Sonam Wangchuk Says He Has Lost 20% of His Body Weight, Questions Government’s Silence Over Students’ Demands

Brief by Shorts91 Newsdesk / 06:22am on 18 Jul 2026,Saturday India

Climate activist Sonam Wangchuk said he has lost nearly 20% of his body weight during his prolonged hunger strike, highlighting the physical toll of his protest. Speaking from hospital after being shifted due to deteriorating health, Wangchuk questioned why governments have fallen over issues like rising onion prices but not over students' concerns. He urged authorities to engage in meaningful dialogue and address demands for accountability over alleged examination irregularities. His remarks have intensified the ongoing debate, with public figures and supporters renewing calls for urgent government action and a peaceful resolution to the protest.

Read More at Deccan Herald

National Rifle Shooter Damayanti Sen Goes Missing in Howrah, Police Launch Massive Search Operation

Brief by Shorts91 Newsdesk / 06:18am on 18 Jul 2026,Saturday Sports

Fifteen-year-old national rifle shooter Damayanti Sen has gone missing under mysterious circumstances from West Bengal's Howrah district, triggering an intensive police search. The promising athlete, recently selected for national team trials, reportedly left home on Thursday but never returned. CCTV footage captured her at Howrah railway station, providing investigators with their last confirmed sighting. Police have formed a Special Investigation Team (SIT) and are examining CCTV footage while questioning witnesses to trace her movements. The disappearance has shocked the sporting community, with family members and authorities appealing to the public for information that could help locate the young shooter. (PC: India Today)

Read More at India Today

Hrithik Roshan Backs Sonam Wangchuk Amid Hospitalisation Following 21-Day Hunger Strike

Brief by Shorts91 Newsdesk / 05:20am on 18 Jul 2026,Saturday India

Actor Hrithik Roshan has expressed solidarity with climate activist and education reformer Sonam Wangchuk amid his ongoing hunger strike. Sharing a heartfelt message on social media, Hrithik described Wangchuk as a true inspiration whose courage and commitment continue to motivate millions. He urged people to stand by Wangchuk and hoped for a peaceful resolution through meaningful dialogue. Hrithik's support adds to a growing list of celebrities, including Kiran Rao and others, who have voiced concern over Wangchuk's deteriorating health and appealed to authorities to engage with his demands. 

Read More at Mathrubhumi English

Centre Tightens ISRO Exit Rules After Over 100 Scientists Leave, Protecting Key Space Missions

Brief by Shorts91 Newsdesk / 05:14am on 18 Jul 2026,Saturday India

The Department of Space has tightened resignation and voluntary retirement rules for ISRO scientists after reports that more than 100 scientific and technical personnel left the organisation in recent months. The new directive states that exit requests from scientists involved in critical missions, including the Gaganyaan human spaceflight programme, will no longer be routinely approved and must receive clearance from the Department of Space. The move reverses a 2020 policy that allowed ISRO centre directors to approve such requests. Officials said the step aims to retain experienced talent and ensure uninterrupted progress of India's flagship space missions. (PC: X)

Read More at NDTV

US Launches Fresh Strikes on Iranian Military Targets, Including Strategic Bandar Abbas

Brief by Shorts91 Newsdesk / 04:31am on 18 Jul 2026,Saturday International

The US military has carried out another wave of airstrikes on Iranian military targets, including facilities in Bandar Abbas, Iran's largest port and a key naval base on the Strait of Hormuz. According to US Central Command, the operation targeted command centres, air defence systems, missile and drone capabilities, and coastal surveillance sites to weaken Iran's military capacity. The strikes mark the latest escalation in the ongoing conflict between Washington and Tehran. Iranian authorities have condemned the attacks, while regional tensions continue to rise amid concerns over maritime security and the potential impact on global energy supplies. 

Read More at The Economic Times

Sonam Wangchuk Hospitalised After 21-Day Hunger Strike; Delhi Police Cite Medical Concerns

Brief by Shorts91 Newsdesk / 03:50am on 18 Jul 2026,Saturday India

Climate activist Sonam Wangchuk was shifted to VMMC & Safdarjung Hospital by Delhi Police on the 21st day of his indefinite hunger strike at Jantar Mantar after his health deteriorated. The move followed medical concerns and a Delhi High Court directive to ensure his safety. Wangchuk has been fasting in support of student protesters demanding accountability over alleged irregularities in national entrance examinations. Authorities said the transfer was necessary to provide urgent medical care, while supporters continued demonstrations, urging the government to engage in dialogue and address the protesters' demands. (PC: PTI)

Read More at The Hindu

BCCI Dismisses Rohit Sharma Retirement Rumours, Confirms He Will Continue in ODIs

Brief by Shorts91 Newsdesk / 03:45am on 18 Jul 2026,Saturday Sports

The BCCI has firmly rejected speculation that the third ODI against England at Lord's would be Rohit Sharma's final international match. BCCI Secretary Devajit Saikia clarified that the veteran opener remains an important part of India's ODI plans and will continue representing the country. The statement comes after widespread reports suggested selectors were preparing to move beyond the former captain ahead of the 2027 ODI World Cup. Team management has also backed Rohit despite his recent lean run with the bat, expressing confidence in his ability to regain form and contribute significantly in future ODI assignments. (PC: X)

Read More at News18

Israeli Minister Clears Legal Hurdle for Controversial ‘Crocodile Prison’ Proposal

Brief by Shorts91 Newsdesk / 03:41am on 18 Jul 2026,Saturday International

Israel's Environmental Protection Minister Idit Silman has reclassified Nile crocodiles as a “tended” wild animal, removing a legal obstacle to National Security Minister Itamar Ben Gvir’s proposal to surround prisons holding Palestinian security detainees with crocodiles. The move has sparked criticism from environmental officials and legal advisers, who argue the minister lacks authority and that the plan conflicts with wildlife protection laws. The Israel Prison Service is reportedly examining the proposal's feasibility, while opponents have raised concerns over animal welfare, public safety, and the legality of using crocodiles as a prison security measure. (PC: X)

Read More at The Times of Israel

Kiran Rao Extends Support to Sonam Wangchuk, Urges Government to Open Dialogue

Brief by Shorts91 Newsdesk / 03:37am on 18 Jul 2026,Saturday India

Filmmaker Kiran Rao has publicly backed activist Sonam Wangchuk, who is on an indefinite hunger strike demanding justice for students and action over alleged NEET examination irregularities. Expressing solidarity, Rao praised Wangchuk and fellow protesters for their peaceful movement, saying the nation owes them gratitude for awakening public conscience. She criticized the government's silence despite the prolonged fast and appealed for immediate dialogue to resolve the impasse. Her support comes amid growing concern from public figures over Wangchuk's health, adding momentum to calls for constructive engagement between the government and protesters. 

Read More at Deccan Herald

Sonam Wangchuk’s 19-Day Hunger Strike: Public Figures Appeal to End Fast and Urge Centre to Begin Dialogue

Brief by Shorts91 Newsdesk / 06:35pm on 17 Jul 2026,Friday India

Prominent public figures have appealed to environmental activist Sonam Wangchuk to end his hunger strike while urging the Central government to initiate meaningful dialogue over his demands. Wangchuk's protest focuses on greater constitutional safeguards, environmental protection, and sustainable development for Ladakh. Supporters acknowledged the importance of his cause but expressed concern over the serious health risks posed by his prolonged fast. They stressed that discussions and democratic engagement offer the best path toward resolving the issue. As nationwide attention grows, pressure is mounting on the government to respond constructively and address the concerns raised by Wangchuk and his supporters. (PC: India Today)

Read More at India Today

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