LIVE BLOG14 Jul 2026 | 08:30:26 AM ISTMajor fire breaks out at cupboard manufacturing unit in PuducherrySynopsisA major fire engulfed a cupboard manufacturing unit in Puducherry's Othiyampet on Monday, prompting a firefighting operation. No casualties were reported, according to PTI.A major fire broke out at a cupboard manufacturing unit in Othiyampet near Puducherry on Monday, triggering a large-scale firefighting operation. Authorities said there were no reports of casualties, while efforts were underway to bring the blaze under control and ascertain its cause.1 New UpdateArundhati Roy, Naseeruddin Shah urge Wangchuk to end hunger strikeWriter Arundhati Roy, actors Naseeruddin Shah and Ratna Pathak Shah, economist Jayati Ghosh and several other eminent citizens have appealed to educator and climate activist Sonam Wangchuk and other protesters on an indefinite hunger strike at Delhi's Jantar Mantar to end their fast, while reiterating support for their demand seeking Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan's resignation.In a joint statement issued on Monday, the signatories said they were "immensely grateful" to the protesters for leading the agitation but expressed concern over their deteriorating health. They urged the protesters to end the hunger strike, saying the movement was "a marathon, not a sprint" and that their leadership would be needed for the longer struggle ahead.The appeal came on the 24th day of the Cockroach Janta Party's protest and the 16th day of Wangchuk's indefinite fast. According to the organisers, Wangchuk has lost 8.2 kg since beginning the hunger strike, while AISA activist Deepak, who had also been fasting since June 28, was admitted to Delhi's RML Hospital after his health worsened.China's June rare earth exports fall 34% from year earlierChina's rare earth exports fell 34% in June from a year earlier, customs data showed on Tuesday, Reuters reported.​Dilip Ghosh says July 21 belongs to Bengal's political history, not TMCWest Bengal minister Dilip Ghosh on Monday said July 21 Martyrs' Day should not be seen as a Trinamool Congress (TMC) programme, describing it instead as a significant day in the state's political history commemorating those killed in police firing during a political protest.Addressing reporters, Ghosh said the day is observed as a "black day" to remember political workers who lost their lives, adding that people across political parties have the right to pay tribute. He alleged that Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee had appropriated the occasion for the TMC and claimed there was now infighting within the party over who should lead the tributes.Ghosh also noted that those killed were Congress workers and said the Congress, along with others wishing to honour their memory, would pay their respects on the occasion.Gujarat intensifies Chandipura virus surveillance after reviewGujarat has intensified its response to the Chandipura virus, stepping up surveillance, fogging and medicine distribution after a high-level review chaired by Health Minister Praful Pansheriya, while directing hospitals to ensure timely treatment of suspected cases.Or, in a slightly crisper Reuters style:Vietnam boat capsize survivor recounts storm that overturned vesselA survivor of the Vietnam boat capsize that claimed several lives on Monday recounted how a powerful storm overturned the vessel within minutes after it set off between two islands.Speaking after arriving in Chennai, survivor Nirmal Kumar said the group had travelled to Vietnam on July 8 and boarded a speedboat on July 11 to head for lunch from one island to another. About 300 metres into the journey, a strong storm struck, tilting the boat sharply and causing passengers to fall to one side before the vessel capsized.Kumar said around 15 people managed to escape by jumping out of the boat, while others remained trapped inside. Rescue teams reached the spot about 10 minutes later and evacuated those who had survived. He also thanked the Indian government and the Vietnam Embassy for extending continuous assistance and ensuring all necessary support following the incident.Jaishankar launches India's campaign for 2028-29 UN Security Council seatExternal Affairs Minister S Jaishankar on Monday launched India's official campaign for a non-permanent seat on the United Nations Security Council (UNSC) for the 2028-29 term at a special event held at the UN headquarters.The campaign, titled 'Shanti: India for the United Nations Security Council 2028-29 – Norms, Trust, Integrity', was unveiled in the presence of UN envoys, diplomats and senior officials as India formally began its bid for the two-year tenure on the 15-member Security Council.India has previously served as a non-permanent member of the UNSC eight times, most recently during the 2021-22 term, when it focused on issues including counter-terrorism, maritime security, peacekeeping and reforms of the UN system.