A festive atmosphere filled Katra railway station as local school students celebrated the launch of the Jammu-Kashmir rail link project. They waved national flags and chanted slogans while taking a ride on the new Vande Bharat train. Railway Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw announced that services will expand to Jammu station in September. Students expressed excitement about the opportunity to travel to Srinagar. Prime Minister Modi inaugurated the Chenab and Anji Khad bridges, inspecting the projects and engaging with engineers and workers.

Elon Musk has unfollowed key Trump allies, including Stephen Miller and Charlie Kirk, amid a public feud with Trump over the "One Big Beautiful Bill." Musk criticized the bill for contradicting his budget-cutting goals during his time with the Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE). In response, Miller defended the bill's provisions, while Trump expressed disappointment in Musk's sudden opposition. Musk claimed he was not adequately informed about the bill's details, which he argued was passed too quickly for Congress to review.

** Shaquille O'Neal recently criticized Jayson Tatum's Hall of Fame prospects during an episode of The Big Podcast. While discussing Tatum's achievements, including All-Star selections and a championship, O'Neal expressed skepticism about the criteria for induction into the Hall of Fame. He referenced Isiah Thomas's distinction between two types of Hall of Fames and suggested that current players like Stephen Curry are more deserving. O'Neal's comments sparked debate about Tatum's status and the evolving standards for Hall of Fame recognition in the NBA. **

Rahul Gandhi's comments about PM Narendra Modi allegedly surrendering to foreign pressure have sparked controversy, with BJP leaders accusing him of promoting Pakistan's propaganda. Union minister Dharmendra Pradhan labeled Gandhi as a spokesperson for Pakistan, claiming he has consistently echoed Islamabad's narrative. The remarks gained traction in Pakistan, with their defense minister using Gandhi's statements to criticize the Indian government. BJP leaders, including Kiren Rijiju, condemned Gandhi's comments, asserting that opposition should not equate to undermining national interests.