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)

Activist Sonam Wangchuk's indefinite hunger strike entered Day 18, drawing support from more celebrities across the film industry. Zeenat Aman, Naseeruddin Shah, Abhay Deol, Shabana Azmi, Soni Razdan, Swara Bhasker and singer Chinmayi Sripada urged the Centre to engage with Wangchuk and address his demands. Wangchuk is seeking constitutional safeguards for Ladakh and stronger protection for the region's fragile environment. The celebrities called for dialogue and appealed for a peaceful resolution to the issue. Wangchuk has continued his protest despite growing concerns over his health, while his campaign has received increasing support from public figures and citizens across the country. (PC: X)

An FIR has been registered against YouTuber Manish Kashyap and 3 other social media influencers for allegedly spreading defamatory and misleading content about Union Road Transport and Highways Minister Nitin Gadkari and the Centre's E20 fuel policy. The complaint alleges that the accused shared videos containing false claims and distorted facts, which could mislead the public and damage Gadkari's reputation. Police have launched an investigation into the matter. The E20 fuel programme, which promotes a 20% ethanol blend in petrol, is a key part of the government's strategy to reduce crude oil imports and lower vehicle emissions. (PC: India Today)

The Delhi High Court on Wednesday sought responses from the Centre and the Delhi government on a public interest litigation seeking urgent medical intervention for activist Sonam Wangchuk, whose indefinite hunger strike entered its 18th day. The petition said Wangchuk has lost around 8.5 kg and warned that his health is deteriorating rapidly. It urged authorities to shift him to a government hospital and provide life-saving treatment, including force-feeding if medically required. The court acknowledged the urgency of the matter and scheduled further hearing. Wangchuk has been fasting since June 28, demanding the resignation of Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan. (PC: India Today)

Mumbai has inaugurated its first dedicated pedestrian plaza at Kala Ghoda, transforming five heritage streets into a vehicle-free cultural precinct on weekends. Inaugurating the BMC-led Kala Ghoda Art Avenue project, Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis described it as a "new artistic district" that enhances public spaces while preserving the area's heritage architecture. Every Saturday and Sunday from 6 pm to midnight, VB Gandhi Marg, Ropewalk Lane, Saibaba Road, Rutherford Street and B Bharucha Road will remain closed to vehicles. Inspired by Glasgow's Buchanan Street and London's Carnaby Street, the revamped precinct features stone-paved walkways, murals, sculptures, with plans for al fresco dining, art markets, music performances and other cultural events.

On the 17th day of protests at Delhi's Jantar Mantar, crowds grew as concern mounted over activist Sonam Wangchuk's worsening health during his indefinite hunger strike demanding Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan's resignation. The protest, organised by the Cockroach Janata Party (CJP), has drawn increasing public attention as more voices urge Wangchuk to end his fast. An online petition signed by more than 1,800 writers, academics, social activists and other concerned citizens appealed to him to stop the hunger strike, citing his deteriorating condition. Despite mounting concern and calls to prioritise his health, demonstrations continued with larger participation, reflecting sustained support for the movement and its demands.

Social activist Sonam Wangchuk and several student activists have continued their indefinite hunger strike at Delhi’s Jantar Mantar. They are demanding Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan’s resignation over alleged exam paper leaks and education reforms. Wangchuk has now lost 8.5 kg, while one student activist was briefly hospitalised before being discharged. Protesters say they will continue until the government starts a dialogue. The Cockroach Janta Party is also preparing a “Chalo Sansad” march on July 20. Opposition leaders, including Arvind Kejriwal and Uddhav Thackeray, have expressed concern over Wangchuk’s health and supported the planned march.

Climate activist Sonam Wangchuk has completed 16 days of a hunger strike at Delhi's Jantar Mantar. He joined a protest demanding education reforms and the resignation of Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan after a medical entrance exam paper leak. Doctors said Wangchuk has lost 8.2 kg and his blood sugar and blood pressure have dropped. Supporters are worried and have asked him to end the fast. However, Wangchuk says he will continue until the government takes action. Protesters also plan to march to Parliament on July 20 to demand accountability and reforms in India's education system. (PC: Hindustan Times via Getty Images, Geeta Pandey/BBC)

The Supreme Court has fined comedian Samay Raina and four other comedians Rs 3 lakh each in the disability jokes case. The court said Raina failed to keep promises made during earlier hearings and had “taken the court for a ride.” The comedians must pay the fine within two weeks, issue a public apology, and submit compliance reports. They were also ordered to hold two comedy shows every month to raise money for children with Spinal Muscular Atrophy (SMA). The court warned that the fine could increase if they fail to follow its directions.