The X account of the viral satirical group “Cockroach Janata Party” (CJP) has been withheld in India, triggering widespread discussion on social media. Founder Abhijeet Dipke confirmed the restriction and quickly launched a new account titled “Cockroach is Back.” The group had gained massive popularity within days, especially among Gen Z users, through humorous political commentary and memes addressing unemployment, inflation, and governance issues. Reports say CJP amassed millions of Instagram followers, even surpassing the BJP’s Instagram presence briefly. The incident has intensified debates around online satire, censorship, and digital political expression in India. 

An opinion piece in Republic World described US Secretary of State Marco Rubio’s upcoming India visit as a crucial moment for reviving India-US ties under President Donald Trump’s second administration. The article argued that despite strong personal chemistry between Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Donald Trump, both nations missed several diplomatic and trade opportunities due to slow bureaucratic engagement. The commentary stressed the need for stronger public diplomacy, faster decision-making, and deeper cooperation in trade, defence, energy, and Quad initiatives. Rubio’s May 23-26 India visit is expected to focus on strategic partnerships and economic collaboration. (PC: X)

The Calcutta High Court on Thursday restrained police from taking coercive action against Trinamool Congress leader Abhishek Banerjee till July 31 in connection with an FIR over alleged inflammatory remarks made during the West Bengal Assembly election campaign. However, the court directed Banerjee to cooperate fully with the investigation and prohibited him from leaving India without prior court permission. The bench also ordered police to provide 48-hour notice before summoning him for questioning. The FIR relates to comments allegedly targeting Union Home Minister Amit Shah during a poll rally.

A Kolkata-born Indian living in Germany sparked online discussion after comparing India’s passport renewal efficiency with Berlin’s slow residence permit process. The man said it took nearly six weeks to renew his Indian passport through the Indian Embassy in Berlin, despite coordination between Kolkata’s passport office, local police verification, and international document transport. In contrast, he claimed getting an appointment at Berlin’s Foreigners’ Office alone took six weeks, while the new residence card would take another eight weeks. Investor Deepak Shenoy also shared that he renewed his passport in India within four days without Tatkal service. 

The National Investigation Agency (NIA) has arrested Kolkata resident Zafar Riaz alias Rizvi for allegedly spying for Pakistan Intelligence Officers. Officials said the case is linked to a larger espionage network connected to an anti-India terror conspiracy. According to the NIA, Rizvi was allegedly in contact with Pakistan-based intelligence operatives and shared sensitive information. The agency said investigators are examining his links and digital records. Officials also confirmed that Rizvi is married to a Pakistani woman. The NIA carried out searches before making the arrest. The agency said the investigation is continuing and more details about the suspected network are being examined. (PC: NDTV)

Hamza Burhan, one of the alleged masterminds of the 2019 Pulwama terror attack, was reportedly shot dead by unidentified gunmen in Muzaffarabad in Pakistan-occupied Kashmir on Thursday. According to sources, Burhan was attacked by unknown assailants and died from multiple gunshot wounds. The Indian government had designated him a terrorist in 2022 under the Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act. Official records identified him as Arjumand Gulzar Dar alias Hamza Burhan, an associate of terror outfit Al Badr and a resident of Pulwama district in Jammu and Kashmir. The 2019 Pulwama bombing killed 40 CRPF personnel after a suicide attack by Jaish-e-Mohammed terrorist Adeel Ahmed Dar. (PC: X)

An Air India aircraft operating from Delhi to Bengaluru was grounded on Thursday after suffering a tail strike while landing at Bengaluru airport. The airline said flight AI2651 landed safely and all 179 passengers and crew members disembarked normally. Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) officials have launched an investigation into the incident, while the operating pilots have been taken off roster pending inquiry. Officials said the aircraft may have encountered wake turbulence caused by a departing freight Boeing 747 before attempting landing. Air India cancelled the return Bengaluru-Delhi flight and arranged alternative travel options for affected passengers. (PC: HT)

The Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) has arrested Latur-based paediatrician Dr Manoj Shirure in connection with the alleged NEET-UG 2026 paper leak case, making him the first parent arrested in the investigation. Officials alleged that Shirure bought leaked chemistry question papers for his son, who appeared for the medical entrance examination this year. Investigators said Shirure was in contact with retired chemistry professor P V Kulkarni and RCC Classes founder Shivraj Motegaonkar, both under scrutiny in the probe. The doctor was questioned for two days before being taken to Pune and is expected to be produced before a Delhi court. (PC: The Indian Express)

The X account of the satirical Cockroach Janata Party (CJP) was withheld in India on Thursday, hours after the movement crossed 10 million Instagram followers and overtook the Bharatiya Janata Party’s 8.7 million followers on the platform. CJP founder Abhijeet Dipke, a former Aam Aadmi Party social media campaign worker, confirmed the restriction by sharing a screenshot on X. The meme-driven movement began after remarks attributed to Chief Justice of India Surya Kant comparing some unemployed youth to “cockroaches” triggered backlash online. The group has gained rapid support among young users over unemployment, exam leaks and political accountability issues. (PC: India Today)

The West Bengal government has made singing Vande Mataram compulsory in all state-run schools and recognised madrassas. The song must be sung during morning assemblies before classes begin. The order was issued by the school education department last week. Officials said the move follows a Union home ministry directive marking 150 years of the national song. Some school heads are confused about whether the state song, “Banglar Mati Banglar Jal”, will continue alongside Vande Mataram and the National Anthem. They said singing three songs daily may take more time and delay classes in schools across the state.