india

Sonam Wangchuk's health stable on day 20 of hunger strike; opposition leaders show support

Published on: 17 Jul 2026, 05:36 PM

New Delhi, July 26: Activist Sonam Wangchuk completed 20 days of his indefinite hunger strike on Friday, with doctors reporting mild dehydration and a weight loss of 350 grams. His physician, Dr. Satish Lamba, stated that Wangchuk's blood pressure was 108/68 mmHg, blood sugar 80 mg/dL, and pulse 72 bpm, and that he remained mentally alert. The activist is under 24-hour medical vigilance by his own team as well as government-appointed doctors, following a Delhi High Court order requiring the Ministry of Health to ensure timely medical intervention if his condition worsens.

Wangchuk is demanding the resignation of Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan over alleged irregularities in the NEET re-exam and CBSE paper evaluations. The protest at Jantar Mantar has drawn growing crowds and support from opposition politicians. Three students from the All India Students' Association (AISA) are on a parallel hunger strike; two have been advised to use wheelchairs, and one has been urged to break the fast due to low blood sugar. Three other students ended their fast after their health deteriorated.

Congress MP Pawan Khera and former Delhi Minister Rajendra Pal visited Wangchuk, expressing solidarity. Khera criticized the government, saying it is insensitive to democratic opposition. Congress leader Rahul Gandhi addressed a programme in Dehradun on similar issues. NCP-SCP MP Supriya Sule also met Wangchuk and promised that all eight NCP-SCP MPs would join a march to Parliament on July 20. Former Law Minister Ashwani Kumar urged Wangchuk to end his fast, calling for respect for conscientious dissenters.

The protest has seen an increase in attendance, with high-profile visitors urging supporters to join. The Cockroach Janta Party (CJP), which is organizing the protest, reiterated its demand for the government to engage with protesters and address examination reforms. Olympic medalist Manu Bhaker also expressed solidarity with students affected by the NEET re-exam and CBSE evaluation issues.

Source: The Hindu

Latest in India 10

india

Centre Forms Panel Led by Ramesh Chand to Examine Sugarcane Farmers' Pricing Concerns

The Union Government has set up a four-member committee headed by former NITI Aayog member Ramesh Chand to study the demands of sugarcane farmers, including higher returns and a revision of the ex-mill Minimum Selling Price of sugar. The panel will also examine sugar recovery testing, weighment practices and deductions on mechanically harvested cane. It will consult farmers, mill associations and State Governments before submitting its report.

The Hindu 15 Oct 2026, 04:57 AM

india

Kerala High Court refuses to let Pinarayi Vijayan, kin appeal FIR order in CMRL-Exalogic case

The Kerala High Court has dismissed applications by former Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan, his daughter T. Veena and her husband P.A. Mohamed Riyas seeking leave to appeal against a single judge's October 9 direction to register an FIR against them in the CMRL-Exalogic payoff case. The Division Bench said the order does not take away their right to pursue other legal remedies. No court has recorded any finding of guilt in the matter.

The Hindu 15 Oct 2026, 05:33 AM

india

Bihar's Deadly River Crossings: 52 Lives Lost in Three Years of Boat Capsizes

Over 52 people have died in country-made boat capsizing incidents in Bihar in three years, with the October 13 tragedy in Vaishali's Raghopur block raising this year's toll to 30. Officials say the boat was overcrowded and had a hole, and the district administration has ordered an inquiry.

The Hindu 15 Oct 2026, 05:40 AM

india

Supreme Court Upholds Madras HC Order Striking Down Tamil Nadu Reservation Notification for Converts

The Supreme Court has dismissed the Tamil Nadu government's appeal and upheld a Madras High Court order quashing a State notification that extended reservation benefits to converts to Islam from communities already listed as backward. A Bench headed by Justice Prashant Kumar Mishra held that conversion alone does not make a person a member of a notified backward Muslim community, and that the notification created an 'artificial group' without the statutory social checks the law requires.

The Hindu 15 Oct 2026, 05:41 AM

india

Rahul, Kharge Criticise Detention of Ankita Bhandari's Parents, Allege Voices Silenced

Congress leaders Rahul Gandhi and Mallikarjun Kharge have criticised the detention of Ankita Bhandari's parents, saying it silences the families of victims. Ankita Bhandari, a 19-year-old resort receptionist, was found dead in Uttarakhand in 2022 and the case is before the courts. No immediate response from the state government or police was available.

Times of India 15 Oct 2026, 05:48 AM

india

Starlink curbs hit Ukrainian drones: Is Washington signalling a retreat from Kyiv?

Ukrainian officials say a slowdown in Starlink and Starshield services has disrupted drone operations, frontline logistics and air defence, and some allege deliberate interference. The reports came days after President Donald Trump announced an “energy ceasefire” and a plan to buy diesel from Russia, raising fresh questions in Kyiv about Washington’s reliability as an ally. The claims have not been independently verified.

The Hindu 15 Oct 2026, 05:53 AM

india

North Korea Tests Submarine-Launched Cruise Missiles Amid Stalled Diplomacy

North Korea announced it tested submarine-launched cruise missiles on Wednesday, describing them as strategic weapons capable of carrying nuclear warheads. The tests are part of a series of military demonstrations amid stalled diplomacy with the US and South Korea. South Korea's military did not immediately comment.

The Hindu 15 Oct 2026, 03:16 AM

india

India Questions UN Rights Body's Silence on PoK Unrest, Alleges 'Extreme Selectivity'

India has asked the UN human rights office to state when it will issue a report on steps taken by Pakistan to address concerns in Pakistan-occupied Kashmir, citing earlier OHCHR statements on killings, internet curbs and detained leaders. New Delhi accused the office of 'extreme selectivity' and double standards, while restating that its law enforcement acts in accordance with the law and that Jammu and Kashmir and Ladakh are integral parts of India.

Times of India 15 Oct 2026, 03:24 AM

india

Indonesia's Kalimantan Blanketed in Orange Smog as Air Pollution Soars Past Hazardous Levels

A thick orange smog has descended on Palangka Raya in Indonesia's Central Kalimantan, with the air pollution index exceeding 1,200—four times the hazardous level. The haze is linked to wildfires and slash-and-burn land clearing, and is affecting millions across Indonesia, Singapore and Malaysia. Authorities are facing calls for stronger action as health concerns grow.

BBC News 15 Oct 2026, 03:26 AM

india

Anthropic tells investors revenue jumped 45% to $16.8bn ahead of listing plans

Anthropic has told prospective investors its revenue rose 45% to $16.8bn in the three months to September, as it prepares for a possible stock market listing. The privately shared figures have not been independently verified. The news comes as chip makers and other AI-linked stocks fell sharply in the US and Asia over concerns about the scale of AI infrastructure spending.

BBC News 15 Oct 2026, 03:33 AM

→ View All India News