National

Sonam Wangchuk Sets Three Conditions to End Fast

By BPN News Desk July 20, 2026

Activist Sonam Wangchuk has outlined three circumstances under which he would end his prolonged hunger strike over alleged failures in India’s education system, including examination paper leaks. Wangchuk Seeks Education System Accountability In a handwritten letter shared from Safdarjung Hospital, Wangchuk said he would end his fast if the Union government accepted

Economy National

RBI Arm Seeks Material for Polymer Notes

By BPN News Desk July 19, 2026

The Reserve Bank of India’s currency-printing subsidiary has invited global expressions of interest for polymer material suitable for Indian banknotes, taking an initial step towards testing more durable currency notes. RBI Arm Seeks Polymer Banknote Material Bharatiya Reserve Bank Note Mudran Private Limited has sought manufacturers capable of producing and supplying

National

Anna Hazare Urges Centre to Hold Talks With Sonam Wangchuk

By BPN News Desk July 19, 2026

Social activist Anna Hazare has appealed to the Union government to begin discussions with Sonam Wangchuk, warning that it should not continue testing the limits of the educationist and climate activist during his indefinite hunger strike. Hazare said the government should clearly accept or reject Wangchuk’s demands but questioned why it was unwilling to hold […]

National

Rahul Gandhi Backs Sonam Wangchuk, Calls His Removal from Jantar Mantar ‘Wrong’

By BPN News Desk July 18, 2026

Leader of Opposition Rahul Gandhi has come out in support of activist Sonam Wangchuk, criticising the government’s decision to remove him from Jantar Mantar while he was on an indefinite hunger strike. In a post on social media, Gandhi accused the Modi government of being guided by the principles of “Asatya” (falsehood) and “Hinsa” (violence),

National

Sonam Wangchuk Hospitalised as Health Deteriorates During Hunger Strike

By BPN News Desk July 18, 2026

Education reformer and climate activist Sonam Wangchuk has been admitted to Delhi’s Safdarjung Hospital after his health deteriorated during an indefinite hunger strike. Doctors said he was severely dehydrated and physically weak following prolonged fasting and required continuous medical monitoring. Doctors Warn of Serious Health Risks Hospital officials said Wangchuk was

National

Centre Unveils ₹5,175 Crore Mining Scheme

By BPN News Desk July 18, 2026

The Centre has issued guidelines for states to claim ₹5,175 crore in incentives under the Scheme for Special Assistance to States for Capital Investment 2026-27. The funding is linked to faster mine operationalisation, higher mineral production and implementation of mining governance reforms. States Must Operationalise 79 Mineral Blocks States will be required to bring 79

National

Aaditya Seeks Choice Between Petrol and E20, Writes to PM Modi

By BPN News Desk July 18, 2026

Shiv Sena (UBT) leader Aaditya Thackeray has urged Prime Minister Narendra Modi to allow motorists to choose between 100% petrol and ethanol-blended fuel. He said consumers should not be compelled to use higher ethanol blends, particularly when many existing vehicles were not designed for them. Aaditya Thackeray Seeks Petrol Choice In his letter, Thackeray highlighted […]

National

India-Japan Bullet Train Talks Progress Confirms MEA

By BPN News Desk July 18, 2026

India and Japan have reported steady progress in discussions concerning the Mumbai-Ahmedabad High-Speed Rail project. The Ministry of External Affairs said both countries remain engaged on technical, financial and implementation-related aspects of the flagship infrastructure initiative. Mumbai-Ahmedabad Bullet Train Talks Progress The MEA said discussions between India and

National

Rajnath Chairs NDA Parliament Strategy Meet

By BPN News Desk July 18, 2026

Defence Minister Rajnath Singh chaired a meeting of senior National Democratic Alliance leaders in New Delhi to finalise the ruling coalition’s strategy for the upcoming Monsoon Session of Parliament. The discussions focused on legislative priorities, floor coordination and the government’s response to issues expected to be raised by the Opposition. NDA Leaders Discuss

National

Sonam Wangchuk Hospitalised After Fast

By BPN News Desk July 18, 2026

Activist Sonam Wangchuk was taken to hospital on Saturday after being removed from his protest site at Delhi’s Jantar Mantar, where he had been on an indefinite hunger strike for more than 20 days. The intervention came amid growing concern over his deteriorating health. Sonam Wangchuk Hospitalised After 21-Day Fast Delhi Police shifted Wangchuk to […]