Thousands gathered at New Delhi’s Jantar Mantar on Friday under the banner of Reservation Reform Andolan, opposing the University Grants Commission’s equity regulations and seeking reforms in the caste-based reservation system. The protesters, primarily from unreserved and upper-caste groups, described the gathering as a peaceful demonstration and a show of strength. The mobilisation took place amid confusion over Delhi Police permission and heavy security, with Delhi Police and the Rapid Action Force deployed at the site. As the protest continued, police and RAF personnel moved in and detained several protesters. Those gathered said they would leave only after submitting a memorandum to Prime Minister Narendra Modi. There was no official estimate of the crowd, though protesters claimed thousands attended.

The Ministry of External Affairs on Friday dismissed Pakistan’s protest over US Ambassador Sergio Gor’s remark that Jammu and Kashmir is an “important part of India.” MEA spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal said Jammu and Kashmir and Ladakh are integral and indivisible parts of India, adding, “They were, they are, and they will remain so.” Responding to Pakistan’s diplomatic protest, Jaiswal said he saw no reason to comment on Islamabad’s “frustration.” Gor, who is visiting Jammu and Kashmir and Ladakh, made the remarks during his visit to Srinagar. After meeting Chief Minister Omar Abdullah, he said J&K was an important part of India. Pakistan subsequently summoned the US Charge d’Affaires and protested Gor’s statement.

The Indian High Commission in Nairobi on Friday said it is monitoring the situation involving 22 Indian seafarers reportedly onboard two commercial vessels hijacked in separate incidents, and has taken up the matter with Somali authorities. The vessels are MT Sibu, an Eritrea-flagged vessel, and MV Lutuf, a Cameroon-flagged ship. The High Commission said it had raised the issue of the Indian crew members with the concerned Somali authorities. According to its post on X, 16 Indian seafarers are reportedly onboard MT Sibu and six on MV Lutuf. It said all 22 Indian seafarers are reportedly safe and stressed that India attaches the highest importance to the safety and welfare of its seafaring community.

Delhi Police on Friday registered an FIR over alleged pellet injuries suffered by 19-year-old Sahil Lochab during the July 20 CJP-led protest, hours after Congress leader Rahul Gandhi staged a nearly six-hour dharna outside Parliament Street Police Station.   The FIR was filed under Sections 118 and 125 of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita, though no individual has been named as an accused. Gandhi alleged that Lochab had three pellets lodged in his eye and around 200 in his body. After the FIR was registered, Gandhi called it the “first step towards justice” and alleged that pressure from higher authorities had delayed the case. (PC: X)

The Maharashtra Food and Drug Administration has suspended the food licences of several prominent South Mumbai establishments, including the Bombay Presidency Radio Club, a McDonald’s outlet in Colaba, Status Restaurant and Khar Gymkhana, following surprise inspections. At the Bombay Presidency Radio Club, officials found active fly infestations, a dead cockroach, open pest traps and poor food storage practices. Food and utensils were reportedly kept on the floor, while chemicals were stored near food items. The Colaba McDonald’s outlet allegedly failed 18 of 20 food safety checks and submitted falsified compliance reports. All establishments have been ordered to halt food operations until full compliance is verified. (PC: NDTV)

Mumbai Police have approached the Ministry of Home Affairs to serve proclamation orders through Interpol on six absconding accused in the 26/11 Mumbai terror attack case, including Lashkar-e-Taiba founders Hafiz Saeed and Zaki-ur-Rehman Lakhvi. The move could pave the way for their trial in absentia under Section 356 of the Bharatiya Nagarik Suraksha Sanhita. Other accused include Sajid Mir, Abu Alqama, Asim alias Abu Qahafa and Major Abdur Rehman Pasha. The 2008 Mumbai attacks killed 166 people. A special court will hear the matter again on September 14. (PC: HT)

Prince Harry and six other high-profile claimants have been ordered to pay an initial £9.54 million in legal costs to Daily Mail publisher Associated Newspapers Limited after losing their High Court privacy case. The group, including Sir Elton John, Liz Hurley and Baroness Doreen Lawrence, had accused the publisher of unlawful information-gathering, allegations it denied. Judge Mr Justice Nicklin dismissed the claims in July, saying they failed to prove their case. The claimants must make the initial payment by August 28 and could face further costs. They have until October 2 to seek permission to appeal. (PC: BBC)

India on Friday dismissed Pakistan’s protest over US Ambassador Sergio Gor’s remarks describing Jammu and Kashmir as an “important part of India”, calling Islamabad’s reaction an expression of “frustration”. External Affairs Ministry spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal said Jammu and Kashmir and Ladakh are integral and indivisible parts of India and would remain so. Pakistan had summoned a senior US diplomat and objected to Gor’s remarks during his visit to Jammu and Kashmir. Gor also said the US could review its travel advisory for the region, praising its beauty and potential for tourism. (PC: NDTV)

Thousands of protesters gathered at New Delhi’s Jantar Mantar on Friday, opposing the University Grants Commission’s equity regulations and demanding reforms to India’s caste-based reservation system. The protest, organised by the Reservation Reform Andolan and led by NEET aspirant Harsh Dubey, drew support from several groups. Protesters demanded that reservation benefits be linked to economic need and raised concerns over the alleged misuse of the SC/ST Act. The demonstration was held amid confusion over police permission and venue arrangements. Dubey said protesters would leave only after submitting a memorandum outlining their demands to Prime Minister Narendra Modi. (PC: India Today)

Pakistan’s former prime minister Imran Khan was taken to the state-run Pakistan Institute of Medical Sciences (PIMS) for a medical examination and returned to Adiala Jail within hours. The Supreme Court had ordered his transfer to Shifa International Hospital, but authorities cited security concerns for changing the facility. Khan’s sister Uzma said he appeared stable but alleged that he told her he was being repeatedly tortured in prison. Authorities did not immediately respond to the allegation. PTI said the hospital change and denial of access to Khan’s personal physician violated the court order and announced plans to file a contempt petition. (PC: The Indian Express)