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.

Climate activist Sonam Wangchuk's health has deteriorated as his indefinite hunger strike entered its 17th day, prompting growing appeals for him to end the fast. Cockroach Janta Party (CJP) founder Abhijeet Dipke said Wangchuk has started losing muscle mass and is in severe pain. Trinamool Congress MP Mahua Moitra, writer Arundhati Roy, actors Naseeruddin Shah and Ratna Pathak Shah, along with several other public figures, urged him to call off the strike while continuing the campaign for education reforms and accountability. Wangchuk, however, said the government should engage in dialogue instead of asking him to end his protest.  

The Union Territory of Ladakh will get one Autonomous Hill Development Council for each of its seven districts. A new UT-level body is also planned under a proposed Article 371 framework. Officials said the move will strengthen local governance and support balanced development. Ladakh recently added five new districts, increasing the total to seven. The new body will have legislative, executive, financial and administrative powers. The proposal follows long-standing demands for greater constitutional safeguards in Ladakh. Officials said the plan is unique and aims to improve local representation while protecting the region's identity and administrative interests.

More than half of NDA supporters are reluctant to use E20 petrol, according to a C-Voter survey, underscoring persistent concerns over the Centre’s ethanol blending policy. The survey found 52.5% of NDA voters would not prefer E20 fuel, while 18.1% supported its use and 29.5% remained undecided. Around 50% of respondents feared E20 could damage vehicle engines, while many also expressed concerns about reduced mileage. The findings suggest apprehensions over vehicle performance continue to outweigh policy support, even among the ruling alliance’s voter base. Most respondents also said E20 petrol should be priced lower than regular fuel if it is to gain wider consumer acceptance across the country. (PC: Drivespark)