The Times of India
Elections 2026Politics / The Times of India
The Delhi High Court rejected a plea to move Sonam Wangchuk to a private hospital. The court noted no force was used in his transfer to Safdarjung Hospital. Family members have been granted round-the-clock access to the fasting activist. Doctors are monitoring his health and administering oral substances with consent. The government acted within its rights to provide care for Wangchuk.
Climate activist Sonam Wangchuk was removed from the Jantar Mantar protest site. He had been on an indefinite hunger strike for over twenty days. Authorities moved him to Safdarjung Hospital for necessary medical monitoring. Protesters and the Cockroach Janta Party criticized this forceful removal. However, the Delhi High Court later upheld the government's decision.
Union minister Kiren Rijiju defended inviting the Nationalist Citizens Party of India to an all-party meeting. Opposition parties staged a symbolic walkout protesting the invitation to rebel Trinamool Congress MPs. Rijiju stated the government followed parliamentary norms and could not ignore the party's recognition request. Eight bills are listed for the upcoming Monsoon Session, which begins Monday. All parties have the right to express views and cooperate for the nation.
Announcing the approval, the chief minister said the proposed legislation was aimed at guaranteeing equal rights for every citizen, irrespective of religion, and congratulated his Cabinet colleagues for unanimously backing the Bill. Today, the Madhya Pradesh Cabinet has wholeheartedly and unanimously approved the Uniform Civil Code Bill, 2026. I wish to extend my congratulations to my esteemed Cabinet colleagues and to all of you, he said.
Parliament's Monsoon Session begins Monday with a packed legislative agenda. The government aims to pass the Women's Reservation Bill after its earlier defeat. Opposition parties face electoral losses and alliance collapses, altering parliamentary arithmetic. Several key bills are listed, including the FCRA and Viksit Bharat Shiksha Adhishthan. The government hopes to secure passage with adjusted strategies and potential support.
More than 50 families living near Abdullah Bridge were forced to leave their homes after floodwaters flooded the settlement. Another locality near Tariq Bridge was also affected, prompting police to respond to distress calls and help residents move to safer places away from the riverbanks. Rescue and relief teams, assisted by the district administration, were deployed to evacuate affected families and assess the damage.
Supreme Court clarified that abusive language is not obscenity under law. Mere swear words and profanities do not constitute an offense. The court set aside a conviction for using abusive slurs during an altercation. Obscenity requires a lascivious element appealing to prurient interests. Such words must also cause annoyance to others in public places.
Skyroot Aerospace's Vikram-1 rocket successfully launched into low Earth orbit on Saturday. This historic mission placed six payloads into their targeted orbit successfully. India now becomes the third nation with private orbital launch capability. The Hyderabad-based startup achieved this significant milestone on its first attempt. This launch signifies a new era for private Indian space industry operations.
Two parliamentary committees have postponed approving their reports on significant legislation. This development occurs as the government seeks opposition support for other political proposals. The anti-graft bill and higher education regulator bills face widespread protest. Both bills may not be presented during the current parliamentary session. Congress criticizes the government's handling of these controversial legislative matters.
Kashmir school holidays have been extended by three days due to adverse weather. The Amarnath yatra is temporarily suspended from both routes as a precautionary measure. An adverse weather spell is expected from July 20 to July 23 across the region. This system may cause landslides and flash floods in vulnerable areas. Surface transport disruptions are also anticipated on major roads.
Narcotics Control Bureau seized five kilograms of high-grade heroin in Poonch district. An alleged smuggler was arrested during a raid in Kosalyain village on Saturday. This seizure is considered one of the largest drug hauls in the border district. Investigators are working to identify the intended recipients and handlers. This incident highlights ongoing cross-border narcotics smuggling attempts.
Skyroot Aerospace successfully launched India's first privately developed orbital-class rocket, Vikram-1. This historic flight reached low Earth orbit and deployed six payloads for various applications. The launch signifies a major step for India's private space sector and its global market aspirations. Other Indian space startups are expected to accelerate their orbital rocket programs following this success.
Defence Minister Rajnath Singh highlighted India's strong defence preparedness and self-reliance. Advanced systems like Akash Teer and BrahMos were effectively used during Operation Sindoor. Defence industrial corridors in UP and Tamil Nadu are fostering indigenous manufacturing and global integration. Positive indigenisation lists and a new Defence Acquisition Procedure are accelerating domestic production. Seventy-five percent of the defence modernisation budget now supports Indian industries.
India has launched a secure, indigenous time signal network for critical infrastructure. This initiative reduces reliance on foreign timing sources for essential services. The system uses White Rabbit technology for highly accurate time synchronization. It aims to enhance reliability in banking, telecom, and power grid operations. This development supports India's technological self-reliance and digital economy.
Jan Suraaj Party founder Prashant Kishor claims the BJP fears his electoral debut. He alleges the ruling party is now campaigning door-to-door for votes. Kishor urges voters to reject money and food distribution practices. The Jan Suraaj Party aims to offer a credible political alternative. The Bankipur bypoll is scheduled for July 30 in Bihar.
Authorities have temporarily suspended the Amarnath and Vaishno Devi Yatras due to inclement weather. The decision was made as a precautionary measure to ensure the safety of all pilgrims. Pilgrims are advised to remain patient and follow official communication channels for updates. The Shri Amarnathji Yatra will remain suspended from both Pahalgam and Baltal routes. The Yatra will resume once weather conditions are deemed safe for travel.
Political history and military valour dominate the marquee honours, while stories of ageing, caste resistance, womens agency and ecological renewal give the verdict its human core.
Delhi Police increased surveillance and vehicle checks for an upcoming Parliament march. Climate activist Sonam Wangchuk was hospitalized after his health deteriorated during a hunger strike. The Cockroach Janta Party plans a march to Parliament on July 20. Authorities are unlikely to grant permission for the unauthorized march. Security has been heightened around Parliament and sensitive protest locations.
Eyewitnesses described Sonam Wangchuk's swift removal from Jantar Mantar by police. White bedsheets shielded the operation, preventing public view of the activist's departure. Police stated Wangchuk was taken to hospital following medical advice and court orders. Protesters alleged the police action was timed to minimize visibility and support. Despite the removal, demonstrators vowed to continue their protest for educational reforms.
Anna Hazare urged the government to hold talks with Sonam Wangchuk. Wangchuk was hospitalized after his hunger strike entered its twenty-first day. Police removed him from Jantar Mantar amid heavy security measures. Opposition leaders condemned the government's actions and suppression of dissent. Wangchuk demanded the education minister's resignation over NEET examination issues.
Abhishek Banerjee challenged former Trinamool Congress colleagues to return to Mamata Banerjee. He stated they would not return as they made a deal with the BJP. Banerjee claimed these individuals received protection from central agencies after switching sides. He mentioned facing multiple summons himself but never running away. This challenge comes amid the Trinamool Congress's significant organizational crisis.
Prime Minister Modi congratulated Skyroot Aerospace after its historic Vikram-1 rocket launch. A Trinamool Congress office linked to Abhishek Banerjee faced demolition in West Bengal. Rahul Gandhi criticized the removal of Sonam Wangchuk from his protest site. Ukrainian drones struck multiple targets deep inside Russia, causing casualties. Donald Trump blamed Canada for wildfire smoke affecting air quality.
Mehbooba Mufti will join the National Conference protest for Jammu and Kashmir statehood. She demands the agenda also include Article 370 restoration and prisoner release. Mufti believes protesting solely for statehood legitimizes the revocation of special status. She urged for an all-party meeting to address disempowering issues affecting people. Restoring statehood requires sustained political effort and engagement from leaders.
Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath criticized former CM Akhilesh Yadav's tenure. He alleged Yadav lacked public engagement and a development vision for the state. Adityanath highlighted the BJP government's welfare schemes and development projects. He contrasted current progress with the previous administration's perceived failures. The chief minister also accused the opposition of betraying farmers and compromising law and order.
Rahul Gandhi criticized the Centre's removal of Sonam Wangchuk from Jantar Mantar. Wangchuk was on an indefinite hunger strike for twenty-one days regarding NEET examination irregularities. Police shifted the climate activist to Safdarjung Hospital for medical observation and treatment. Opposition leaders condemned the Centre's actions, calling it suppression of peaceful dissent. The protest demanded resignation and reforms in the education system.
Kolkata police detained a local broker linked to the BJP regarding a building blast. Investigators suspect crude bomb explosives caused the explosion which damaged a residential building. The prime suspect, Md Shamim alias Salim, remains absconding while police question the detained individual. Remnants of crude bombs and raw materials were recovered from the affected building premises. A National Investigation Agency team may visit the site as the probe continues.
Skyroot Aerospace launched India's first privately developed orbital rocket, Vikram-1. The vehicle successfully placed four technology demonstration satellites into low-Earth orbit. This launch marks a significant milestone in opening India's space sector to private companies. Vikram-1 utilized advanced carbon-composite structures and a restartable liquid-fuelled module. The mission validates India's capabilities in private orbital launch vehicle development.
Congress MP Manish Tewari addressed speculation regarding his interaction with Prime Minister Narendra Modi. He stated his belief in protocol and keeping development above partisan politics. Tewari attended official programs where the Prime Minister inaugurated development projects in his constituency. This interaction follows his recent omission from Punjab Congress appointments. He expressed acceptance of his current political situation with a philosophical outlook.
Political leaders from across the spectrum expressed strong condemnation of the Delhi police's actions at Jantar Mantar. Activist Sonam Wangchuk was transported to Safdarjung Hospital during his ongoing hunger strike, which has drawn attention to the NEET-UG paper leak. Critics have accused the police of using force against peaceful demonstrators and called out the government for its efforts to stifle dissent in this volatile situation.

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