Punjabi singer Mankirt Aulakh has weighed in on the controversy surrounding Diljit Dosanjh’s film ‘Satluj’, expressing support for the film and its portrayal of events.
Speaking to the media on the issue, Aulakh said, “Satluj film is in our hearts. Diljit Dosanjh has shown the truth regarding what happened.”
His remarks come as the debate over ‘Satluj’ continues after the film was taken down from OTT platform ZEE5 within 48 hours of its release by the makers following government orders.
NCP (SP) president Sharad Pawar on Saturday slammed the Centre for its “irresponsible” handling of activist Sonam Wangchuk’s agitation, claiming the government remained a bystander rather than addressing the genuine demands of students.
Speaking to reporters in Baramati, Pawar asserted that while the government moved to hospitalise Wangchuk as the situation became “uncontrollable”, the protest would continue regardless of the action against the activist.
Wangchuk was shifted to the Safdarjung Hospital in Delhi earlier in the day after his health deteriorated on the 21st day of his indefinite hunger strike at Jantar Mantar here, with the police citing medical advice and directions of the Delhi High Court.
Wangchuk and three activists from All India Students’ Association (AISA) have been on an indefinite hunger strike since June 28 in support of the Cockroach Janta Party-led protest at Jantar Mantar over alleged irregularities in the NEET examination and the reported deaths of students linked to the controversy.
“The Centre didn’t handle the situation carefully, and it impacted the future of several students. The government remained a bystander as other political parties came to support him (Wangchuk). Leaders from Congress, NCP (SP), including Supriya Sule and many others, paid a visit there (Jantar Mantar) and raised a common demand,” Pawar said.
He said the demand was genuine and was for the betterment of the students, but none of the leaders from the government, despite being in Delhi, visited the protest site.
“It means that the government is irresponsible. This issue will not end here, as the Parliament session is scheduled to begin, it will be discussed there too,” he said, adding that the protest will continue despite action against Wangchuk.
The Delhi High Court, which has been monitoring the developments, had directed that Wangchuk’s health be regularly assessed and that appropriate medical intervention be provided if required.
On Friday, doctors said Wangchuk had lost nearly 9.5 kg since the beginning of the hunger strike. The activist, however, had said that he was determined to continue the fast despite his worsening condition.
A fresh batch of 3,632 pilgrims, including 877 women and 104 sadhus, left the Bhagwati Nagar Yatri Niwas base camp in Jammu early on Saturday to undertake the annual Amarnath Yatra in the Kashmir Valley, officials said.
The 17th batch of pilgrims left the base camp in a convoy of escorted vehicles for the twin base camps of Pahalgam in Anantnag district and Baltal in Ganderbal district between 2.40 am and 3.15 am, the officials said.
While 2,624 pilgrims are heading for Baltal, another 1,008 pilgrims preferred the traditional Pahalgam route for the yatra, they said.
The 57-day annual pilgrimage has been progressing smoothly, with more than 3.65 lakh pilgrims having paid obeisance at the 3,880-metre-high holy cave shrine. Although the naturally formed ice Shivling melted earlier than usual this year, the pilgrimage has continued uninterrupted, with devotees continuing to throng the shrine in large numbers.
Of the total pilgrims who have visited the shrine till date, more than 1.12 lakh commenced their pilgrimage from the Bhagwati Nagar base camp in Jammu. Pilgrims opting for the Jammu base camp are transported to Kashmir in escorted convoys under elaborate security arrangements.
However, a majority of the registered devotees preferred to travel directly to the twin base camps in Kashmir on their own.
Officials said security arrangements remain robust all along the Jammu-Srinagar National Highway and the two pilgrimage routes to ensure the safe and smooth movement of yatris.
Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha flagged off the first batch of pilgrims from Bhagwati Nagar base camp on July 2, a day before the start of the pilgrimage in the Valley.
The yatra is scheduled to conclude on August 28, coinciding with the festival of Raksha Bandhan.
Authorities on Friday suspended internet services across the entire Doda district, including Doda town, Bhaderwah, Bhalesa and Thatri, as a precautionary measure to maintain security, officials said.
“Internet services have been completely suspended across the entire Doda district, including Doda town, Bhaderwah, Bhalesa and Thatri, as a precautionary security measure,” officials said.
The suspension comes a day after a man was killed and three Special Operations Group (SOG) personnel were injured in a firing incident late Thursday night. According to officials, the man allegedly attempted to snatch a service rifle from security personnel during an encounter on the Jaie-Gandoh road.
The deceased was identified as Aarif Hussain (30), a resident of Cheeka village. He sustained bullet injuries during the scuffle and later succumbed to his injuries. The three injured SOG personnel are undergoing treatment.
Police have also detained a religious preacher in connection with the incident. However, officials said the individual’s exact role in the case is yet to be established.
Security has been strengthened across the district, with additional deployments of police and Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF) personnel, while search operations are continuing in the Jaie area.
The Ayodhya Police have moved a local court seeking a seven-day police remand for two accused, Tinnu Yadav and Manish Yadav, in connection with the alleged theft of donations from the Ram Temple.
The police, while submitting their plea, emphasised that custodial interrogation of the duo is essential to delve deeper into the matter.
“The police told the court that custodial interrogation is crucial to uncover the conspiracy, trace the money trail, and recover further evidence,” stated the Ayodhya Police.
On Wednesday, two more accused arrested in connection with the alleged embezzlement of donations meant for the Shri Ram Janmabhoomi Temple were taken from the District Jail in Ayodhya after a court granted the police a 14-hour remand for custodial interrogation.
The accused have been identified as Subhash Chandra Srivastava, a retired bank employee who supervised the temple’s cash-counting operations, and Ramashankar Mishra.
Police officials escorted the duo from the jail to conduct day-long questioning as part of the investigation into the alleged misappropriation of temple donations.
So far, the police have interrogated four other accused, Avinash Shukla, Anukalp Mishra, Lavkush Mishra and Karunesh Pandey, during their police custody remand.
Ayodhya court had extended the judicial custody of all eight accused in the Ram Mandir donation embezzlement case by 14 days on Monday. The accused appeared before the court through video conferencing and are scheduled to appear again on July 27.
The Special Investigation Team (SIT) formed to probe the alleged embezzlement of donations at the Ayodhya Ram Temple may submit its final report to the Uttar Pradesh government within the next 24 to 48 hours (on Thursday or Friday), sources said on Wednesday.
Sources also indicate that the SIT’s investigation timeline will not be extended any further. The SIT was granted an extension of 15 days on July 1 by the Uttar Pradesh government.
The extension was given to enable the SIT to widen the scope of its probe and conduct a comprehensive inquiry into all aspects of the case.
The preliminary report of the SIT into the Ram Mandir donation row has stated that prima facie, around 70 suspicious incidents were captured on CCTV between April 27 and June 5, 2026 and in CCTV footage, counting staff were seen concealing wads of cash.
The preliminary report points to lapses and says there was no frisking at entry and exit, poor control over personal belongings, and cash from multiple donation boxes counted together were among the reasons that made the crime possible.
The report mentions recovery of around Rs 78.94 lakh from some employees before the investigation. An additional Rs 2.25 lakh was allegedly recovered from the bathroom attached to the counting room on June 4, 2026.
The report also states that no prima facie evidence was found to support social media claims about missing silver bricks or other valuable offerings
Amid continuing attacks on merchant vessels and the heightened security situation in the Gulf, India’s Directorate General of Maritime Administration (DGMA) has advised ship owners, ship managers and Recruitment and Placement Service Licence (RPSL) companies to avoid deploying Indian seafarers on vessels undertaking voyages through the Strait of Hormuz until further orders, saying the “safety, security and welfare of Indian seafarers” remain “central” to its mandate.
In a circular published on Wednesday, titled “DGMA Advisory on Precautionary Measures for the Safety and Security of Indian Seafarers in view of the Heightened Security Situation in the Gulf Region”, the Directorate said, “The safety, security and welfare of Indian seafarers, and the security of Indian ships, remain central to the mandate of the Directorate General of Maritime Administration.”
The advisory cited recent attacks on merchant vessels, including Mombasa B, Al Bahyah, GFS Galaxy, MT WEDYAN, and AL REKAYYAT, saying the incidents over the past few days had “increased the risks faced by seafarers and commercial ships operating in the conflict-affected area significantly.”
“In view of the heightened security situation in the Persian Gulf region, including incidents resulting in casualties among Indian seafarers and continuing attacks on merchant vessels during the ongoing conflict, the Directorate considers it necessary to adopt enhanced precautionary measures to safeguard the interests of Indian seafarers serving on board ships operating in the region,” the advisory said.
The DGMA directed masters of vessels operating in the Persian Gulf, the Strait of Hormuz and adjoining waters to maintain a heightened level of security vigilance, continuously monitor navigational warnings, security advisories and updates issued by competent authorities, and implement all applicable Ship Security Measures, Ship Security Plans (SSP) and Company Security Procedures in accordance with the International Ship and Port Facility Security (ISPS) Code.
It said, “Masters of vessels operating in the Persian Gulf, the Strait of Hormuz and adjoining waters shall maintain a heightened level of security vigilance, continuously monitor navigational warnings, security advisories and updates issued by the competent authorities, and implement all applicable Ship Security Measures, Ship Security Plans (SSP) and Company Security Procedures in accordance with the ISPS Code.”
“Ship Owners, Ship Managers and RPSL Companies are directed to avoid deploying Indian seafarers on vessels undertaking voyages involving passage through the Strait of Hormuz until further orders,” it added.
The advisory also asked seafarers and vessels to immediately contact the DG Communication Centre (MMDAC) or the Indian Navy’s Information Fusion Centre-Indian Ocean Region (IFC-IOR) for emergency assistance if required.
The advisory comes amid escalating military tensions between the United States and Iran following continued exchanges of strikes in recent days.
Actor Aamir Khan has expressed concern over educator and activist Sonam Wangchuk’s health amid his indefinite hunger strike, while clarifying that Wangchuk did not inspire his character Rancho in the blockbuster film 3 Idiots.
Aamir made the remarks during a special appearance at the closing ceremony of the London Indian Film Festival (LIFF), where Lagaan was screened to mark its 25th anniversary. During a post-screening interaction, the actor responded to audience questions about 3 Idiots and Sonam Wangchuk.
Addressing the long-held belief that Rancho was based on Wangchuk, Aamir said it was a misconception.
“No, that is not true actually. That is a misconception. I didn’t know about Mr Sonam at that time when we were doing the film 3 Idiots. I saw a video of Chatur just recently, and he said that. But he is wrong. Maybe that is what Chatur was thinking, but I want to tell you that neither Raju nor Abhijat, who are the two writers, knew about Mr Sonam. However, what Mr Sonam is doing is good work in any case. He doesn’t have to be based on a character of 3 Idiots for us to respect him and the work that he does. I wanted to share this from a factual point of view,” Aamir said.
Responding to a question about Wangchuk’s ongoing hunger strike at Delhi’s Jantar Mantar, the actor voiced concern over his health.
“All of us are very concerned for his health and his life. We hope it ends well. All of us are hoping that he ends his fast,” he said.\\
Earlier this week, actor Omi Vaidya, who portrayed Chatur Ramalingam in 3 Idiots, had extended his support to Wangchuk through a video on social media. In the video, Omi stated that Aamir Khan’s character Funsukh Wangdu was inspired by Sonam Wangchuk and urged people to pay attention to the activist’s deteriorating health and the cause he is advocating.
Aamir’s remarks, however, have clarified that the makers of 3 Idiots were unaware of Sonam Wangchuk while developing the film and that the perceived connection between Wangchuk and Rancho is factually incorrect.
Educator and climate activist Sonam Wangchuk on Friday asserted that he would “stay alive till July 20 at any cost”, even as his indefinite hunger strike entered its 20th day amid a warning from doctors that his prolonged fast has reached a critical stage.
The Cockroach Janta Party’s (CJP) protest at Jantar Mantar over alleged examination irregularities entered its 28th day, with Wangchuk urging people to ensure a massive turnout for the outfit’s proposed march to Parliament on July 20.
Addressing supporters at the protest site, Wangchuk acknowledged his weakening physical condition but said his resolve remained unshaken.
“I am weak from the outside but very strong inside. I am sure all of you are strong from the inside, and outside too. We need this energy for July 20, when we will take out a peaceful march to Parliament. We will go together and present our plea in the temple of democracy,” he said.
“I will stay alive till July 20 at any cost. If you don’t come and July 20 is not successful, I will come back as a ghost,” he said in a lighter vein, drawing cheers from the gathering.
On Thursday, doctors attending to Wangchuk had warned that his condition had entered a critical stage due to the prolonged fast and that the next phase could be alarming, with the possibility of organ damage if the hunger strike continued.
Wangchuk, however, had refused to call off the fast, saying that ending it without any response from the government would send a wrong message. He maintained that the focus should now be on making the July 20 Parliament march a success.
The issue has also reached the Delhi High Court, which directed authorities to monitor Wangchuk’s health daily and provide medical assistance if his condition deteriorates. EpaperSubscription Service
Meanwhile, the CPI(ML) Liberation-affiliated All India Students’ Association (AISA) said the condition of its members Neha, Manish and Aameen, who are also on an indefinite hunger strike at a separate stage of the protest site, had reached “severe stages”.
In a statement, AISA said Aameen was at risk of hypovolemic shock due to dehydration, Neha’s random blood sugar level had fallen to a dangerous 49 mg/dL and Manish had lost more than 10 per cent of his body weight.
“However, students are determined to remain in solidarity with Sonam Wangchuk until the government faces its crimes,” the organisation said.
The CJP has been demanding the resignation of Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan and Rs 1 crore compensation for the families of students who allegedly died by suicide over alleged examination irregularities. The outfit has called for a peaceful march to Parliament on July 20, coinciding with the opening day of the Monsoon Session.
The CJP protest began on June 20, while Wangchuk joined the agitation on June 28 and has remained on an indefinite hunger strike since.
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The National Testing Agency (NTA) on Thursday declared the results of the National Eligibility cum Entrance Test (NEET UG) 2026, with 11.21 lakh candidates qualifying for admission to undergraduate medical, dental, AYUSH and allied courses across the country.
Two candidates from the Union Territory of Jammu and Kashmir featured among the top performers in the NTA’s Union Territory-wise list. Hadiya Nisar emerged as the highest-ranked candidate from J&K, securing All India Rank (AIR) 99 with a percentile score of 99.9931. Zaidan Wani secured AIR 124 with the same percentile score.
They are the only candidates from Jammu and Kashmir to feature among the top-ranked candidates from the Union Territory.
Nearly 20 lakh candidates appeared for the examination conducted on June 21 at 5,440 centres across 551 cities in India and 14 cities abroad. The results were announced on schedule to ensure timely counselling and medical college admissions.
The NTA has uploaded the scorecards on its official website and also released the lists of all-India toppers, Union Territory and state-wise top performers, category-wise toppers, cut-off marks and language-wise participation.
According to the agency, 138 candidates scored above 690 out of 720 marks, including 19 candidates who secured more than 700 marks.
Aryan Gupta of Punjab and Panshul Bansal of Haryana jointly topped NEET UG 2026 with 715 marks. More than 58 per cent of the qualified candidates are women, with female candidates recording a higher qualification rate than their male counterparts.
Among the category-wise qualifiers, 5.12 lakh belong to the OBC-NCL category, followed by 2.91 lakh from the General category, 1.59 lakh from the Scheduled Caste (SC) category, 95,026 from the General-EWS category and 63,716 from the Scheduled Tribe (ST) category.
Patiala House Court on Thursday reserved its order on the plea of Baramulla MP Abdul Rashid Sheikh, seeking permission to attend the upcoming Parliament session in custody in a terror funding case being investigated by the National Investigation Agency (NIA).
Special Judge (NIA) Prashant Sharma reserved the order after hearing submissions from counsel for Abdul Rashid Sheikh and the NIA. The order is expected to be pronounced at 4 pm.
Abdul Rashid Sheikh, through advocate Vikhyat Oberoi, sought permission to attend the Parliament session scheduled to commence on July 20.
Special Public Prosecutor Gautam Khazanchi, appearing for the NIA, submitted that the agency had no objection if the accused was permitted to attend the Parliament session in custody.
Sheikh had earlier been allowed to attend Parliament proceedings in custody. He was also granted interim bail to attend the last rites of his father.
Sheikh has been in judicial custody in the NIA case registered in 2017 following his arrest. The NIA has also filed a supplementary chargesheet against him in the case.