Climate activist Sonam Wangchuk entered the 20th day of his indefinite hunger strike at Delhi's Jantar Mantar, with doctors warning he has reached a critical stage where prolonged fasting could lead to organ failure if his condition worsens. Cockroach Janata Party (CJP) founder Abhijeet Dipke described Wangchuk as being on his "deathbed" while renewing calls for action. Wangchuk has been fasting since June 28, demanding Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan's resignation over alleged examination paper leaks, including NEET. The Delhi High Court ordered daily medical monitoring, while political leaders, legal bodies and public figures urged Wangchuk to end his fast, but he remained resolute. (PC: India Today)

Prime Minister Narendra Modi flagged off India's first hydrogen-powered passenger train, which will initially operate on the 89-km Jind-Sonipat route in Haryana under Northern Railway. Designed and built in India, the train is among the world's longest and most powerful hydrogen-powered passenger trains, featuring 10 coaches, a capacity of around 2,600 passengers and a 3,200-horsepower propulsion system. The launch marks a major milestone in Indian Railways' transition toward cleaner transportation and places India among a select group of countries operating hydrogen-powered trains. Unlike most global hydrogen trains with two to four coaches, India's version is designed for higher-capacity regional passenger operations and improved sustainable mobility.

Union Minister Jitendra Singh has downplayed concerns over the reported data breach linked to the Kudankulam Nuclear Power Plant, stating that no sensitive nuclear safety or security-related information was compromised. He clarified that the leaked files were associated only with conventional support facilities and not the plant's critical reactor systems. The government assured that India's nuclear infrastructure remains secure, while the Nuclear Power Corporation of India Limited (NPCIL) and CERT-In continue investigating the cyber incident. Officials urged the public not to panic, stressing that the breach poses no threat to nuclear operations or national security. (PC: Reuters)

One devotee died and around 100 others were injured after a stampede-like situation broke out during the Jagannath Rath Yatra in Odisha’s Puri on Thursday. The incident occurred on Bada Danda, where lakhs of devotees had gathered in light rain to witness the chariot procession of Lord Jagannath, Lord Balabhadra and Goddess Subhadra. A devotee who suffered severe breathing difficulties was taken to Puri District Headquarters Hospital but was declared dead. Around 50 injured devotees were admitted for treatment. Authorities are yet to determine the exact cause. Former Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik expressed grief and urged the state government to strengthen crowd management and devotee safety measures.

A huge surge of devotees gathered at the Singhadwara, the main entrance of the Jagannath Temple in Puri, during the ongoing Rath Yatra celebrations, leading authorities to strengthen crowd-control arrangements. Police and temple officials regulated entry, deployed additional security personnel, and managed queues to ensure the safe movement of pilgrims. Thousands of worshippers waited for hours to offer prayers and witness the deities during the festival. Officials continuously monitored the situation, urging devotees to follow safety guidelines and cooperate with security measures. The large turnout highlighted the immense religious significance of the annual Rath Yatra festival in Odisha. (PC: X)

The Central Government has introduced stricter resignation and voluntary retirement rules for scientists at the Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) after more than 100 personnel left the agency in recent years. Under the revised policy, scientists seeking voluntary retirement or resignation must obtain approval from the competent authority and serve a mandatory notice period, with requests subject to operational requirements. The move aims to retain experienced talent, protect critical national space programmes, and address concerns over the loss of skilled professionals to private companies and other organisations amid India's rapidly expanding space sector. (PC: X)

A stampede-like situation during the Jagannath Rath Yatra in Puri, Odisha, on Thursday left 2 devotees dead and nearly 100 others hospitalised after a massive crowd gathered for the annual festival. Officials said the rush occurred during the chariot procession, with many people collapsing due to overcrowding and suffocation. Emergency teams rushed the injured to nearby hospitals, while authorities launched rescue operations to clear the area. The Odisha government is monitoring the situation and is expected to review crowd management measures. Lakhs of devotees had gathered in Puri for one of India's largest religious festivals.  

India is grappling with an ethanol surplus after rapidly expanding production capacity to support its fuel blending programme. With ethanol demand falling short of installed capacity, the government and industry are exploring export opportunities to prevent idle distilleries and financial losses. The surplus comes as the nationwide rollout of E20 petrol faces consumer concerns over vehicle compatibility and mileage, slowing domestic demand growth. While officials maintain that ethanol blending remains important for reducing crude oil imports and boosting energy security, the immediate challenge is managing excess supply and keeping the country's ethanol industry financially viable. (PC: Economic Times)

India has directed shipowners, ship managers and recruitment agencies not to deploy Indian seafarers on vessels passing through the Strait of Hormuz until further notice, citing growing security risks linked to renewed US-Iran tensions. The advisory follows the deaths of 2 Indian sailors in separate attacks on commercial ships in the region. The Directorate General of Maritime Administration (DGMA) said recent attacks have significantly increased the danger to seafarers and asked vessel operators to closely monitor security updates. India has also lodged a strong protest with Iran over the incidents. (PC: X)

Hundreds of residents, students and environmental activists in Uttarakhand have launched protests against the proposed felling of nearly 3,000 trees for a road-widening project on the Bhaniyawala–Rishikesh stretch. Protesters hugged trees and raised slogans, drawing comparisons with the historic Chipko Movement. The forest area is part of an important elephant corridor, with activists warning that tree cutting could harm wildlife and the fragile ecosystem. Authorities said the project is being carried out with expert-recommended mitigation measures, while protesters continue demanding sustainable alternatives to protect the region's forests.