India's NEET paper leak protests continue to intensify as Congress leader Rahul Gandhi backs students' three key demands and insists that Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan must be removed instead of being shifted to another ministry. Security has been tightened across Delhi ahead of another round of talks between the government and protest leaders.

In this edition of WION World Is One, we also cover:

Rahul Gandhi's demand to sack Dharmendra Pradhan
Delhi security tightened amid NEET paper leak protests
Clashes in Patna during statewide shutdown
Romania shoots down another drone near Ukraine border
Houthi missile attack on Saudi Arabia's Jazan
UN Secretary-General António Guterres visits Syria
Typhoon Nol forces mass evacuations in China
Wildfires continue to devastate France and Spain

Stay tuned for the latest international updates and breaking developments.

Rahul Gandhi backs students' 3 demands | NEET protest intensifies | China Typhoon | Europe Wildfires

Prime Minister Narendra Modi has thanked India's youth for their positive response to his late-night Instagram message on the NEET paper leak controversy, even as nationwide protests continue to intensify. The government and the CJP are set to hold a third round of talks as student protests enter Day 36. Activist Sonam Wangchuk clarified that he did not strike any deal with the government and ended his hunger strike only to prevent action against protesting students. Meanwhile, Congress leader Rahul Gandhi has reiterated that Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan must resign, calling it the students' most important demand. Security has been tightened around Jantar Mantar, several Delhi Metro stations remain closed, and thousands are expected to join protests over the weekend.

PM Modi Thanks Youth Amid NEET Protest | Rahul Gandhi Demands Pradhan's Resignation

Bollywood superstar Salman Khan has broken his silence on the CJP-led student protest over the NEET paper leak controversy. Calling the movement peaceful, Salman expressed concern over the violence during the demonstrations and described the paper leak as a serious issue. He praised students for demanding a better education system, urged the government to respond positively, and emphasized that the issue should not be politicised.

Salman Khan backs CJP-Led student protest | Says NEET paper leak must not be politicised

Opposition parties staged coordinated protests inside and outside Parliament over the NEET paper leak controversy, demanding accountability and a discussion on alleged examination irregularities. The protests intensified political tensions during the Monsoon Session as MPs raised slogans and sought action over the issue.

Opposition parties stage protest inside & outside Parliament

Tensions escalated across several Indian cities as BJP and Congress workers clashed over the NEET paper leak controversy. Demonstrations, counter-protests and heavy police deployment were reported as the political battle over alleged examination irregularities intensified, with both parties trading sharp accusations.

BJP and Congress workers clash in various cities over NEET paper leak issue

Opposition Members of Parliament arrived in black attire to protest inside the Parliament premises over the NEET controversy, the alleged crackdown on student protesters in Delhi, and the government's handling of the education crisis. Congress leader Pawan Khera said the black clothing symbolizes the Opposition's protest against the treatment of students, the continued tenure of Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan, and the government's response to nationwide student unrest.


Opposition parties stage parliament protest, Rahul Gandhi backs protesters

Leader of the Opposition in the Lok Sabha, Rahul Gandhi, is addressing a press conference at Indira Bhawan in New Delhi. The presser comes amidst the ongoing protests demanding the resignation of Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan, holding him responsible for the recent NEET paper leaks. A day after being detained during a protest outside PM Modi's residence, Rahul Gandhi and all the MPs of the Opposition parties arrived in Parliament dressed in black as a symbolic protest over the alleged NEET-UG 2026 paper leak, demanding accountability and action from the government. Congress MP Pawan Khera said his party, Rahul Gandhi and each one of his soldiers is standing with the youth of this country.



BREAKING | CJP protest: Rahul Gandhi addresses media as congress steps up neet protest campaign

Congress leaders Rahul Gandhi and Priyanka Gandhi Vadra, accompanied by party chief Mallikarjun Kharge, protested outside the Prime Minister’s Lok Kalyan Marg residence on Tuesday, demanding the resignation of PM Narendra Modi over the police action against students protesting on the NEET paper leak issue.


Congress protest: Party workers led by Rahul Gandhi march to PM's residence

Rahul Gandhi’s protest outside PM Modi’s residence, demands accountability on paper leak

Political tensions intensified in Delhi after Congress leaders Rahul Gandhi, Mallikarjun Kharge and Priyanka Gandhi Vadra marched towards Lok Kalyan Marg and staged a protest over alleged police action against students during the CJP demonstration. Amid the standoff, Union Minister Jitendra Singh met Rahul Gandhi and urged him to end the protest. The developments have added a fresh political dimension to the growing debate over student protests and government accountability.

Rahul Gandhi leads protest outside PM's residence

The US House of Representatives has approved an amendment that would freeze all US financial assistance to Nigeria over concerns about the alleged persecution of Christians. The measure would withhold 100% of US aid until the Secretary of State certifies that Nigeria has taken effective steps to prevent religiously motivated violence, protect Christian communities, and hold perpetrators accountable. The amendment, sponsored by Republican Congressman Greg Steube, is now part of the State Department's spending bill but still requires approval from the US Senate before becoming law. Nigerian authorities have rejected the allegations, insisting that religious freedoms are being protected.

US Congress takes action over alleged Christian persecution

US President Donald Trump has claimed that newly declassified intelligence reveals major vulnerabilities in America's election system and alleged that China obtained 220 million US voter files beginning during the 2020 election cycle. Speaking from the White House, Trump said the data included sensitive voter information and argued that it exposed the country to foreign interference. He also announced that the declassified documents would be released publicly and renewed his call for Congress to pass the SAVE America Act, which would require voter identification, proof of citizenship and tighter rules on mail-in voting. While US media noted that the documents are newly declassified, they also reported that many of the security concerns referenced have been publicly discussed for years. Trump's broader allegations about the 2020 election remain disputed, and the proposed legislation continues to face significant political hurdles in Congress.

Trump unveils declassified election documents, alleges China accessed US voter data since 2020

The Congress on Friday (Jul 10) escalated its attack on the Union Government, demanding the resignation of Environment Minister Bhupendra Yadav. The party has called for “political accountability”, saying that ministers should consider stepping down if their close aides are “sacked for corruption”. This comes after four key staff members from Yadav’s office were abruptly dismissed over allegations of corruption.Congress general secretary Jairam Ramesh criticised the current administration’s stance on governance, citing the example of former prime minister Lal Bahadur Shastri.“Is the idea of moral responsibility alive in Indian politics? Lal Bahadur Shastri set the highest standards when he resigned as Railway Minister exactly 70 years ago following a train accident in Tamil Nadu. His example is often recalled and has always drawn great admiration but has been very rarely followed, if at all,” Ramesh wrote on X.“Ministers must feel the urge to take moral responsibility to quit when their closest of close aides are sacked for corruption—and four of them, that too,” he added.Also read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/jharkhand-unveils-rs-1-150-crore-ai-roadmap-to-transform-governance-over-next-five-years-1783652941257">Jharkhand unveils Rs 1,150 crore AI roadmap to transform governance over next five years</a>Ramesh added that if such ministers were aware of what was happening, then they are also culpable. He said, “If they claim ignorance, it is even worse and all the more reason for them to depart. It is time to fulfil their raj-dharma, as the then Prime Minister had famously reminded the then Chief Minister of Gujarat fourteen years back. This raj-dharma encompasses both moral responsibility and political accountability.”The political row erupted after official orders revealed a sudden purge within the Environment Ministry. The private secretary to the minister was removed on “administrative grounds,” while two additional private secretaries had their appointments terminated or prematurely repatriated to their parent cadres.Labelling the developments a “gigantic scandal,” the Congress alleged a total collapse of institutional governance under Yadav's leadership. Taking a final swipe at the ministry’s performance, Ramesh remarked that the Paryavaran Mantralay (Environment Ministry) had effectively degenerated into a Pravachan Mantralay (Ministry of Sermons), doing very little actual work to safeguard the country’s forests and ecological balance.Watch | PM Modi gets grand welcome in Melbourne: Australia to supply Uranium to India<a href="https://www.wionews.com/videos/pm-modi-gets-grand-welcome-in-melbourne-australia-to-supply-uranium-to-india-1783624320681/embed">https://www.wionews.com/videos/pm-modi-gets-grand-welcome-in-melbourne-australia-to-supply-uranium-to-india-1783624320681/embed</a>&nbsp;&nbsp;

Congress demanded Environment Minister Bhupendra Yadav’s resignation after four aides were sacked for corruption. Citing Lal Bahadur Shastri, Jairam Ramesh urged Yadav to accept moral responsibility.

The Congress on Friday (Jul 10) escalated its attack on the Union Government, demanding the resignation of Environment Minister Bhupendra Yadav. The party has called for “political accountability”, saying that ministers should consider stepping down if their close aides are “sacked for corruption”. This comes after four key staff members from Yadav’s office were abruptly dismissed over allegations of corruption. Congress general secretary Jairam Ramesh criticised the current administration’s stance on governance, citing the example of former prime minister Lal Bahadur Shastri. “Is the idea of moral responsibility alive in Indian politics? Lal Bahadur Shastri set the highest standards when he resigned as Railway Minister exactly 70 years ago following a train accident in Tamil Nadu. His example is often recalled and has always drawn great admiration but has been very rarely followed, if at all,” Ramesh wrote on X. “Ministers must feel the urge to take moral responsibility to quit when their closest of close aides are sacked for corruption—and four of them, that too,” he added. Also read | Jharkhand unveils Rs 1,150 crore AI roadmap to transform governance over next five years Ramesh added that if such ministers were aware of what was happening, then they are also culpable. He said, “If they claim ignorance, it is even worse and all the more reason for them to depart. It is time to fulfil their raj-dharma, as the then Prime Minister had famously reminded the then Chief Minister of Gujarat fourteen years back. This raj-dharma encompasses both moral responsibility and political accountability.” The political row erupted after official orders revealed a sudden purge within the Environment Ministry. The private secretary to the minister was removed on “administrative grounds,” while two additional private secretaries had their appointments terminated or prematurely repatriated to their parent cadres. Labelling the developments a “gigantic scandal,” the Congress alleged a total collapse of institutional governance under Yadav's leadership. Taking a final swipe at the ministry’s performance, Ramesh remarked that the Paryavaran Mantralay (Environment Ministry) had effectively degenerated into a Pravachan Mantralay (Ministry of Sermons), doing very little actual work to safeguard the country’s forests and ecological balance. Watch | PM Modi gets grand welcome in Melbourne: Australia to supply Uranium to India https://www.wionews.com/videos/pm-modi-gets-grand-welcome-in-melbourne-australia-to-supply-uranium-to-india-1783624320681/embed

Congress demanded Environment Minister Bhupendra Yadav’s resignation after four aides were sacked for corruption. Citing Lal Bahadur Shastri, Jairam Ramesh urged Yadav to accept moral responsibility.

‘Is idea of moral responsibility alive?’ Congress slams Bhupender Yadav after staff members’ sacking

A political showdown has erupted in Karnataka over the Special Intensive Revision (SIR) of electoral rolls. The BJP has accused state election officials of large-scale irregularities and demanded fresh door-to-door verification, while Congress has dismissed the allegations, triggering a heated war of words over the voter roll revision process.

Congress, BJP spar over Karnataka SIR

The White House is facing mounting political pressure as the U.S. Senate joins the House in voting to halt escalation over the Iran war debate.

The bipartisan move signals growing division in Washington over military engagement in West Asia, prompting a sharp response from former President Donald Trump, who pushed back against the decision.

The development highlights intensifying tensions in U.S. foreign policy as lawmakers debate the future of American involvement in the region.

White House On Iran: Senate Joins House In Voting To Halt Iran War, Trump Hits Back!

Reports indicate that Congress leader Sonia Gandhi proposed a merger between the Trinamool Congress (TMC) and the Indian National Congress during closed-door meetings in New Delhi. The proposal was reportedly made amid a deepening internal crisis and mass defections within the TMC. 


Mamata Banerjee Faces Exodus From TMC, Rajya Sabha MP Sushmita Dev Resigns

Reports: Sonia Gandhi Pushes For Congress-TMC Merger

27 seats of Rajya Sabha are set to go to the polls on June 18. While BJP has announced a list of 11 candidates, Union Ministers Ravneet Bittu and George Kurian have not been renominated by the party. Meanwhile, Congress has declared 7 candidates including its president Mallikarjun Kharge who filed his nomination. 


India Rajya Sabha Seats Elections: Decoding How BJP & Congress Stand to Gain

Nepali Congress Member of Parliament Kamala Pant has commented that it is a shameful matter that Prime Minister Balendra Shah is intolerant towards the parliament. She made such a comment while speaking at the National Assembly meeting on Wednesday. Her statement was that it is a shameful matter to be irresponsible towards the very institution that made the Prime Minister.


Nepal: Opposition Clashes With Govt Over PM Balendra Shah's Absence

Karnataka Chief Minister Siddaramaiah is expected to step down soon following intense political deliberations within the Congress leadership. The move comes after high-level meetings in Delhi involving Rahul Gandhi, Mallikarjun Kharge, and other senior leaders, where a leadership transition for the state was reportedly finalised.


Congress Pushes Karnataka Leadership Transition | DK Shivakumar Emerges Strong CM Contender

Karnataka Chief Minister Siddaramaiah is expected to step down soon following intense political deliberations within the Congress leadership. The move comes after high-level meetings in Delhi involving Rahul Gandhi, Mallikarjun Kharge, and other senior leaders, where a leadership transition for the state was reportedly finalised.

Siddaramaiah Expected To Step Down As Karnataka's Chief Minister Soon

In a significant political development, the Congress party has reportedly returned to the Tamil Nadu Cabinet after a gap of 59 years. The move marks a major shift in the state’s coalition dynamics and reflects evolving alliances ahead of key political developments. Leaders say the inclusion aims to strengthen governance cooperation, while opposition parties are closely watching the impact on Tamil Nadu’s political landscape.


Tamil Nadu Elections: Congress Part Returns to Tamil Nadu Cabinet After 59 Years

Amid the Epstein files fallout, Capitol Hill witnessed a bipartisan push to combat sexual misconduct by lawmakers. This comes amid two high-profile resignations from the U.S. House of Representatives following sexual harassment allegations. Since 1976, 28 lawmakers have been probed over sexual harassment allegations.


Make US Congress Safe Again: Bipartisan Push to Combat Sexual Predators 

Leader of Opposition Rahul Gandhi will attend TVK chief Vijay’s swearing-in ceremony, Congress leader Praveen Chakravarthy says after meeting the TVK chief. Actor-turned-politician Vijay’s Tamilaga Vettri Kazhagam (TVK) has emerged as the single largest party in the 234-member Tamil Nadu Assembly with 108 seats, falling 10 short of the majority mark. In a major political shift, the Congress has extended full support to TVK for forming the new government in the state, effectively breaking its long-standing alliance with the DMK in Tamil Nadu. The party said the alliance with TVK is not limited to government formation but will also extend to future elections, including local body polls, as well as the Lok Sabha and Rajya Sabha.


Tamil Nadu Elections: TVK Chief Stakes Claim to Form New Govt

A political tussle is intensifying in Kerala as factions within the UDF clash over who will take the Chief Minister’s post after their electoral win. K. C. Venugopal claims the backing of a majority of Congress MLAs, while V. D. Satheesan asserts strong grassroots support among party workers. The internal battle has put the spotlight on leadership dynamics within the alliance, even as supporters await clarity.


Kerala Elections: UDF Factions Stake Claim To Lead Keralam After Winning Polls

Tamil Nadu Elections: Vijay Meets Governor Rajendra Vishwanath Arlekar in Chennai

Kerala is witnessing a significant political shift as the Congress-led UDF races ahead in Assembly election trends, putting an end to the LDF’s decade-long rule. Early leads show the UDF gaining momentum across key constituencies, sparking celebrations at Congress headquarters. The outcome signals a strong anti-incumbency wave and a possible change in governance, marking a new chapter in the state’s political landscape.


Kerala Elections: Congress-Led UDF Wins After a Decade

The BJP has surged past the 200-seat mark in West Bengal, marking a historic political shift in a state long dominated by the Trinamool Congress. Early trends show the TMC struggling to cross 100 seats, signaling a dramatic reversal of fortunes.

This outcome reflects a broader national expansion of the BJP, reshaping India’s political map and weakening one of the opposition’s strongest bastions.

West Bengal Delivers a Historic Verdict in BJP's Favour; Majority of Ministers Lose

Keralam: Congress-Led UDF Set to Return to Power

Actor-turned-politician Vijay has delivered a major political upset in Tamil Nadu, with his party Tamilaga Vettri Kazhagam emerging as the largest force in the Assembly elections. The surge has come largely at the expense of Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam, reshaping the state’s political dynamics. The results mark a dramatic shift, signaling voter appetite for change and a new chapter in Tamil Nadu politics.


Tamil Nadu Results: Vijay's TVK Ahead In Over 100 Seats, MK Stalin Loses Stronghold

Tamil Nadu Results: Vijay's TVK Raises At The Expense Of The DMK

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