Protest Update: Paper Leak Protests, Political Developments and Monsoon Disasters

Several major political, security, international, and weather-related developments dominated the news. In Kolkata, an SFI protest over the paper leak issue turned violent as demonstrators allegedly clashed with police and threw stones. Meanwhile, a two-hour meeting between the government and CJP was held in Delhi, with the group demanding three conditions, including Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan's resignation. Another meeting is scheduled for the following afternoon. Congress leader Rahul Gandhi met an injured student during a press conference, while the Delhi High Court declined to hear a petition seeking an NIA probe into violence during a July 20 march. The Union Cabinet also approved a proposed paper leak amendment bill, reportedly carrying provisions for up to 10 years in prison and a ₹10 crore fine. Internationally, explosions were reported near a military base in Erbil, while Iran reported casualties from recent US strikes. Ukraine-linked drone attacks caused fires in Russia. Meanwhile, heavy monsoon rains triggered floods, landslides, cloudbursts, and rescue operations across Gujarat, Himachal Pradesh, and Jammu & Kashmir.