Protests have intensified against Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan over alleged irregularities and paper leaks in the NEET exam. Protesters organized a 'Cockroach Party' protest to condemn the Education Ministry's handling of the situation. Opposition parties and student groups are demanding the Minister's resignation, raising questions about the credibility of the NTA and the future of students. https://punjab.news18.com/videos/cockroach-party-protest-news18-punjab-988685.html

The Shri Mata Vaishno Devi Yatra has remained suspended for the third consecutive day due to heavy rainfall and the risk of landslides in the hilly terrain. Thousands of pilgrims are currently stranded in Katra, waiting for the weather to clear and the route to be declared safe. The Shrine Board and local administration are monitoring the situation closely and have urged pilgrims to follow official updates and prioritize safety until the weather improves. https://zeenews.india.com/hindi/zeephh/national/shri-mata-vaishno-devi-yatra-suspended-for-third-consecutive-day-thousands-of-devotees-waiting-in-katra/3271942

The Punjab Meteorological Department has issued an orange alert for heavy rain across 8 districts on Tuesday. Due to the warning, the administration has ordered the closure of all schools and Anganwadi centers in Amritsar district. The monsoon activity is expected to bring relief from the heat and benefit Kharif crops like paddy and maize, though low-lying areas face waterlogging risks. https://punjabi.abplive.com/news/punjab/punjab-monsoon-red-alert-in-these-districts-school-will-be-closed-today-876111

The Desh Bachao Morcha has announced a massive rally at Delhi's Kisan Ghat on July 21 to protest the India-US Comprehensive Trade Agreement. Farmers and laborers from various states, including Punjab, Haryana, and Rajasthan, will participate. Leaders claim the trade deal will negatively impact the agriculture sector, specifically crops like maize, soybean, cotton, and fruits. The peaceful demonstration is scheduled to conclude by 4 PM. https://zeenews.india.com/hindi/zeephh/national/desh-bachao-morcha-grand-rally-at-delhi-kisan-ghat-on-july-21/3270807

The body of a youth named Fatehveer Singh was found in a black Thar vehicle parked in Sandhu Colony, Chheharta, Amritsar. According to the police, the deceased had consumed alcohol and fell asleep inside the car with the AC running, which led to suffocation and his subsequent death. The family of the deceased has declined any further investigation, and the police have handed over the body to them after completing the necessary formalities. https://www.rozanaspokesman.in/news/punjab/200726/body-of-a-young-man-found-in-a-parked-thar-in-amritsars-chheharta.html

The Income Tax Return (ITR) filing season for the financial year 2025-26 is underway, with the deadline set for August 31, 2026. This guide for first-time taxpayers emphasizes choosing the correct form (ITR-1 or ITR-2), matching data with AIS and Form 26AS, and the critical importance of e-verification within 30 days of submission. It warns against hiding income sources like bank interest and delaying the filing process to avoid penalties and late fees. Taxpayers are also advised to carefully choose between the Old and New Tax Regimes based on their investments. https://punjab.news18.com/news/business/itr-alert-from-forms-and-deadlines-to-e-verification-if-you-are-filing-your-return-for-the-first-time-here-is-everything-you-need-to-know-skm-988399.html

Punjabi singer and actor Diljit Dosanjh has reacted strongly to the police lathi charge on students at Jantar Mantar in Delhi. Expressing grief over the incident, he stated that such treatment of students is unacceptable. He urged the concerned authorities to listen to the demands of the students and address their grievances fairly. https://zeenews.india.com/hindi/zeephh/punjab/diljit-dosanjh-big-statement-regarding-the-lathi-charge-on-students-at-jantar-mantar-in-delhi/3271965

The Cockroach Janta Party (CJP) has resumed its protest at Jantar Mantar in New Delhi after being cleared by the police. Led by Abhijeet Dipke, the protesters are demanding the resignation of Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan. Despite being evicted on Monday evening, supporters returned by 11 PM to continue their agitation. The group plans another march to Parliament today. Notably, their previous march reached the Parliament gates, a feat seen for the first time in 14 years since the 2012 Nirbhaya protests. https://www.rozanaspokesman.in/news/nation/210726/cjps-protest-at-jantar-mantar-resumes-supporters-have-set-up-the-sta.html

Police in Faridkot unearthed a major exam scam during the Baba Farid University pharmacy officer recruitment test. Authorities arrested 35 individuals, including 7 gang members, for facilitating high-tech cheating using tiny electronic devices. Investigations revealed that candidates were charged between 3 lakh to 13 lakh rupees to pass the exam. While 20 students were caught with devices across 10 centers, it is suspected that over 200 candidates were provided with these gadgets for cheating. An FIR has been registered and further investigation is underway. https://www.punjabitribuneonline.com/news/amritsar/faridkot-exam-scam-pharmacy-paper-sold-for-rs-3-lakh-to-rs-13-lakh-in-faridkot/

Farmers from Punjab are marching towards Delhi for a mega rally at Kisan Ghat. In response, the Haryana administration has heavily fortified the Shambhu border with cement barricades, JCB machines, and cranes near the Ghaggar river bridge. The protest, organized by farmer unions, is primarily aimed against a proposed trade deal with the United States. https://punjab.news18.com/videos/punjab/farmers-delhi-march-shambhu-988752.html