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. **

Congress criticized the Modi government's foreign policy, stating it has collapsed as no countries denounced Pakistan for terrorism during recent all-party delegations. AICC spokesperson Supriya Shrinate highlighted Russia's acknowledgment of US President Trump's role in mediating a ceasefire between India and Pakistan, which she argued indicates a shift in Pakistan's global standing. She noted that Pakistan, previously isolated as a terrorist nation, is now receiving international recognition and support, including loans from multilateral bodies and participation in significant UN committees.