Trinamool Congress MP Mahua Moitra has moved a privilege notice before Lok Sabha Speaker Om Birla against three senior officials, alleging a serious breach of protocol and contemptuous conduct after she was asked to vacate a circuit house in West Bengal's Krishnanagar late in the night on August 14.
Amidst escalating student protests over alleged NEET examination irregularities, Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan held a crucial meeting with Home Minister Amit Shah, highlighting the growing pressure on the government for exam reforms.
The BJP has strongly refuted media reports suggesting that former Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan's resignation was due to the Cockroach Janta Party (CJP) rejecting a portfolio change offer. BJP spokesperson Sambit Patra labelled these reports as "baseless and imaginative," accusing them of sensationalising the issue.
The Congress-led Opposition is set to keep the pressure on the government in Parliament over the alleged police brutality against protesting students, demanding action against those responsible for the assault and an apology from Prime Minister Narendra Modi, sources said on Sunday.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi, in his 80th Independence Day address, expressed strong confidence that India will achieve developed nation status by 2047, urging citizens to embrace big dreams and unwavering resolve to realise 'Viksit Bharat'. He highlighted India's economic transformation and significant growth in various sectors, including defence production, electronic manufacturing, and mobile phone production.
Recent protests by CJP supporters attempting to march towards Parliament in Delhi highlight a recurring pattern of public demonstrations in the capital over the past 15 years. The article details several significant protests, including the 2021 farmers' tractor rally, the 2011 Anna Hazare movement, the 2012 Nirbhaya protests, anti-CAA demonstrations, and the 2023 wrestlers' protest, all of which involved attempts to reach central Delhi's high-security zones to press demands.
The Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF) will conduct a "professional post-event assessment" into the Rapid Action Force's (RAF) alleged use of pellet guns against anti-NEET protestors during a March 20 demonstration towards Parliament. This review follows the dispersal of protestors and aims to evaluate the circumstances and adherence to protocols regarding the use of crowd control measures.
The Centre has ordered the deployment of 20 additional companies of the Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF) in Delhi. These forces are being airlifted from West Bengal to strengthen security measures in response to CJP protests, demonstrations by various political parties, and the ongoing Parliament session, following instances of violent clashes.
Delhi Police has significantly increased security across New Delhi ahead of the Monsoon session of Parliament and a proposed "Chalo Sansad" march by the Cockroach Janta Party (CJP). Additional personnel, barricades, and vehicle checks are in place, with authorities stating no permission has been granted for the march. The heightened vigil follows CJP founder Abhijeet Dipke's hunger strike and activist Sonam Wangchuk's call for the July 20 march from the hospital.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi announced that a new bill with stringent provisions against paper leaks will be introduced in Parliament next week. The Union Cabinet will finalise the legislation, which aims to address the pain caused to students by such incidents, citing recent actions taken regarding the NEET paper leak and the establishment of fast-track courts.
The Delhi High Court declined to urgently hear a petition regarding alleged excessive force used by city police against students protesting with the Cockroach Janta Party (CJP) during their "Chalo Sansad" march. The CJP accused police of injuring protesters and assaulting activist Sonam Wangchuk's wife, Gitanjali J Angmo, a claim denied by Delhi Police.
'Chal bhai, uth.' Get up. He said it to the politicians like they worked for him. International press has come, he announced. Rotters, BBC, Newsweek.
Following the Supreme Court's clean chit in the coal block allocation case, Congress leader Sonia Gandhi has lauded former Prime Minister Manmohan Singh's integrity and accountability, drawing a sharp contrast with the Narendra Modi government's operational style and alleged misuse of investigative agencies.
CJP founder Abhijeet Dipke questioned the FIR against a woman for allegedly using abusive language against Prime Minister Narendra Modi, asking if there were "two laws" in the country and why similar action was not taken against BJP leaders and IT cell members accused of using objectionable language.
The Congress party has criticised Prime Minister Narendra Modi's recent video message on paper leaks as an 'eyewash', demanding the sacking of Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan and accountability for the alleged brutality against student protestors. The party highlighted the government's initial denial of the NEET-UG 2026 leak and its perceived failure to address widespread irregularities.
Opposition parties, particularly the Congress, have strongly criticised the BJP for felicitating former Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan, who resigned following student protests over the NEET exam controversy. They have also dismissed the government's proposed anti-paper leak legislation as a 'cosmetic Bill' and questioned the sincerity of education reforms.
The Rajya Sabha has passed The Bankers' Books Evidence Bill, 2026, which aims to replace a British-era law and allow digital and virtual records to be admissible as evidence in courts. This legislation aligns with contemporary digital banking practices and extends a uniform evidential framework to various financial entities, including NBFCs and fintech companies. Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman highlighted the bill's role in strengthening public confidence and safeguarding customer privacy. The bill's passage, however, saw an Opposition walkout over unrelated issues.
Students at NALSAR University of Law have written to the university administration, opposing the proposal to invite the Chief Justice of India as the chief guest for their convocation. Their objection stems from the CJI-led Supreme Court bench's refusal to urgently list a plea concerning alleged police brutality during a 'Chalo Sansad' protest, which students feel contradicts the university's values.
Police forces from several adjoining districts were requisitioned to man key junctions, sensitive locations and government buildings in the Lutyens' area ahead of the march.
US Vice-President J D Vance's unexpected phone call to Prime Minister Narendra Modi on August 8 has ignited speculation about a potential diplomatic overture, possibly seeking India's support amidst the escalating US-Iran conflict and a shifting global power landscape, suggests Ambassador M K Bhadrakumar.
A young woman is on ventilator support at RML Hospital after sustaining injuries during police action at a CJP protest in New Delhi. The protest, organised by the Cockroach Janta Party, involved thousands marching towards Parliament to demand the resignation of Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan over alleged examination irregularities. Both police personnel and protesters reported injuries.
Educator-activist Sonam Wangchuk has ended his 26-day hunger strike, stating he received assurances from the government and MPs regarding examination reforms, compensation for NEET-UG paper leak victims, and protection for peaceful protesters.
Abhijeet Dipke, convenor of the Cockroach Janta Party (CJP), has initiated the 'School Thik Karo' campaign from his native village in Hingoli, Maharashtra, to address the alleged neglect of government schools and advocate for a fee cap on private educational institutions.
Congress President Mallikarjun Kharge criticised police action against CJP student protesters in the national capital, alleging lathi charge and tear gas use. He also claimed the Opposition was prevented from raising the issue in Parliament, demanding a discussion and a statement from the Home Minister. The protest, which turned violent, saw injuries to both police personnel and protesters, with FIRs registered for vandalism. Meanwhile, climate activist Sonam Wangchuk, involved in the protest, continues to receive medical treatment.
The Indian government has clarified that consumers will not be charged for UPI transactions, and most merchant transactions will also remain free. This comes amidst speculation following an amendment to the Payment and Settlement Systems Act, 2007. Any future merchant discount rate (MDR) would be nominal, threshold-based, and aimed at ensuring UPI's long-term sustainability and infrastructure development.
Social media accounts state that the Delhi police's use of force against the protestors marching to Parliament was excessive and unnecesssary. Videos posted on social media angered viewers appalled that the police would use such force against protesters who could well have been their children's age. Videos of distraught young protestors weeping at the violence overwhelmed viewers saddened by the insensitivity displayed by a force entrusted with protecting the Constitution.
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.
President Droupadi Murmu has given her assent to the Public Examinations (Prevention of Unfair Means) Amendment Bill, 2026, which introduces fast-track courts and significantly enhances punishment for those involved in public examination question paper leaks.
BJP MP Anurag Thakur has submitted a notice of breach of privilege and contempt of the House against Leader of Opposition Rahul Gandhi, alleging use of "unparliamentary and derogatory language" and "unsubstantiated allegations" against Home Minister Amit Shah during a Lok Sabha debate.
The Supreme Court has clarified that 'criminal antecedents' for NEET paper leak protesters refer only to grave and heinous offences, allowing state governments to withdraw FIRs against students not involved in such serious crimes. This comes after the Centre's commitment to not pursue cases against most protesting students.
The Kayastha Pathshala Trust has revoked permission for Rahul Gandhi's 'Chhatron Ki Goonj' programme in Prayagraj, citing an Allahabad High Court order restricting the use of KP College ground and waterlogging. Despite the cancellation, Uttar Pradesh Congress president Ajay Rai insists Gandhi will still interact with students on August 8 and has sought an alternative venue, alleging political obstruction.
Activist Sonam Wangchuk's wife, Gitanjali J Angmo, announced that Wangchuk would end his indefinite hunger strike if political leaders assure him that education accountability will be a focus of the upcoming Monsoon Session of Parliament. Wangchuk, currently admitted to Safdarjung Hospital, continues his fast, demanding action against the alleged NEET paper leak and broader education reforms.
All's well with the State; it's the citizens who have to really buck up, was the sum and substance of Mohan Bhagwat's message to Gen Z.
The Congress party has strongly condemned the 'purification' of a rally venue in Haldwani, Uttarakhand, after a public meeting addressed by party chief Mallikarjun Kharge, alleging it reflects an 'anti-Dalit' mindset of the BJP and RSS.
Activist Sonam Wangchuk's vital parameters are stable, but his blood parameters require close clinical observation at Safdarjung Hospital. He is under continuous medical management by a multidisciplinary team following his forcible admission after a 21-day hunger strike protesting NEET irregularities.
'Instead of choosing dialogue, the government chose repression... Force ought to be the last resort, not the first.'
David Owori, the 28-year-old captain of Ugandan football club SC Villa and an international player, has died after being critically injured in an assault by unidentified assailants in Kampala.
Amidst widespread student protests and allegations of paper leaks, Leader of Opposition Rahul Gandhi's dharna outside the Prime Minister's residence has prompted the government to declare its willingness for a comprehensive parliamentary debate on the contentious NEET examination.
A protest by the Cockroach Janta Party (CJP) in New Delhi's Connaught Place and Janpath areas turned violent, with demonstrators allegedly pelting stones at security personnel and damaging vehicles. The 'Chalo Sansad' march led to significant disruption, traffic snarls, and the deployment of additional security forces.
The Lok Sabha passed two Bills, including one to rename Kerala as Keralam, without debate as Opposition members continued their protests, demanding Union Home Minister Amit Shah's presence to address police excesses against student protesters and alleged Ram temple fund irregularities.
