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Rahul Gandhi detained as NEET protests escalate

Congress marches to PM's residence; France bans social media for under-15s

Today at a glance

Rahul Gandhi was detained as Congress and allies took NEET exam protests to the Prime Minister's doorstep in Delhi. Meanwhile, France became the first EU nation to ban social media for children under 15, and Ukraine's president sacked his top army commander after days of backlash. Ben Stokes marked his post-retirement debut with a century, while Caitlin Clark continues to shatter WNBA viewership records.

France bans social media for under-15s nationwide

India1 min read
France bans social media for under-15s nationwide

France has approved a nationwide ban on social media for children under fifteen, becoming the first EU nation to take this step. The law also prohibits mobile phone use in high schools across the country. President Macron wants implementation by the next school year, aiming to protect young users from harmful online content. Several other European countries are now considering similar digital restrictions. This is not India news, but the move could influence similar debates in India where social media regulation for minors remains a contentious issue.

Source: Times of India

Rahul Gandhi detained during NEET protest march

India1 min read
Rahul Gandhi detained during NEET protest march

Congress leader Rahul Gandhi was detained as opposition parties marched to the Prime Minister's residence over ongoing NEET exam controversies. The protest involved Congress and allied parties demanding answers on examination irregularities and paper leaks. Gandhi declared that 'Modi won't be able to escape' accountability on the issue. The government indicated openness to talks with student representatives but provided no assurance on demands or timelines for resolution. NEET irregularities have triggered nationwide student protests for months.

Source: Hindustan Times

Ancient wisdom meets modern excuses on priorities

India1 min read
Ancient wisdom meets modern excuses on priorities

Lao Tzu's timeless quote reminds us that 'time is a created thing' — when we say we don't have time, we're really revealing our priorities. The ancient Chinese philosopher argued that claiming lack of time is simply another way of saying 'I don't want to', a brutal reality check on how we allocate our days. The quote has found renewed relevance in India's hustle culture, where professionals often cite time constraints while scrolling social media for hours. It's a philosophical mirror reflecting what we truly value versus what we claim matters.

Source: Times of India

Zelensky sacks Ukraine's top army commander

World1 min read
Zelensky sacks Ukraine's top army commander

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky has dismissed top army commander Oleksandr Syrskyi following days of public protests. The sacking came after backlash over the removal of popular Defence Minister Mykhailo Fedorov, who had widespread military and civilian support. The move signals internal tensions within Ukraine's leadership as the war continues. Protests erupted across Ukrainian cities demanding Fedorov's reinstatement before Syrskyi's dismissal. India angle: India has maintained its neutral stance on the Ukraine conflict, continuing diplomatic engagement with both Kyiv and Moscow while advocating for dialogue and peace.

Source: BBC News

Ben Stokes smashes century in post-retirement debut

Trending1 min read
Ben Stokes smashes century in post-retirement debut

Just days after hanging up his international boots, Ben Stokes scored an unbeaten 108 for Durham in his first domestic match. The all-rounder guided his team to a five-wicket victory over Derbyshire in the One-Day Cup, battling cramp throughout his match-winning innings. Derbyshire had posted 256/9, with Martin Andersson contributing 112 runs. Stokes recently announced his retirement from all international formats, ending one of cricket's most compelling careers. His immediate return to county cricket shows the English legend isn't ready to leave the game entirely.

Source: Times of India

Caitlin Clark shatters another WNBA ratings record

Sport1 min read
Caitlin Clark shatters another WNBA ratings record

The Caitlin Clark effect continues to transform women's basketball as Indiana Fever's latest game shattered another WNBA TV ratings record. Before Clark arrived, the league had gone nearly 16 years without a million-viewer game — now Fever broadcasts regularly cross that threshold. The rookie sensation has brought unprecedented mainstream attention to women's basketball, filling arenas and drawing television audiences previously unimaginable for the sport. Clark's impact extends beyond statistics, fundamentally changing the commercial viability and visibility of the WNBA. Her presence has sparked investment, sponsorship deals, and a cultural moment for women's sports.

Source: Hindustan Times

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India News Today — July 22, 2026 | DecodeMorning