Delhi HC on Wangchuk's Fast, Noida Fire, Semicon 2.0 & More
Delhi High Court seeks Centre's reply on Wangchuk's health
The Delhi High Court on Wednesday (July 15, 2026) sought responses from the Centre and the Delhi government on a public interest litigation (PIL) demanding urgent intervention to protect the health of climate activist Sonam Wangchuk, who is on an indefinite hunger strike at Jantar Mantar. A bench of Chief Justice Devendra Kumar Upadhyaya and Justice Tejas Karia directed the authorities to reply by July 16, citing the urgency of the matter. The petition, filed by advocate and social activist Rakesh Kumar Saini, argues that Wangchuk's health has deteriorated after days of fasting and calls for immediate steps to safeguard his life.
Two killed, 50 rescued in Noida building fire; landlord arrested
A fire broke out in a multi-storeyed building in Noida's Mamura village on Wednesday, killing two people. The blaze was later controlled, and around 50 tenants were evacuated safely, officials said. Two residents—a man and a woman—were rushed to hospital but declared dead. Joint Commissioner of Police Rajiv Mishra said the ground-plus-four building had 10-12 rooms per floor used as residential flats. The landlord has been arrested.
India-UK social security pact not applicable retrospectively
The India-UK Double Contributions Convention (DCC), which allows temporary workers from either country exemption from social security contributions for up to 60 months, came into effect on July 15 alongside the Comprehensive Economic and Trade Agreement (CETA). The pact is not retrospective, meaning it will not apply to Indians already working in the UK or Britons in India before this date. Previously, detached workers were exempt from UK National Insurance for only 12 months.
Cabinet approves ₹1.27 lakh crore for Semicon Mission 2.0
The Union Cabinet on Wednesday cleared ₹1.27 lakh crore for the second edition of the India Semiconductor Mission, IT Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw announced. The scheme is expected to attract investments of about ₹4 lakh crore and generate semiconductor production worth ₹2 lakh crore. The programme also includes incentives for raw material suppliers such as minerals and gases.
Air India crash: Draft final report likely by October, AAIB tells Supreme Court
Over a year after an Air India Boeing 787 crashed shortly after takeoff from Ahmedabad on June 12, 2025, killing 260 people, the Aircraft Accident Investigation Bureau (AAIB) informed the Supreme Court that it expects to complete its investigation within six weeks, with a draft final report ready by October. The affidavit was filed ahead of a July 17 hearing on petitions seeking an independent probe into the crash.
Madan Mitra leaves Trinamool Congress
Madan Mitra, a former minister in the West Bengal government, has parted ways with Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee's Trinamool Congress party. The announcement, made on Wednesday, marks a significant political shift in the state's landscape. Further details are awaited.
