Activist Sonam Wangchuk's health is deteriorating on the 18th day of his hunger strike, with his weight dropping significantly and vital signs requiring continuous monitoring. The Cockroach Janta Party (CJP) has accused the government of 'cruelty' for its refusal to engage in dialogue regarding alleged NEET irregularities, intensifying calls for accountability from Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan.
Former India spinner Harbhajan Singh on Friday welcomed activist Sonam Wangchuk's decision to end his 26-day hunger strike, saying dialogue and trust are better than confrontation to resolve the crisis pertaining to the alleged NEET-UG paper leak.
Activist Sonam Wangchuk has decided to continue his indefinite hunger strike despite appeals, stating that ending it without government response would send the wrong message. He is urging supporters to join the Cockroach Janta Party's Parliament march on July 20 to press for accountability regarding alleged NEET irregularities.
The number of individuals reporting a gross total income of 100 crore or more in their income tax returns has quadrupled to 576 in Assessment Year 2025-26, up from 142 in AY 2021-22, according to data shared in Parliament.
One person died and many others fell ill in a temporary crowd surge during the Rath Yatra celebrations in Odisha's Puri on Thursday, official sources said.
In the throes of a financial crisis, the state's ruling Congress government has little to be triumphant about as Assembly elections approach next year, points out Aditi Phadnis.
Omi Vaidya, known as Chatur from '3 Idiots', has publicly supported climate activist Sonam Wangchuk, who is on an indefinite hunger strike in New Delhi, drawing attention to Wangchuk's deteriorating health and the inspiration he provided for Aamir Khan's character in the film.
Unidentified individuals attacked the residence of a KSU activist in Kerala with an explosive device, following his arrest related to a protest where the Health Minister was allegedly injured.
Activist Sonam Wangchuk is receiving medical intervention at Safdarjung Hospital in New Delhi, where his condition is being closely monitored by a team of experts. He was forcibly taken to the hospital on the 21st day of his indefinite hunger strike, which he began on June 28 to protest alleged irregularities in the NEET examination and demand the Union Education Minister's resignation. Despite stable vital parameters, his blood parameters remain altered due to prolonged fasting, necessitating continuous medical care.
Activist Sonam Wangchuk's health is rapidly deteriorating on his 17th day of hunger strike, prompting widespread appeals from prominent political figures and Bollywood celebrities for him to end his fast and for the government to address the urgent demands for NEET examination reforms.
The number of individuals who declared a gross income of Rs 100 crore or more in their income-tax returns had risen to 301 in 2022-23, moderated slightly to 284 in 2023-24, then climbed to 415 in 2024-25.
'This generation decides on their own what is good or bad for them.' 'They got an outlet to vent their anger against this government through CJP and they did that.' 'They felt how can the government control us or lathi charge us?'
'The anger among the PoK public is unlikely to subside against Pakistani State in the near future.'
A 34-year-old 'differently-abled' man, SabariVarman, arrested for selling tobacco products, died in judicial custody in Tamil Nadu's Kanniyakumari district, prompting his family to allege police brutality and stage protests demanding an investigation.
Since the outbreak of conflict in the Middle East, 16 Indian nationals, including 10 seafarers, have lost their lives, and 75 have been injured. Separately, 30 Indian nationals were among 52 individuals arrested and deported by US Border Patrol during 'Operation Checkmate' for allegedly being in the United States illegally.
In response to the Quad ministers' joint statement, China on Tuesday said it opposes the creation of exclusive 'small cliques' and 'bloc confrontation'.
The BJP's Bahraich unit has filed a cyber crime case against a social media account for allegedly misusing images of Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Union Health Minister J P Nadda, along with party symbols, to circulate misleading content. Police have registered a case under the IT Act and initiated an investigation.
The Maharashtra government has announced a ban on the sale of 'Sting' energy drink and other intoxicating substances within a 500-metre radius of schools. This decision comes amidst concerns about the health impact of such beverages on schoolchildren, with the Food and Drug Administration directed to enforce the new restriction and schools urged to conduct awareness programmes.
The chants fell silent and calm descended on Jantar Mantar on Sunday, a day after the 36-day agitation over irregularities in exams and the NEET paper leak ended with the resignation of Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan.
'For the rest of his tenure, people will start with the assumption that even Modi can be forced to bow down'
As Sonam Wangchuk's hunger strike enters its 19th day, critics question why the government has remained silent despite mounting concerns over student welfare, observes Harishchandra.
Activist Sonam Wangchuk's wife, Gitanjali J Angmo, announced that Wangchuk would end his indefinite hunger strike if political leaders assure him that education accountability will be a focus of the upcoming Monsoon Session of Parliament. Wangchuk, currently admitted to Safdarjung Hospital, continues his fast, demanding action against the alleged NEET paper leak and broader education reforms.
As Sonam Wangchuk's indefinite hunger strike entered the 17th day, concerns over the famed environmentalist and educationist's rapidly deteriorating health intensified, prompting appeals from political leaders, celebrities and social media urging him to end his fast.
'But they had nothing to negotiate as the government did not negotiate. It is completely the fault of the government as they dumped it on the police.'
The Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) has strongly criticised the Enforcement Directorate (ED) raid and subsequent arrest of Punjab minister Sanjeev Arora, calling it a politically motivated act by the BJP-led central government. AAP leaders allege the BJP is misusing central agencies to suppress opposition voices and destabilise the AAP government in Punjab.
Dialogue must be encouraged rather than adoption of hardline stands, violence and use of force, recommends Biswajit Dasgupta.
Educator and climate activist Sonam Wangchuk has stated his hunger has 'stabilised' on the 13th day of his indefinite fast, asserting his constitutional right to protest should not be violated by attempts to remove him from the site. He continues to support the Cockroach Janta Party's (CJP) demands for Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan's resignation and government accountability over alleged examination irregularities, as well as an early resolution for Ladakh's issues.
'After that the burdens of an ageing population will be upon us, and the share of working age population will shrink.'
Senior Congress leaders V D Satheesan and Ramesh Chennithala criticize the CPI(M) and Health Minister Veena George over alleged violence and a 'shameless drama' surrounding the minister's reported injury during a KSU protest. They demand an end to the violence and withdrawal of charges against KSU activists.
Kapil Dev expressed deep sadness for his former rival cricketer-turned-politician Imran Khan, who continues to be lodged at Rawalpindi's Adiala Jail amid concerns over his deteriorating health.
Sanjay Badaya, a close aide of former Rajasthan minister Mahesh Joshi, has been arrested in connection with the alleged Rs 960-crore Jal Jeevan Mission (JJM) scam.
Aamir Khan's comments that his 3 Idiots character Phunsukh Wangdu was not based on Sonam Wangchuk has triggered reactions from politicians, activists and social media users, with some accusing the actor of distancing himself from the educationist, who is currently on a hunger strike.
When dialogue fails, protest becomes inevitable.
In a democracy, protest is often the only language left once institutions stop listening, explains Ramesh Menon.
The Badrinath temple committee has removed its treasurer, Sandesh Mehta, after 'overwriting' was detected in the donations logbook and the quantity of silver in the temple locker exceeded recorded amounts, amidst an ongoing investigation into alleged irregularities.
Police forces from several adjoining districts were requisitioned to man key junctions, sensitive locations and government buildings in the Lutyens' area ahead of the march.
Educator and climate activist Sonam Wangchuk's condition deteriorated further on Wednesday, with doctors reporting that he has lost more than seven kilograms since beginning his indefinite fast 11 days ago.
NCP (SP) leader Eknath Khadse has firmly stated his disinterest in rejoining the BJP, despite being called by Amit Shah, and affirmed his commitment to Sharad Pawar, dismissing recent speculation about his political future.
Jammu and Kashmir Chief Minister Omar Abdullah shared a fabricated social media post attributed to former US President Donald Trump, captioned 'If only!', to highlight his demand for the restoration of J&K's statehood, drawing significant criticism online.
Former Pakistan prime minister Imran Khan has appealed to the Islamabad High Court for release on humanitarian grounds, citing deteriorating health and prolonged solitary confinement. The appeal was made during a hearing regarding his conviction in a corruption case.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi, addressing the 12th International Day of Yoga celebrations in Kolkata, highlighted yoga's dual benefits: boosting personal health and fostering world peace. He emphasised its role in promoting a balanced lifestyle, mental well-being, and healthy ageing across all generations, citing the Bhagwat Gita.
