh’s remarks came amid the ongoing protest at Jantar Mantar. The agitation called by Cockroach Janta Party turned into a massive student movement after it was joined by renowned climate activist Sonam Wangchuk.

While Wangchuk was forcibly evicted from the protest site and shifted to a hospital over health concerns due to his prolonged hunger strike, several Opposition leaders extended their support to the agitation.

The protesters have been demanding Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan’s resignation and reforms in the country’s education system.

The police crackdown on the protesters during Monday’s march to Parliament has also prompted a sharp response from the Opposition parties.

Leader of Opposition in Lok Sabha, Rahul Gandhi, on Tuesday staged a dharna outside the 7 Lok Kalyan Marg residence of Prime Minister Narendra Modi.

Several Congress leaders, including party President Mallikarjun Kharge, Wayanad MP Priyanka Gandhi Vadra and several other MPs also joined Gandhi in his dharna against the alleged police brutality during the Parliament march.

However, the police forcibly evicted the Congress leaders, keeping them in detention for a brief period.

Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan’s daughter, Naimisha Pradhan, has deactivated her social media account after facing a wave of online criticism. The backlash came as the ongoing Cockroach Janta Party (CJP) protest at Delhi’s Jantar Mantar intensified, with protesters demanding Pradhan’s resignation as education minister.

Naimisha had completed her Master of Laws (LLM) degree at a university in Massachusetts, United States. As the protests gathered momentum, social media users located her Instagram account and began posting large numbers of comments on her posts. Many users also tagged her in protest-related content, turning her profile into a target of the online campaign.

LoP Shri @RahulGandhi and @INCIndia continue to shamelessly exploit students as political tools to manufacture disruption during the Monsoon Session of Parliament.

Shri @RahulGandhi and @INCIndia chose to stage a dharna outside the Hon’ble Prime Minister’s residence , causing…

— Dharmendra Pradhan (@dpradhanbjp) July 21, 2026

Protest mood spills over to social media

The online outrage grew stronger after police action against student protesters earlier this week. On Monday, CJP supporters were marching towards Parliament to highlight their demands when police intervened.

Following those events, several Instagram users uploaded videos and posts questioning why the education minister’s daughter had studied abroad. Many demanded that Dharmendra Pradhan step down from his post.

The campaign did not stop there. Users also began commenting on posts shared by Tufts University, where they posted messages such as “Dharmendra Pradhan resign.” Some even called on the university to suspend Naimisha, although reports say she had already completed her LLM degree in 2023.

Minister responds to protest for the first time

While criticism continued online, Dharmendra Pradhan broke his silence on the CJP protest with a statement on X. In his first public response, he accused the Congress party and Leader of Opposition Rahul Gandhi of using students for political purposes during the Monsoon Session of Parliament.

According to Pradhan, Rahul Gandhi and the Congress were attempting to create disruption instead of participating in discussions inside Parliament. He claimed that the Opposition was exploiting student concerns to stage political protests.

Targets Rahul Gandhi and Congress

In his post, Pradhan alleged that Rahul Gandhi and Congress leaders organised a sit-in outside the Prime Minister’s residence. He said the demonstration caused inconvenience to the public and ignored established security arrangements.

The minister also said the government had already expressed its willingness to discuss NEET and other youth-related concerns in Parliament. However, he claimed that the Congress chose political demonstrations instead of taking part in democratic debate inside the House.

Pradhan further stated that, in his view, the issue was no longer about students but about creating political confrontation even after the government had opened the door for discussions.

‘Students deserve answers’

Defending the government’s stand, Pradhan said it remained fully committed to discussing NEET and addressing students’ concerns.

He added that students should not be treated as political tools and deserved meaningful action instead of public outrage. Stressing the government’s position, the minister said young people needed answers, reforms and accountability, and maintained that the government was committed to delivering all three.

Political sparring between the ruling BJP and the Opposition intensified in the West Bengal Assembly on Wednesday, as Chief Minister Suvendu Adhikari launching a sharp attack on Trinamool Congress national general secretary Abhishek Banerjee.

In response to remarks made by Banerjee a day earlier at the Martyrs’ Day rally, the Chief Minister said the Trinamool leader had warned party workers to “keep their notebooks ready” for a political reckoning in 2031.

“That account can only be settled if you remain outside,” the chief minister remarked, in an apparent reference to possible legal action.

“Yesterday there were loud claims that accounts would be settled in 2031. I will see where he is in 2031. If he has the courage, let him contest from Diamond Harbour. He is making tall claims after gathering barely 2,500 people. When I hold a meeting in a single gram panchayat, I draw four times that number,” Adhikari boasted.

The Chief Minister also questioned Abhishek’s political presence in Diamond Harbour, asking whether he had visited the constituency after the change of government. He further criticised the Trinamool MP for allegedly staying away from campaigning in the recent Falta Assembly by-election, where the party’s candidate Jahangir Khan was later arrested by police.

Referring to Khan as an “established thief”, Adhikari said it would be decided by the future whether he remained inside or outside prison. He also asserted that the BJP would defeat Abhishek from Diamond Harbour by a margin greater than the Trinamul leader’s previous victory.

Recalling his remarks made a day earlier, Adhikari reiterated that Abhishek should contest the next Lok Sabha election from Diamond Harbour if he intended to prove his political strength.

The chief minister also ridiculed the turnout at Tuesday’s Martyrs’ Day programme organised by the Trinamool. Citing what he described as a police assessment, Adhikari claimed that just over 2,500 people had attended the event at Birla Planetarium.

Responding to Mamata Banerjee’s description of Abhishek as a “tiger”, he said the latter was “not a tiger but a cat” and alleged that all acts of corruption committed by the Trinamul leadership would be exposed.

Turning his attention to former chief minister Mamata Banerjee, Adhikari alleged that cases which had been closed during her tenure would be reopened. He said complaints that had been disposed of through Final Report True (FRT) would be reinvestigated and added that he was making the announcement “on record” in the Assembly.

The Chief Minister also referred to allegations of post-poll violence following the 2021 Assembly elections, claiming that the incidents were unprecedented. He said the state government would not hesitate to seek a fresh probe by the CBI, if necessary.

Adhikari further mocked Banerjee over her electoral defeat, claiming she had lost all four polling booths in the Mitra Institution area and had also been defeated in her own ward in the 2026 Assembly election. He alleged that her earlier political success had depended on the police and election strategist I-PAC, “both of which are no longer with her”.

The remarks drew strong protests from the Trinamool benches. Party MLA Kunal Ghosh accused the BJP government of using the Home Department budget discussion to target Mamata Banerjee and Abhishek Banerjee instead of addressing policing and governance.

“Is this a police budget or a reflection of the government’s fear of Mamata Banerjee and Abhishek Banerjee?” Ghosh asked, alleging that the treasury benches had turned the budget debate into a political attack on the Opposition.

Adhikari also dismissed complaints over the Opposition speakers’ list during the discussion on the budget demands of the Home and Hill Affairs Department, when Opposition MLA Alifa Ahmed objected to the manner in which speakers were being called during the budget discussion.

She alleged that legislators who had prepared to participate in the debate were being overlooked despite their names having been submitted by the Opposition.

Expressing her displeasure, Ahmed said members who had studied the subject and come prepared were not being given an opportunity to speak, while other names were being called instead.

Responding to the objection, Adhikari said the Assembly would not intervene in disputes within the Opposition camp. Recalling established legislative procedure, he said the Opposition’s chief whip is responsible for submitting the list of speakers to the treasury bench’s chief whip, after which the Speaker calls members according to that list.

“I was the Leader of the Opposition for five years. The established process is that the Opposition chief whip submits the list of speakers to the government chief whip and the Speaker proceeds accordingly. If there is any disagreement within your own camp, resolve it internally. The Chief Minister or the Assembly cannot settle your internal disputes,” he said.

Adhikari further stated that every Opposition party would receive equal opportunity to participate in Assembly debates. “ISF, CPIM and Trinamul Congress will all be given equal time slots to speak during Assembly sessions,” he said.

Meanwhile, Trinamool Congress MLA Kunal Ghosh, who owes allegiance to former Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee’ camp, alleged that although his name had appeared on the speakers’ list, he was ultimately denied the opportunity to participate in the debate.

“It appears that the BJP government is not interested in hearing criticism from the Opposition. The BJP government wants to nurture brokers instead,” Ghosh alleged.

Ayurveda expert Acharya Balkrishna posted a video on Facebook recently, talking about something most of us already have sitting in our kitchen. Figs, almonds, walnuts, raisins and dried dates. He explained how eating these the right way can help with strength, memory and digestion.

He started by pointing out that Ayurveda has always leaned on a balanced diet as the foundation of good health. Dry fruits and nuts like almonds, walnuts, figs, raisins, black pepper and dates all hold a special place in that tradition, he said.

Then he broke down an actual method people can follow. Take 5 to 7 almonds, 2 walnuts and 4 to 5 black peppercorns, soak them overnight, and eat them the next morning. He stressed chewing them properly rather than rushing through it. This combination, he said, has long been used to build strength and give the body good nutrition.

He also mentioned a second mix. Soak 8 to 10 raisins, 4 to 5 figs and 8 to 10 almonds overnight and have them in the morning. He described this as a solid addition to a nutritious daily routine, based on Ayurvedic thinking.

For colder months, his advice shifts a bit. He recommended cooking dried dates and regular dates in milk, calling it a seasonal habit that Ayurveda has followed for generations.

What actual research says about these foods

A lot of what Balkrishna talks about actually holds up when you look at the research.

Almonds pack in vitamin E, magnesium and healthy fats. Several studies have tied regular almond eating to better heart health and improved cholesterol numbers. There is also some research suggesting almonds help with brain function, mostly because of their antioxidants.

Walnuts are a bit different from other nuts because of how much omega-3 fatty acid they carry. Research has linked eating walnuts to better memory and sharper thinking, which fits with how Ayurveda has always used them for brain health.

Figs bring fiber, potassium and calcium to the table. That fiber helps keep digestion moving and supports regular bowel movements. Dried figs also give a quick energy boost thanks to their natural sugars.

Raisins are loaded with iron, potassium and antioxidants. People often eat them for an energy lift or to support healthy blood levels, and their fiber content helps with digestion too.

Dates and dried dates are calorie dense, packed with natural sugars, fiber and minerals like potassium and magnesium. Pairing them with milk in winter is meant to add warmth and energy to the body, something Ayurveda’s seasonal eating guide, Ritucharya, has recommended for a long time.

Why soaking matters

Soaking nuts and dry fruits overnight isn’t just an old habit for no reason. Ayurveda believes it makes nuts easier on the stomach and helps break down enzyme inhibitors sitting in the outer skin. That can make it easier for the body to absorb the nutrients compared to eating them dry.

One Thing Worth Keeping in Mind

Advice like this comes from centuries of Ayurvedic practice, so it carries weight. But it’s still general wellness guidance, not medical treatment. If someone has a health condition or a nut allergy, it’s worth checking with a doctor before making any big changes to their diet.

Hundreds of farmers, responding to a nationwide call by the Samyukt Kisan Morcha (SKM) against the proposed India–US Free Trade Agreement (FTA), staged a protest in Chandigarh on Wednesday after police stopped their march towards the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) office in Sector 33. A brief scuffle broke out when security personnel prevented the protesters from moving ahead by erecting barricades.

The protesters had assembled at Kisan Bhawan in Sector 35 before beginning their march towards the BJP office. As the procession advanced, police intercepted the farmers on the route, leading to pushing and jostling between the two sides. Authorities, however, prevented the demonstrators from proceeding further, following which the farmers raised slogans against the government and continued their protest at the spot.

The demonstration formed part of SKM’s nationwide campaign opposing the proposed India–US trade agreement. Under the organisation’s programme, protests were held across several states, with toll plazas made toll-free between noon and 3 pm in many locations. In areas without toll plazas, farmer groups planned demonstrations outside BJP offices and the residences of party leaders.

Farmer leaders alleged that the Chandigarh administration stopped them before they could reach the BJP office and claimed that some protesters were briefly detained during the protest. They said the administration later assured them that the Chandigarh BJP leadership would be invited to receive their memorandum.

Following the assurance, Chandigarh BJP president Jatinder Malhotra reached the protest site and held discussions with representatives of the farmers. The meeting helped ease tensions, after which the protesters dispersed peacefully.

Malhotra said the BJP understood the concerns raised by the farmers and assured them that their demands would be examined. He said he would speak to the Director General of Police (DGP) regarding pending issues, including cases registered against some farmers, and that a response would be provided within two days.

Referring to the cases filed against protesters, Malhotra said that most had already been withdrawn, while a few matters in Chandigarh were still pending. He added that these would be reviewed in consultation with the police authorities.

On the concerns surrounding the proposed India–US trade agreement, Malhotra said the matter required detailed discussions and assured the farmers that their views would be heard. He also said efforts would be made to facilitate a meeting with the Deputy Commissioner on issues related to the inclusion of village common (shamlat) land under the Municipal Corporation, responding to another key demand raised by the protesting farmers.

Trinamool Congress (TMC) MP Kalyan Banerjee has been suspended from the Lok Sabha, for the remainder of the Monsoon session, Speaker Om Birla said.

According to preliminary information, Banerjee had allegedly misbehaved with some of the MPs of the rebel parliamentary group who have now joined the Tripura-based Nationalist Citizens Party of India (NCPI).

The remarks prompted immediate protests from the legislators, who are part of the faction that had broken away from the Trinamool Congress.

The aggrieved MPs subsequently lodged a formal complaint with Lok Sabha Speaker Om Birla, seeking action over Banerjee’s alleged conduct.

In the wake of the controversy, Trinamool Congress MP Mahua Moitra met the Speaker to present the party’s position. However, no change was made to the course of action.

When the Lok Sabha reassembled at 2 pm, the government announced Banerjee’s suspension.

The incident triggered a fresh political row inside Parliament, with opposition members calling for strict adherence to parliamentary decorum. The Trinamool Congress, however, had not issued an official statement on the suspension at the time of filing this report.

U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio on Wednesday accused Iran of failing to honour commitments made during diplomatic contacts, warning that Washington remained open to negotiations but would act to protect its interests and those of its allies if Tehran was not “serious about talks.”

Speaking at the ASEAN Post-Ministerial Conference in Manila, Rubio said Iran had approached the United States through both direct and indirect channels to discuss the escalating crisis in the Middle East, but accused Tehran of failing to follow through on agreements.

“If they’re serious, we’re serious. If they’re not, then we will do what is necessary to protect our interests and also the interests of our allies,” Rubio said.

Rubio said the dispute centred on what he described as Iran’s attempt to assert control over shipping through the Strait of Hormuz, one of the world’s most critical oil transit routes, calling it a threat to the global trading system.

“This is an international waterway,” he said. “If we create a precedent… where a nation state can decide that they are going to control an international waterway, charge a toll, and if you don’t pay them, blow up your ships, we have created a very dangerous precedent.”

He warned that any disruption to freedom of navigation in the Strait of Hormuz would threaten not only regional stability but also the global economy.

“If that is threatened, then I think the global economy is threatened and the rules which have underpinned 150 years of international trade and commerce are also threatened.”

While maintaining a hard line, Rubio reiterated that Washington continued to favour diplomacy.

“The United States remains open and willing to engage in positive, constructive negotiations and talks so long as the commitments that are made are kept.”

Turning to Southeast Asia, Rubio sought to reassure ASEAN members that the region remained central to U.S. foreign policy despite mounting crises elsewhere.

Announcing $2.5 billion in U.S. strategic investments across Southeast Asia, he said Washington would expand support for energy security, digital infrastructure and supply chains, describing the funding as an investment driven by American national interests rather than aid.

“This is not charity… it’s in our national interest. Our partnership with each of your countries and the region at large is in the national interest of the United States, and we will never abandon it.”

Rubio also announced $1.5 billion in new U.S. Development Finance Corporation investments for aviation infrastructure, energy security and secure supply chains, alongside nearly $130 million in regional demining assistance.

Describing Southeast Asia as the defining region of this century, Rubio said the United States intended to remain a long-term strategic partner.

“The future and the story of the 21st century will be written in this region,” he said. “The security and prosperity of the United States and Southeast Asia will always depend on each other.”

Cockroach Janta Party (CJP) leaders on Wednesday rejected what they said was an invitation to hold discussions at Union Minister of Health and Family Welfare JP Nadda’s residence, maintaining that any dialogue with the government over the alleged NEET-UG paper leak should take place in a public setting near Jantar Mantar.

Addressing reporters, CJP activist Saurav Das said the movement would only engage in talks if the government showed a genuine willingness to address the protesters’ demands.

“He invited us to his house again. We flatly refused. The people’s court is held here; ministers should come among the people,” said Das.

According to Das, the protesters declined the invitation to meet at Nadda’s residence and instead suggested holding discussions at a neutral venue close to Jantar Mantar if security concerns prevented ministers from visiting the protest site. He said they were awaiting the government’s response.

“Being educated people, we thought if there are security concerns, we could meet at some neutral place near Jantar Mantar. We are yet to hear from them on that.”

“It’s important that the government has the intention to accept our demands; only then should they call us. We don’t have time for useless talk. Time is precious; thousands of people are still stationed here, the protest is ongoing, and that needs to be managed as well.”

Protesters reiterate three key demands

Das said the agitation would continue unless the government addressed what he described as three non-negotiable demands.

These include the resignation of Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan, compensation of Rs 1 crore for the families of students who allegedly died by suicide in connection with the NEET paper leak issue, and the withdrawal of FIRs filed against peaceful protesters. He also sought an assurance that no future cases would be registered against participants in the ongoing agitation.

“First, the resignation of Dharmendra Pradhan. Second, 1 crore rupees compensation for the families of all those students who committed suicide due to the NEET paper leak. Third, all FIRs filed unnecessarily against peaceful protesters should be withdrawn, and we want a sovereign guarantee from the government that no such FIRs will be filed against any peaceful protester in relation to this protest in the future.”

He said the protesters were not interested in “useless talk” and that any meeting should have a clear purpose aimed at resolving the issue.

Appeal for peaceful protests

Responding to reports of stone-pelting during the demonstrations, Das appealed to protesters to avoid violence.

He said violence had no place in a democracy and urged participants not to confront the police or allow the focus of the agitation to shift away from its core demands. He added that the movement would continue through Gandhian principles.

Das also urged the police to release accurate information on those detained during the protests, including the number of people in custody and their whereabouts.

CJP warns of larger mobilisation

Separately, CJP representative Ashutosh Ranka claimed the July 20 demonstration was only a “trailer” and warned that the protest could expand significantly if the government failed to respond to the movement’s demands.

He alleged that millions of young people could join future demonstrations and accused the government of failing to address public concerns over the alleged examination irregularities.

Rejecting allegations that the protesters had turned violent, Ranka claimed the July 20 march had remained peaceful and alleged that disorder began only after police action against students.

He also said the protest would not end without an assurance that no further FIRs would be filed against demonstrators, while asserting that the movement’s leadership was prepared to face arrest if necessary.

Ranka appealed to leaders across political parties, including the BJP, to support what he described as a genuine public movement.

With inputs from ANI

The Enforcement Directorate (ED) has summoned Kalighat Trinamool treasurer and former Rajya Sabha MP Subhasish Chakraborty as part of its investigation into alleged financial irregularities worth Rs 164 crore, the proceeds of which may have been parked into the party’s bank accounts.

Chakraborty has been asked by investigating officials to come with all documents related to the party’s accounts. According to officials from the central probe agency Chakraborty is the ‘signing authority’ of the three bank accounts, currently frozen.

ED sources claimed that Chakraborty has been asked to appear at its CGO Complex office in Kolkata’s Salt Lake this week.

Speaking to reporters, Chakraborty said that he will be discussing these developments with his party and will seek time from the central agency to respond to the summons.

The Trinamool Congress is currently going through an unpredencted political crisis with a long string of leaders rebelling against the Mamata Banerjee-Abhishek Banerjee camp after its recent poll debacle. The rebel group has even asserted itself to be the ‘real’ faction, even staking claim to the party’s symbol and its coffers.

Former Minister Arup Biswas, who has sided with the rebel camp led by Leader of Opposition Ritabrata Banerjee, first shot off a letter to the bank informing about the irregularities in the party’s funds. Following this, Banerjee and Sandipan Saha, another rebel leader, filed a complaint with the police, which prompted the ED to freeze the accounts.

The invesitgation agency had earlier summoned Pawan Jaju and Ramesh Jaju, two directors of private aviation company Carewell and recorded their statement.

According to ED, TMC had rented planes and helicopters from Carewell and gave them over Rs 160 crore from its party funds from one of these three accounts.

Earlier on July 20, Calcutta High Court’s single-judge bench of Justice Krishna Rao refused to grant an interim stay on the ED’s decision to freeze these accounts having combined deposits of Rs 440 crore.

Claiming that “democracy is finished,” Congress MP Priyanka Gandhi Vadra on Wednesday said whatever is happening in Parliament is “undemocratic” with no debate being allowed on students’ issues.

Dressed in black in solidarity with protesting students, the Congress leader said that the biggest thing in democracy is freedom of expression and right to peaceful protest, PTI reported.

Referring to the Congress’ protest outside Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s 7, Lok Kalyan Marg residence on Tuesday, she said, “There is nothing undemocratic about that. What is undemocratic is what is happening in Parliament and on the streets”.

Several of the Opposition MPs, including Rahul Gandhi, were dressed in black on Wednesday as they staged a protest outside Parliament against the alleged police brutality on protesting students.

“In Parliament, debate is not being allowed. The Leader of Opposition is not allowed to speak, and neither are other opposition leaders. Whenever they rise to speak, they are stopped,” Priyanka Gandhi said.

“The Speaker says he has to ask the government whether a debate can take place. What is this? Democracy is finished,” she added.

She further noted that what happened to Opposition leaders on Tuesday is “irrelevant”.

“We are standing with the students and raising their voice. What happened to the students, was it right or wrong? They are all young students,” she said.

She added, “They are protesting, and this is not just any protest. It is a genuine issue, a genuine problem. Every parent in this country knows it. Every student in this country knows it. Every teacher in this country knows it. Everyone knows this is a genuine issue”.

She asserted that the protesting students are only asking for their rights, adding that they study with immense dedication and struggle to build a future for themselves.

Universal Pictures has set a theatrical release date for its long-awaited Snoop Dogg biopic. The studio confirmed on Tuesday that the film, titled ‘Snoop’, will open in theaters on August 6, 2027.

Release date and competition

The film will hit theaters right in the middle of summer movie season. It is currently scheduled to open alongside two other major releases. Disney’s “The Bluey Movie” and Black Bear’s “Jason Statham Stole My Bike” are set to open around the same time. That puts “Snoop” in direct competition for audience attention during a crowded summer window.

The movie takes the place of Universal’s previously announced Untitled Universal Event Film on the release calendar. Studio release dates can shift over the next year, but Universal appears to see this project as a significant summer tentpole.

Who is playing Snoop Dogg?

“Outer Banks” star Jonathan Daviss has been cast in the lead role. Daviss will play Snoop Dogg, born Calvin Broadus Jr., across different stages of his career. The film will follow him rising to fame as Snoop Dogg in the 1990s. Daviss is best known for playing Pope Heyward on the Netflix teen drama. He also appeared in the Netflix film “Do Revenge.”

Universal has described the project in bold terms. The studio calls it the definitive biopic of the artist, mogul and icon of gangsta rap.

Director and writing credits

Craig Brewer is directing the film. Brewer is known for “Song Sung Blue” and “Hustle & Flow.” According to The Hollywood Reporter, Brewer revised the script, which had an initial draft written by Joe Robert Cole.

Snoop Dogg has spoken publicly about Brewer’s involvement. At CinemaCon, the rapper compared the experience to previous music biopics from Universal. He noted that his director had already shown how difficult things are for a pimp in “Hustle & Flow,” and later had audiences singing “Sweet Caroline” through another project.

Producers behind the project

Several major names are attached as producers. Imagine Entertainment’s Brian Grazer, who worked on “8 Mile,” will produce the movie along with Snoop Dogg himself and Death Row Pictures President Sara Ramaker.

The project also carries business significance beyond the story itself. “Snoop” marks the first project under Death Row Pictures’ overall deal with NBCUniversal Entertainment. Death Row Pictures is Snoop Dogg’s own content label, so the deal gives him a direct stake in future projects with the studio.

Music and content rating

The film will not shy away from Snoop Dogg’s extensive music catalogue. It will incorporate music from the singer’s vast catalogue, including hits like “Drop It Like It’s Hot,” “Gin and Juice,” “What’s My Name” and “Nuthin’ but a ‘G’ Thang.”

Snoop Dogg has also confirmed the tone of the movie himself. Speaking at CinemaCon, he said the movie is going to be rated R and joked that people should get their parents’ permission before watching.

Background on the project

This film has been in development for several years. Universal first announced the biopic back in 2022. Progress updates have come slowly since then. Snoop shared at CinemaCon that production was expected to begin this summer.

When the project was first announced, Universal chairman Donna Langley spoke about meeting with Snoop Dogg directly. She said the studio met with him shortly after he acquired Death Row Records and had the chance to hear his story in his own words.

How it fits into Universal’s track record

Universal has had strong success with music biopics in recent years. The studio’s Michael Jackson movie, “Michael,” passed $1 billion at the global box office. Its other music biopics have also performed well. The N.W.A biopic “Straight Outta Compton” grossed $201.6 million worldwide, and the Eminem film “8 Mile” made $242.8 million worldwide.

Interestingly, “Straight Outta Compton” already touched on Snoop Dogg’s early career. In that 2015 film, LaKeith Stanfield played a young Snoop Dogg, and the movie earned Universal over $200 million at the box office.

What comes next

Plot specifics for “Snoop” have not been shared yet. Plot details remain unconfirmed at this stage. Fans will likely learn more as the film moves closer to production and eventually into theaters next summer.

For now, the date is set. Moviegoers can expect “Snoop” in theaters on August 6, 2027, alongside a busy slate of summer competition.

Students at the Film and Television Institute of India (FTII) have questioned actor and FTII Chairman R. Madhavan over his silence on the Cockroach Janta Party (CJP)-led protests taking place at Delhi’s Jantar Mantar.

The protests are focused on allegations that the NEET examination paper was leaked. Protesters are demanding the resignation of Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan over the issue.

A photograph from the FTII campus has now gone viral on Instagram. The image shows the door of Madhavan’s office with a poster carrying the popular “Gayab” meme. Along with the meme, the poster displayed the words, “NEET for sale.”

 

View this post on Instagram

 

A post shared by Nishant Kabir (@unhinged_paradox)

Social media users seek Madhavan’s response

The viral image quickly spread across social media, with many users asking why Madhavan had not spoken publicly about the ongoing protests.

Several people pointed out that, as the Chairman of one of India’s leading film institutes and a well-known public figure, they expected him to respond to the concerns being raised by students and protesters.

Aamir Khan also faces online criticism

The controversy comes at a time when actor Aamir Khan has also faced criticism on social media over comments related to activist Sonam Wangchuk.

Aamir recently said that he did not know who Wangchuk was while making the film ‘3 Idiots’. His statement led to strong reactions online.

Soon after, internet users shared an old video in which Sonam Wangchuk spoke about his first meeting with Aamir Khan. The resurfaced clip led many social media users to question the actor’s recent remarks, with several accusing him of making an incorrect claim.

Several film personalities back protest

While Madhavan and Aamir Khan have faced questions online, several members of the film industry have openly expressed support for Sonam Wangchuk and the CJP-led protest.

Actors Imran Khan, Zeenat Aman, Anurag Kashyap, Naseeruddin Shah, Ratna Pathak Shah, Abhay Deol and Omi Vaidya are among those who have publicly backed the movement.

In addition, Shabana Azmi, Prakash Raj, Amol Parasher and Poonam Pandey travelled to Delhi and joined the march alongside the protesters.

Veteran actor Ratna Pathak Shah has spoken in support of students protesting at Delhi’s Jantar Mantar. In a video shared on Instagram on Wednesday, the 69-year-old actor expressed solidarity with young protesters and delivered an emotional message about importance of protecting students’ futures.

Using a well-known story from Hindu mythology, Pathak Shah questioned whether those responsible for education are truly serving the interests of young people.

 

View this post on Instagram

 

A post shared by Ratna Pathak Shah (@ratnapathak.s)

Eklavya story used to raise questions

In her Hindi message, Ratna Pathak Shah recalled hearing the story of Eklavya as a child. She said the tale had deeply affected her and left her wondering why a teacher would ask a student to give up something so important.

She referred to the episode where Eklavya was asked to offer his thumb as guru dakshina, saying that, to her, it represented a teacher taking away a student’s future.

The actor said that as a child she could not understand such a decision. However, she now believes the same situation is being repeated in a different form in today’s society.

‘What kind of teachers are we?’

Pathak Shah questioned those who describe India as a “Vishwaguru” or teacher to the world. According to her, such a claim has little meaning if the country cannot understand, support or stand beside its own students.

She said it was surprising that while people speak proudly about becoming a global guide, they fail to connect with the concerns of young people. The actor repeatedly asked what kind of teachers a society becomes when it cannot protect the interests of its students.

Her comments linked the Eklavya story with present-day debates over education, suggesting that students are once again being asked to pay the price for decisions made by those in authority.

Criticism of the current system

Referring to the ongoing protest at Delhi’s Jantar Mantar, Ratna Pathak Shah criticised what she described as a system that expects young people to sacrifice their future while those in positions of power continue to protect their own status.

She questioned why students should be made to bear such a heavy burden and said society must honestly examine whether it is treating its youth fairly. According to the actor, this is a question that everyone should ask themselves.

Emotional apology to the younger generation

The National Award-winning actor became emotional while speaking directly to the protesting students. She said her own generation must accept responsibility for allowing the situation to reach this stage.

Pathak Shah admitted that many people had seen warning signs over the years but did not act strongly enough or at the right time. Because of that failure, she said, her generation no longer has the moral authority to lecture or guide today’s youth.

Instead, she felt it was necessary to apologise to students for not preventing the current situation.

Ending her message on a hopeful note, Ratna Pathak Shah assured the students that they would not have to face the struggle alone.

She said that although her generation may have made mistakes, it still has the willingness and commitment to stand with young people. The actor promised that whenever the students call for support, she and others like her would stand beside them in solidarity.

The Shri Ram Janmabhoomi Teerth Kshetra Trust is unlikely to finalise the appointment of the Ram Temple’s first Chief Executive Officer (CEO) at its meeting in Ayodhya on Wednesday, as the expert panel tasked with selecting candidates has not completed the screening process, sources said.

The meeting comes as the Trust considers a series of administrative reforms following allegations of embezzlement involving temple offerings. Along with the proposed CEO appointment, members are expected to discuss filling three vacant positions within the Trust.

According to sources, the three-member expert committee constituted to recommend candidates for the newly created CEO post has received a large number of applications. The volume of submissions has delayed scrutiny, making it unlikely that the panel will submit the final shortlist of three names before Wednesday’s meeting.

Without the committee’s recommendations, the Trust is not expected to take a final call on appointing its first professional CEO.

The decision to create the CEO post was taken at the Trust’s July 6 meeting after allegations of theft linked to temple offerings surfaced. The Trust said the move was aimed at introducing a professional administrative structure to improve financial transparency, strengthen security and streamline facilities for devotees.

Once appointed, the CEO will oversee the temple’s day-to-day administration, implement decisions taken by the Trust and supervise staff. With the Trust’s approval, the CEO will also have the authority to appoint the temple’s secretary and other administrative personnel.

Three vacancies also under consideration

The Trust is also expected to discuss filling three vacant positions.

One vacancy arose after the death of trustee Bimlendra Mohan Pratap Mishra, the former head of the Ayodhya royal family. The other two vacancies were created following the resignations of former General Secretary Champat Rai and former trustee Dr Anil Mishra.

Asked whether Krishna Mohan, who is currently serving as acting General Secretary, would be confirmed in the role permanently, Mahant Dinendra Das said no decision had been communicated to members.

“As of now, we do not have any information. Whoever is appointed should have good conduct and character, with no involvement in theft or any criminal activity. They should always maintain transparency, regularly present accounts, and keep society informed. Such a person is fit for the role,” he said.

Sources said Krishna Mohan remains a leading contender for the post of permanent General Secretary.

Discussions are also expected on the vacant trustee positions, with VHP National General Secretary BL Bangda among the names being considered, according to sources.

The Trust’s decisions are expected to shape the next phase of the Ram Temple’s administrative framework as it looks to strengthen governance and accountability.

A journalist covering the Cockroach Janta Party (CJP) protest at Delhi’s Jantar Mantar has alleged that he was assaulted by protesters during the violence that broke out at the demonstration.

Dev Kotak, a reporter with Times Now, said he had been reporting from the protest site for the past 23 days. According to him, the attack happened while tensions were rising between protesters and the police.

Dev Kotak, a reporter with Times Now, was attacked by protestors at Jantar Mantar. It’s absolutely unfair.
Having covered the @Cockroachisback protest for days now,this unruly behaviour towards some channels is uncalled for.
A reporter is not at fault.
This is unacceptable. pic.twitter.com/D3S6l9EByS

— Hemani Bhandari (@HemaniBhandari) July 21, 2026

Kotak claimed that protesters surrounded him while shouting “Godi media” slogans. He alleged that he was punched and kicked repeatedly from different directions. He also said that his clothes were torn during the incident and that people in the crowd threw water bottles and other objects at him.

His allegations surfaced as several journalists reported facing hostility while covering the protest.

CJP spokesperson apologises and condemns attack

Following the incident, CJP spokesperson Saurav Das publicly condemned the alleged assault on the journalist.

In a statement shared on social media, Das wrote, “We strongly condemn this violence against Dev. He is a fantastic reporter. No one should be resorting to such violence, no matter how much the Police instigates them. Sorry brother Dev. We appeal for peace and calm.”

We strongly condemn this violence against Dev. He is a fantastic reporter. No one should be resorting to such violence, no matter how much the Police instigates them. Sorry brother Dev. We appeal for peace and calm. https://t.co/VbY9uDdnOX

— Saurav Das (@SauravDassss) July 21, 2026

Other journalists also report harassment

The alleged attack was not limited to one reporter. Times Now, ABP News and journalists from other media organisations also claimed they were assaulted, intimidated or harassed while reporting from the protest site.

Several reporters said they faced aggressive behaviour from sections of the crowd as they tried to cover developments on the ground.

A video circulating on social media also appears to show a woman journalist being dragged by protesters during the unrest.

Protest over NEET paper leak turned violent

The violence took place during a large CJP protest held on July 20, 2026, in central Delhi. Hundreds of protesters had gathered at Jantar Mantar to demand resignation of Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan over NEET paper leak controversy.

The protest began peacefully with demonstrators assembling at designated protest site before starting their planned march.

However, the situation changed when Delhi Police placed barricades around Jantar Mantar, preventing the protesters from moving ahead with the march.

This led to clashes between protesters and police personnel. Police used tear gas shells and carried out a lathi-charge to disperse the crowd after tensions escalated.

Both sides claim injuries as conflicting versions emerge

The confrontation left both protesters and police personnel injured.

Videos from the scene show security personnel using force against protesters during the clashes. At the same time, Delhi Police has maintained that its personnel were also attacked by members of the crowd.

The incident has triggered competing claims over how violence unfolded. Videos from protest continue to circulate across social media.

The Congress on Wednesday intensified its agitation over the NEET-UG paper leak row and the detention of Leader of Opposition Rahul Gandhi and party MP Priyanka Gandhi, holding coordinated protests across multiple states while launching a nationwide outreach programme targeting students.

Demonstrations were reported from Gujarat, Karnataka, Tamil Nadu, Telangana and Assam, with police detaining Congress workers at several locations as the party accused the Centre of suppressing protests over issues affecting students.

In Ahmedabad, Congress workers protested against the detention of Rahul Gandhi and Priyanka Gandhi and the NEET paper leak. Similar protests were held in Surat, where several workers were detained by police.

#WATCH | Surat, Gujarat: Congress workers detained during protest over the detention of Rahul Gandhi and Priyanka Gandhi and NEET paper leak pic.twitter.com/gtUqYGMco7

— ANI (@ANI) July 22, 2026

In Hyderabad, police personnel were deployed outside Lok Bhavan after the Telangana Congress called for a protest condemning Rahul Gandhi’s detention.

In Bengaluru, Congress workers staging a protest outside the BJP office were detained by police.

#WATCH | Bengaluru, Karnataka: Congress workers detained as they stage a protest in front of the BJP office pic.twitter.com/ckkwo16YLM

— ANI (@ANI) July 22, 2026

In Chennai, the Tamil Nadu Congress protested against the alleged police lathi charge on protesters in Delhi and the detention of Rahul Gandhi.

#WATCH | Chennai: Tamil Nadu Congress protests against police lathi charge on protestors in Delhi and the detention of Rahul Gandhi pic.twitter.com/4ajfPvyaam

— ANI (@ANI) July 22, 2026

Congress legislators in Assam also staged a protest inside the State Assembly in Guwahati, demanding the resignation of Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan over the NEET-UG paper leak issue.

Also Read | Explainer: Is AAP notching up CJP protest after Rahul Gandhi snatched anti-govt initiative with PM gherao?

The protests coincided with the Congress’ nationwide student engagement programme announced by party General Secretary (Organisation) KC Venugopal.

In a letter to party leaders and workers, Venugopal urged them to engage with students in colleges, universities, coaching centres and hostels across the country, citing concerns over repeated paper leaks, examination delays, recruitment uncertainty, rising education costs and unemployment.

He said the programme builds on Rahul Gandhi’s ‘Chhatron Ki Goonj’ campaign, launched in Kota on June 17 and continued in Dehradun on July 17, which seeks reforms in the education system.

Venugopal also criticised the police action during Monday’s protests in Delhi, alleging that senior Congress leaders, including party president Mallikarjun Kharge, Rahul Gandhi and Priyanka Gandhi, were manhandled during a demonstration outside the Prime Minister’s residence.

Separately, Rahul Gandhi defended the Opposition’s decision to stage a sit-in near the Prime Minister’s residence, saying it came after the government showed no willingness to allow a parliamentary debate on the treatment of students during recent protests.

Speaking to reporters after meeting the Lok Sabha Speaker, Gandhi said he had sought a discussion in Parliament but was told the Speaker would need the government’s permission.

“The Speaker said he needed to take permission from the Government, but it was very clear to us… that there was no interest in the Government of having a debate,” Gandhi said.

भारत के छात्रों और प्रधानमंत्री को मेरा सीधा संदेश… pic.twitter.com/pgZZHLLz8h

— Rahul Gandhi (@RahulGandhi) July 21, 2026

Calling the education crisis one of the country’s biggest concerns, he questioned repeated examination paper leaks, the rising cost of education and the financial burden on families.

Gandhi demanded the resignation of Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan and Home Minister Amit Shah, action against those responsible for allegedly assaulting protesting students, and the withdrawal of cases registered against them.

He also urged Prime Minister Narendra Modi to apologise to students and initiate reforms in the examination and education system.

The Congress has maintained that the nationwide campaign aims to mobilise support among students over examination-related issues, while the latest protests underline the Opposition’s continued confrontation with the Centre over the NEET paper leak controversy.

(With inputs from ANI and IANS)

Amid heated exchanges in the Lok Sabha on Wednesday over the issue of NEET question paper leak and the police action against protesters in the national capital, Union Parliamentary Affairs Minister Kiren Rijiju said the central government is prepared to discuss the matter.

However, Rijiju clarified that the format, duration and procedural rules governing the much-accepted debate would be decided by the Speaker after consultations with the floor leaders of all political parties.

“The government is ready to discuss the NEET paper leak issue. However, when the discussion takes place, it happens in line with a rule. When the discussion is held, for how long and under which rule should be decided by the Speaker after meeting with all party floor leaders. The government is ready to discuss the issue, and we all want to engage in a meaningful discussion regarding the future of this country’s youth,” Rijiju said.

#WATCH | In Lok Sabha, Parliamentary Affairs Minister Kiren Rijiju says, “For three days we have been offering that the Government is absolutely ready to have a discussion on NEET paper leak issue. Since day 1 we have been saying that discussions have to be held as per rules.… pic.twitter.com/6S3zNufU9y

— ANI (@ANI) July 22, 2026

While raising the matter in the Lower House of the Parliament, Congress MP K.C. Venugopal reiterated the Opposition’s demand for Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan’s resignation and urged the government to accept an adjournment motion to facilitate a discussion on the issue.

“Our demand is very clear: Education Minister should resign. If you accept the adjournment motion, then discuss it,” Venugopal said.

Samajwadi Party chief Akhilesh Yadav also intervened during the proceedings and stated that the matter transcended party politics and directly concerned the future of students and young people. He said every political party should be given an opportunity to express its views in the House.

“This issue is not of Congress, Samajwadi Party or the BJP; it’s about the youth of the country. You let him (Venugopal) and them (Rijiju) speak; was the problem solved? Why was I not allowed to speak? This stand is not right. This is about the youth and students, and we all are standing with them,” Yadav said.

Further, Akhilesh Yadav criticised the central government’s handling of the protests and alleged that students had been subjected to excessive force during the July 20 demonstration.

“When the students will not be heard, we will come out on the streets. The way the government has behaved with the students… their hands and heads were broken, their clothes were torn. Will you (the government) tear the clothes of our daughters?” he questioned.

He added, “We went outside the Prime Minister’s residence in desperation. If you had allowed us to speak here, we wouldn’t have gone. Can the Prime Minister not give a statement here? If he can do it outside, then why not in the House?”