Environmentalist and education reform advocate Sonam Wangchuk entered the 17th day of his indefinite hunger strike at Delhi's Jantar Mantar on Tuesday, with supporters expressing growing concern over his deteriorating health after he reportedly lost 8.5 kilograms since beginning the fast on June 28.

Wangchuk launched the protest demanding the resignation of Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan over the alleged NEET examination paper leak and broader concerns regarding the country's examination system.

Supporters associated with the protest said his physical condition has weakened considerably, prompting renewed appeals from political leaders, public figures and supporters for him to end the fast.

Health Concerns Intensify

According to organisers of the protest, Wangchuk's health has steadily declined during the prolonged fast. They said he has experienced significant weight loss and muscle weakness, raising concerns about his well-being.

CJP founder Abhijit Dipke said supporters have repeatedly requested Wangchuk to end the hunger strike. However, he quoted Wangchuk as saying, "Don't ask me to end my fast. Ask the government why it is not negotiating."

Dipke alleged that the government has not initiated any dialogue despite repeated appeals and warned that Wangchuk's health continues to deteriorate.

Political Leaders Appeal For Dialogue

Several political leaders across party lines have urged Wangchuk to end his fast while asking the government to engage with the protesters.

Samajwadi Party president Akhilesh Yadav criticised the Centre, alleging that the government was ignoring the concerns raised through the protest.

Former Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal announced that he would visit Jantar Mantar on July 16 to extend support to Wangchuk and the protesters.

Trinamool Congress MP Mahua Moitra appealed to Wangchuk to end his hunger strike, saying his life was valuable and the movement should continue through other democratic means.

Former Maharashtra Chief Minister Uddhav Thackeray also expressed support for the protest and appealed to Wangchuk to call off the indefinite fast.

Actor Omi Vaidya and veteran actor Zeenat Aman also voiced concern over Wangchuk's health, urging the government to begin discussions with the protesters.

Background Of The Protest

Wangchuk began the hunger strike seeking accountability over alleged irregularities in the NEET examination process, including the reported paper leak. The protest has drawn support from students, education activists and opposition leaders demanding reforms in the examination system.

Supporters maintain that the movement aims to ensure transparency and restore public confidence in competitive examinations.

Previous Agitation And Detention

Wangchuk has also been associated with campaigns seeking full statehood for Ladakh.

According to his supporters, he was previously detained under the National Security Act (NSA) following unrest during an earlier phase of his agitation in September 2025. They claim he spent 170 days in Jodhpur jail after being arrested in connection with the protests.

The government had earlier alleged that violence during the agitation resulted from incitement, an allegation denied by Wangchuk's supporters.

Government Yet To Respond

The Cockroach Janata Party (CJP), which is backing the agitation, has accused the government of remaining unresponsive despite repeated requests for talks.

Supporters have reiterated that the immediate priority is opening negotiations to address Wangchuk's demands while ensuring his health does not deteriorate further.

As the indefinite fast enters its third week, attention remains focused on whether the Centre initiates dialogue or the protest continues amid growing concerns over Wangchuk's medical condition.

The newly inaugurated public library has been developed by the New Delhi Municipal Council (NDMC) and is named after freedom fighter and social reformer Loknayak Jayaprakash Narayan. The inauguration ceremony was attended by Delhi Chief Minister Rekha Gupta, Delhi Minister Parvesh Verma, NDMC Chairman Keshav Chandra and several other dignitaries.

Speaking at the event, Shah said the future of a nation is reflected not merely in its economic progress but in the number of young people who regularly visit libraries. He stressed that knowledge eventually transforms into wisdom and plays a decisive role in nation-building. According to him, reading encourages independent thinking and helps individuals distinguish between right and wrong.

Recalling his own childhood, the Home Minister said growing up in a small town with access to a good library had a lasting impact on his intellectual journey. He encouraged students and young professionals to make libraries a regular part of their lives instead of relying only on fragmented information available elsewhere.

Highlighting initiatives undertaken in his parliamentary constituency of Gandhinagar, Shah said libraries have been established in nearly every village, each housing thousands of books and connected to a central library with a much larger collection. He said mobile library services have also been introduced to improve access to books in rural areas.

The Home Minister also urged the Delhi government to create an integrated network linking libraries across the city with schools and educational institutions. He said such a system would help cultivate reading habits among students from an early age and make knowledge resources more accessible.

According to officials, the Jayaprakash Narayan Library houses more than 32,000 printed books and includes dedicated facilities for researchers, a children's section, modern reading spaces, a multipurpose auditorium and an advanced research centre. It also features an e-library providing access to nearly one crore digital books, along with free Wi-Fi, RFID-based book management and an Online Public Access Catalogue (OPAC). The facility will be integrated with the National Digital Library of India.

Paying tribute to Jayaprakash Narayan, Shah described him as a visionary leader who made significant contributions to India's democratic journey. He recalled Narayan's role in the Quit India Movement, his work for social reform and his leadership during the Emergency, when he became the face of the movement calling for "Sampoorna Kranti".

The Home Minister said understanding India's civilisational values and democratic traditions requires serious reading, adding that libraries provide the right environment for such learning. He encouraged the management of the new library to actively engage with nearby schools and inspire students to make regular use of the facility.

The inauguration comes as governments increasingly focus on expanding public learning infrastructure and promoting digital access to educational resources. Officials said the library is expected to serve students, researchers and general readers while strengthening Delhi's public library network.

The fourth edition of the Meghalaya Pineapple Fest 2026 began at Dilli Haat in New Delhi on July 10, bringing together farmers, entrepreneurs, policymakers and visitors to celebrate one of Meghalaya's most celebrated agricultural products. The three-day festival, which continues until July 12, aims to promote the state's premium pineapples, strengthen market linkages and highlight the rich cultural heritage of Meghalaya.

The inaugural programme was attended by Union Minister for Development of North Eastern Region (DoNER) and Communications Jyotiraditya Scindia as the Chief Guest, while Meghalaya Chief Minister Conrad K. Sangma participated as the Guest of Honour.

Organised by the Department of Agriculture and Farmers' Welfare, Government of Meghalaya, the festival provides a platform for pineapple growers and agri-entrepreneurs to directly connect with consumers, retailers and industry stakeholders.

Focus on Farmers

The inaugural programme began with a tour of festival stalls where dignitaries interacted with farmers and entrepreneurs showcasing Meghalaya's agricultural products. A welcome session and screening of a promotional film on Meghalaya Pineapple highlighted the state's journey in developing pineapple cultivation into a major horticultural success.

A pineapple farmer also addressed the gathering, sharing experiences of cultivation, entrepreneurship and the growing opportunities available to producers through improved market access and branding initiatives.

Partnerships for Growth

One of the major highlights of the inaugural ceremony was the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) between Flipkart and NEMIL, aimed at strengthening marketing opportunities for farmers and expanding the reach of Meghalaya's agricultural produce through digital commerce.

A brochure documenting the four editions of the Meghalaya Pineapple Festival was also released during the event, showcasing the festival's evolution and contribution to promoting the state's horticulture sector.

Celebrating Meghalaya's Produce

The festival is designed to showcase the quality and uniqueness of Meghalaya's pineapples while encouraging value addition, branding and better market connectivity for local farmers. Visitors can explore fresh pineapples, processed food products, traditional cuisine and cultural displays representing the state's diverse heritage.

The event also serves as a networking platform where farmers, startups, government agencies and private sector representatives discuss opportunities in agriculture, food processing and agribusiness.

Three-Day Festival

Running from July 10 to July 12 between 11:00 AM and 9:00 PM at Dilli Haat, the festival features product exhibitions, interactive sessions, cultural performances and business engagements aimed at promoting Meghalaya as a leading producer of high-quality pineapples.

Officials said the initiative supports the government's broader objective of improving farmers' incomes by creating stronger market linkages and increasing consumer awareness about the state's premium horticultural products.

The Meghalaya Pineapple Fest has emerged as one of the state's flagship promotional events, helping connect producers with buyers while celebrating the region's agricultural excellence and cultural identity.

Cockroach Janata Party (CJP) founder Abhijeet Dipke on Thursday appealed to Delhi Police to allow temporary tents at Jantar Mantar, where students protesting against alleged examination irregularities and paper leaks have been staging a hunger strike despite continuous rainfall.

A video shared by Dipke on social media showed him requesting permission from police personnel and touching their feet while urging them to allow shelters for the students. According to Dipke, the protesters have been getting drenched in the rain, making the hunger strike increasingly difficult.

In his post, Dipke said the request was made purely on humanitarian grounds, stating that students participating in the indefinite hunger strike needed protection from the weather. He appealed to authorities to permit temporary tents so that protesters could continue their demonstration safely.

The Cockroach Janata Party has been holding protests at Delhi's Jantar Mantar since 20 June, demanding action over alleged irregularities in competitive examinations, including the alleged NEET paper leak. The party is also seeking the resignation of Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan, accusing the government of failing to ensure transparency in recruitment and entrance examinations.

Social activist Sonam Wangchuk, who has joined the agitation, has reportedly been on a hunger strike for the past 12 days at the protest site. The continuing rainfall in the national capital has added to the challenges faced by protesters camping at the venue.

Protest expands beyond Delhi

According to the party, demonstrations supporting the movement have also been organised in multiple cities across the country. The campaign has focused on demanding greater accountability in examination systems and stronger safeguards against alleged paper leaks.

Party's unusual origins

The Cockroach Janata Party was launched in May 2026 following remarks made by Chief Justice Surya Kant during a court hearing on 15 May. During the proceedings, the Chief Justice reportedly referred to some unemployed youth as "cockroaches" who later become media persons, social media influencers or RTI activists and challenge the system.

The remark sparked widespread debate online. The following day, Abhijeet Dipke announced the formation of the Cockroach Janata Party and launched its social media presence.

On 22 May, Dipke also initiated an online petition seeking the resignation of the Union Education Minister over alleged failures in handling examination-related controversies. The campaign reportedly received support from more than eight lakh people.

Rapid social media growth

The newly formed political outfit has witnessed an unprecedented rise on social media. According to figures shared by the party, its Instagram following crossed 2.79 crore, making it one of the country's most-followed political organisations on the platform.

About Abhijeet Dipke

Abhijeet Dipke, 30, hails from Sambhaji Nagar in Maharashtra and studied journalism in Pune. A digital media strategist by profession, he is currently pursuing a Master's degree in Public Relations at Boston University in the United States. He has previously been associated with the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) before launching the Cockroach Janata Party.

The Delhi Police has not officially responded to Dipke's request for permission to install temporary tents at the protest site. The agitation continues at Jantar Mantar amid intermittent rain, with protesters reiterating their demand for reforms in the country's examination system.

The recruitment covers positions ranging from Assistant Professor to Professor and includes appointments for both AIIMS New Delhi and the AIIMS-CAPFIMS Centre in Maidan Garhi. The vacancies were spread across more than 50 departments, reflecting one of the institute’s largest faculty hiring exercises in recent years.

According to AIIMS, more than 3,200 candidates applied for the available positions. The recruitment process covered 265 faculty posts at AIIMS New Delhi and 199 posts at AIIMS-CAPFIMS. The selection exercise took nearly six months to complete due to the scale and complexity of the process.

In a first for the institution, AIIMS used blockchain-based digital technology during the recruitment process to enhance transparency, security, and confidentiality. Candidate scores were protected through a one-time password (OTP)-based system, ensuring that evaluation data remained secure throughout the selection process.

The institute said the final merit list was generated through software based on pre-defined criteria and rules, eliminating the need for human intervention in most cases. Manual intervention was limited only to situations where candidates secured identical scores and tie-breaking measures were required.

Officials believe the large-scale recruitment will strengthen patient care services, medical education, and research activities across departments. With more faculty members joining the institution, AIIMS is expected to improve specialist availability, reduce workload pressures, and enhance academic and training programs for medical students.

The issue of faculty shortages has been raised repeatedly in recent years, with concerns over vacant positions affecting healthcare delivery and academic operations. The latest recruitment drive is being viewed as a significant step toward addressing those challenges.

Medical education experts say that strengthening faculty strength at leading institutions such as AIIMS is crucial as India continues to expand its healthcare infrastructure and medical training capacity. Increased faculty availability is expected to contribute to better clinical outcomes, stronger research initiatives, and improved mentoring opportunities for future healthcare professionals.

AIIMS has indicated that the appointment and onboarding process for selected candidates will be carried out in phases, enabling departments to fill long-standing vacancies and further strengthen institutional capacity.

July has brought a mixed bag of reliefs and cost hikes, with commercial LPG cylinders becoming cheaper by about ₹180 on average, while passport fees and penalties for travelling without a ticket have gone up. Fuel, aviation and auto prices are also seeing changes that will affect households and businesses.

Major changes

• Commercial LPG cylinder prices have been reduced across major cities, with Delhi now at ₹2,930 instead of ₹3,113.50. Restaurants, caterers and small food businesses are likely to benefit from lower operating costs.

• Nayara Energy has cut petrol by ₹5 per litre and diesel by ₹3 per litre at its outlets, offering some relief to consumers.

• The cap on diesel sales of 200 litres per vehicle per day at petrol pumps has been removed after supply improved.

• Passport fees have increased from 1 July, making new applications and re-issues more expensive.

• The minimum fine for travelling without a ticket on trains has been doubled from ₹250 to ₹500, on top of the actual fare.

• UIDAI has made email updates on Aadhaar free for six months, until 31 December 2026.

• Aviation turbine fuel has been reduced by ₹5 per litre, which may help airlines control ticket costs.

• Most carmakers have increased prices from 1 July, making new vehicles more expensive.

What changes for consumers

Households may see some relief from cheaper commercial gas and select fuel price cuts, but the increase in passport fees, train penalties and car prices will add pressure elsewhere. Businesses that rely on LPG, diesel and aviation fuel may benefit from lower input costs, especially in food service, transport and travel.

The removal of diesel purchase limits is also important for transporters and industrial buyers, who had been dealing with supply restrictions for the past 18 days. With those curbs lifted, regular fuel access should become smoother again.

Price snapshot

Why it matters

The July changes affect both daily life and business costs, especially for commuters, travellers, restaurants and transport operators. While some items are becoming cheaper, the overall picture is still one of selective relief rather than broad price easing.

WhatsApp is rolling out a new Username feature that will let people start chats without sharing their mobile numbers. The company has already opened username reservations globally, and the rollout will expand gradually across countries over the coming months.

The feature is aimed at improving privacy and making it easier to connect with new people, such as classmates, neighbours, event contacts, or parents in school and sports groups. WhatsApp says the change is not meant to work like Instagram or X, because usernames will not be public or searchable in a directory.

How it works

Users will be able to create a unique username made up of 3 to 35 characters using lowercase letters, numbers, dots and underscores. Once set, the username can be changed or removed later if needed. New contacts will be able to message a user through the username instead of seeing the phone number.

WhatsApp says existing chats will not be affected. People who already have your number saved will continue to chat with you as before, while the phone number will still be required to create and use the account.

Privacy and safety

The company will not provide a public username search or suggestion system, so someone can contact you only if they know your exact username. WhatsApp is also introducing an optional Username Key, which adds an extra layer of security by requiring a special key before someone can start a first-time chat.

This extra step is designed to reduce spam and unwanted messages. Blocking, reporting and end-to-end encryption will remain unchanged under the new system.

For creators and businesses

WhatsApp says creators, businesses and organisations will be able to use the same username across WhatsApp, Instagram and Facebook wherever available. Some high-profile usernames tied to celebrities or major brands may be reserved to prevent impersonation.

For businesses, the feature could make customer communication easier without exposing personal contact details. For users, the biggest change is simple: new conversations may soon begin with a username instead of a phone number.

A renewed diplomatic dispute between Iran and the United Arab Emirates (UAE) came to the forefront during the 16th Meeting of Heads of Security Agencies and National Security Advisers of BRICS countries in New Delhi. Iranian officials accused the UAE of facilitating US military operations against Iran, reviving tensions that had previously emerged during a BRICS foreign ministers' gathering earlier this year.

The allegations were made by Dr. Ghadir Nezamipour, Deputy Secretary of Iran’s Supreme National Security Council, during the high-level security meeting. According to statements later shared by the Iranian Embassy in India, Nezamipour rejected accusations made by the UAE delegation and instead blamed the United States and Israel for escalating regional instability.

The remarks come despite recent efforts to ease tensions in West Asia following a ceasefire agreement. Analysts view the exchange as evidence that underlying disputes between Tehran and Abu Dhabi remain unresolved and continue to influence diplomatic interactions in international forums.

According to Iranian officials, the Strait of Hormuz crisis and recent military confrontations were triggered by actions undertaken by the United States and Israel. Nezamipour claimed that some attacks targeting Iran had been launched from facilities located within the UAE, a charge that Abu Dhabi has consistently denied.

Allegations Over Military Facilities

Addressing the gathering, the Iranian official alleged that UAE territory had been used as a platform for operations targeting Iranian civilian infrastructure. He claimed that schools, hospitals and other non-military facilities were among the locations affected by the attacks.

Iran also criticized what it described as the UAE’s failure to condemn military actions against Iran. Nezamipour urged the Emirati leadership to focus on regional stability and cooperation rather than what he termed “adventurism” and “propaganda.”

To reinforce Iran’s position, the delegation reportedly displayed photographs of students from Minab who, according to Tehran, were killed during the initial phase of the conflict.

Dispute Continues

The latest exchange follows a similar confrontation during a BRICS foreign ministers’ meeting held in New Delhi in May. At that event, Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi accused the UAE of being directly involved in military activities against Iran and questioned whether close security ties with the United States and Israel could guarantee regional stability.

Those remarks intensified diplomatic friction between the two countries, particularly after reports surfaced alleging Emirati involvement in operations targeting Iranian interests.

The UAE has repeatedly rejected accusations that it played any role in attacks against Iran. Emirati officials have maintained that their country supports regional dialogue and de-escalation efforts.

Officials familiar with regional developments say the dispute reflects broader geopolitical rivalries in West Asia, where security concerns, maritime routes and strategic alliances continue to shape diplomatic relations.

The latest developments at the BRICS security meeting highlight how regional conflicts are increasingly influencing discussions within multilateral organizations. While BRICS members have often emphasized cooperation and dialogue, disagreements among participating countries continue to emerge on issues related to security and foreign policy.

Observers believe that unless direct diplomatic engagement between Tehran and Abu Dhabi resumes, such confrontations may continue to surface at international forums. For now, the accusations exchanged in New Delhi underscore the persistent mistrust between the two regional powers and the challenges facing efforts to achieve long-term stability in West Asia.

Renowned climate activist and education reformer Sonam Wangchuk has officially thrown his weight behind the Cockroach Janta Party (CJP), setting a strict deadline for the central government. In a video message released on social media platform X, Wangchuk announced that he will join the group’s scheduled protest at Delhi’s Jantar Mantar on June 6 if Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan does not step down by June 5 over ongoing student grievances and paper leak scandals.

Activist extends support to CJP

The unexpected alignment between the Ladakh-based reformer and the rapidly growing youth pressure group has injected major momentum into the upcoming demonstration. In his video statement, Wangchuk detailed his recent discussion with CJP founder Abhijeet Dipke, stating that he found the platform’s intentions to be deeply patriotic and driven by a genuine demand for structural change.

"I spoke to CJP founder Abhijeet Dipke. After talking to him, I felt his intentions are not wrong. He is a patriot and wants change," Wangchuk said, emphasizing that the ongoing issues within the national education system require immediate institutional accountability.

Rising pressure on education ministry

The core demand of the protest centers around the resignation of Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan. The CJP, alongside various student bodies, has been calling for systemic accountability following the recent National Eligibility cum Entrance Test (NEET) paper leak controversy, which affected millions of medical aspirants nationwide.

Activists claim that the government's response—limited primarily to administrative transfers rather than structural changes—fails to address the emotional and financial strain inflicted on students. Wangchuk’s entry into the fray transitions the movement from an online youth campaign into a broader, more formidable civil society challenge for the administration.

Dipke to fly into capital

Meanwhile, Cockroach Janta Party founder Abhijeet Dipke is scheduled to return to India from the United States on June 6. Dipke, who had been coordinating the movement digitally while pursuing his higher education abroad, announced that his first point of action upon landing in New Delhi will be seeking official validation for the gathering.

Sources familiar with the matter said that Dipke plans to head directly from the international airport to the Parliament Street Police Station to seek necessary law-and-order permissions for the Jantar Mantar sit-in. He has also publicly appealed to supporters and Delhi residents to meet him at the airport and accompany him in solidarity.

Satirical roots to physical ground reality

The Cockroach Janta Party emerged less than a month ago as a satirical digital movement. It was created in reaction to perceived dismissive comments from higher authorities regarding India's unemployed youth. Thirty-year-old Dipke, a digital media strategist from Chhatrapati Sambhajinagar who formerly worked with the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) during its 2020 Delhi assembly campaign, successfully channeled online youth frustration into a massive social media phenomenon.

While initially dismissed by critics as a hyper-ironic "meme party," the CJP's transition to physical, ground-level mobilization in the national capital has caught political observers off guard.

Apex court maintains distance

The movement’s sudden rise has not been without legal and political pushback. On May 24, the Supreme Court of India declined to entertain an urgent hearing on a petition that sought a Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) probe into the operations and funding of individuals associated with the Cockroach Janta Party.

Advocate N K Goswami, appearing for the petitioner, argued that the group’s satirical nature and rapid online growth were tarnishing the image of public institutions, including the judiciary. However, a bench comprising the apex court judges dismissed the urgency, advising the petitioner not to take the satirical movement "so emotionally," thereby clearing the legal decks for the group's current activities.

Security beefed up around Jantar Mantar

Local authorities in New Delhi are reportedly monitoring the situation ahead of June 6. With both a high-profile activist like Sonam Wangchuk and a massive online student base threatening to converge on Jantar Mantar, police presence and barricading are expected to be stepped up around the Parliament Street area.

Central intelligence and local police wings are assessing potential crowd numbers, given the Cockroach Janta Party’s millions of digital followers, as the national capital braces for a highly unconventional showdown over educational accountability.

Gold and silver prices closed the week with significant cuts, pulling back further from the historic highs seen in late January. According to data from the India Bullion and Jewellers Association (IBJA), 24-carat gold (10 grams) fell by ₹1,654, settling at ₹1.56 lakh. This is a notable slide from last week’s level of ₹1.58 lakh on May 23.

Silver saw an even sharper decline in value. The white metal dropped by ₹2,650 per kg, with current trading rates hovering around ₹2.63 lakh. For investors who had piled in earlier this year, the last few weeks have been a rough ride.

From peak to correction

The downturn is more striking when viewed against the backdrop of the recent rally. Gold started the year at ₹1.33 lakh in late December. Within a month, it shot up to an all-time high of ₹1.76 lakh on January 29. Since then, the metal has shed nearly ₹20,000.

Silver’s trajectory has been even more volatile. It began 2026 at ₹2.30 lakh before skyrocketing to its record peak of ₹3.86 lakh on the same day in late January. In the 118 days since that historic high, silver has crashed by a massive ₹1.23 lakh.

Why the selloff?

Typically, geopolitical tensions drive investors towards safe-haven assets like bullion. However, sources tracking the bullion market say the current dynamic is different. The ongoing Middle East conflict has prompted a shift in strategy.

“Investors are moving away from metals and booking profits,” an industry source familiar with trading patterns said. “There is a clear preference for holding cash right now. Large investors are liquidating their holdings to have liquidity on hand, given the uncertainty.”

Initial reports from commodity exchanges indicate that heavy profit booking at the January peak triggered a supply glut. Once prices started dipping from the record levels, stop-losses were triggered, accelerating the fall.

What buyers should check

For retail consumers looking to enter the market at these lower levels, local authorities advise caution and verification.

First, always insist on BIS hallmarked gold. The certification ensures purity. Look for the alphanumeric code (like AZ4524) that confirms the caratage and authenticity.

Second, never rely on a single source for the day’s rate. Jewellers advise buyers to cross-check the official IBJA rate for the day before making a purchase, ensuring the weight and making charges are calculated correctly.

Looking ahead

Market watchers expect the volatility to persist in the near term. While the prices are significantly lower than the January peaks, analysts say the trend will depend on how global liquidity preferences evolve in the coming weeks. For now, the glitter seems to have dimmed a bit.