Climate activist Sonam Wangchuk refused to end his indefinite hunger strike despite entering its 18th day, saying, “My muscles are weak, but my heart is strong.” In a message shared on Instagram, Wangchuk thanked supporters while reaffirming his resolve to continue the protest. His remarks came amid mounting concern over his deteriorating health and repeated appeals from public figures, activists and supporters urging him to call off the fast. Despite growing physical weakness, Wangchuk maintained that his commitment to the cause remains unwavering. The protest has continued to draw nationwide attention, with supporters intensifying calls for dialogue even as Wangchuk insists on carrying forward his agitation. (PC: X)

The Centre clarified that an Indian passport is issued under the Passports Act, 1967, to regulate the departure of Indian citizens after due verification, amid debate over whether it can serve as proof of citizenship. MEA spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal said passport issuance follows the Passports Act, 1967, and Passports Rules, 1980, through an established verification process. He also noted that fewer than 8% of Indians currently possess a passport. The clarification came in response to questions linked to the Election Commission's Special Intensive Revision of electoral rolls. The issue sparked political controversy after earlier remarks describing passports primarily as travel documents rather than standalone proof of citizenship.

Filmmaker Anurag Kashyap has expressed support for activist Sonam Wangchuk, who is on the 18th day of his indefinite hunger strike at Delhi’s Jantar Mantar. In Instagram posts, Kashyap called Wangchuk a "braveheart" and said he lacks the courage to undertake such a protest. He also criticised the government's alleged silence, saying he feels ashamed to remain quiet. Wangchuk joined the protest on June 28, demanding an open dialogue with the government over issues linked to the NEET controversy. Several celebrities, including Shabana Azmi, Prakash Raj, and Naseeruddin Shah, have also voiced support for the activist. (PC: HT)

A freight train was trapped between massive wildfires in Ontario, Canada, as fast-moving flames surrounded the railway tracks. Videos from inside the locomotive showed crew members describing the situation as "scary" while smoke and fire closed in. According to reports, part of the crew had detached a locomotive to rescue a foreman, but poor visibility caused it to collide with its own train. The collision reportedly sparked additional fires, forcing the crew to evacuate on foot. All crew members escaped safely. Ontario is battling 128 active wildfires, with several communities under evacuation orders.

Trinamool Congress has claimed that activist Sonam Wangchuk's health has become "extremely critical" after 18 days of hunger strike, warning that the Centre would be responsible if anything happened to him. In a letter to Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan, TMC leader Saket Gokhale urged the government to begin talks with Wangchuk and the protesters demanding accountability over alleged NEET and CBSE exam irregularities. Gokhale said Wangchuk has lost over 8 kg and remains under constant medical supervision. The Centre has not officially responded to the latest allegations or the demand for dialogue.

Riddhi Chauhan, an Indian-origin teenager from the United States, has earned widespread recognition after being appointed commander of nearly 300 U.S. Navy Junior ROTC cadets. Her leadership, academic excellence, and dedication to public service have made her a standout among her peers. Chauhan now aims to secure admission to the prestigious U.S. Naval Academy, with aspirations of serving as a commissioned officer in the U.S. Navy. Her achievement has inspired many in the Indian diaspora, highlighting the growing contributions of Indian-origin youth in American military leadership and educational excellence. (PC: X)

A heartwarming yet heartbreaking incident from Madhya Pradesh has gone viral after a pet dog reportedly died just minutes after its owner's funeral procession began. Family members said the dog had remained beside its owner throughout the final rites and suddenly collapsed as the procession moved forward. The emotional scene left mourners in tears, with many describing the animal’s unwavering loyalty as extraordinary. Videos and photos of the incident spread widely across social media, prompting an outpouring of condolences and admiration. The story has reignited conversations about the deep emotional bond between humans and their pets.

Nagpur Cyber Police have registered an FIR against YouTuber Manish Kashyap and three other social media influencers over alleged false, misleading, and defamatory content related to Union Minister Nitin Gadkari and the government's E20 ethanol-blended fuel policy. The complaint, filed by a BJP Social Media Cell functionary, alleges the videos distorted facts, spread misinformation, and harmed Gadkari's reputation. Police have invoked provisions of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita and the Information Technology Act. Manish Kashyap has denied the allegations, defended his criticism of the E20 policy, and said he stands by his remarks. (PC: India Today)

Social activist Sonam Wangchuk's hunger strike entered its 18th day at Jantar Mantar, with his health reported stable but weakening. The protest, demanding Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan's resignation over alleged exam irregularities, marks a sharp turn in Wangchuk's relationship with the Centre. In 2023, Pradhan had described his meeting with Wangchuk as a "wonderful conversation", but ties later deteriorated over Ladakh's constitutional demands and the Himalayan Institute of Alternatives, Ladakh (HIAL). After months in jail during the Ladakh agitation, Wangchuk is now urging the government to begin dialogue as his supporters continue demonstrations in Delhi.

A ransomware group has claimed responsibility for a data breach involving files linked to the Kudankulam Nuclear Power Plant, India's largest nuclear facility. The hackers allegedly published thousands of documents, including purported blueprints, supplier details and project records, on the dark web after targeting contractor Reliance Infrastructure. The company confirmed a partial breach involving a third-party server hosted by Yotta and said the government has been informed. Authorities, including CERT-In, are investigating the incident. Officials said there is no evidence that the leaked documents relate to the plant's core nuclear reactor systems supplied by Russia's Rosatom. (PC: India Today)