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.  

The Centre on Thursday informed the Delhi High Court that it would provide any necessary medical intervention to activist Sonam Wangchuk, who is on the 19th day of his indefinite hunger strike at Jantar Mantar, based on the advice of doctors monitoring his condition. The submission was made during the hearing of a petition seeking urgent medical care for Wangchuk amid growing concerns over his deteriorating health. The government assured the court that medical intervention would be carried out whenever required and in accordance with the recommendations of the attending doctors. Wangchuk has been fasting indefinitely, and his health has become a matter of judicial scrutiny as concerns over his condition continue. (PC: X)

Climate activist Sonam Wangchuk’s wife, Gitanjali J. Angmo, said his decision to join the Cockroach Janata Party’s (CJP) protest was an “organic” one, dismissing suggestions of political orchestration. Speaking to The Hindu, she said Wangchuk joined because the youth-led movement aligned with his concerns and he wanted to ensure its cause was not sabotaged by “nefarious” elements or diverted from its original objectives. According to Angmo, Wangchuk’s presence was aimed at safeguarding the integrity of the protest rather than influencing its direction. Her remarks come as Wangchuk continues his indefinite hunger strike, with his participation drawing national attention amid growing concerns over his health and the movement’s future. (PC: Shashi Shekhar Kashyap)

Climate activist Sonam Wangchuk entered the 19th day of his indefinite hunger strike, saying, “I’m not in good shape but not so bad either,” while continuing his protest demanding Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan’s resignation over alleged NEET irregularities. According to the latest medical bulletin issued by the Cockroach Janta Party (CJP), the 59-year-old remains “very weak” and under round-the-clock medical supervision. His weight has fallen to 57.15 kg, dropping 400 grams in the last 24 hours and nearly 8.9 kg since the fast began. Doctors said Wangchuk remains conscious and mentally alert but requires continuous monitoring as concerns over his deteriorating health continue. (PC: X/@CJP)

A ransomware group called World Leaks has published nearly 19,000 files allegedly linked to India’s largest nuclear power plant, Kudankulam Nuclear Power Plant, on the dark web. The leaked data reportedly includes engineering drawings, supplier details, inspection records and project documents related to Units 3 and 4, which are being built by Reliance Infrastructure. Reliance Group confirmed a partial data breach involving a server hosted by data centre provider Yotta and said the incident has been reported to the government. Authorities are investigating the breach, while cybersecurity experts have raised concerns over the exposure of sensitive infrastructure-related information.

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.