The Congress party has appealed to activist Sonam Wangchuk to end his indefinite hunger strike, expressing solidarity with his concerns while stressing that his health is becoming increasingly critical. Senior Congress leaders said Wangchuk's demands are shared by the Opposition and assured him that the party would continue raising the issue through democratic means. However, Rahul Gandhi's absence from the Jantar Mantar protest has drawn criticism, with opponents questioning Congress's commitment. Wangchuk's fast has attracted support from several political leaders and activists, intensifying pressure on the Centre to respond to the protesters' demands. (PC: X)

Gitanjali J. Angmo, wife of environmentalist and education reformer Sonam Wangchuk, has emerged as his strongest supporter during his ongoing hunger strike. An accomplished educator, social entrepreneur, and black belt karate champion, she co-founded the Himalayan Institute of Alternatives, Ladakh (HIAL) alongside Wangchuk. The couple first met through their shared passion for transforming education in India. As Wangchuk's health remains a concern, Angmo has stood firmly beside him, advocating for his cause and highlighting his commitment to educational reform and sustainable development. Her unwavering support has drawn widespread public attention.

The Department of Space has tightened resignation and voluntary retirement rules for ISRO's Group 'A' scientists and engineers after reports that more than 100 personnel sought to leave in recent months. The directive instructs ISRO centres not to routinely accept exit requests from staff working on critical projects, including the Gaganyaan human spaceflight mission. Any resignation request must now be sent to the Department of Space with the centre director's recommendations for final approval. The move aims to prevent disruptions to nationally important missions while addressing growing concerns over talent retention within India's premier space agency. (PC: ISRO)

Scientists have discovered 24-million-year-old fossilised leaves of the kewra (kevda) plant in Assam's Makum Coalfield, revealing that the species existed long before the Himalayas reached their present form and far before human civilisation. Researchers from the Birbal Sahni Institute of Palaeosciences found four exceptionally preserved leaves matching modern kewra plants. Published in the journal Geobios, the study suggests India served as a vital refuge for ancient tropical plant species during major climate changes. The discovery bridges a crucial gap in the plant's evolutionary history and offers valuable insights into biodiversity, climate evolution, and India's prehistoric ecosystems. (PC: Instagram)

Climate activist Sonam Wangchuk has pledged to continue his indefinite hunger strike until July 20, despite doctors warning that his health has become critical after 20 days without food. Addressing supporters, Wangchuk said he would “stay alive till July 20 at any cost” to lead the planned Parliament march, adding in a light-hearted remark that he would “return as a ghost” if the movement failed. The protest, backed by the Cockroach Janta Party, demands accountability over alleged examination irregularities and broader reforms. Support for Wangchuk continues to grow as concerns over his deteriorating health intensify. (PC: PTI)

In a first for West Bengal, 36 Jadavpur University students observed a one-day symbolic hunger strike on Friday in solidarity with education reform activist Sonam Wangchuk and students continuing their indefinite fast at Delhi's Jantar Mantar. The protest, held outside Triguna Sen Auditorium, sought to amplify demands for education reforms. Carrying placards reading "Scrap NTA" and "Dharmendra Pradhan Must Resign," participants called for greater accountability, transparency and dialogue in education policymaking. Organisers described it as Kolkata's first symbolic fast supporting Wangchuk's ongoing protest. Students said the demonstration reflected nationwide concerns over education policies and expressed solidarity with those continuing the hunger strike in the national capital of India. (PC: Shorts91)    

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.