Social activist Anna Hazare has urged the Union government to hold talks with Sonam Wangchuk, saying, "Shouldn't test his limits. Say yes or no to his demands, but what is wrong in holding discussions?" Wangchuk's indefinite hunger strike at Delhi's Jantar Mantar entered Day 21 as he continued demanding the resignation of Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan over the NEET paper leak case. Delhi Police shifted him to Safdarjung Hospital, citing a High Court order to monitor his health. Protesters alleged he was taken away forcibly, while police maintained the move was for medical treatment. (PC: HT)

Manipur activist Irom Sharmila has expressed support for Sonam Wangchuk's hunger strike, saying meaningful change can only come through sustained public participation. Speaking to Scroll, Sharmila, who fasted for 16 years demanding the repeal of the Armed Forces (Special Powers) Act, said the responsibility to fight for change should not rest on one individual. She urged citizens, especially young people, to join Wangchuk's protest and build a united movement. Sharmila argued that governments respond only to large-scale, collective agitations and warned against expecting a single protester to carry the burden or become a martyr. (PC: Scroll)

Double Olympic medallist Manu Bhaker has voiced support for students protesting against alleged examination paper leaks, saying the issue is about education, safety and accountability, not politics. In a post on X, the 24-year-old said every child deserves equal opportunities and a fair chance to build their future. Bhaker urged people not to view the protests through a political lens, stressing that protecting students' dreams should be a national priority. Her remarks come amid ongoing demonstrations led by activist Sonam Wangchuk and the Cockroach Janta Party, demanding transparency and accountability over alleged paper leaks. (PC: HT)

Climate activist Sonam Wangchuk remains under treatment at Delhi's Safdarjung Hospital after completing 20 days without solid food during his hunger strike. Doctors said dehydration, low potassium levels and rising ketone levels could affect his kidney function. They urged immediate medical treatment. However, Wangchuk has refused intravenous fluids, oral rehydration solutions and medicines. Hospital officials said he is under close observation. Meanwhile, security has been tightened in Delhi ahead of a planned Parliament march. Congress leaders criticised Wangchuk's removal from Jantar Mantar. Doctors warned that "his kidney function may be at risk" if the hunger strike continues.

At least 8 people were killed and five others were injured after a fire and blast at a firecracker factory in Ahmedabad's Mahmudpura area on Saturday. The injured were taken to L.G. Hospital for treatment. Firefighters and rescue teams continued search operations at the site. Officials said the death toll could rise. Prime Minister Narendra Modi expressed grief over the incident, saying he was "extremely saddened" by the loss of lives. He announced an ex gratia of ₹2 lakh for the families of those killed and ₹50,000 for each injured person from the Prime Minister's National Relief Fund.

5 people died and 10 others were injured after a blast and fire at a firecracker factory in Ahmedabad, Gujarat, on Saturday. The factory was suspected to be operating illegally. Firefighters and police quickly reached the spot and rescued the injured. They were taken to nearby hospitals for treatment. Police have started an investigation to find the cause of the blast. They are also checking if the factory broke safety rules. Gujarat Chief Minister Bhupendra Patel announced financial help for the victims' families. Prime Minister Narendra Modi expressed grief and announced compensation from the Prime Minister's National Relief Fund.

Activist Sonam Wangchuk remains under close medical observation at Delhi's Safdarjung Hospital after being admitted on the 21st day of his hunger strike. Hospital sources said he is suffering from dehydration, low potassium levels and rising ketone levels, and doctors are urging his family to allow treatment without delay. However, his wife, Gitanjali J Angmo, alleged a lack of transparency, claiming the hospital refused to provide medical reports or allow independent testing. Meanwhile, Cockroach Janata Party founder Abhijeet Dipke began an indefinite hunger strike in solidarity, while Delhi Police increased security at Jantar Mantar.

Pawan Kumar Chandana, co-founder and CEO of Skyroot Aerospace, has become a symbol of determination after leading the successful launch of Vikram-1, India’s first privately built orbital rocket. Despite scoring just 51 marks in mathematics during school, Chandana pursued engineering at IIT Kharagpur, worked as an ISRO scientist, and later co-founded Skyroot in 2018. Under his leadership, the company built India’s largest private rocket manufacturing facility and achieved a historic milestone with Mission Aagaman. His journey highlights how perseverance, innovation, and ambition can overcome early academic setbacks to reshape India’s private space industry.  (PC: India Today)

Tensions escalated at Delhi's Jantar Mantar after a woman allegedly hurled an ink-like liquid at CJP founder Abhijeet Dipke while he was addressing protesters. The incident briefly disrupted the gathering, triggering confusion among supporters before order was restored. The protest continued despite the disruption, with Dipke remaining at the venue and reaffirming his commitment to the ongoing agitation following Sonam Wangchuk's hospitalisation. Authorities have not yet disclosed the woman's motive or confirmed any legal action. The episode highlighted the heightened tensions surrounding the continuing protest and renewed concerns over security at the demonstration site.

Gitanjali Angmo, wife of activist Sonam Wangchuk, has confirmed that the planned July 20 march to Parliament will go ahead despite growing concerns over his deteriorating health during his prolonged hunger strike. She urged supporters to remain peaceful and determined, saying the movement would continue regardless of challenges. The protest seeks accountability over alleged examination irregularities and demands action from the Centre. Organisers have called for large public participation while stressing non-violence. As Wangchuk’s condition remains under close medical observation, the march is expected to become a major focal point of the ongoing nationwide campaign. (PC: ANI)