AGP Executive Report

Hockey World Cup Jersey Row: Former India hockey captain Viren Rasquinha slammed Hockey India’s switch from the traditional blue to a saffron kit, calling it an “embarrassing” break from the team’s identity. School Food Policy: West Bengal will bring back eggs to free school meals after backlash over their removal, with officials citing nutrition concerns for children. Delhi Court Order: A Delhi court cancelled non-bailable warrants against SFI leader Aishe Ghosh in a 2021 case, after she appeared in court. Pellet Gun Use-of-Force: The Supreme Court sought a graded use-of-force standing order for Delhi Police in the pellet row and said it is ready to examine use of pellet guns in the July 20 protest. Public Institutions Law: The government plans to introduce a bill in Lok Sabha to give the Indian Statistical Institute a statutory framework as a “body corporate.” Economy & Markets: India’s industrial production and manufacturing continue to grow, but hiring signals look weaker, raising questions about where factory jobs are going. International: India condemned attacks on vessels in the Strait of Hormuz at the UN Security Council, calling for de-escalation and safe navigation.

Air India Probe: Govt tells Parliament Boeing found no abnormality in the Dreamliner fuel control switch locking mechanism after an Air India pilot flagged a possible issue, with OEM-level testing ordered by DGCA still ongoing. Smartphone Exports: India’s smartphone exports hit a record $9.84 billion in Q1 FY27, up 23.4%, led by iPhone shipments; smartphones drove 64.8% of electronics exports. Delhi Security: Delhi Police beefed up security at Jantar Mantar, welding barricades after CJP warned of renewed protests over FIR withdrawals. Cyber Crime (Mumbai): Mumbai Police registered an FIR after tracing cyber fraud proceeds through an alleged Axis Bank mule account linked to a Rs 1.16 crore digital arrest scam. Water & Cleanliness (Mumbai): BMC says Mumbai’s seven lakes hold 88.17% water; BMC chief Ashwini Bhide ordered intensified sanitation and waste management at garbage-prone spots. Commonwealth Games: Indian 400m hurdles duo Yashas Palaksha and Santhosh K Tamilarasan qualified for the final; boxing continues to stack medals as Jaismine Lamboria assured another podium finish. Tech & AI: Google rolled out Gemini Spark in India as an autonomous AI agent for Gmail, Docs and Sheets.

Youth Protests & Politics: Analysts say Modi’s “invincibility” brand has taken a hit after the government backed down amid youth-led protests over exam irregularities and jobs, including the education minister’s resignation and promises not to prosecute detained protesters. Delhi Law & Order: Delhi Police registered 20 FIRs over violence during the CJP NEET protest, including 3 attempt-to-murder cases, while identifying 2,873 protesters with criminal backgrounds using CCTV and facial recognition. Court Watch: Delhi High Court ordered takedown of infringing content in Yuvraj Singh’s personality rights case and also ruled on limits of piracy injunctions. Women’s Welfare: Delhi cabinet cleared Lakshmi Yojana with Rs 2,500 monthly aid, but with a 3-children eligibility cap and a choice between RD/FD or a CBDC wallet. Sports (CWG): Preeti Pawar guaranteed a boxing medal by reaching women’s 54kg semis; India’s women’s hockey team departed for Europe ahead of the World Cup. Tech & Economy: Google launched Gemini Spark in India; IT stocks rallied on AI optimism; India’s e-Zero FIR system topped the Centre’s cyber fraud registrations.

Delhi Lakshmi Yojana: The Delhi government says the first instalment of ₹2,500-a-month aid will reach about 17 lakh eligible women on Raksha Bandhan, with an Aug 1 portal for applications and new exclusions including women with more than three children. Delhi Courts & Police: The Delhi High Court refused to transfer a probe into alleged police excesses after a viral slap video, saying allegations alone can’t presume bias; it also backed the Centre’s stand that it lacks jurisdiction to stay eviction of the Delhi Gymkhana Club. Dog Shelter in Dwarka: L-G Taranjit Singh Sandhu laid the foundation stone for Delhi’s first dedicated dog shelter in Sector-29, Dwarka, expected to be operational by end-November. Mumbai Civic & Housing: BMC’s Tree Authority cleared 11 projects affecting 2,813 trees, while MahaRERA ordered a Chembur developer to hand over a flat within 30 days and pay delay interest; MSHRC gave MCGM a final chance in a Powai madrasa complaint. Infrastructure & Crime: BMC readies tunnelling for the Goregaon-Mulund Link Road with TBMs, and a Mumbai scooterist was arrested for assaulting a BEST bus driver and blocking traffic. Sports: Harjinder Kaur won CWG silver in women’s 69kg weightlifting, breaking Games records twice.

Delhi Rains & IMD Alerts: Heavy monsoon showers hit Delhi with a red alert, triggering waterlogging and traffic jams; Safdarjung logged 32.4 mm and Ridge 37.6 mm by morning. Supreme Court on Police Action: The SC slammed Delhi Police over the Cockroach Janta Party crackdown, saying a probe is “meaningless” unless responsibility is fixed, while families of injured personnel seek guidelines. Politics & Protests: The education minister’s resignation after Gen Z-led exam protest pressure keeps the spotlight on arrests and alleged excesses. Delhi Ridge Probe: A panel probing a luxury housing project near Morphological Ridge has flagged large-scale excavation and ridge cutting, seeking a Forest Department inquiry. Sports (CWG 2026): India’s para-athletics breakthrough continues as Sharmila Dhankar wins gold; weightlifting adds more medals. Cricket: Saransh Jain earns a maiden Test call-up for Sri Lanka; Jadeja returns, with some spots subject to fitness. Business/Tech: RBI Deputy calls for deeper corporate bond, FX and derivatives markets for Viksit Bharat; Meta’s global head of policy was summoned after a PM video was briefly blocked. Entertainment: CJ ENM and Prime Video expand Korean content deal; Cinépolis and Sony launch Spider-Man collectibles. Sports Leagues: Indian Football League 2026-27 starts Oct 16 with limits on foreign players.

Delhi High Court & Protests: The Centre told the Delhi High Court that a PIL over alleged surveillance of protesters at Jantar Mantar has become infructuous after the agitation ended, while the court hinted the broader surveillance question could be taken up in a fresh, general plea. Policing & Tech: Delhi Police said it used facial recognition to identify 2,873 people with criminal records at the Jantar Mantar protest, including 101 murder cases, and said the exercise aimed to map prior criminal involvement. Cyber Complaint: Mumbai model Rhiya Ahir, who blocked a police van during protests, filed a cyber complaint alleging online threats, harassment, and deepfake-linked attacks. Criminal Justice: Delhi Police sought the death penalty for former AAP councillor Tahir Hussain and four others in the Ankit Sharma murder case; the court will pronounce order on July 31. Education & Admissions: Delhi University begins classes for UG and PG from July 28 and extended Round 2 admission deadlines to July 29; DU also announced a 1,400-seat one-year PG Open and Distance Learning programme. Weather: Delhi braces for thunderstorms and slight hail on July 28 with a 59% rain chance and a high of 35°C. India-China: Foreign Secretary Vikram Misri met Chinese officials in Beijing; both sides stressed maintaining peace and tranquillity along the border. Trade & Industry: India’s engineering exports rose 21% in June to $11.48 billion, supported by demand from China, the US, Germany and Oman.

Education & Protests: India’s Gen Z-led “Cockroach” protests over alleged exam paper leaks have pushed the government into action, with the education minister’s resignation and a push for exam reforms now dominating the political agenda. Supreme Court on Policing: The Supreme Court stressed that peaceful protest is a constitutional right and cannot be met with lathi charge, urging uniform protest protocols across the country. Delhi Governance: Delhi CM Rekha Gupta inaugurated the Commonwealth Table Tennis Championship at Thyagaraj Sports Complex, with top players from 25 Commonwealth countries competing till Aug 2. Sports (CWG 2026): India’s weightlifting medal run continued as Raja Muthupandi won silver in the men’s 65kg; Jadumani Singh advanced in boxing after a win over Pakistan. Hockey: India’s sub-junior men beat Pakistan 3-1 to win the FIH Youth Hockey5s Asian title and qualify for the World Cup. Health: India expanded free hepatitis screening, vaccination and treatment under the National Viral Hepatitis Control Programme to meet the 2030 elimination target. Legal (Mumbai): The Supreme Court reserved its order on Abu Salem’s plea for premature release in the 1993 Mumbai blasts case. Security Advisory: India warned seafarers about heightened Black Sea risks after attacks have killed five Indians.

Education Crisis & Exam Reform: PM Modi announced a Nandan Nilekani-led task force to overhaul India’s examination system after Dharmendra Pradhan resigned over NEET-UG and other paper-leak protests; Pralhad Joshi took additional charge as Education Minister. Delhi Protest Fallout: Delhi Police is reviewing “abusive” social media posts targeting Modi and others from the Jantar Mantar CJP agitation and may issue takedown notices to platforms. Commonwealth Games 2026: Mirabai Chanu opened India’s gold account with a record-breaking third straight CWG gold in the women’s 48kg; India also notched boxing wins including Jadumani Singh’s unanimous victory over Pakistan. Sports (Cricket): Vaibhav Sooryavanshi’s 81 powered India to a 3-0 T20I whitewash of Zimbabwe. India-Region & Diplomacy: India’s month-long summit diplomacy kicks off with the SCO meet, followed by Brics in Delhi and UNGA. Neighbourhood Travel Rules: Nepal now allows carrying redesigned Rs 200 and Rs 500 notes (up to Rs 25,000) across the border. Maritime & Trade: INS Sudarshini departed Boston after SAIL 250 events, while CBDT issued guidance on crypto tax reporting for platforms.

Education Shake-up in Delhi: Dharmendra Pradhan resigned after weeks of youth protests over NEET paper leaks, and President Droupadi Murmu accepted it; Prahlad Joshi took charge as the new Education Minister. UN on Protests: The UN said peaceful demonstrators in New Delhi should be allowed without fear of harassment, arrest or injury. Metro Back to Normal: Delhi Metro fully restored entry and exit services after restrictions tied to the protests eased. Black Sea Advisory: India warned citizens to assess security risks before taking jobs in conflict-hit Black Sea maritime zones, citing missile and drone threats. Ukraine Incident: A vessel carrying four Indians was struck at Odesa; two are safe and two are still missing as search and rescue continues. Sports—Cricket: India beat Zimbabwe by 90 runs in the 2nd T20I, sealing a 2-0 series lead and reclaiming the top ICC T20I ranking spot. Commonwealth Games: Protistha Samanta qualified for the women’s vault final; India’s medal hunt continues on Day 4 in Glasgow. Kargil Vijay Diwas: Rajnath Singh said the armed forces are fully prepared to meet any challenge as India marks 27 years since 1999.

Education Crisis in Focus: India’s education minister Dharmendra Pradhan resigned after weeks of youth-led protests over alleged exam paper leaks, with President Draupadi Murmu accepting the resignation and appointing Prahlad Joshi as the new Education Minister. Delhi Protest Update: Delhi Police said it may withdraw FIRs linked to the Jantar Mantar agitation after the protest was called off, even as stone-pelting incidents injured police and facial recognition identified thousands. Youth Movement: Activist Sonam Wangchuk, who fasted for 26 days, hailed the resignation as a “victory of democracy,” while protesters in Delhi and across cities celebrated and demanded broader education reforms. Sports—India vs Zimbabwe: India thrashed Zimbabwe by 90 runs in the 2nd T20I to take a 2-0 series lead, with Ishan Kishan and Tilak Varma starring. Assam Floods: Assam flood toll rose to at least 62 dead with 8 missing, affecting over 1.1 million people across 25 districts. Mumbai Civic Life: IMD forecast light to moderate rain in Mumbai through late July; Thane remains under a yellow alert, while BEST bus routes were disrupted by metro work and religious processions.

Monsoon Watch: IMD has issued a fresh advisory for heavy to very heavy rainfall with thunderstorms, lightning and gusty winds likely to hit Delhi-NCR and several other states over the next few days. Flood Fallout (Assam): Assam’s flood toll rose to 61 deaths, with nearly 1.1 million people affected across 2,000+ villages as river levels stay above danger marks. Delhi Commuters: Haryana approved a new Rs 29-crore 6-lane road in Gurugram, linking the Delhi-Gurugram Expressway to cut travel time; construction is set to start in August. Water Update (Mumbai): After heavy rain, Mumbai’s lake water stock jumped to 83.68% of live storage. Student Protests (Delhi): CJP renewed allegations of police “siege” at Jantar Mantar and demanded access for supporters as talks with the Centre continue. Maritime Safety: India’s embassy in Tehran confirmed all 28 Indian crew members are safe after an LPG tanker attack near Iran. Economy/Trade: India’s DTAA changes with Sri Lanka add a Principal Purpose Test to curb treaty-shopping. Markets: Gold in Delhi fell Rs 2,000 to Rs 1.47 lakh/10g; silver dropped Rs 5,000/kg.

Jantar Mantar Stir: Talks between the Centre and youth-led “Cockroach” (CJP) protesters failed to move demands, with protesters pressing for Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan’s resignation as police sealed key roads and unrest continues. High Court on NEET Probe: Delhi High Court refused to order an NIA probe into the July 20 “Sansad Chalo” protest, saying only the Centre can decide under the NIA Act. Maritime Safety: India condemned attacks on commercial shipping in the Black Sea; MEA said one Indian crew member died in the MV Omorfi strike and assistance is being provided. Monsoon & Diplomacy: India rejected Pakistan’s flood claims over the Chenab, saying rainfall drove the rise and India will keep sharing high-flood data. Sports Spotlight: India’s sub-junior boys thrashed Pakistan and Oman in Hockey5s; para swimmer Karthik Budigina finished fourth at CWG. Rupee Watch: RBI likely stepped up currency defence as oil prices pressured the rupee.

NEET paper leak protests: Thousands of youth protesters kept up the “Cockroach” sit-in at Jantar Mantar in Delhi despite fresh restrictions, with Delhi Metro closures and mobile internet curbs in the protest zone; Sonam Wangchuk ended his 26-day hunger strike after talks, but CJP leaders say nationwide demonstrations will continue until Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan resigns. Delhi courts & policing: Delhi HC has designated fast-track courts for exam paper leak cases, while authorities extended NSA powers for Delhi police amid the agitation. Defence & misinformation: The Indian Army fact-check unit warned of a Pakistani deepfake video falsely attributing threats to Defence Minister Rajnath Singh. Sports—CWG 2026: India’s contingent gets underway in Glasgow; Mirabai Chanu urged weightlifters to stay calm, and India’s T20 captain Shreyas Iyer marked a winning start vs Zimbabwe. Trade & economy: India concluded its WTO Eighth Trade Policy Review; US imposed a 10% forced-labour tariff on Indian imports. Tech & industry: HCLTech plans a $1.48 bn AI data centre in Odisha; banks and insurers to roll out a common customer ID (CKYC 2.0) in August. Weather & travel: Heavy Gujarat rains disrupted rail traffic, cancelling 61 trains including Vande Bharat.

NEET Paper Leak Protests in Delhi: Delhi Police blocked 480 Pakistan-linked social media handles tied to misinformation around the Cockroach Janta Party (CJP) agitation at Jantar Mantar, while authorities shut metro stations and mobile internet in central Delhi, disrupting businesses and commuters. Fast-Track Courts for Exam Leaks: After PM Modi’s announcement, the Delhi High Court notified a specially designated fast-track court at Rouse Avenue to handle criminal cases under the Public Examinations (Prevention of Unfair Means) Act, 2024. Political Pushback: Congress and INDIA bloc MPs marched toward Gandhi Smriti in student solidarity, with leaders demanding accountability and opposing police action. Sports—India vs Zimbabwe T20I: Vaibhav Sooryavanshi hit a maiden T20I fifty as India beat Zimbabwe by 7 wickets in Harare; Shreyas Iyer’s captaincy began with a win. Commonwealth Games 2026: Lovlina Borgohain secured a bye into the women’s 75kg boxing semifinals, guaranteeing at least a bronze as the Games begin in Glasgow. BRICS Health Meeting: The 16th BRICS Health Ministers’ meeting concluded in Chandigarh under India’s chairship, with a declaration focused on resilient healthcare and health equity.

Student Protests & Exam Leak Crackdown: PM Modi says fast-track courts will deliver swift, stringent punishment for paper-leak culprits as the “Cockroach Janta Party” protests spread; Delhi Metro shuts 16 stations and Delhi High Court agrees to hear a PIL seeking a probe into the Jantar Mantar protest. Rights Watch: Human Rights Watch alleges Delhi police used tear gas and batons and pushed for an end to mobile internet suspensions during the July 20 crackdown. Delhi Court Moves: Delhi HC will hear a plea for an independent probe into police action during Sonam Wangchuk’s protest, while another PIL seeks Centre’s response on HPV vaccination. Rail & Energy: Indian Railways clears a ₹440 crore, 14.52-km third rail line on the South Eastern Freight Corridor; India also plans five small nuclear reactors to be operational by 2033. Solar Industry Stress: New domestic cell sourcing rules are forcing solar manufacturers to idle or cut output due to cell shortages. Mumbai Monsoon Update: Heavy rain boosts Mumbai’s seven-lake water stock to about 69.74% capacity; IMD upgrades alerts (Orange in Mumbai, Red in Palghar). International: India tells the UN Indus Waters Treaty will stay in abeyance unless Pakistan stops cross-border terrorism; US-India trade talks could lead to a deal in 3–4 months.

Delhi Protest Fallout: Delhi’s CJP “cockroach movement” keeps drawing attention as clashes with police continue, with reports of water cannon use and fresh FIRs; Congress leaders also face INDIA bloc criticism over Rahul Gandhi’s PM residence protest without wider coordination. Student Detentions in Mumbai: Mumbai police detained actress Ayesha Khan during the NEET-linked protests, while authorities booked hundreds and registered multiple FIRs over alleged unlawful assembly. Air Connectivity: Air India will start nonstop Delhi–Toronto flights from Aug 1, cutting travel time and adding Premium Economy on the 787-9; it also plans a North America Maharaja Lounge at JFK Terminal 6 from 2028. 6G Push: Bharat 6G Alliance expands to 90 members and backs India’s 6G spectrum roadmap and working groups. BRICS Education: India hosted BRICS Network University meetings on traditional and indigenous knowledge systems to deepen higher-education ties. Energy & Safety: A Sikkim hydroelectric tunnel collapse death toll rose to 20 amid toxic gas and flooding; India also awarded 1,344MW pumped hydro contracts and its first utility-scale vanadium flow battery. Trade & Diplomacy: Jaishankar told China to focus on fair market access and trade balance as India seeks to repair ties; US-India talks point to an “almost complete” interim trade deal.