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This News Today episode sheds light on the growing public scrutiny of the Indian economy, a key theme in the Mood of the Nation poll.

A catastrophic flash flood triggered by a massive ice and rock avalanche in the high Himalayan region has caused widespread devastation across Nepal, leaving over 350 people dead and hundreds missing near the Nepal-China border.

A massive flash flood in Nepal has killed at least 95 people and left more than 400 foreign nationals missing, including 133 Indian tourists, after the disaster struck the Kerung border customs office near the Nepal-China border. The key route used by Kailash Mansarovar pilgrims was swept by raging floodwaters, with 77 Indian pilgrims associated with the Isha Foundation among those reportedly missing. More than 50 of the missing Indian tourists are from Tamil Nadu. The floods also swept away the Langtang Khola hydropower project in Rasuwa district, leaving around 60 employees missing, besides destroying motorable bridges and inundating parts of the Trishuli region. Prime Minister Narendra Modi spoke to Nepalese Prime Minister Balen Shah, conveyed condolences and offered India's full humanitarian assistance. An IAF C-130J Super Hercules aircraft carrying 10 tonnes of relief material has been sent to Kathmandu, while a C-17 Globemaster remains on standby. Rescue operations are being hampered by difficult terrain, mud, sludge and adverse weather.

Rishikesh Kumar, an MSc Physics student at IIT Delhi, died after jumping from the sixth floor of the Lecture Hall Complex. Police said no suicide note was found and are examining his counselling records, mobile phone and other material. The death has again raised questions over why IITs continue to struggle to prevent student suicides despite counselling systems and mental-health interventions on campuses. In another major development, recurring waterlogging has put Gurugram's urban planning under scrutiny, raising questions over why the Millennium City floods year after year. Environmentalist Vaishali Rana said most of Gurugram's 550 km stormwater drain network is encroached upon, including 18 km of the 28-km Badshapur Nala. Retired engineer Dr Shiv Singh Rawat blamed excessive concretisation and years of poor planning for reducing the city's ability to absorb rainwater. Architect Dikshu Kukreja said master plans have failed to account for Gurugram's natural topography and called for blue-green infrastructure, permeable surfaces and climate-focused planning. The discussion also focused on administrative accountability and better town planning to tackle the city's recurring flooding.

In an exclusive interview, agricultural economist Professor Ashok Gulati explained the factors behind the sharp rise in sugar prices ahead of India's festive season, pointing to lower production, declining opening stocks and the diversion of sugarcane towards ethanol blending. He criticised the government's delayed response, saying, "Government has miscalculated the shortage," and argued that measures such as reducing import duties should have been taken six to eight months earlier. Gulati also called for greater market-oriented liberalisation, futures trading and reduced political intervention in the sugar sector. The episode also touches upon key national and international developments, including Maharashtra's FDA suspending licences of nine Mumbai eateries over hygiene violations, a row over Telangana Chief Minister Revanth Reddy's US visit, and Tamil Nadu Chief Minister Vijay putting the proposed Parandur airport project on hold. Internationally, 21 former cricket captains, including Sunil Gavaskar and Kapil Dev, sought medical care for jailed former Pakistan PM Imran Khan.

Political parties in Uttar Pradesh are stepping up efforts to woo Gen Z voters ahead of the 2027 assembly elections, with the 18-29 age group accounting for around 21 per cent of the state's electorate. The focus comes amid concerns over education, jobs and administrative issues. The state government has tightened monitoring of educational institutions and accountability measures, while the Samajwadi Party is developing a digital campaign using AI-generated content, memes and short-form videos to promote its employment and development agenda. Both the ruling party and opposition are increasingly focusing on youth concerns, recognising Gen Z's growing influence on online narratives and household voting decisions.

Former Delhi Minister Satyendar Jain was sent to judicial custody following his arrest by the Delhi Anti-Corruption Branch in an alleged Delhi Jal Board sewage treatment plant tender corruption case.

This edition of News Today examines public order and protest rights following a Supreme Court hearing on the July 20 student demonstrations.

In a special roundtable discussion ahead of Independence Day, young voices from across the country explored what freedom means to Generation Z, sharing perspectives on identity, opportunities, rights, responsibilities and their aspirations for India's future.

Food safety authorities in Bengaluru and Mumbai intensified inspections of unhygienic eateries, while officials and food safety advocates highlighted stronger enforcement.

In this video, anchor Rajdeep Sardesai spoke with Devendra Nath Mahto, the Jharkhand student activist, who has been on an indefinite hunger strike over the alleged irregularities in the public service examination.

An Air India pilot operating flight AI2379 from Phuket to Delhi tested positive for marijuana in a second confirmatory test after an in-flight incident in which the aircraft suddenly dropped about 300 feet, injuring more than 20 passengers.

The panel discussed whether political parties show selective outrage over examination leaks, questioning who should be held accountable for recurring recruitment scandals and debating reforms needed to ensure transparency, timely investigations and greater institutional responsibility.

Jharkhand student protest leader Devendra Mahto was hospitalised after his health deteriorated during the ongoing agitation, while a panel discussion examined possible solutions to recurring examination scams and measures to strengthen recruitment and examination systems.

Against this backdrop, CJP co-convener Ashutosh Ranka questions whether the sudden outreach to Gen Z by leaders such as Narendra Modi, Rahul Gandhi and Mohan Bhagwat reflects genuine engagement or merely an attempt to chase social-media algorithms.

From the resignation of Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan and the CJP-led youth protests to by-election surprises in Bihar and Madhya Pradesh, has Indian politics entered a new phase?

A discussion explored how Gen Z has responded to RSS chief Mohan Bhagwat's recent outreach and remarks, while also examining whether the CJP could join the ongoing student-led protests in Jharkhand over the recruitment controversy.

The Parliament deadlock continues for a third consecutive week as opposition parties intensified efforts to corner the government over the recent crackdown on student protests, demanding a statement from Home Minister Amit Shah on the July 20 police action.