Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan has resigned from his post amidst widespread nationwide protests concerning the NEET-UG 2026 paper leak controversy, citing the larger interest of students and the need to prevent exploitation by anti-national forces. The government is also preparing to introduce a stringent anti-paper leak law.
India is set to introduce a new amendment to its anti-paper leak law in the Lok Sabha, aiming to establish fast-track courts across all states and union territories for swift trials and significantly harsher penalties for exam malpractices, including jail terms of 5 to 10 years and fines up to Rs 50 lakh for individuals, and up to Rs 10 crore for organised crimes.
As Sonam Wangchuk's hunger strike enters its 19th day, critics question why the government has remained silent despite mounting concerns over student welfare, observes Harishchandra.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi congratulated the Indian contingent for their performance at the 22nd Asian U20 Athletics Championships, where they secured 19 medals, including 10 gold.
'A man is willing to give up his life. Bachhe bhook hartal pe hain.'
Panshul Bansal, who secured All India Rank 2 in the NEET-UG 2026 re-examination, advised protesting students to 'Don't protest. Go, study,' stating he focused on improving his performance after the original exam was cancelled due to a paper leak.
Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister N Chandrababu Naidu congratulated PV Sindhu on her Japan Open triumph, calling it a proud moment for Indian badminton. Sindhu secured her maiden Super 750 title by defeating Akane Yamaguchi in straight games, marking her biggest win since 2019.
Lalit Modi reveals how a hesitant Shah Rukh Khan was persuaded to buy Kolkata Knight Riders in 2008, helping create one of the IPL's most iconic franchises.
Union Home Minister Amit Shah on Thursday said the Centre is committed to curbing unnatural demographic growth caused by abnormal factors, such as infiltration, with a ruthless approach and a quadrangular security grid has been created for the purpose, transforming India's approach from reactive to proactive.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Indonesian President Prabowo Subianto have significantly advanced the India-Indonesia Comprehensive Strategic Partnership, securing crucial agreements on defence, critical minerals, and maritime security, including BrahMos missile supply and Sabang port development.
Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan criticised Congress leader Rahul Gandhi for staging a protest outside the Prime Minister's residence regarding the NEET paper-leak issue. Pradhan accused Gandhi of using students as "political tools" to disrupt Parliament, while asserting the government's commitment to discussing NEET concerns in the House. The incident involved Gandhi and other opposition leaders being detained after refusing to end their sit-in.
The Supreme Court has informed the Centre that it will closely monitor the steps taken to curb NEET examination paper leaks, emphasising that 'ad hocism has caused trouble for years' and demanding a comprehensive overhaul of the examination process.
At the end of this journey, no matter now it ends, these youngsters will know something essential about the Indian government, the Indian judiciary, the Indian media, the Indian police, the Indian laws and indeed about Indian society, asserts Aakar Patel.
When dialogue fails, protest becomes inevitable.
In a democracy, protest is often the only language left once institutions stop listening, explains Ramesh Menon.
Security has been increased at a 'jhalmuri' stall in Jhargram, West Bengal, after its owner allegedly received death threats following a visit from Prime Minister Narendra Modi during his election campaign.
Shiv Sena (UBT) chief Uddhav Thackeray and MNS president Raj Thackeray have announced a joint 'morcha' (protest march) in Mumbai on July 26 to express solidarity with students protesting the NEET paper leak and alleged police atrocities.
Congress leader Rahul Gandhi criticised Prime Minister Narendra Modi for gifting 'Melody' toffees to Italian Premier Giorgia Meloni, calling it a 'gimmick' while India faces an 'economic storm'. He accused Modi of prioritising public relations over addressing the struggles of farmers, labourers, and youth, a sentiment echoed by other Congress leaders.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi met his Italian counterpart Giorgia Meloni in Rome to discuss ways to strengthen the India-Italy friendship, marking the final leg of his five-nation tour.
The All India Chess Federation (AICF) has disbursed Rs 42.3 lakh in quarterly stipends to 42 promising young chess players across India. This first-of-its-kind initiative aims to alleviate financial burdens, support coaching and travel, and nurture future champions, aligning with a vision to strengthen grassroots chess development.
I don't understand how someone so deeply moral can watch young people gather at Jantar Mantar, demanding accountability after another devastating NEET paper leak, and not ask why they have reached that point. I don't understand how Sonam Wangchuk has to sit on a hunger strike to make the country listen. I don't understand how students asking for responsibility from those entrusted with their futures are met with force instead of answers.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi chaired a meeting with his council of ministers, focusing on enhancing 'Ease of Living' and 'Ease of Doing Business' and setting the goal of a developed India by 2047.
Two-time Olympic medallist PV Sindhu has reached her first final in over two years at the Japan Open. Her opponent, Tokyo Olympics champion Chen Yufei of China, retired midway through their women's singles semifinal due to a hamstring injury. Sindhu was leading 21-19, 15-10 when Chen was forced to pull out. Sindhu will now face the winner of the second semifinal between Japan's Akane Yamaguchi and Indonesia's Putri Kusuma Wardani.
Bihar on Wednesday witnessed a pitched battle between hundreds of student activists demanding Union minister Dharmendra Pradhan's resignation and the police, which used tear gas shells, water cannons and batons in a bid to prevent their 'Lok Bhavan march'.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi gifted Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni a set of 'Melody' toffees, reviving the 'Melodi' trend that went viral during the COP28 summit in Dubai in 2024. Meloni shared her appreciation on X, thanking Modi for the gift and acknowledging the internet trend.
Delhi Police are investigating chat messages allegedly exchanged among participants of the recent violent 'Sansad Chalo' march. These messages reportedly discuss strategies to maintain communication during potential internet shutdowns and express a willingness to sacrifice lives for the cause. Investigators are verifying the authenticity of these chats and other digital evidence as part of their probe into the clashes that injured police personnel and protesters.
'I thought this generation was no good, will not be able to do much with all this social media etc. But then, they surprised us.'
BJP leader V Muraleedharan dismisses claims that Prime Minister Narendra Modi would strike a deal with the Congress to target the CPI(M), stating Modi has 'better things to do'. He also questioned Kerala CM Pinarayi Vijayan's concern over ED raids if he has done nothing wrong.
Two-time Olympic medallist PV Sindhu has reached her first final in over two years at the Japan Open after her opponent, Tokyo Olympics champion Chen Yufei, retired due to injury during their women's singles semifinal. Sindhu was leading the match when Chen pulled out, setting up a final clash against either Akane Yamaguchi or Putri Kusuma Wardani.
'Sushmita is a remarkable lady and a self-made lady. She will not accept anything from anybody. So, when somebody says she is a gold digger. She is not. Lalit was a diamond digger.'
The Indian men's football team will embark on its first-ever tour of New Zealand in November for two international friendlies. This historic visit, part of '100 Years of Unity Through Sport' initiatives, marks India's return to an Oceania Football Confederation nation after nearly two decades and offers a valuable challenge against a FIFA World Cup-experienced side.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi's visit to Italy concluded with the elevation of India-Italy relations to a Special Strategic Partnership, focusing on enhanced cooperation across various sectors.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi has called for the resolution of the West Asia crisis and the Ukraine conflict through dialogue and diplomacy, asserting that military action alone cannot achieve lasting peace. He made the remarks after talks with Norwegian Prime Minister Jonas Gahr Store.
Parents of a nine-year-old girl, Amaira, who died by suicide at Jaipur's Neerja Modi School last year, have released new CCTV footage. They allege the footage shows their daughter being repeatedly bullied by classmates, and that the school failed to intervene despite her distress. The family is demanding action under the Juvenile Justice Act and a thorough investigation, claiming police did not properly investigate due to school influence.
India has actively engaged in cultural diplomacy over the past 12 years, providing grant assistance and expertise for the restoration and conservation of significant heritage sites, including temples and archaeological complexes, across multiple Asian countries, reinforcing shared civilisational ties.
Indian badminton star PV Sindhu revealed that a crucial conversation with cricketer Virat Kohli helped her overcome a two-year title drought and rediscover her passion for the game, leading to her historic Japan Open victory.
India's foreign exchange reserves increased by USD 7.26 billion to USD 674.193 billion for the week ending July 3, as reported by the Reserve Bank of India. This surge follows a previous week's drop and comes after Prime Minister Narendra Modi's appeals to conserve forex.
Sports Minister Mansukh Mandaviya announced that Telangana will host the 2026 Khelo India Youth Games, expected to take place in November, continuing the vision to spread national events across India.
Lachit Borphukan is revered as one of Assam's greatest military commanders and a symbol of courage, patriotism and selfless leadership.
Following through announcements with enforcement of measures is key, as a run through recent Indian economic history shows, points out A K Bhattacharya.
Cockroach Janta Party (CJP) founder Abhijeet Dipke on Sunday urged its supporters to gather at the Jantar Mantar in large numbers ahead of its proposed 'Sansad Chalo' march on Monday, claiming that there could be a police crackdown on the protest.
