Congress MP Priyanka Gandhi Vadra on Thursday appealed to the central government to open a dialogue with protesting students, stating that many of them have lost confidence in the existing system and feel their concerns are not being addressed. Speaking to ANI about the ongoing student protests, Priyanka Gandhi said the government must seriously consider the demands raised by the students, including calls for the resignation of Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan, an investigation into alleged incidents of violence against protesters, and action on their other grievances.
She said that true leadership requires listening to people during difficult situations. According to Priyanka Gandhi, students are seeking accountability and justice, and a resolution cannot be achieved unless their concerns are properly heard and addressed. "Students are asking for certain things, while the government is responding with something else. It is necessary to listen to their voices and understand their demands," she said. Drawing a comparison, the Congress leader said the situation was similar to parents making decisions for their children without considering their aspirations. She suggested that authorities should understand what students want rather than imposing solutions without consultation.
Priyanka Gandhi also questioned the use of force against protesters, saying that the government cannot claim to support students while allowing actions that make them feel unheard. She urged the Centre to directly communicate with student representatives and work towards rebuilding trust. She added that leaders must sometimes set aside their fears and engage with the public, pointing out that thousands of students have gathered at Jantar Mantar to raise their concerns.
Congress leader KC Venugopal also criticised Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s statement on establishing fast-track courts to punish those involved in examination paper leaks. He claimed that the government’s assurances have lost credibility among people. Venugopal said the Centre should first remove Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan from his position and then hold discussions with protesting students. He alleged that students would not trust government assurances unless concrete action was taken.
The student protests have intensified discussions around examination security, accountability, and the need for reforms to ensure transparency in India’s education system. As demands for action continue, the focus remains on whether the government and student groups can find common ground through dialogue.
Disclaimer: This image is taken from ANI.
The Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) has arrested Harmanveer Singh, an Indian-origin man, in the United States over allegations of involvement in a drug trafficking network linked to the Canada-based Dhanda gang. Singh was taken into custody in California as part of a major investigation targeting international criminal groups accused of operating across the United States, Canada, and Mexico. US authorities allege that he was connected to a transnational drug trafficking operation involved in the movement and distribution of illegal substances.
According to investigators, Singh was wanted in connection with multiple drug-related charges, including conspiracy to distribute controlled substances and involvement in activities related to international narcotics trafficking. A federal arrest warrant had reportedly been issued against him before his capture.
The FBI has identified Singh as an alleged associate of a criminal network linked to Ravinder Dhanda, a figure accused by authorities of running a Canada-based organised crime group. Investigators believe such groups have expanded their operations beyond national borders by using international connections and supply routes.
The arrest is part of a wider effort by American law enforcement agencies to dismantle organised crime networks involved in drug trafficking and other illegal activities. Authorities have increasingly focused on gangs that operate across countries, as these groups often use complex networks to transport drugs, transfer money, and avoid detection.
Law enforcement officials said cooperation between agencies in the US, Canada, and other countries has become critical in tackling global criminal networks. Investigations into possible links between Singh and other members of the alleged operation are ongoing. The case also highlights the growing challenge of cross-border drug trafficking, where criminal organisations exploit international routes and communication networks to expand their activities.
Singh remains an accused individual, and the allegations against him have not yet been proven in court. He will have the opportunity to present his defence as the legal proceedings move forward. The FBI and partner agencies are expected to continue examining the alleged network, including its financial links, members, and operational structure, as part of the ongoing investigation.
Disclaimer: This image is taken from The Times of India.
Questions surrounding the health of longtime Republican Senator Mitch McConnell have continued to grow as the Kentucky lawmaker remains away from the public eye. Representative Tom Kean Jr. recently avoided commenting on McConnell’s condition, adding to the ongoing discussion about the senator’s prolonged absence from Capitol Hill. McConnell, 84, has been out of the spotlight following a recent hospitalization, with limited information released about his recovery. While his office has provided some updates, the lack of regular public appearances has led to increased interest among lawmakers, political analysts, and voters.
When reporters asked Tom Kean Jr. about McConnell’s health and his extended absence, the New Jersey Republican congressman chose not to comment on the matter. Kean’s response came at a time when several lawmakers have faced questions about balancing personal medical privacy with the expectations of public office. The issue has drawn additional attention because Kean himself recently returned to Congress after a lengthy absence related to his own health struggles. He later revealed that he had undergone treatment for depression, highlighting the broader conversation about health challenges faced by elected officials.
McConnell’s office has previously stated that the senator was recovering after being hospitalized following a fall. His team has pushed back against some speculation about his condition, while confirming that he has been dealing with health-related issues that required medical care and rehabilitation.
The senator’s absence has attracted significant attention due to his decades-long influence in Washington. McConnell, who served as Senate Republican leader for many years before stepping down from the leadership role, remains a sitting senator and continues to hold considerable political significance within the Republican Party.
The situation has also revived a national debate over transparency among public officials. Supporters of greater disclosure argue that voters should have information about whether elected representatives are physically able to perform their responsibilities. Others maintain that lawmakers should have the same right to medical privacy as any other individual. As of now, there is no confirmed timeline for McConnell’s full return to Senate activities. His future schedule is expected to depend on his recovery and medical advice. Until then, attention is likely to remain focused on updates regarding one of the longest-serving and most influential figures in the US Senate.
Disclaimer: This image is taken from Hindustan Times.
External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar highlighted the need for balanced trade, fair market access and dependable supply chains during his meeting with Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi in Manila, amid efforts to further improve India-China relations ahead of the upcoming BRICS summit. The talks were held on the sidelines of ASEAN-related events and marked another important engagement between the two countries as they continue efforts to stabilise bilateral ties.
Jaishankar acknowledged several recent steps that have helped restore normalcy between New Delhi and Beijing, including improvements in visa arrangements, the revival of direct air connectivity, the restart of the Kailash Mansarovar pilgrimage and the resumption of border trade. He described these developments as positive moves towards rebuilding confidence.
During the discussions, Jaishankar stressed that maintaining peace and stability along the India-China border remains essential for a healthy bilateral relationship. He noted that since the October 2024 meeting between Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Chinese President Xi Jinping in Kazan, both sides have remained engaged through established channels to maintain border peace.
He also emphasised the importance of continuing support for existing diplomatic and military mechanisms responsible for managing border-related issues. The meeting comes ahead of the BRICS summit, which India is scheduled to host in September. Jaishankar thanked China for supporting India’s presidency of the grouping. Although Beijing has not yet officially confirmed participation, Xi Jinping is expected to attend the summit, which could further signal progress in bilateral ties.
While relations between the two countries have shown signs of improvement after the resolution of the eastern Ladakh border standoff following the Modi-Xi meeting in Kazan, economic challenges continue to remain a major concern for India. Jaishankar pointed to the significant trade imbalance between the two nations, estimated at around $100 billion, and stressed the importance of ensuring reliable access for Indian industries to essential Chinese raw materials. He underlined that reducing economic asymmetry would be crucial for achieving deeper normalisation.
Indian officials have continued to raise concerns over trade barriers and restrictions from Beijing, while efforts are being made to create more predictable supply chains and ensure trade practices follow global standards. Jaishankar reiterated that fair market access and a more balanced trade relationship remain key priorities for India, along with strengthening official exchanges and people-to-people contacts.
The External Affairs Minister also called for scheduling meetings under various bilateral mechanisms based on mutual priorities. He described the engagement as significant given the complex global environment and highlighted the need for responsible diplomacy between the two neighbouring powers. Jaishankar said that differences between India and China are natural due to their size and interests but should not escalate into disputes. He reaffirmed that the relationship must move forward on the foundation of the “three mutuals” — mutual respect, mutual interest and mutual sensitivity.
He added that a stable and cooperative India-China relationship could contribute to a more balanced and multipolar Asia as well as a multipolar global order. He also recalled that bilateral ties have been gradually improving since the Kazan meeting, with further momentum following the Modi-Xi interaction at the SCO summit in Tianjin last year.
Disclaimer: This image is taken from PTI.
Gautam Adani’s group is considering launching its own airline, potentially challenging the dominance of IndiGo and Air India in India’s fast-growing aviation sector, according to sources. The move would mark a strategic shift for the conglomerate, which already operates eight airports in India and has major expansion plans. However, no final decision has been made as the group evaluates the risks of entering an industry known for high costs and low margins. The possibility of an Adani airline comes amid government efforts to encourage more competition in aviation following operational challenges at IndiGo and safety concerns surrounding Air India. The group is also exploring the option of acquiring a stake in an existing airline, while continuing to expand its airport infrastructure business.
Disclaimer: This image is taken from Reuters.
Iran has reportedly closed the Strait of Hormuz, while the Houthi movement has announced a blockade of the Bab al-Mandeb Strait, placing two of the world's most strategically important maritime chokepoints under simultaneous pressure. The developments threaten to disrupt key global energy and trade routes, with Saudi Arabia's alternative oil export corridor through the Red Sea also facing increasing uncertainty. In an in-depth discussion, Andrea Heng and Poh Kok Ing examine the growing economic implications of these developments. Joined by Stephen Zunes, Professor of Politics and International Studies at the University of San Francisco, they explore how financial markets are responding to disrupted supply chains, rising shipping and insurance costs, and the potential for renewed inflationary pressures as global trade routes are forced to adapt.
Disclaimer: This Podcast is taken from CNA.
The 2026 FIFA World Cup has come to an end, but the tournament will be remembered for far more than the action on the pitch. From debates over hydration breaks, controversial VAR decisions, and a demanding match schedule to growing concerns about football's evolving identity under increasing commercial influence, the competition sparked widespread discussion. Andrea Heng and Poh Kok Ing examine the tournament's most talked-about controversies alongside Dr. Tom Heenan, a lecturer at the Monash Intercultural Lab at Monash University, offering insights into how these issues shaped the World Cup experience both on and off the field.
Disclaimer: This podcast is taken from CNA.
Counter-terrorism officers have assumed responsibility for the investigation into the death of former MP and Reform UK spokesperson Ann Widdecombe after authorities said new information and evidence emerged during the inquiry. Police arrested a 28-year-old white British man from Rotherham, South Yorkshire, on Saturday on suspicion of murder. The development was discussed by Lucy Hough and The Guardian's head of national news, Archie Bland, in a video available on YouTube.
Disclaimer: This podcast is taken from The Guardian.
On the July 13 edition of Open For Business, Andrea Heng and Hairianto Diman spoke with Mel Siew, Head of Asia Public Credit at Muzinich & Co., to examine the latest market trends. The discussion covered the resilience of Asian credit markets, growth opportunities in AI infrastructure, and the potential inflationary impact of rising oil prices on the global economy.
Disclaimer: This podcast is taken from CNA.
