Nikita Yadav

Delhi organizers are taking extensive measures to keep monkeys and pigeons out of the Indira Gandhi Indoor Stadium before the BWF World Championships, including automatic double doors, protective nets, sealed openings and non-toxic deterrents. The precautions follow disruptions at the India Open, where pigeon droppings halted a match, a monkey entered the stadium and hazardous air pollution drew complaints from players. India hopes the championships will demonstrate its ability to host major international sporting events as it prepares for the 2030 Commonwealth Games and pursues the 2036 Olympics, with PV Sindhu leading the home challenge.

Delhi is taking extra precautions ahead of the BWF World Championships after the January India Open was disrupted by pigeon droppings, a monkey intrusion, poor lighting and hazardous air pollution. Organisers have installed double-door systems and nets, sealed entry points, applied non-toxic gel and upgraded the Indira Gandhi Indoor Stadium. Officials have denied specifically hiring langur-call mimics, although one person was briefly present in part of the venue. India hopes the championships will demonstrate its ability to host major international sporting events as it pursues the 2030 Commonwealth Games and a possible 2036 Olympics bid.

Sonam Wangchuk’s health has sharply declined after 16 days on hunger strike as he joins a protest led by the Cockroach Janta Party demanding accountability for a medical exam paper leak and the resignation of India’s education minister. Supporters and medical professionals are urging him to stop due to severe health risks, while protesters plan to march to parliament after receiving no response from the government. The movement has drawn large crowds, public figures, and political party representatives, though no engagement from the ruling BJP, as demonstrators call for reforms to India’s education system.

Sonam Wangchuk’s health has sharply deteriorated during a 16‑day hunger strike in Delhi as part of a protest led by the Cockroach Janta Party demanding accountability for an exam paper leak and the resignation of India’s education minister. Supporters, doctors and fellow activists urge him to end the fast, while government leaders refuse to engage. Growing public concern and continued lack of dialogue have prompted protesters to plan a march to parliament on 20 July to press their demands for education reform and ministerial accountability.

West Bengal’s new BJP government plans a pilot project replacing eggs with vegetarian alternatives in some government school mid-day meals, assigning meal preparation to Iskcon’s vegetarian-only programme. The change has sparked political and public debate over nutrition, cost, cultural preferences and ideological influence. Nutrition experts warn that vegetarian substitutes may not match the affordability and nutrient value of eggs, which serve as a key protein source for underprivileged children. Opinions among parents and students are mixed, while some educators advocate allowing children to choose between eggs and vegetarian options. The dispute has renewed scrutiny of India’s vast mid-day meal scheme, which varies widely by state and remains essential for millions of students’ nutrition and school attendance.

West Bengal’s new BJP government plans a pilot project replacing eggs in some school meals with vegetarian protein prepared by Iskcon, triggering debate over nutrition, cost and ideological influence. Nutrition experts warn substitutes may not match the affordability and completeness of eggs, while supporters argue vegetarian meals can meet requirements. Opposition leaders accuse the government of imposing vegetarianism, and parents, teachers and students express mixed reactions. India’s diverse school meal policies highlight regional differences, with concerns that removing eggs without adequate alternatives could affect children's long-term nutrition and development.