Judge blocks Trump’s White House media ban, orders access to be restored 

Iran’s annual inflation rate has climbed to 66%, highlighting the growing pressure on household budgets as the prices of essential goods continue to rise sharply across the country. According to Iranian media reports, food and beverage prices recorded the most significant increase, rising by 128.1% compared with the same period last year. The steep increase has made everyday necessities considerably more expensive and placed additional strain on consumers, particularly low- and middle-income families. Officials and economic observers have increasingly raised concerns over the rapid rise in the cost of basic commodities. Reports indicate that the prices of at least eight essential items have more than doubled over the past 12 months. The sharp increase has reduced consumers’ purchasing power and made it increasingly difficult for many households to maintain their usual standard of living. The latest figures also point to continued price pressure on a monthly basis. Iran recorded a monthly inflation rate of 3.1% in July, according to the Iranian news agency. Although the monthly increase appears smaller than the annual rise, continued month-on-month price growth can further intensify inflationary pressures if the trend persists. The surge in food prices is particularly significant because food represents a major portion of household spending. Rising costs for basic groceries can quickly affect family budgets, leaving consumers with less money for other necessities such as housing, transportation, healthcare and education. Iran has faced persistent economic challenges in recent years, including currency pressures, high living costs and restrictions affecting trade and economic activity. The latest inflation figures add to concerns about the country’s economic outlook and the financial difficulties facing ordinary citizens. With food and other essential commodities recording exceptionally high annual increases, Iranian households are likely to remain under significant financial pressure unless inflation begins to slow substantially in the coming months.

  A Muslim student from India’s Bihar state has claimed that he was named in a police case related to protests against the alleged NEET examination paper leak, despite having lived in Russia for the past four months. The student, identified as Mohammad Sadaqat, belongs to Kishanganj district in Bihar. He alleged that his name was included in a First Information Report (FIR) registered after demonstrations held on July 24 against the alleged NEET paper leak, even though he was not in India at the time of the protest. In a video message shared on social media, Sadaqat said he has been residing in Russia for the last four months for educational purposes and therefore could not have participated in the protest. According to him, the case relates to a demonstration that took place at LRP Chowk, where people gathered to protest against the alleged irregularities surrounding the NEET examination. The student maintained that he was shocked to learn that his name had been included among those accused in the case. He said his passport and travel records clearly show that he was outside India when the protest occurred. He urged the authorities to verify the facts and remove his name from the police case, arguing that it was impossible for him to have taken part in the demonstration while living abroad. Sadaqat appealed to the district administration and police officials to conduct a fair investigation and correct what he described as an error. He emphasized that he was not present in India during the protest and requested that the allegations against him be withdrawn after proper verification. Meanwhile, Kishanganj Superintendent of Police Hari Mohan Shukla neither confirmed nor denied whether the student had been named in the FIR. Responding to questions from the media, the police chief said that anyone who has concerns regarding the protest-related cases is welcome to approach the police. He stated that authorities would examine any complaint submitted by an affected individual and review the available evidence before taking an appropriate decision. However, he did not specifically address Sadaqat’s claim or comment on the contents of the FIR. The Bihar Police’s official account on X (formerly Twitter) initially responded to the student’s viral video by assuring the public that the matter would be investigated. The response suggested that the allegations raised in the video would be looked into by the relevant authorities. However, the police later deleted the post without providing any explanation, prompting further discussion on social media. The deletion has raised questions among users, although officials have not commented on why the statement was removed. The controversy comes amid widespread protests in Bihar over the alleged NEET paper leak, an issue that has sparked public outrage and demands for accountability. During a statewide strike organized in connection with the controversy, police reportedly detained 694 people for allegedly participating in protests and violating public order. According to reports, nearly half of those detained were minors. The incident involving Mohammad Sadaqat has drawn significant attention online, with many social media users calling for a transparent investigation into his claims. Authorities have not yet released further details regarding the case, and the matter remains under official review.