Heavy Security at Jantar Mantar as Protests Swell; US Announces Saudi Nuclear Deal
Heavy security was deployed at Jantar Mantar in New Delhi on Wednesday as the crowd of protesters continued to swell. Fresh groups from across the country arrived, many after overnight journeys by bus and train. Volunteers directed them to seating areas and distributed water and food packets. The sit-in follows the 'Chalo Sansad' march two days ago and shows no signs of abating.
In a separate development, the United States announced a landmark civilian nuclear deal with Saudi Arabia on Wednesday. Washington insists the agreement includes strict safeguards against nuclear proliferation. The deal comes as the US, under President Donald Trump, is engaged in a war with Iran over its nuclear program, a key point of contention in stalled talks.
The Delhi High Court dismissed a public interest litigation challenging the forcible shifting of activist Sonam Wangchuk from the Jantar Mantar protest site to Safdarjung Hospital on the 21st day of his hunger strike. The bench noted that Wangchuk's wife had previously raised the issue and the matter was resolved to her satisfaction.
Meanwhile, Tamil Nadu Chief Minister M.K. Stalin wrote that the NEET examination's promise has failed and that it is time to trust states with medical admissions. The unprecedented protests following the NEET question paper leak reflect a deeper crisis of confidence in the system, he said.
The Assam flood situation remains dire, with 10 more deaths reported in the last 24 hours, raising the toll to 41. The state government described the ongoing floods in some eastern districts as the worst in 60 years, affecting over 8 lakh people.
Leader of the Opposition Rahul Gandhi demanded that Prime Minister Narendra Modi apologise to students, that Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan resign, and that those who assaulted protesting students be held accountable. He said students are the future, not terrorists.
In international news, Venezuela's ousted president Nicolas Maduro is set to appear before a New York court for his third public hearing since his capture by U.S. military forces in January. He and his wife face drug trafficking and firearms charges.
Finally, the Centre is considering easing cross-ownership rules between airlines, a move that could reshape the aviation sector.
