Environmentalist Sonam Wangchuk walks with help on the 18th day of his indefinite hunger strike during the Cockroach Janata Party's (CJP) protest, demanding the Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan's resignation over alleged irregularities in the NEET examination, at Jantar Mantar. (ANI Photo)The Delhi High Court on Wednesday said it will hear a PIL on Thursday expressing concern over activist SOnam Wangchuk’s health as he continues his fast at Jantar Mantar in support of students protesting alleged irregularities in the NEET exam. The court deferred the matter due to ongoing lawyers’ strike and directed that its order be served to the Centre and the Delhi government. The petition seeks urgent intervention, including talks with Wangchuk and directions to ensure medical care, including force-feeding if necessary.
The fire that broke out after a moving car caught fire inside the northbound tunnel of Mumbai’s Coastal Road on Wednesday afternoon has been extinguished, officials said. Northbound traffic has resumed, while one lane of the southbound carriageway is expected to reopen within 10 minutes. All emergency personnel remain at the site, and traffic is expected to return to normal shortly. No injuries have been reported in the incident, which was reported around 12.25 pm and triggered firefighting and rescue operations.
NCP (SP) Lok Sabha MP Supriya Sule on Wednesday reiterated that her party would support the Centre’s proposed delimitation Bill if it is amended to provide for a 50% increase in the number of Lok Sabha seats. Speaking to The Indian Express’s Mumbai correspondent Alok Deshpande, Sule said the party’s position has remained consistent and dismissed suggestions of any shift in its stand. “If the Union government amends the delimitation Bill by bringing a 50% increase in seats, then we will support it… We have always maintained that we will support the bill if the amendments are brought in. There is no change in our stand,” she said.
Two law students, including a petitioner appearing in person, were arrested for allegedly disrupting a Supreme Court hearing on July 10 by using abusive language, throwing papers and assaulting a security staff member who intervened to restore order. The accused were medically examined at IHBAS, where doctors found no need for immediate psychiatric intervention. An FIR was registered at Tilak Marg police station, and both have been remanded to two days of police custody as the investigation continues, according to PTI reports.
The Delhi High Court is set to hear a plea by The Wire founding editor Siddharth Varadarajan, who has sought the conversion of his Person of Indian Origin (PIO) status to an Overseas Citizen of India (OCI) card. Varadarajan has approached the court after his request for the status change, made following the merger of the PIO and OCI schemes, was not process
A day after The Indian Express revealed that nearly 1.27 crore linen items had been stolen from AC coaches over four years, Railway Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw directed officials to devise a solution within two months to curb the theft. At a press conference on the Railways’ “52 reforms in 52 weeks” initiative, officials said they were considering measures such as empowering the Railway Protection Force (RPF) to arrest offenders and search the luggage of suspected passengers. The investigation found that the thefts, which rose 56% between 2022 and 2025, caused an estimated loss of Rs 104.5 crore, with much of the burden reportedly falling on bedroll contractors and coach attendants through salary deductions.
Leaders of both NCP factions held a late-night meeting with Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis, fuelling renewed speculation that the Sharad Pawar camp may be preparing a political realignment toward the NDA — a move that would reshape Maharashtra’s opposition arithmetic at a particularly sensitive moment.
A second Indian crew member has been killed in the Strait of Hormuz as Iranian attacks on UAE tankers continued, taking the Indian death toll from the ongoing maritime conflict to at least two in as many days. The attacks have intensified pressure on New Delhi, which has significant diplomatic and economic exposure to both the US and Iran.
US senators propose 100% tariffs on India for Russian oil purchases. Another Indian killed in Hormuz. Sharad Pawar camp meets Fadnavis amid NDA speculation. Spain beat France to reach World Cup final.
A bus catches fire in Prayagraj, Uttar Pradesh. All passengers escape unharmed.
VIDEO | Uttar Pradesh: A bus catches fire in Prayagraj. All passengers escape unharmed.
— Press Trust of India (@PTI_News) July 15, 2026
(Full video available on PTI Videos - https://t.co/n147TvrpG7) pic.twitter.com/3bptcjaNcZ
Vikas Tank, Aad Aadmi Party's councillor from Civil Lines, Delhi has joined the BJP, taking the party's strength in the MCD to 140.
(PTI)
In a fire at an 'illegal' LPG refilling unit in Medak, Telangana, five workers were injured reports news agency PTI.
VIDEO | Telangana: Five workers injured in fire at 'illegal' LPG refilling unit in Medak.
— Press Trust of India (@PTI_News) July 15, 2026
(Source: Third Party) pic.twitter.com/mIurhVDz6B
Abhimanyu Hazarika from Gurgaon reports that a fire broke out at the abandoned Kingdom of Dreams site in Gurgaon Sector 29, near Iffco Chowk Metro Station Wednesday afternoon, fire safety officials said.
"We saw smoke at 1.30pm from our nearby (Sector 29) fire station, and rushed to the spot. Several people had gathered there and broke the locks on the gate. The decorative gate had a lot of thermocol, which spread to furniture nearby. The cause has not been determined yet. Six fire engines were deployed and put out the fire within 45 minutes," fire safety officer Naresh Kumar told the Indian Express.
Once celebrated as India's premier live entertainment and leisure destination, Kingdom of Dreams (KoD) has stood abandoned since July 2022.
Prashant Kishor's political party was rocked ahead of the Bihar bypoll elections as several Jan Suraaj leaders joined the BJP. They were welcomed by BJP state president Sanjay Saraogi.
VIDEO | Patna: Several Jan Suraaj leaders join BJP; welcomed by BJP state president Sanjay Saraogi.
— Press Trust of India (@PTI_News) July 15, 2026
(Full video available on PTI Videos - https://t.co/n147TvrpG7) pic.twitter.com/6rEqhp0d5l
(PTI)
Traffic has resumed on both sides after the burnt car was removed from the southbound Coastal Road tunnel
#mumbai | Burnt vehicle removed from Coastal Road southbound tunnel; traffic resumes in both directions.
— The Indian Express (@IndianExpress) July 15, 2026
🔗 https://t.co/nvcZW1jWD7 pic.twitter.com/Pw76sJwkrb
Kamarhati MLA Madan Mitra has switched camps, after he joined rebel leader Ritabrata Banerjee's camp, leaving former Bengal Chief Minister Mamta Banerjee's side.
Follow the details on this story here.
Two people died after a fire broke out in a four-storey residential building in Noida's Mamura village on Wednesday, allegedly after sparks generated while an electric vehicle battery was being charged ignited nearby petrol vehicles parked on the ground floor, police said. Seven fire engines, a hydraulic platform and police teams rescued around 50 families from the G+4 building after the fire broke out. However, a man and a woman suffered severe smoke inhalation and were rushed to the district hospital, where they were declared dead, according to the Indian Express’s Delhi correspondent Drishti. Police have registered an FIR against the building owner and leaseholder under relevant sections and taken the accused into custody. Further investigation is underway.
A fire broke out in a building in Noida’s Sector 66 on Wednesday, prompting Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath to take cognisance of the incident. He directed officials to reach the site immediately and expedite relief and rescue operations.
The chief minister also instructed authorities to ensure proper medical treatment for those injured, maintain vigilance at all levels, and continuously monitor the rescue efforts, according to the Chief Medical Officer (CMO).
(ANI)
The Delhi High Court on Wednesday said it will hear a PIL on Thursday expressing concern over activist Sonam Wangchuk's health as he continues his fast at Jantar Mantar in support of students protesting alleged irregularities in the NEET exam. The court deferred the matter due to ongoing lawyers' strike and directed that its order be served to the Centre and the Delhi government. The petition seeks urgent intervention, including talks with Wangchuk and directions to ensure medical care, including force-feeding if necessary.
Police have booked a man and his elder brother for allegedly strangling the man’s 22-year-old wife to death over dowry demands, an official said on Wednesday.
According to the woman’s family, she was allegedly strangled on July 7 after enduring a year of harassment linked to dowry demands.
The accused have been identified as Vijendra and his elder brother Vinod, residents of Avrai Kala Pahi village in Ballia’s Bhimpura area.
(PTI)
The fire that broke out after a moving car caught fire inside the northbound tunnel of Mumbai's Coastal Road on Wednesday afternoon has been extinguished, officials said. Northbound traffic has resumed, while one lane of the southbound carriageway is expected to reopen within 10 minutes. All emergency personnel remain at the site, and traffic is expected to return to normal shortly. No injuries have been reported in the incident, which was reported around 12.25 pm and triggered firefighting and rescue operations.
Karnataka has proposed a new apartment law to replace its 1972 apartment and flat laws with a single modern framework for ownership, management, dispute resolution and redevelopment.
The government says the Bill is meant to protect owners’ rights, improve transparency and make redevelopment of ageing buildings clearer and safer.
The pictures of the fire that broke out inside the Mumbai coastal road's northbound tunnel on Wednesday afternoon. According to preliminary information, the blaze started after a moving car caught fire inside the tunnel.
The first cargo shipment to the United Kingdom under the India-UK Free Trade Agreement (FTA) was flagged off from the cargo terminal at Sri Guru Ram Dass Jee International Airport in Amritsar on Wednesday.
The flag-off ceremony was attended by officials from the Directorate General of Foreign Trade (DGFT), cargo department officials and exporters.
As part of the event, authorities showcased the entire cargo handling process, including packing, scanning and transportation of cargo containers to the aircraft, before the shipment was ceremonially dispatched to the UK.
Speaking on the occasion, DGFT Deputy Director Aditya Singh Chauhan said that under the India-UK FTA, nearly 99% of Indian products will now enjoy zero-duty access to the UK market.
(ANI)
The Supreme Court on Wednesday granted bail to an alleged kingpin in the Chhattisgarh District Mineral Fund (DMF) corruption case, which involves alleged irregularities in the utilisation of funds meant for the welfare of mining-affected communities.
A bench led by Chief Justice of India Surya Kant, along with Justices Joymalya Bagchi and V. Mohana, noted that several co-accused, including retired IAS officer Anil Tuteja, had already been granted bail before extending the same relief to accused Satpal Singh Chhabra.
(PTI)
Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Wednesday welcomed the coming into force of the India-UK Comprehensive Economic and Trade Agreement (CETA) and the Agreement on Social Security, saying the two pacts would strengthen economic ties between the two countries and create new opportunities for businesses and professionals. In a post on X, Modi said the CETA would boost farmers, entrepreneurs and MSMEs by expanding access to the UK market, while strengthening cooperation in technology, professional services and innovation. He added that the social security agreement would benefit Indian professionals on temporary assignments in the UK and enhance the competitiveness of Indian companies.
https://platform.x.com/widgets.jsThis is a significant moment in the India-United Kingdom partnership!
— Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) July 15, 2026
With the coming into force of the Comprehensive Economic and Trade Agreement and the Agreement on Social Security, our economic linkages are going to get even deeper. Together, these agreements translate our… https://t.co/6yZR0IUfCP
Nayonika from Bombay reports that a massive fire broke out inside the northbound tunnel of Mumbai’s Coastal Road on Wednesday afternoon after a moving car caught fire, according to preliminary information.
The incident was reported at 12:25 pm.
No injuries have been reported so far. Firefighters and rescue teams are at the scene, and operations to douse the blaze are underway.
The National Commission for Women (NCW) on Wednesday took suo motu cognisance of the alleged sexual harassment of female college students aboard a private bus on the Mangaluru-Vittal route in Karnataka's Dakshina Kannada district. NCW chairperson Vijaya Rahatkar has written to the state's Director General of Police, directing a swift and impartial investigation, speedy filing of a comprehensive chargesheet, and preservation of digital evidence, including CCTV footage. She also called for a safety audit of public and private buses, stricter enforcement of CCTV installation and staff verification, display of women's helpline numbers, and counselling support for the survivors. The commission has sought an Action Taken Report from the Karnataka Police within seven days. The alleged incident occurred on July 9, when the bus conductor is accused of exposing himself, making obscene gestures and sexually harassing the students. (PTI)
Congress MP Shashi Tharoor on Wednesday appealed to activist Sonam Wangchuk to end his hunger strike at Delhi's Jantar Mantar over alleged irregularities in the NEET examination, saying the issue should now be taken up in Parliament when the session resumes next week. In an open letter, Tharoor urged the Centre to engage with protesting students, calling dialogue "an act of statesmanship, not weakness." Stressing that fair examinations are the only pathway for students from lower and middle-income families, he said paper leaks and cancelled exams shatter trust and disproportionately harm the disadvantaged. Wangchuk, who joined the Cockroach Janta Party's protest on June 28, has been fasting for 17 days and is reportedly suffering severe muscle loss and worsening health. Several opposition leaders and public figures have also urged him to end his fast while calling on the government to initiate talks.
https://platform.x.com/widgets.jsAn Open Letter to the Jantar Mantar protestors:
— Shashi Tharoor (@ShashiTharoor) July 15, 2026
My dear young friends,
I address you today not as a politician or an MP, but as someone deeply troubled by what is happening to your generation of young Indians.
This is personal for me. I was born to a middle-class family: my…
What was meant to be a routine two-day hospital stay for childbirth has turned into a months-long ordeal for five women at Kota's New Medical College Hospital (NMCH), who developed severe kidney infections after caesarean deliveries and are now dependent on regular dialysis to survive. The women have undergone 32 rounds of dialysis over the past 68 days, while five other women at NMCH and JK Lone Hospital have died due to post-delivery complications.
On Monday, the families submitted a memorandum to the district administration, demanding a written assurance that kidney transplants would be arranged within 48 hours. They said the prolonged treatment has pushed them into financial ruin, with relatives selling assets, losing jobs and surviving on borrowed money to continue life-saving dialysis. The Rajasthan government has ordered a probe into the complications, while authorities have banned certain substandard drugs found in the supply chain, though officials said they were not directly linked to the postpartum cases.
(PTI)
Two law students were arrested on Wednesday for allegedly shouting abuses during a Supreme Court hearing, assaulting a security staff member and disrupting court proceedings, police said.
The accused have been identified as Prabal Pratap Singh (24), a third-year law student at Lucknow University and a petitioner appearing in person from Etawah, Uttar Pradesh, and Chander Bhan (23), a second-year law student from Uttar Pradesh’s Raebareli district. Both were arrested in connection with the incident.
(PTI)
Lawyers at the Delhi High Court will abstain from work on Wednesday for the second consecutive day to protest the proposed increase in the pecuniary jurisdiction of Delhi's district courts from Rs 2 crore to Rs 10 crore. According to PTI reports, the decision was taken by the Delhi High Court Bar Association (DHCBA) at a meeting on Tuesday, where it also thanked its members for their support and solidarity in backing the protest.
Tension flared in Manipur's Senapati district on Tuesday night after a search operation by the Assam Rifles targeting suspected NSCN (IM) cadres triggered violence. A mob gathered outside the Assam Rifles camp in Senapati town, pelting stones, setting property on fire and vandalising the premises. Security personnel responded by firing blank rounds and using tear gas to disperse the crowd. According to the Ministry of Defence, the operation was launched following intelligence inputs about armed NSCN (IM) cadres moving outside their designated camp near Oklong, around 2 km from Makuilongdi, in alleged violation of the ceasefire ground rules. The Ceasefire Monitoring Group was informed about the reported breach, officials said.... Read Here
A fire broke out at a warehouse of Lifelong Industries in Haryana on Wednesday, destroying goods worth several lakhs, officials said. No casualties or injuries have been reported so far. More details are awaited.
https://platform.x.com/widgets.jsVIDEO | Haryana: Fire broke out at Lifelong industrial warehouse. Goods worth lakhs destroyed, no casualties reported. More details are awaited.
— Press Trust of India (@PTI_News) July 15, 2026
(Full video available on PTI Videos - https://t.co/n147TvrpG7) pic.twitter.com/hnryp9hwpW
Padma Shri awardee and renowned Nokkuvidya Pavakkali exponent Moozhikkal Pankajakshi died at a private hospital in Koothattukulam on Wednesday after battling age-related ailments. She was 80. A native of Kottayam's Monippally, Pankajakshi dedicated her life to preserving the centuries-old Kerala puppetry tradition, taking the rare art form to audiences across India and abroad. Honoured with the Padma Shri in 2020, she began performing at the age of 11 after learning the craft from her parents. Even after retiring due to ill health, she remained a vocal advocate for safeguarding the endangered tradition, now carried forward by her granddaughter, K S Ranjini. Pankajakshi was also a recipient of the Kerala Folklore Academy Award and Fellowship and had showcased the unique art in several countries, including France. (PTI)
The judicial custody of Samarth Singh, and his mother Giribala Singh was extended till July 28 by a local court, after the CBI alleged that they were not cooperating in providing voice samples.
Both of them appeared before the Bhopal District and Sessions Court via video conference.
They were arrested on charges of dowry-related harassment, after Twisha was found hanging at her in-laws' house in Bhopal on May 12.
(PTI)
In a horrific car accident on the Nashik-Peth-Gujarat National Highway (NH-848), four people were killed and one was critically injured as a car got crushed between two trucks due to a brake failure, news agency PTI reported.
