The article discusses the Indian government's response to widespread youth protests, particularly concerning paper leak cases, and the political reactions from within the ruling BJP and its allies. Prime Minister Narendra Modi announced fast-track courts for paper leak cases, but senior BJP leaders and NDA allies urged the Centre to handle protesters with empathy, criticizing the 'brutal mishandling' by law enforcement. They noted that the protests have become a focal point for broader youth grievances and emphasized the need for the government to re-engage with the younger generation.
The article discusses the pervasive nature of corruption in India, from petty bribes to large-scale scams, and questions whether the country has become less corrupt despite digitalization and the Right to Information (RTI) Act. Experts Shailesh Gandhi and Anjali Bhardwaj argue that digitalization alone is insufficient, often creating new barriers for the marginalized. They highlight how the RTI Act, once a powerful tool for transparency, has been systematically weakened by Supreme Court judgments (e.g., Girish Ramchandra Deshpande, Puttaswamy) and the Digital Personal Data Protection (DPDP) Act, 2023, making it harder to uncover corruption. The discussion also points to the ineffectiveness and alleged compromise of key accountability institutions like the Lokpal, Lokayukta, CBI, and ED, as well as the challenges posed by judicial delays and non-transparent appointments of Information Commissioners. The authors conclude that weak implementation of laws and a 'negligible-risk' environment for corruption pose a significant threat to India's future and its development aspirations.
The article details alleged police excesses during a July 20, 2026 protest in Delhi, where disproportionate force, including pellet guns, was reportedly used against unarmed demonstrators. Despite videos showing police brutality, the Delhi Police and Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA) have not acknowledged the incidents. The Delhi High Court has intervened, seeking responses from the Centre and Delhi Police on Public Interest Litigations (PILs) alleging excessive force and instructing the preservation of evidence. Injuries, including potential vision loss, were reported, and an Additional Deputy Commissioner of Police (ADCP) was removed from protest duties after being seen assaulting a woman. Senior advocates in court highlighted issues like officers without name badges, use of non-standard equipment, and alleged molestation of women, demanding a Special Investigation Team (SIT), FIRs, departmental action, and a judicial inquiry.
The article explores the concept of 'resistance' beyond a mere event, drawing on British philosopher Howard Caygill's ideas and the author's experience covering student protests in Delhi. It emphasizes resistance as a cultivated human capacity for endurance, even amidst state repression, and connects this philosophical understanding to Mahatma Gandhi's Satyagraha as a way of life. The piece highlights the resilience of protestors, their composure during police action, and the deeper meaning of sustained defiance.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi has announced that the government will take "more strict actions" against paper leaks, including a proposed Bill for Fast-Track Courts and stringent punishment for offenders. This move comes amid ongoing protests over alleged irregularities in the NEET-UG 2026 examination. The Union Cabinet is set to discuss the draft Bill, with efforts to pass it swiftly in Parliament during the Monsoon Session.
The article details widespread protests across India by student organizations, civil society groups, and political parties against the National Eligibility cum Entrance Test (NEET) paper leak and the subsequent police crackdown on protesters. Demands include the resignation of Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan, scrapping of NEET, and broader education reforms. The agitation, which began in Delhi, quickly spread to numerous states, leading to clashes with police, detentions, and legal cases.
The Lok Sabha experienced repeated disruptions due to Opposition protests demanding the Union Education Minister's resignation over the NEET paper leak. While the government offered a debate on the issue, the Opposition insisted on an adjournment motion to prioritize the discussion and continued protests inside and outside Parliament.
The article discusses the widespread protests following the NEET question paper leak, highlighting a deeper crisis of confidence in the examination system. It reiterates Tamil Nadu's long-standing opposition to NEET, arguing that the problem lies in the fundamental philosophy and structure of a single national examination, not just procedural irregularities. The author, M.K. Stalin, advocates for greater trust in states regarding medical admissions.
The Shri Ram Janmbhoomi Teerth Kshetra Trust has deferred the appointment of its first CEO due to a large number of applications and appointed an interim secretary. The trust also reconstituted a panel for religious affairs and reviewed administrative and financial issues, including allegations of donation theft. The Uttar Pradesh government's SIT is investigating the theft, and the trust is cooperating, reviewing its financial SOPs with the State Bank of India.
The article analyzes the July 20 protests in Delhi, where young demonstrators faced police action near Parliament. It argues that the government's failure to engage with civil society concerns, including those raised by activist Sonam Wangchuk, led to the escalation. While initially sparked by issues like examination paper leaks and NEET re-conducting, the protests have broadened to reflect wider discontent over joblessness, stagnant wages, and rising prices. The author criticizes the Narendra Modi-led BJP government's perceived authoritarian style and its tendency to address public disquiet only when elections are imminent, rather than through parliamentary processes or genuine engagement. The article calls for the Union Education Minister, Dharmendra Pradhan, to resign due to failures in higher education administration, warning that continued disengagement will deepen youth disillusionment with the democratic system.
The article analyzes the 'cockroach protest' (Cockroach Janta Party - CJP) in India, examining its potential to alter the political landscape, particularly for the ruling BJP and the Opposition, especially the Congress. It draws parallels with past protest movements like the Anna Hazare-Arvind Kejriwal anti-corruption agitation, anti-CAA protests, and farmers' protests, discussing how public anger can translate into political mobilization and electoral outcomes. The author explores the social composition of these movements, the BJP's strategies for dealing with protests, and the challenges and opportunities they present for both the government and the opposition, especially given the changing demographics and political consciousness of younger generations.
Bharat Taxi, a cooperative-based mobility platform, has been launched by Sahakar Taxi Cooperative Limited (STCL) under the aegis of the Ministry of Cooperation. Registered under the Multi-State Cooperative Societies Act, 2002, STCL operates on a 'Sarathi-owner' (driver-owner) and zero-commission model, allowing drivers to be members and share in the cooperative's surplus. The platform aims to provide an indigenous alternative to conventional aggregators, with features like transparent fares and real-time tracking. It is being rolled out in phases across the country, currently operational in Delhi-NCR and Gujarat. The article also clarifies that Bharat Taxi is distinct from Yatri Sathi, a state government initiative from West Bengal.
