The big news: John Kerry says citizens have the right to protest peacefully, and 9 other top stories
Parts of Delhi faced water-logging after torrential rain lashed the Capital, and two Ola drivers were arrested for raping and killing a minor in Kolkata.
A look at the headlines right now:
- The right to protest without feared of being jailed must be respected, says John Kerry at IIT Delhi: The US Secretary of State told the students that militancy is a global problem and the world must unite to fight it.
- Rain paralyses Delhi, forces John Kerry to cancel visit to Jama Masjid and Gauri Shankar temple: Water-logging was reported from Lodhi road, Vijay Chowk, Sector 4, Ring Road, Dhaula Kuan and Bhairon road, among others.
- Two Ola drivers arrested for raping, murdering minor girl in Kolkata: Police said Shankar Shaw and Guddu Singh forced the girl into an Ola cab and assaulted her inside the vehicle.
- Islamic State confirms death of spokesperson Abu Muhammad al-Adnani after US airstrike in Syria: An American defence official said their forces launched an attack on a vehicle they believed had outfit's spokesperson Abu Muhammad al-Adnani travelling in it.
- Gujarat bans animal slaughter and sale of meat in municipalities during Jain fast period: The High Court has directed the government to justify its decision and directed the petitioner to appeal before an appropriate bench.
- Upper castes should get 25% reservation, says Social Justice Minister Ramdas Athawale: The RPI(A) chief said if such a move is made constitutional, the poor from communities such as the Jats, Patels and Marathas will stop agitating.
- Singer Chris Brown arrested for allegedly threatening a woman with a gun: The Los Angeles police department took the 27-year-old musician in custody after a long standoff outside his home in the Tarzana neighbourhood.
- It is acceptable for companies to appoint qualified female relatives on their boards, says SBI chief: Arundathi Bhattacharya commented on firms that have been appointing family members to comply with an SEBI directive to have at least one woman board member.
- Hizbul Mujahideen commander says they are willing to welcome Kashmiri Pandits back to the Valley: The organization's leader, Riyaz Naikoo, stressed that it would not compromise on its mission for self-determination.
- Rape and murder convicts in Maharashtra will no longer be granted parole: The Devendra Fadnavis government reportedly gave its approval to the proposal after Pallavi Purkayastha's murderer escaped while he was released on furlough.